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Athens International Airport might welcome millions of tourists each year, but it doesn’t provide a lot of options for sleeping.
Εach year, I take over two dozen flights in and out of Athens, sometimes for work, others for personal travel.
A lot of these require some careful planning to make sure I have somewhere to sleep, especially when I book those super early flights that are cheaper.
If that is you currently, here are some hacks, tips and options for your next overnight stay at Athens airport.
Facts about Athens Airport
First let’s touch base on the main information.
- Open 24/7, but most restaurants and shops close by 11 PM
- Located about 40 minutes from Athens city center
- One main terminal (no need for shuttles or transfers)
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport
- Charging points available near most seating areas
- Left luggage storage open 24/7 (near Gate 1, Arrivals level)
- Metro Line 3 runs from 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM
- Express buses (X95 to Syntagma, X96 to Piraeus) run 24/7
- Flat-rate taxi to Athens costs approximately €40–€50
Where to sleep without paying at the airport
The only way to sleep without paying at Athens airport is to DIY the process a bit.
You might want to pack a light sleeping bag liner for this purpose, which takes very little space. I have one from Sea to Summit that has lasted 15 years, but you can also grab an affordable one for $20-$30 from Amazon like this one. That way you have something light to cover your body when sleeping on the floor and to create some darkness.
Now let’s talk about spots.
The best spot is near the museum. This is found in the upstaris food court area, where there is a small museum and a presentation area. Both areas have a side space, that is dark during the night hours and has space for lots of people to lay down and sleep. Guards don’t disturb you here, and I’ve used it many times to sleep overnight.
You might want to bring:
- earplugs
- headphones
- a liner or scarf to lay down or cover your face
None of the seating options are good in my opinion, since thye will either tell you to move or the chairs have armrests that don’t allow you to lie down. With that said, if you can sleep on a chair with a mask on, you can use your bag to rest your legs and get a few hours of sleep anywhere there is space.
What about lounges?
The main issue with lounges, is that you need to go through security to access them and that depending on if you are flying in the Schengen Zone or not, there are less options.
Most lounges also have a time limit, so overnight stays and sleeping for more than 3+ hours is not possible.
The full list of available lounges and their opening hours is below. Just keep in mind that lounges are divided between Schengen and Non-Schengen areas, so depending on your destination, you’ll have access to different ones.
For the pay-to-access options, I’ve found that the easiest way is through a Priority Pass subscription. This gives you access to lounges around the world, including several in Athens. You can check in advance which lounges are included, how many hours you can stay, and when they’re open.
It’s worth noting again: you’ll need to be past security to access any lounge, so these are only an option if your flight check-in is already open.
✨ If you do not already have a Miles+Bonus account from Aegean and live in Greece, or travel to Greece often, make sure to check out your options. Also check out the Alpha Bank credit cards that can give you access to the airport lounge in Athens.Â
Pay-to-Access Lounges at Athens Airport
Goldair Handling Lounge – Schengen Zone
Located near Gate B (after security)
Open 24 hours
Access via Priority Pass or direct payment
Goldair Handling Lounge – Non-Schengen Zone
Located near Gate A (after passport control)
Open 24 hours
Access via Priority Pass or direct payment
Skyserv Aristotle Onassis Lounge – Non-Schengen Zone (International Flights)
Located near Gate A7
Open 4:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Access via Priority Pass or direct payment
If you travel often, check out the subscription model of the Priority Pass service, I think it’s very reasonable and easy.
Hotels Near Athens Airport (For a Real Bed)
If these options are still not good enough and you need a proper bed for a 6+ hour sleep and a way to refresh and relax, you will need to look at nearby hotels.
The not-so-good news? Some of them come with a higher price tag, especially if you’re booking last-minute.
You can browse the map below to find last minute best prices at nearby hotels and book instantly. Most common options are:
- Distance: Directly across from the terminal (2-minute walk)
- Best for: Zero transfers, maximum comfort
- What to expect: It’s a true 5-star hotel with great soundproofing, comfortable beds, and a full breakfast spread. If you have an early morning flight or a long layover, it’s the easiest and most luxurious option.
- Price range: Usually starts at €220–€300 per night, depending on the season so it’s higher than usual.
2. Holiday Inn Athens Airport (Attica Avenue)
- Distance: 10–15 minutes by shuttle or taxi
- Best for: Those who want a proper hotel without splurging on Sofitel
- What to expect: Free shuttle (check times!), reliable chain-hotel experience, decent breakfast and rooms
- Price range: €140–€180 per night
3. Dolce by Wyndham Athens Attica Riviera
- Distance: Around 20–25 minutes by taxi (near the coast)
- Best for: Turning your layover into a mini beach holiday
- What to expect: Spa, pool, seaside vibes — might be overkill for a short night but ideal for a full-day stopover
- Price range: €120–€200 per night
4. Budget Apartments & Guesthouses in Spata or Artemida
- Distance: 10–15 minutes by car
- Best for: Travelers with more time or a rental car
- What to expect: Airbnbs or small guesthouses don’t usually offer airport transfers. Not walkable to the terminal, so factor in the transport cost or check if pickup is included.
- Price range: €50–€100, depending on the listing
Transport Options at Weird Hours
If you’re arriving late at Athens Airport and want to head into the city (or to a nearby hotel), here’s what you need to know:
- Metro Line 3 stops running around 11:30 PM, so it’s not an option for late arrivals.
- Express buses (like the X95 to Syntagma and X96 to Piraeus) run 24/7, making them your most reliable budget-friendly option overnight.
- Taxis are always available outside the terminal, even in the middle of the night. Expect to pay a flat rate of €40–€50 into central Athens, depending on the time of day and number of bags.
- For more comfort, especially if you’re traveling with family or a group, you can pre-book an airport transfer with a service like Welcome Pickups. You’ll get an English-speaking driver, more space, and a smoother arrival experience.
Just keep in mind: if you leave the airport and your flight is early the next morning, factor in your return time and whether you’ll be able to check in and get through security on time.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Must Know When Visiting Greece
- Emergency: Dial 112 for all emergencies. For police, dial 100. For ambulance 166. For fire dial 199.
- Language: English is widely spoken in most tourist areas. Common phrases to learn are “Kalimera” (Good morning), “Yia” (Hello and Bye – informal), and “Efharisto” (Thank you).Â
- Water: Tap water is safe in Athens, mainland Greece and a small number of islands. Always ask beforehand.Â
- Driving: Right-hand side, international driving permit recommended. Book your rental car with Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.Â
- Accommodation: Booking.com for the most options on hotels, apartments and hostels. Free cancellation in a lot of places and no need to pre-pay. Great for their rewards points system.Â
- Islands: There are a lot of islands, spread out around the country. Start with a map or ferry service to get an idea of travel times. Ferry Scanner is the best for ferry bookings to the Greek islands.Â
- Activities:Â From cultural sights to day trips, food tours and city guides, use Get Your Guide.Â
- Public Transport:Â For Athens, use the Athens Metro. If you are not renting a car, use Trains (Hellenic Train) or KTEL (Public Buses) services.Â
- Domestic Airlines:Â The main airlines for air travel are Aegean Airlines and Sky Express. I recommend Aegean Airlines and its rewards program.Â
- Taxi:Â Always use a taxi app, instead of flagging down a taxi from the road. Use FREE Now (formerly BEAT).Â
- Culture: A siesta nap is still common in less touristy areas. This also means businesses will close between 2 PM – 5 PM. Except for hospitality businesses, everything is closed on Sundays.Â
