Long layover in Athens

Posted by pixelhappystudio on 04/15/24 09:33 PM

Wonderful thread here -- https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/greece/connecting-flights-in-athens -- helped me know what to expect arriving on one airline in Athens and leaving on a different airline.

But I have an additional question: I arrive Athens 9: 55 am and my departing flight on another airline is not till 5 pm. Since I doubt I can check in for the 5 pm flight until mid afternoon and I'll have luggage, what can I do from 11 am till say 3 pm?

Is there airport access available before checking in to my second flight?

Just trying to figure out what to do for a good 4 hours before I can check in to my next departing flight.

Posted by JoLui

France Southwest

04/15/24 11:03 PM

2230 posts

In case you want to exit the airport:

There is a “Care4bag” baggage storage located at Arrivals Hall next to Gate 1.

See: https://www.care4bag.gr/prices/

I wouldn't go to Athens with only "a good 4 hours", you will spend almost half of that time in transport.

But you can go to the coast near the airport in the small towns of Artemi or Rafina, there you will find beach, port and restaurant for lunch. It's 15/20 minutes by taxi

Artemi

https://maps.app.goo.gl/kZtv9nwMjncH5qtw8

Rafina:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/aTXsxHucYXgYFViN9

If you stay in the airport there are plenty of bars and restaurants once you have passed security to board your domestic flight.
There are also lounges in Terminal B (Intra Schengen) to which access is chargeable.

Posted by pixelhappystudio OP

04/15/24 11:14 PM

3 posts

Thanks for the bag resource!

I really didn't plan to head out of the airport with such little time so wondered if I could access airport areas before my afternoon checkin at 3 on a different airline.

Any chance you know about that?

Posted by JoLui

France Southwest

04/15/24 11:38 PM

2230 posts

Once you are on the "Departures" level (located on the upper floor) there are also bars, shops and restaurants in the public area where you can easily spend a couple of hours if it is too early to check in your luggage.
You will need to inquire on site to find out the check-in opening time.

On the mezzanine of the departures level there is also a small museum (free) which includes finds that were discovered during the airport's construction.

Posted by pixelhappystudio OP

04/15/24 11:43 PM

3 posts

Thank you so much! Now I can relax on my Washington - Athens flight, knowing what to do during that 4 hours till check-in time slot :)