Athens layover

I am not sure what you mean by 4 1/2 hours. From the time your US plane touches down until departure time of your island plane?? Then you have much less. Between touchdown and standing in center of Terminal, at least 45 minutes (even if you don't have checked baggage). Minimum 20 mins for plane to be at gate & you & 400 other people can get off... then the passport-control line. OK, then you have to find an ATM and get Euros (15 minutes). Now you have 3 1/2 hrs. You probably can't take your carry-on luggage on board the Santorini plane, they will require u to check it. Another 20 mins. Now you have 3 hrs. You must check in to Aegean or Olympic 45 mins minimum, before tak off. Now you have 2 hrs 15 minutes. Airport is way out in middle of nowhere, cannot get to anything scenic in less than 45 minutes. So just find a good restaurant (there's an "Olive Tree" in the terminal, or several bars in the Sofitel hotel across the way), have an ouzo, relax.

I agree with the statement above. It's about a 45 minute ride (metro, bus, or taxi) into the city center of Athens so I just don't think the trip would work or be worth the stress.

This is why I love this helpline! Thank you for your advice. We will take your good advice and just "chill and relax" after we land. We'll have a couple of days in Athens after Santorini, to enjoy all the amazing sights, so it's all good.Thank again for reigning me back in!

You are entirely welcome, Debbie. However, since neither Katie nor I are queens, we cannot reign you -- tho we are happy to pull the reins! (Sorry for that -- but my decades as a copy editor just kicked in, there)

Debbie If you're staying in the airport it's worth moving from arrivals to international departures. There's a reasonable, if slightly overpriced, restaurant on the first floor - The Olive Tree - and, on the same floor, generally some kind of small exhibition. Have a great trip. Alan

With all the problems Greece is undergoing just now you may find that there will be delays at the airport and that you will need every minuted of your 4.5 hours. If you are coming from NA you will be glad of a chance to sit and relax and have some real food! There is a very good selection of food outlets at the airport - pizzas, sandwiches, etc and as well as a restaurant. There is also a mini-museum with quite interesting displays of the archaeological work done when building the metro out to the airport.

We had the same problem last month. We looked at the small museum and then found table at McDonalds and ate and played cards. Really not much else to do.

We had the same problem last month. We looked at the small museum and then found table at McDonalds and ate and played cards. Really not much else to do.