So, you've got a layover in Athens coming up? Perfect! Hopefully, you’ll have time to sneak a peek at some epic ancient sites between your flights. From the iconic Acropolis towering over the city to the busy streets of Monastiraki, Athens is pretty much guaranteed to deliver you an unforgettable layover experience.
If you're wondering whether it's possible to explore Athens during a brief stop, worry not! Even with just a few hours, you can catch a glimpse of some of its coolest attractions, try a Greek snack or two, and be back at the airport with enough time to catch your next flight.
In this guide, we'll share our top layover itineraries for Athens, which are all specially designed for the amount of time you have on your layover. So, whether you’re here for a quick glance or a long layover adventure, we’ve got you covered.
Can I Leave Athens Airport During a Layover?
The good news is, you can leave Athens airport during a layover if you have enough time between your flights, and you should - it’s fun, it’s affordable, and it’s easy to get from the airport to the city.
From Athens International Airport, the most efficient way to reach the city centre is by using the Metro. The Blue Line (Metro Line 3) takes you directly from the airport to Syntagma Square, Athens’ central square, in about 40 minutes, with trains departing every 30 minutes.
If you’re in a hurry or prefer a more direct route, taxis and ride-shares are readily available, taking about 30 to 40 minutes to reach downtown Athens depending on traffic. It’s best to use airport luggage storage if you have a lot of bags, so you can enjoy your layover luggage-free.
What to Do in Athens Airport
Athens Airport might not have a reputation as a layover hotspot, but there’s enough to keep you entertained while you wait for your next flight. On an Athens Airport layover, you can dive into Greek culture without even leaving the terminal, thanks to the small but fascinating archaeological museum inside the airport, which showcases finds from the Attica region and the airport's construction site.
Hungry? You’re in the right place. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes inside the airport where you can grab some traditional Greek pastries like spanakopita or baklava, or you can sit down for a full meal of moussaka or souvlaki. And, of course, there’s always time on a layover in Athens airport for a quick cup of strong Greek coffee to perk you up!
Best Athens Layover Itineraries
4 hours layover in Athens
With just four hours, it's best to stay at Athens International Airport. Since it takes 50 minutes each way to get into the city on public transport, you’d be at high risk of missing your connecting flight if you ventured into the city. Instead, enjoy all of the things to do at Athens airport and come back to Athens another time to properly explore the city.
5 hours layover in Athens
A five-hour layover gives you just enough time to get a taste of Athens, one of the most iconic cities in the world, provided you move quickly and you don’t have any flight delays.
From the airport, take the Metro directly to the Monastiraki station. This neighbourhood is known for its blend of ancient ruins and lively markets. Grab a quick Greek coffee or a souvlaki, snap a few photos and briefly soak up the vibes of ancient and modern Athens before heading back to the airport.
6 hours layover in Athens
With six hours you’ll have just enough time for a brief visit to one of Athens' must-see attractions, the Acropolis. Take the Metro from the airport to the Acropolis station, and spend an hour or two exploring this ancient citadel and the Parthenon. It’s the most recognisable landmark in Greece and a symbol of symbol Greek civilisation, so you’d be crazy to miss it!
Return to the airport via the same route, keeping an eye on the time for your flight. You can book airport transfers here.
7 hours layover in Athens
On a 7 hour layover you can take your time to fully explore the Acropolis without having to rush. Hop on the Metro from the airport straight to Acropolis station and start with the Parthenon, which looks even bigger and more impressive up close, especially considering it was built in 447 BC!
Other notable attractions in the Acropolis complex that you can explore include the Temple of Athena Nike, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the Theatre of Dionysus, which is widely believed to be the birthplace of European theatre. Then, with a bunch of sightseeing under your belt, head back to the airport.
8 hours layover in Athens
Eight hours in Athens? Lucky you! That's more than enough time to wander beyond the Acropolis. You should still start with the Acropolis, though, because it’s an absolute must-visit whilst you’re here! Once you've checked out the Parthenon and taken all the selfies, it's time to head down to the Plaka district.
Exploring Plaka is like stepping back in time - narrow cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and balconies dripping with bougainvillaea. It’s the perfect place to spend a chilled-out hour of sightseeing. Pop into some of the quirky shops for souvenirs (maybe funky Greek sandals or handmade jewellery) and then round off your layover by heading into a cafe for a plate of baklava or some thick, creamy Greek yoghurt drizzled with honey.
10 hours layover in Athens
With ten hours to spend in Athens, you have plenty of time to check out the city’s top attractions, starting, of course, with the Acropolis. If possible, climb up to this famous citadel early in the day to beat the crowds and the heat, exploring and snapping photos to your heart’s content. With the Acropolis ticked off your bucket list, head down to a local taverna and order yourself a classic Greek salad or a souvlaki. Both are simple but insanely delicious!
Next up, take a leisurely stroll over to the Panathenaic Stadium. It’s one of the oldest stadiums in the world and was completely reconstructed from the remains of an ancient Greek stadium. Originally built in the 4th century BC, it was restored for the first modern Olympics in 1896. It's actually the only stadium in the world to be built entirely of marble, and it used to host events for up to 80,000 spectators! Finish your day in the Plaka district, weaving through its winding streets and maybe picking up a souvenir before heading back to the airport.
12 hours layover in Athens
12 hours in Athens is the ideal amount of time to get a good feel for the city and cover its main attractions. Kick off your day at the Acropolis and check out all of the top sights there before grabbing a traditional Greek breakfast. Spanakopita (spinach pie) or tyropita (cheese pie) are mouthwatering choices and go best when washed down with a strong Greek coffee.
The next stop is the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the oldest stadiums in the world that you can enter and take a look around, before moving on to the National Garden for a little nature in the heart of the city. This is the perfect spot to chill on a bench with a koulouri (sesame bread ring) in hand, or you can get lost among the shaded paths.
Weave through the Plaka neighbourhood, one of the most beautiful in the city, stopping for lunch at a local taverna along the way, and then hop on the cable car up to Lycabettus Hill for the best views of the city and, if your timing is right, your first Athenian sunset!
Overnight layover in Athens
You’ve hit the layover jackpot if you’re able to stay on a long layover in Athens. First things first, head to your affordable hotel or hostel (ideally somewhere located near a Metro Station for ease). Then, depending on how long you have during the day, follow one of our shorter sightseeing itineraries and aim to watch the sunset from the top of Lycabettus Hill before heading out to dinner.
You’ve got to try some classic Greek moussaka - a layered dish with spiced meat, eggplant, and a creamy béchamel sauce. It’s to die for! Find a cosy taverna in the Plaka district where you can dig in and soak up the local atmosphere, and then, it’s time to hit the town!
Luckily, Athens is famous for its top-tier rooftop bars, and you won't want to miss the chance to see the city lights from above. A for Athens Cocktail Bar, right in Monastiraki is one of our top picks. It’s the perfect spot for a post-dinner drink, offering stunning views of the Acropolis lit up against the night sky. Another great choice is Couleur Locale in the heart of the historic centre. It’s a bit hidden, but that only adds to its charm, and the vibe is always buzzing.
Best Athens Layover Tours You Can Book
Don’t fancy organising your Athens layover alone? Totally understandable! Sometimes, it's just easier and more enjoyable to have an expert handle the details so you can relax and soak in the sights.
Here are our top picks for layover tours in Athens:
This Athens layover tour is the best option, including your pick up and drop off at the airport and 3-5 hours of guided sightseeing covering Athens’ top spots like the Acropolis, Plaka, and the Changing of the Guard. It’s available from either the airport or the port, making it the perfect way to get a glimpse of Athens before heading off to the Greek Islands. It’s also available at any time of day or night!
This private half-day tour has a pickup option for both Athens airport and the ports, so it’s easy to use it as a layover tour. The tour lasts for 5 hours and takes you to a bunch of cool spots all over the city, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Alternatively, If you want to experience the warm Greek weather and sea air, you could also consider the Athens by the sea: Bike tour. This is a three hour and thirty minute (3hr 30min) tour. Your tour leader, bike, helmet and a bottle of water is all provided for your ride in the sun.
FAQs About Layovers in Athens
How do I get from Athens airport to the Acropolis?
From Athens Airport, take the Blue Line (Metro Line 3) to Syntagma Station, then switch to the Red Line (Metro Line 2) and get off at Acropoli Station. The journey takes about 50 minutes. You can also book a transfer from the Airport to the city centre if you prefer, ideal if you may be carrying all your cases.
Do you need a visa during a layover in Athens?
Depending on your nationality, you may need a transit or Schengen visa for Athens. Citizens of Australia, the US, and the UK can enter Greece and other EU Schengen Zone countries visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Is 2 hours enough for an Athens layover?
A 2 hour layover in Athens is just about enough for a tight flight transfer but it’s definitely not enough to leave the airport and explore the city, because travel to and from the city centre takes about 50 minutes each way.
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