It takes 45 minutes to get from Athens Airport to Syntagma by transit. The distance is 32.5 km. See the directions here. Tip: Allow extra time for security checks and baggage claim at the airport.
You can also take a taxi, which will take about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. The fare will be around €35-€50.
If you’re on a budget, you can take the bus, which takes about 1 hour and costs €6. The bus stop is located outside the arrivals hall and the buses run every 20-30 minutes.
In Syntagma, you can find the Temple of Olympian Zeus: Temple of Olympian Zeus
This is a magnificent temple, once the largest in Greece. Of the temple’s original 104 Corinthian columns (17 meters tall and with a base diameter of 1.7 meters), only 15 remain – one fallen column collapsed during a storm in 1852.
The temple began construction in the 6th century BC by Peisistratos and was abandoned due to a lack of resources. Various other leaders attempted to complete it, with Hadrian finishing the job in 131 AD. The construction took a total of over 700 years. In his typically “modest” manner, Hadrian built not only a colossal statue of Zeus but also an equally large statue of himself.
Entrance to the monument is included in the Acropolis combined ticket (30 euros), which allows entry to the Acropolis and six other monuments (including this one) within five days.
Transportation in Athens
Athens’ public transport is economical, reliable, and covers most of the city and its suburbs. You can use all means of public transport with the same ticket (a single ticket costs 1.20 euros and is valid for 90 minutes). The most important means of transport are as follows:
Metro
The fastest way to move around Athens is the metro. The Athens metro system consists of 3 lines and is connected to the tram, bus lines, and the suburban railway.
The metro operates daily from 5 am to midnight. Lines 2 and 3 operate until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays. During peak hours, trains run every 5-6 minutes.
The Syntagma – Athens International Airport Express route is served by metro lines 2 and 3.
Suburban Railway
This suburban railway provides a direct connection between the port of Piraeus and Athens International Airport. It also connects Athens with Chalkida in Evia and Kiato and Corinth in the Peloponnese. The suburban railway operates from 4:30 am to 11 pm daily.
Advantages of Private Transportation Comfort and Safety Private transportation offers a higher level of privacy and security.
With such a mode of transport, you do not have to worry about sharing the vehicle with strangers or navigating unknown public transit systems. This can be particularly beneficial for those traveling with valuable items or simply preferring a more personal and secure way of moving around.
Flexible Services Private transportation is more flexible and convenient than other modes of transport. With a private transfer, you can schedule pick-up and drop-off times according to your needs, rather than having to adhere to public transport schedules. For example, you can arrange for a private transfer from the airport directly to Syntagma Square to immediately explore the cultural heritage of Athens. Instead of sticking to a strict timetable, allow a professional driver to take care of all your transportation needs based on your own requirements and desires.
