We are returning home from Athens to CA in October and our flight leaves at 6:30 am. It stops in Zurich and we connect to another flight. My questions are: is this first leg considered a domestic flight? How early do we really need to get there if we check in the day before? and are there any reasonable hotels near the airport (with a shuttle)since the metro doesn't run that early. Thanks!
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
If you want a very nice hotel from which you can walk 50 yards to the terminal, the Sofitel Athens Airport is great. I said great, not cheap.
Posted by
Seattle, Washington, United States
284 posts
1. Yes, more or less. You will clear pass control in ZRH, not ATH. 2. About 1.5 hours. You could go down to an hour if you wanted to push it, but I would allow for extra time in case your original plan on how to get to the airport doesn't work out. 3. You may also consider taking the bus. I found it to be pretty good and once outside of the main downtown, they have dedicated bus lanes to the airport (not that it will really matter that early). It runs all night (unless there is a strike).
Posted by
Denver, CO
9 posts
It's a flat $30 to the airport from an Athens hotel. That has got to be cheaper than an airport hotel. You or the hotel can call, or arrange it thru greektaxi.gr.
Posted by
Boston
1 posts
A lot of the international flights from Athens departs early morning. I stayed at one of the Hotels (recommended by Rick Steve) near the Syntagma Sq. The bus#95, leaves from the Syntagma Sq. It runs 24 hrs a day at 15 to 25 min intervals and takes about 45min to 60min. Syntagma Sq is a very safe area and there is absolutely no difficulty/safety issue, walking to the bus stop at 3AM. For peace of mind, go to the bus stop at day time and checkout the schedule (hanging from the pole). Buy the ticket (5 euro) from the driver and do not forget to validate it (else fine is 60 times the fare) .
Staying near the Syntagma Sq and taking Bus#95 is the cheapest, safest, reliable transport alternative to the Airport (especially at late night and early morning hours).
Note: On March 30th the clock moves from 3AM to 4AM. This means, you will loose an hour in the morning, hence plan accordingly.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
There are no international flight leaving very early from Athens. It will be a domestic flight. Your Zurich flight will be the international flight. If in the airport by 5.30 you will be fine. A couple of years ago for a early flight we stayed near Syntagma sq and took the bus. It was very efficient other than than the time it took.