Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)

From the US: We recommend flying via Chicago with American if coming straight to Greece (unless you are on the East Coast; you have more options). This is an overnight flight which lands mid-morning.

There are also direct flights from JFK/EWR, PHL, ATL, BOS, and IAD within the US.

If connecting in New York or London, please be aware that sometimes the layover involves a Change of AIRPORTS. This is great if you have at least 8 hours and want to briefly see the city, because the airports are on opposite sides of the metro areas. Otherwise, it's not advisable.

Within Europe: there are daily flights to/from London (LHR, LGW), Dublin, Germany (FRA, MUC, STR, DUS, CGN, HAM, BER), Copenhagen, Italy (MXP, VCE, BLQ, FLR, FCO), and Spain (MAD, BCN).

Aegean Airlines is the primary carrier for Greece within Europe. Other carriers include Vueling (also for Iberia), WizzAir, British Airways and RyanAir.

A word about Travel Authorizations/Visas:

US Passport holders can enter the Schengen area without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Currently, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is not required until the 2nd half of 2025. Please visit the official site for the most up to date information.

If you are connecting through the UK, the ETA UK (Electronic Travel Authorization) is not required unless you leave the airport.

If you need additional information for a Schengen Visa, please reach out directly.

Where to Stay

We've put together some recommended accomodations for your stay. These lists include hotels and Airbnbs that are in the historic center of Athens, if sightseeing is your thing, and in a few of the coastal areas of the Attica region if you prefer a few days by the sea.

The weather in late May generally makes for nice days sunbathing or for taking coffee and people-watching at a seaside cafe. The locals will likely be swimming at this point. However, Marianna prefers to wait until August to put more than her toes in the water.

Airbnb:

Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of holiday season for US travelers (read as primarily college students and familys) visiting Europe. We advise booking as soon as possible if you prefer this type of accomodation. We will update these lists periodically to remove unavailable stays.

Wedding Week List Historic Center
List B Coastal Areas

Hotels:

We are currently working to arrange room blocks with hotels in the center and near the venue. Please check back for updates if you would prefer a hotel stay.

traveling Around athens

To/From the Airport:

Uber (Taxi) - the Uber app does work in Athens. However, it will only book with taxis. This does give the advantage of knowing up front the cost of your trip, the ability to specify your destination as usual, and the same payment methods still work. Marianna has never had a driver who did not speak some English. Like most Greek people, the drivers are welcoming, usually curious about your trip, and have recommendations which may or may not involve their family members.

Welcome Pickups - car service.

OASA - either of these options will take you directly to the city center at Syntagma Square.

There is a 3-day tourist ticket option for €20 which is valid for 3x24 hours counted from the first validation. The ticket is valid on all OASA transit during this time. It includes 2-way travel from and to the airport by Metro or Express bus (within 72 hours). It also is valid for the X80, which runs to the Piraeus Port for anyone taking a cruise or ferry. Follow the link above for additional information.

Express Bus X95 - The routes of the Airport Express Bus lines are operated on a 24-hour basis, directly connect the Airport to Syntagma. Only for Airport Express Bus Lines: New alternative option for contactless payment using either physical credit cards or virtual (NFC-based like Apple Pay wallet or Google Pay wallet in smartphone or smartwatch), without having to pre-purchase the ticket. This applies to the full fare product (valued €5.50) for a single route by Airport Express Bus Lines. Validate your card at the blue validation machine only once when boarding the vehicle.
Athens Metro Blue Line (Line 3) - Athens Metro Airport Tickets are valid for all OASA means for 90 minutes from their first validation at any blue ticket reader on metro station gate, bus, trolleybus or tramway. The two-way Metro Airport Ticket is valid for a journey from and to the Airport. Its validity lasts 30 days. It is NOT VALID for the Express Bus Lines. This ticket can be purchased at the kiosks inside of the Airport Metro station, which is located outside and across from the upstairs Departures doors. One way is €9 or €16 for round trip.

In the Center:

OASA - see the link and info above. There is also a 5-day discounted ticket available, which does Not include Airport trips. The majority of sites within Athens can be reached by Blue or Red Metro Lines, the tramway, and the trolleybuses. Navigation (ie Google Maps) will call the Metro lines by their number. Just pay attention to the end stop to know which direction to go, and which station to make line changes at. The most common one will be at Syntagma, where all 3 lines meet.

Uber (Taxi) - see info above.

Walking - Athens Center is generally very walkable during the day. Like all cities, be aware of your surroundings and avoid certain areas at night. Reach out to Marianna for tips and recommendations of places to visit.

A note on pickpockets: Never leave items you are attached to (ie phones, wallets, keys) sitting on tables when dining. They have a way of disappearing without notice. Make sure all bag pockets are zipped when in transit. Don't keep valuables, like your phone, in loose pants pockets. Watch out for each other when traveling.