Athens Airport Terminals

Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), located about 20 kilometers east of the city center, is the main gateway to Greece. Opened in 2001 ahead of the 2004 Olympic Games, the airport was designed to handle increasing passenger traffic and modernize Greece’s aviation infrastructure. Since then, it has grown into a major hub, serving over 26 million passengers annually with plans to expand capacity to 40 million by 2032 through a significant redesign and enlargement program. The airport combines contemporary architecture with Athenian cultural elements, highlighted by its unique "oculus" garden spaces in the terminals that create memorable moments for travelers.

ATH consists of two primary terminal buildings: the Main Terminal and the Satellite Terminal, connected by underground and above-ground walkways, enabling smooth transfers.

Main Terminal

History and Functionality

The Main Terminal is the airport’s largest and busiest building, serving both non-Schengen (international) and intra-Schengen (European) flights. Designed originally by Hochtief and continuously upgraded, it includes three levels structured to separate arrivals, departures, and dining options efficiently.

Layout and Levels

-Ground Level: This is the arrivals area, with four main exits connecting to ground transportation such as taxis, limousines, shuttle buses to long-term parking, and city buses. Here travelers find essential services like car rental desks, currency exchange, ATMs, and help desks.

-First Level (Departures): This level features the check-in areas and boarding gates A1 to A13 and B19 to B31. The terminal is divided into two halls:

• Hall A manages non-Schengen international flights to non-European countries.
• Hall B handles Schengen flights and domestic Greek services.

Both halls offer check-in counters, meeting points, and are linked by escalators and elevators to public transit options, including the metro and suburban train stations, and to parking areas.

-Upper Level: Houses a vibrant food court with a broad selection of restaurants and bars suitable for all tastes and schedules.

Services and Amenities

The Main Terminal is well-equipped with services to enhance the passenger experience:

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.
• Currency exchange bureaus and ATMs.
• Information and tourist assistance desks.
• Mail and courier services.
• Children’s play areas.
• First aid stations.
• Lost property office.
• Meeting points and executive services.
• Multiple café and dining options.

Lounges

• Goldair CIP Lounge: Located opposite Gate A11 (non-Schengen), offering premium food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and quiet spaces.
• Aegean Business Lounge: Near Gate A13, open from early morning to late night with a broad array of amenities.
• Skyserv Aristotle Onassis Lounge: In the Extra-Schengen area, close to Gate A9, featuring snacks, Wi-Fi, and printing facilities.

Tips for Main Terminal Visitors

• Arrive early during peak hours, as distances between check-in and gates can be up to 5 minutes walking.
• Use the underground moving walkways for quick transfers between levels.
• Explore the food court upstairs for last-minute authentic Greek snacks and international cuisine.
• Check signage carefully to identify the correct hall based on your flight type (Schengen vs. non-Schengen).

Satellite Terminal

Purpose and Capacity

The Satellite Terminal, situated just south of the Main Terminal, is primarily dedicated to Schengen flights and operates mainly during the high tourist season when passenger numbers increase, with a handling capacity of up to 6 million passengers per year.

Structure and Levels

• Ground Level: Exclusively for arrivals.
• First Level: Departures area with gates A30 to A39.

Connectivity

Passengers transfer between the Main Terminal and the Satellite Terminal via:

• An underground corridor with moving walkways for convenience.
• An above-ground walkway offering scenic views of the airport apron.

Tips for Satellite Terminal Travelers

• • Allow extra time for walking between gates as distances can be considerable.
  • Use lounge access to relax, especially during busy seasons when the terminal is crowded.
  • Keep an eye on flight announcements as gates tend to cluster in a short corridor.
  • Utilize children’s play areas if traveling with young ones for a more comfortable wait.

Transfer between terminals

The Satellite Terminal is directly connected to the Main Terminal via an underground corridor and it is planned to be extended in a modular approach.

Shopping and dining

Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) offers a rich variety of shops, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants across its Terminals 1 and 2, providing a comprehensive shopping and dining experience for travelers. Whether arriving in Athens or departing, passengers can find everything from authentic Greek souvenirs to international luxury brands and enjoy a taste of local Greek cuisine or international fast food options.

Shopping Highlights

Passengers can explore a wide range of stores strategically located throughout the terminals. The airport features multiple Hellenic Duty Free Shops, available 24/7 in both Schengen and Non-Schengen areas, where travelers can shop for perfumes, cosmetics, luxury watches, jewelry, spirits, confectionery, electronics, and more, often at duty-free prices.

Among the diverse stores, notable options include:

• Greek-themed boutiques such as "A Piece of Greece," offering local products and souvenirs.
• Fashion and accessories shops including Ancient Greek Sandals, Montblanc, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Pinko, Swarovski, and Weekend Max Mara.
• Specialty stores like Mastihashop showcasing unique Greek products, Apivita for natural beauty products, and a variety of eyewear boutiques such as Panaidis Eyewear.
• Convenience and travel-related shops like WHSmith and Care4bag baggage storage.
• Food and gourmet stores like Hellenic Gourmet and Candyfair, offering Greek delicacies and sweets.

Food & Dining Options

Athens Airport’s culinary offerings cater to all tastes and schedules:

• Cafés such as Airth Coffee and Nuts, Starbucks, Flocafe, and Veneti provide quick coffee and snack options.
• For a sweet treat, passengers can visit Bufala Gelato or Cinnabon.
• Fast food lovers can choose from Burger King or Holy Burger for a quick bite.
• For sit-down meals, the airport hosts several restaurants including Bistrot Attica, Camden Food Co, Ergon Greek Cuisine, Gregory’s, and Koi Sushi Bar, offering a variety of dishes from local Greek specialties to international cuisine.
• Quick to-go options like Pret a Manger and Easy Grab and Go are perfect for travelers in a hurry.

Tips and Recommendations

• Plan your time: Arrive at the airport with enough time to explore the shops and try local snacks, especially if you have a longer layover.
• Duty-Free Shopping: Take advantage of the duty-free shops, open 24/7, to find great deals on perfumes, cosmetics, and spirits. Prices can be more competitive than in the city.
• Local specialties: Don’t miss Greek products like mastiha (a traditional resin), local sweets, and Greek wines available at many stores.
• Dining choices: If you want a more relaxed meal, visit restaurants like Ergon Greek Cuisine for authentic and fresh Greek dishes. For quick service, fast food and cafés are located conveniently near departure gates.
• Last-minute gifts: The Arrival area has Travel Shops perfect for picking up last-minute souvenirs or snacks.
• Loyalty app: Download the "Red By Dufry" app for exclusive offers and rewards when shopping in duty-free stores.
• Currency and timing: Most shops accept major credit cards, and opening hours generally run from early morning until late evening, accommodating most flight schedules.

Whether shopping for designer brands, local crafts, or enjoying a meal before your flight, Athens Airport ensures a pleasant commercial experience with a distinctive Greek touch

Services Available

Wi-Fi

Connect to "ATH Free Wi-Fi" network.

Airport APP

Athens Airport has a mobile app for both iOS and Android to access to everything you need to know about Athens International Airport. 

ATMs and banks

ATMs are available in Athens Airport. 

On the other hand, banking services are carried out by Alpha Bank.

Location: Arrivals level

Service hours: 08:00 am to 06:00 pm, Monday to Friday, 09:00 am to 04:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday.

Currency exchange

ONExchange offers currency exchange services at Athens Airport and also VAT refunds.

Location: Departures and Arrivals levels

Open 24 hours

Pharmacy

Find a pharmacy in Athens Airport.

Location: Arrivals level

Contact: +30 210 3533333

Service hours: 06:00 am to 00:00 am.

Medical services

First aid services are available 24 hours at Athens Airport.

Restaurants and cafés

At ATH Airport, there are the following restaurants and cafés brands: Buondi Café, Flocafé, Food Court, Gregorys, Heineken Star Bar and Illy Café, etc.

Smoking area 

Passengers cannot smoke at Athens Airport. 

Lost and found 

Airlines and their respective ground-handling agents are responsible for baggage handling and delivery at AIA. For further assistance, please contact the appropriate airline/ground handlers.

For items left on the aircraft please contact your airline directly.

Luggage storage

There are luggage storage facilities available at Athens Airport. 

Other services

- Small Market with Greek products
- Information desks
- Lost property office
- Tourist information
- Meeting point
- Children’s Play Area
- Hair Salon
- VAT Refund

Retail park

Athens Airport is well connected with a retail park with IKEA and KOTSOVOLOS (electronics).

More than that, it has a building with four halls dedicated to organize events and there are two conferences areas as well.

Passengers can also access to the Metropolitan Expo picking up a shuttle bus (Arrival Level, opposite Exit 2) or following the signals on the road “Exhibition Centre”.

Find also a museum on the balcony on the top floor.

Airport hotel

Athens Airport has a 5-star hotel nearby its facilities: Sofitel Athens Airport.

Passengers can book day rooms from 12:00 pm to 06:00 pm. 

Services: Free Wi-Fi, gym, pool, Gourmet restaurant, 24-hour food service, bars and facilities for both leisure and business.

It offers a spa open to non-guests and also facial and body treatments, massages, etc.

Lounges

Main Terminal

Goldair CIP Lounge: Main Terminal, level 1, opposite Gate A11 in the non-Schengen area. Services: Premium food, Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet terminals. Please note it is a non-smoking facility. 

Aegean Business Lounge: Main Terminal, after security, next to Gate A13. Open from 05:00 am to 01:00 am. Services: Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet terminals. Please note it is a non-smoking facility. 

Skyserv Aristotle Onassis Lounge: Main Terminal, airside, close to Gate A9 in the Extra-Schengen Area. Services: Snacks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet terminals, Printers, Copiers, Telephones. Please note it is a non-smoking facility. 

Satellite Terminal

Goldair Handling CIP Lounge: Satellite Terminal, Schengen area, level 1, opposite Gate B13. Services: Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet terminals. Please note it is a non-smoking facility.

Lufthansa Business Lounge: Satellite Terminal, Schengen area, opposite Gate B12. Services: Premium food, Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV. Please note it is a non-smoking facility.

Skyserv Melina Merkouri Lounge: Satellite Terminal, Schengen area, close Gate B11. Services: Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet terminals, Printers, Copiers, Telephones. Please note it is a non-smoking facility.

Aegean Business Lounge: Satellite Terminal, close to gate B13. Open from 04:00 am to 11:00 pm. Services: Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet terminals, Printers, Copiers, Telephones, Smoking area.

Purchase your pass to Athens Airport lounges

Location Map

Walking Tour