We are arriving from the US flight at 4 pm. I am going right away to Chania, but my next flight on Aegean is only at 11 PM. If my US flight is on-time (60% chance) I will have a very long layover. With baggage, customs, security on the way back I think I have around
4 - 5 hours left. My understanding is there is nothing around the airport. Hopefully, they have an outdoor restaurant. Is there some places we can reach by public transportation that would be 20- 30 min away so we can hang out for 3 hours. Thanks
Posted by
France Southwest
1808 posts
With public transport you won't have many possibilities except to go to Athens by metro line 3 (blue) which is the fastest way, around 45 minutes to Syntagma Square.
It's doable with 5 hours free and if you usually know how to navigate in the public transport systems.
The athens metro is modern, has no particular difficulty and all the direction signs are in greek and english.
You will have time for a drink and maybe something to eat.
Otherwise you can take a taxi and go to the port of Rafina (about 20 minutes from the airport) where you can walk and dine in one of the Greek restaurants at the port.
In Rafina you will easily find a taxi to return to the airport.
Posted by
US
50 posts
I haven't been to Greece yet, but we have the same issue. We don't go until June, so I can't tell you if it's a good idea, but I booked George the famous taxi driver to take us to Cape Sounion. When I was researching what to do, I also found that you could go to the beach or there's a zoo that isn't too far. And there's a place at the airport to leave your bags so you don't have to take them with you.
Posted by
Augsburg, Bavaria
2332 posts
I like the idea of the afternoon in Rafina, but I would arrange transportation there and back beforehand with a service like Welcomepickups and not rely on finding a cab in Rafina right away. The price difference is negligible.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
1416 posts
It’s 40 minutes from the airport to downtown Athens on the Subway. No chance of getting stuck in traffic so you could easily spend some time in the city.