Getting from the airport to downtown Athens

Without question, a taxi would be considerably more expensive.

Your PT options are: 1) the Blue Line Metro to Syntagma Square and Monastiraki Square for €8 per person or €14 for two people, and 2) The X95 Airport Express Bus to Syntagma Square for €3.2 per person. The Metro runs between 5:30am and Midnight approximately every 30 minutes. The bus runs 24/7/365 every 20-30 minutes. The Metro takes 45 minutes. The bus takes 45-90 minutes depending on the time of day, rush hours being the slowest time. Catch the bus outside Door 5 on the Arrivals level. The ticket kiosk is out there as well. Walk across the Skyway to the Metro Station. The taxi now has a fixed rate of €35 during the day and €50 after midnight.

Thanks for the information. I guess our major concern is avoiding strikes and/or demonstrations. Do those occur very often on Saturday afternoons near that particular route? Our hotel is two blocks from Hadrian's Arch. Can we get any closer by bus than Syntagma Square or Monastiraki?

Demonstrations usually occur in front of the Parliament building, which is near to Syntagma Square. Strikers do demonstrate at the Parliament building but there's no way of knowing this far in advance if there will be one. If you take the Metro to Syntagma, assuming there's no transit strike, you can transfer to the Red line Metro to the Akropoli Station, which is the closest one to Hadrian's Arch, without ever needing to go out into the square.

Last time I was in Athens I took the metro into the city and the metro is an easy way to get near the Plaka.

Metro for sure.

Lynne, I agree with the others, travel by Metro is the easiest and quickest method (no concerns with "traffic issues"). As I recall from my trip last year, it was a bit of a walk from the baggage area to the Metro station, but not difficult. I usually do some research on the Metro system on the internet, in order to determine the best route to take to my Hotel. Be sure to validate your ticket, as the Inspectors have reportedly been quite "strict" lately. Happy travels!

Lynn, you have many choices. Here is an excellent map (takes a minute to open up, then click to enlarge but it's worth it). http://www.orangesmile.com/destinations/img/athens-map-big.jpg We could advise better with specifics: R U ait Athens Gate, on Amalias Ave? Or into Plaka District 2 blocks such as Airotel Parthenon etc? Do u have reasonable-size rolling bags or large bags & dislike walking? Does saving €20 matter? Here are Options: (1) METRO goes every 20 minutes; takes 45 minutes, costs €14 for a "couples ticket" for 2. Blue line goes to Syntagma Square, Sit near door as it gets crowded by time u get there. Change to RED line ONE stop (acropolis stop). (2) X95 BUS every 20 mins, takes 60 mins except rush hr (& on Sat aft no probl). Costs €4 each. A central "pen" where u pile bags. Syntagma square last stop. Walk S. on Amalias ave (opp Nat. Gardens); slight downhill, easy 10-min. walk to Temple of Zeus. I stay nearby (#79 on map) & usually do this, more relaxing & I'm in no hurry. (3) TAXI flat rate €35 + SMALL tip if u wish. Takes same route as bus, may be 15 minutes faster.

For a hotel near Hadrian's Arch, do make the metro transfer to the Acropolis station. From there it's an easy 3-4 block walk. From Syntagma Square, it's a long hike.