Hotels near Athens airport: when it pays off and where to stay
Landing late or flying early? Sometimes it is better to sleep near the airport. Here are the options, when it is worth it and when to stay in town instead.
- The Sofitel is about 50 m from arrivals, the closest option.
- The Holiday Inn is about 10 minutes' drive away, and Attica coast hotels are cheaper, some with shuttles.
- An airport hotel suits one night; to explore Athens, stay in the centre.
If you land late and leave in the morning, or pick up a hire car and head off, an airport hotel saves time. If you are staying in Athens, the centre (Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma) is more convenient.
When should you stay near Athens airport?
Athens airport is about 33 km from the city centre, 30 to 60 minutes by taxi. An airport hotel makes sense mainly for:
- One night after a late arrival or before a very early flight.
- Picking up a hire car and resting before a road trip. See car rental at Athens airport.
- Coming back by ferry to Rafina before a flight.
If you came to see Athens, stay in the centre: Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma or Kolonaki.
The closest hotels
| Hotel | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sofitel Athens Airport | about 50 m from arrivals | 5-star, indoor pool, sauna, soundproofed rooms. Most convenient, and most expensive |
| Holiday Inn Athens Airport | about 10 minutes' drive | 5-star, pool and gym. Good for hire-car pickups and business travellers |
| Avra Hotel, Rafina | about 25 km, about 30 minutes | Free airport shuttle, breakfast from 6 am. Good after a ferry from the islands |
| Attica coast hotels (for example Artemida) | coastal towns near the airport | Cheaper than the Sofitel; some offer free shuttles, check before booking |
What about the Athens Riviera?
Riviera hotels such as the Divani Apollon Palace are about 30 minutes by taxi from the airport. They suit a holiday, not a short overnight. See where to stay on the Athens Riviera.
Getting from the airport to town
- Metro line 3: runs roughly 06:30 to 23:30 to Syntagma.
- X95 bus: runs 24 hours a day to Syntagma Square.
- Taxi: the most expensive option, 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.
Full details in Athens airport to the city centre.
For kosher travellers
If you need a hotel near Chabad for Shabbat, see where to stay in Athens near Chabad.
FAQ
Which hotel is closest to Athens airport? The Sofitel Athens Airport, about 50 m from arrivals.
Are there cheaper hotels near the airport? Yes, in Attica coast towns such as Artemida and Rafina. Some offer free shuttles, but confirm before booking.
How long from the airport to central Athens? 30 to 60 minutes by taxi. The metro and the X95 bus go to Syntagma.
Should I sleep near the airport on my last night? For a very early flight, yes. For a midday flight, you can stay in town and take the metro.
