Athens Airport handles flights throughout the night, particularly from Middle Eastern hubs, European budget carriers, and delayed seasonal flights. If your plane lands between 10 PM and 6 AM, here is what to expect.
The terminal after hours
The main terminal building stays open. Immigration and customs process arriving passengers around the clock. Late-night queues are usually shorter. The arrivals hall has ATMs that operate 24 hours. A few food outlets remain open, though selection is limited after 11 PM. The terminal is air-conditioned and has seating, making it tolerable if you need to wait.
What stops running
The metro (Line 3) runs its last train from the airport around 11:30 PM. On Friday and Saturday nights, service extends to about 2 AM. After that, you cannot take the metro until roughly 6:30 AM.
The suburban rail also stops late evening. Most regional bus services stop as well.
What keeps running
Bus X95 is the lifeline for late-night arrivals. It runs 24 hours between the airport and Syntagma Square. Overnight frequency is reduced (every 30-40 minutes instead of every 15-20), and the journey takes 60-90 minutes. The fare is EUR 5.50. The bus is functional but not luxurious. At 2 AM, it is mostly empty.
Bus X96 to Piraeus port also runs 24 hours, useful if you have an early morning ferry.
Taxis are available around the clock. The night flat rate (midnight to 5 AM) is EUR 55 to the city centre, compared to EUR 40 during the day. The rank outside arrivals is staffed continuously, though the queue of available taxis may be shorter in the middle of the night.
Pre-booked transfers operate at any hour. The price is the same regardless of when you arrive. Your driver tracks the flight and waits for you. For arrivals between midnight and 5 AM, this is the most predictable option.
Rideshares after midnight
Uber (which uses licensed taxis in Athens) is available but driver supply decreases significantly after midnight. Wait times of 15-25 minutes are common. The app shows the price upfront, which will reflect the night rate.
Common late-night scenarios
Landing at 11 PM: You might catch the last metro if immigration and baggage are quick. But it is tight. Have a backup plan (taxi or bus).
Landing at 1 AM: Metro is closed unless it is a Friday/Saturday night. Take the X95 bus, a taxi (EUR 55), or your pre-booked transfer.
Landing at 4 AM: X95 bus, taxi, or transfer. The terminal will be quiet. First metro trains start around 6:30 AM if you are willing to wait.
Safety at night
Athens Airport is safe at all hours. The terminal has security presence and is well-lit. The X95 bus is safe to ride even at 3 AM, though it passes through some quiet parts of the route. The city centre (Syntagma, Plaka) is generally safe at night, though Omonia Square area can be rough after dark.
The main concern is not safety but comfort. Waiting for a bus at 3 AM with heavy luggage and jet lag is not pleasant. If budget allows, a taxi or transfer is worth the premium for late arrivals.