Bus vs Cab from Athens airport to NJV Plaza

Considering you have 3+ pieces of luggage and your mother is in her late 60's and you will have flown all night and are tired and jet lagged I would recommend a taxi. The cost of a taxi is ~35-40 euros and even though the bus is probably 1/2 that it would be much easier to just relax and let the driver take you to the front door of your hotel. If I am familiar with a place and know my way around I like to take either the metro or bus from the airport, but if I am in a new place for the 1st time I prefer a cab so that I get to the right place and start my trip off with a positive note. I would recommend that you print the name of your hotel and it's address on a 3x5 card and hand it to the driver to help him or her if their English is only fair.

It's an express bus and it only makes a couple of stops along the route. It takes 45-75 minutes to reach Syntagma depending on traffic. Luggage racks are inside the seating area. The Syntagma Square bus stop for that bus is across the square on Othonos Street, about 1 city block to walk to the NJV Plaza. Bus fare is only €6 per person. Buy your tickets from the kiosk outside Door 5 on the arrivals level of the airport.

Donald - Thanks. I guess I was just wondering if the bus would take more or less the same amount of time as a cab, given our hotel is at Syntagma Square.

I have the names of some recommended companies for airport transfers.

Lee - thanks. Is the 45-75 minutes time frame about the same as a cab or more?

For the first time in my life, when arriving in Athens this year I had a pre-arranged livery waiting for me. I'd always wanted to try it. It was a lovely way to arrive in Athens with an extremely pleasant and informative driver. It cost only 7 euros more than a regular taxi, and I did not have to worry about communicating the destination to the driver. He was waiting for me when I came out of the secure area. Previously, I prided myself on saving money and taking the public transportation... I now take the most pleasant and relaxed way to get to my destination, which now usually excludes public transportation, but includes my favorite flights. I think it starts a trip out pleasantly and in a more healthy manner for me. But this is just my opinion, we all decide where to spend our "extra" money. I digress. I used Welcome. If you decide to take this approach and need an web address and a driver to request, IM me.

You mean Welcome Pickups right? They are on my recommended list. Glad you had a good experience with them.

Yes, Welcome Pickups.

PS. They will send you the name and a photograph of your assigned driver a few days before your flight. (Although, my driver's photo must have been taken after a haircut as I thought he was bald.) They will also request your photograph. He/She will be holding a sign with your name on it. My driver was Ilias Kanteres, and you can ask for him. He would love it if you did! I did not have a mobile phone, so there is no issue if they ask for your mobile number. I just indicated I had none.

If there's no traffic jam the bus and taxi take about the same time, although the taxi might be a few minutes faster. In heavy traffic I think a taxi would have the definite advantage. But don't forget the Airport Blue Line Metro. It takes 45 minutes regardless of street traffic and stops at Syntagma. When you get off the train you take the escalator up to the main entrance and turn right outside the doors. The NJV Plaza is on the corner next door to the King George Hotel and the Grand Bretagne Hotel. http://tinyurl.com/n3quv68

Except in rush hour, the x95 bus takes EXACTLY same time as a taxi ... they go on identical road. Difference is, taxi costs €38... and the bus, if you are a senior, costs €3 each. I don't know what €32 saved means to you 2, but to me, it's a dinner for 2 on Naxos, including wine! As for cleanliness (!!), it is just fine. Seats are upholstered & comfortable. Only 1 stop that I can remember, about half-way, at the Attiki Avenue Holiday Inn (mainly to let off airline people). When you arrive at Syntagma, that's the last stop, so no rush to get off. You step right onto the curb, and it's maybe 50-100 yards to your hotel. Go ahead if you want to, and pay €50-60 to have a guy standing waiting outside baggage claim with a cardboard with your name on it.