Is the city of Athens in your bucket list? Perhaps you dream of disconnecting under the sun in Santorini or Mykonos? If you are travelling to Greece soon, it is quite likely that your airplane will land in the ATH main passenger terminal. Read our post in order to find out more about Athens airport, the airline companies flying to it, how to spend your waiting time there and how to reach domestic destinations like most Greek islands from it.
The fact that it is located in the mainland makes Athens airport the most important and busiest one in the country, and as such it serves as operational base for Aegean Airlines in its national and international routes. Both Schengen and non-Schengen flights land and take off at the central terminal building, which also accommodates nearly 150 check-in desks and a dining area with views to the apron, although budget airline companies like Vueling, Easyjet, Ryanair and Eurowings have started using the satellite terminal for new and seasonal services.
Airlines flying from and to Athens International airport
All year round, Aegean Airlines operates direct flights from Athens to Barcelona, Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, Budapest, Düsseldorf, London, Milan, Paris, Moscow, Rome, Stockholm, Madrid, Warsaw, Zurich and more European cities, whereas other destinations –namely Dublin, Helsinki, Lyon and Saint Petersburg- are connected to ATH on a seasonal basis only. New routes to Málaga, Turin and Vilnius are planned for 2018. Many international airlines have at least one direct route to Athens or operate flights via its main terminal, as is the case with Qatar Airways, Emirates, American Airlines, Iberia and Lufthansa.
Travelling from Athens to the Greek Islands
To make the most out of your trip to Greece, you are advised to book a domestic flight from Athens to any of its idyllic islands. For your information, Olympic Air connects ATH airport to Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini and Corfu; Ryanair also offers flights between Athens and several islands; Volotea runs its own services from Athens to Santorini and Mykonos while Sky Express is exclusively dedicated to the Athens-Syros route.
Spending your layover in Athens
When having hours to spare before your scheduled boarding time, it is wise to spend them in a way that enables you to arrive at your destination refreshed and well-rested. To this purpose, you may enjoy the advantages provided by airport lounges or book a room at the Sofitel Athens airport hotel, especially if you need to stay overnight in the terminal to catch an early flight.
All airport lounges are located after security: the Swissport Executive Lounge, the Aegean Club and the Lufthansa Business Lounge. We recommend you contact your airline or frequent-traveller services provider in order to find out how to access these premium facilities.
The Sofitel hotel in Athens International airport is designated for passengers in transit yet located in a public area within short walking distance to the terminal building. If you are already preparing for your trip, you can book a hotel room to sleep in Athens airport. This luxury establishment has 345 units and 13 suites equipped with everything a business traveller or tourist may need. Besides, as a guest you will be able to swim in their indoor heated pool, have a good workout at the gym or relax in their Spa Centre.
Will you be staying for longer than one night? Find hotels in Athens.
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