Flights to Athens

Athens is Greece's capital, built around the Acropolis and a dense core of neighbourhoods that are easy to cross on foot and by metro. Most flights from the US arrive at Athens International Airport, which has a direct metro and rail link into the centre. The city is very hot in July and August, so many visitors plan around spring or autumn.

Airports
ATH
Currency
EUR
Passport needed
Yes
US cities with nonstops
8
ATH

Fares to Athens

Checking today’s fares with the airlines.

Flights to Athens from US cities

Airports in Athens and getting into town

ATH

Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos

12 miles (20 km) from the city centre. 34 million passengers in 2025

HowRouteTimeCost
MetroMetro Line 3 (blue) from the airport to Syntagmaabout 40m€9 one way
BusAirport Express bus from the airport to Syntagma and the city–€5.50 one way
TrainProastiakos suburban railway to Athens Central Station and Piraeus–€9 (same airport ticket as the metro)

Travel essentials for Athens

Entry requirements for US citizens

US citizens need a valid passport, but no visa, for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.

Your passport should be valid for at least three months after you plan to leave the Schengen Area (six months is recommended). The EU Entry/Exit System has been fully operational since 10 April 2026, so your fingerprints and a photo are taken at your first entry instead of a passport stamp. ETIAS, a travel authorisation costing €20 and valid for three years, is not required yet and has no confirmed start date, so check travel-europe.europa.eu before you fly.

Check the official guidance

Currency
euro (EUR)
Language
Greek
Plugs
Type C and F, 230 V
Time zone
Europe/Athens

When to visit Athens

April to May and September to October bring mild weather and smaller crowds. July and August are very hot, and some restaurants and venues close in August as residents leave for the islands.

Busiest: Jun–Aug. Quieter shoulder season: Apr–May, Sep–Oct.

Average temperatures in Athens (°F)

40°50°60°70°80°90°100°Jan: average high 56°F (13°C), low 45°F (7°C)45°JanFeb: average high 58°F (14°C), low 45°F (7°C)FebMar: average high 63°F (17°C), low 49°F (9°C)MarApr: average high 70°F (21°C), low 54°F (12°C)AprMay: average high 80°F (27°C), low 63°F (17°C)MayJun: average high 89°F (32°C), low 71°F (22°C)JunJul: average high 94°F (34°C), low 76°F (24°C)94°JulAug: average high 94°F (34°C), low 76°F (24°C)AugSep: average high 85°F (29°C), low 69°F (21°C)SepOct: average high 76°F (24°C), low 61°F (16°C)OctNov: average high 66°F (19°C), low 54°F (12°C)NovDec: average high 58°F (14°C), low 48°F (9°C)Dec
Show as a table
MonthAvg highAvg low
Jan56°F (13°C)45°F (7°C)
Feb58°F (14°C)45°F (7°C)
Mar63°F (17°C)49°F (9°C)
Apr70°F (21°C)54°F (12°C)
May80°F (27°C)63°F (17°C)
Jun89°F (32°C)71°F (22°C)
Jul94°F (34°C)76°F (24°C)
Aug94°F (34°C)76°F (24°C)
Sep85°F (29°C)69°F (21°C)
Oct76°F (24°C)61°F (16°C)
Nov66°F (19°C)54°F (12°C)
Dec58°F (14°C)48°F (9°C)

Tips for visiting Athens

  • The airport metro and bus tickets are separate from city tickets: a one-way metro or suburban rail airport ticket is €9 and the Airport Express bus is €5.50.
  • The standard 90-minute city ticket costs €1.20 but does not cover airport routes.
  • A 3-day tourist ticket costs €20 and includes a two-way airport trip by metro or Express bus.
  • Carry proof of onward travel and sufficient funds; Greek border officials may ask for a return ticket.
  • Plan sightseeing outdoors for early morning in July and August, when daytime highs average above 34°C (93°F).

Frequently asked questions

Which airports serve Athens?

Athens is served by Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH). Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos handled about 34 million passengers in 2025.

Do US citizens need a visa for Athens?

US citizens need a valid passport, but no visa, for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area. Your passport should be valid for at least three months after you plan to leave the Schengen Area (six months is recommended). The EU Entry/Exit System has been fully operational since 10 April 2026, so your fingerprints and a photo are taken at your first entry instead of a passport stamp. ETIAS, a travel authorisation costing €20 and valid for three years, is not required yet and has no confirmed start date, so check travel-europe.europa.eu before you fly.

When is the best time to visit Athens?

April to May and September to October bring mild weather and smaller crowds. July and August are very hot, and some restaurants and venues close in August as residents leave for the islands.

How do I get from Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos to the city centre?

Metro Line 3 (blue) from the airport to Syntagma, about 40 minutes, €9 one way. Other options include airport express bus from the airport to syntagma and the city and proastiakos suburban railway to athens central station and piraeus.

Which US cities have nonstop flights to Athens?

Among the cities we cover, Atlanta (about 0m), Boston (about 0m), Charlotte (about 0m), Chicago (about 0m), Dallas (about 0m), New York (about 0m), Philadelphia (about 0m) and Washington, D.C. (about 0m) have nonstop service to Athens as of October 2026.

What currency is used in Athens?

Athens uses the euro (EUR).

Sources

Information checked in October 2026. Schedules, fares and entry rules change, so confirm with the airline or the official source before you travel.

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