Our flight leaves Athens this coming Monday at 7am. We're staying very close to the Acropoli metro station, and I would like to get to the airport for 5 am ((Schengen flight to Frankfurt, connection to international flight from there). I know metro is not an option at that time. Thinking about booking a welcome pickup to the airport. I know they're more expensive but they seem pretty reliable? Is that my best option, for two people with three suitcases.
Posted by
Freedonia
16268 posts
I used Welcome Pickups when I had an early morning flight out of ATH. The driver actually arrived early. No problems. It was a clean Mercedes taxi and the driver spoke fluent English.
Posted by
France Southwest
2315 posts
I have taken a taxi with welcome pickups in Athens quite a few times for an early flight when I have no other option.
No problem. I usually book 48 hours before the flight.
The taxi has always arrived at least 5 minutes before the requested time.
Around 5am, allow about a 40-minute drive to the airport.
I use the app, it's useful.
You can also go to Syggrou Avenue towards the Syggrou Fix metro and watch for an available taxi, there are quite a few, even at 5am
The other option is the X95 bus which runs 24/7 and leaves from Syntagma Square. (€5.50 per person)
Posted by
412 posts
Welcome Pickups or Uber/Freenow imo. The convenience is worth the expense
Posted by
262 posts
Maybe ok in Athens, I set up a welcome pickup for Cairo arrival driver replied to my arrival text saying he couldn't make it but he (not welcome pickups) was sending another driver, no picture, no one outside with my name, no response from number he gave me. We wound up using one of the services at the airport for at least twice the price and some delay at night with increasing tiredness. Welcome pickup did refund what I had paid but that in no way compensated for aggravation and inconvenience.
Posted by
Portland
3643 posts
We once stayed at the hotel that’s across the street from the terminal, when we had an early flight. Sofitel (?). Not cheap, but no worries.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8869 posts
I have a 5:30 am flight coming up. I opted for the Sofitel the night before. One less thing that could go wrong……
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you everyone for the information. I will probably book a welcome pickup (glad I'm in Athens not Cairo) as I've paid for our current hotel to Monday morning. Thanks again.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, US
2185 posts
We just ask our hotel to book a taxi for early-morning airport runs. They always know someone reliable.
Posted by
1 posts
One option would be the X95 bus from Syntagma since it runs 24/7, but getting to the bus stop with three suitcases sounds like a headache, especially that early. Honestly, for peace of mind (and making sure you get to your Frankfurt connection without a hitch), a Welcome Pickup is worth it. And hey, if you ever plan to go long-haul in style, TravelBusinessClass could make those longer flights way more comfortable.