Please sign in to post.

Early flight out of Athens: Sleep in Athens or near airport?

My 19 year old daughter will be flying out of Athens at 7am on June 23. I'm trying to determine if she should stay in Athens (Plaka/Acropolis area) and take a taxi to the airport (no bus service that early) or stay in an airport hotel which is convenient but very expensive (about $250-$290). She can stay in a much less expensive hotel/hostel in Athens, but how easy is it to get to the airport by 5am and how much will a taxi cost. Any advice or other suggestions?

Posted by
3115 posts

Actually, the Airport Express Bus X95 runs 24/7/365 (€5/45 minutes) every 20-30 minutes from Syntagma Square, just a short walk from the Plaka District. Buy tickets from the driver. With a 2-hour check-in requirement at the airport that means she'd have to be at the bus stop no later than 4am. The taxi fare at that early hour will cost €50-60. She can stay out near the airport at Peri's Hotel and they'll arrange for a taxi to pick her up and take her to the airport in the morning. They're only about 15 minutes from the airport. Peri's has a website. If she takes the bus or the Metro out to the airport the night before they'll come and pick her up for free any time before 11:30pm. I don't know what that taxi will cost but it will be a lot less than if she comes from Central Athens.

Posted by
1383 posts

Michele As usual Lee gives good advice. If your daughter decides to go for the airport bus then she might find it convenient to look at the Phaedra Hotel at the top of Plaka http://www.hotelphaedra.com/ It's a nice little family run place and usefully, for these purposes, only around 10 minutes walk from the bus stop in Syntagma. If she decides against that option I've stayed in the Peri and can confirm it is fine and the people are helpful and friendly. http://www.perishotelapt.gr/ It is out in the suburbs but there is one eating place about 5 minutes walk away if she needs supper. Alan

Posted by
26 posts

Many thanks to you two gentleman. You have provided me with just the information I was looking for. She leaves in just a few days and we have been struggling with just how to handle this issue for her trip back home to the states. Now, with your advice, we can solve our dilemma with confidence. The RS Travelers Helpline proves, once again, what an invaluable resource it is.

Posted by
3115 posts

I just wanted to add that the Arethusa Hotel is literally across the street from the Syntagma Square X95 bus stop.