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The Best Hotels Near Athens Airport

GreeceAthens › Airport Hotels
Updated: March 20, 2026 • By Santorini Dave

See Also

Map of Hotels near Athens International Airport.
Hotels on Map: 1. Sofitel Athens Airport • 2. Holiday Inn Athens Attica Ave • 3. Galini Palace • 4. Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso • 5. Four Seasons Astir Palace • 6. Avra Hotel • 7. A for Athens

Athens Airport – My Tips

Me and my wife at the Athens Airport.

My wife and I at the Athens International Airport.

  • 1. The Only Hotel Actually at the Airport
    The Sofitel Athens Airport is the only hotel located directly across from the terminal. If you have a late-night arrival, an early-morning flight, or a long layover, this is by far the easiest and least stressful option. You can walk there in just a couple of minutes from the terminal, with no shuttle, taxi, or long walk required. Sofitel sometimes offers day-use rooms, which can be a great option for long layovers, but hours and pricing vary, so check directly with the hotel.
  • 2. The Closest Full-Service Alternative
    The Holiday Inn Athens Attica Avenue is the best backup if the Sofitel is full or too expensive. It is about 13 km from the airport and usually 10 to 15 minutes away by car when traffic is light. The hotel offers a free airport shuttle, but schedules can change, so I strongly recommend confirming the current timetable and pickup details before arrival – especially if you land very late or depart very early. Also, be careful to book the airport property on Attica Avenue, not a hotel in central Athens with a similar name.
  • 3. If You’re Not Staying by the Airport, Choose Based on What Comes Next
    If you are not staying at the Sofitel or Holiday Inn, the best place to stay depends on your plans for the next day.
  • 4. Best for Rafina Ferries: Stay in Rafina
    If you are catching a morning ferry from Rafina to Mykonos, it usually makes more sense to sleep in Rafina than in central Athens. Rafina is much closer to the airport than Piraeus and is the most convenient port for ferries to Mykonos, Tinos, and Andros. It is a smart, low-stress choice for an overnight before an early sailing.
  • 5. Best for Piraeus Ferries: Central Athens or Piraeus
    For Piraeus ferries, I usually prefer staying in central Athens if you have the time, since you get a better final night with restaurants, views, and easy sightseeing. But if you have a very early ferry, staying in Piraeus can be practical. The Port Square Hotel is one of the most convenient options near the station and port, while The Alex is a more stylish boutique option in Kastella. Just remember that Piraeus is a huge port, so “near the port” does not always mean a short walk to every ferry gate.
  • 6. Best for Sightseeing: Stay in Central Athens on the Direct Airport Metro Line
    If you want to see Athens, stay in the center near a station on the direct airport metro line. A for Athens is my favorite for this because it sits beside Monastiraki Station, which has direct metro service to the airport and onward connections to Piraeus. It is also within easy walking distance of Plaka, the Acropolis area, and many of the city’s best sights.
  • 7. Best for a Relaxing Layover: Stay on the Athens Riviera
    If you have time to unwind, the Athens Riviera can be a great choice. This seaside stretch south of the city has beaches, sea views, and resort-style hotels, and is often only about 20 to 30 minutes from the airport by car in normal traffic. It is a much better fit for travelers who want a final afternoon by the water than for those with a very early flight.

7 Best Hotels near Athens Airport

1. Sofitel Athens Airport – Luxury

Hotel at Athens Airport.
• Great hotel. The only hotel located at the airport.
• 2-minute walk to the main terminal (both Arrivals & Departures) and train station.
• 40-minutes by train or car to central Athens.
• Soundproof rooms. 24-hour room service and reception.
• Air conditioning, safe deposit, minibar, pay TV, video on demand, high-speed Internet.
• 2 restaurants, 2 bars, indoor heated pool, gym, salon, and on-site parking.

2. Holiday Inn Athens Attica Ave – Midrange

Free airport shuttle bus at Athens Airport Holiday Inn.
• Good hotel with little nearby but convenient for the airport.
• Free shuttle bus to the airport, 10 minute drive.
• Free parking.
• Public transit is possible, but it’s less straightforward than the shuttle. Most guests use the hotel’s airport shuttle (via the airport) or a taxi.
• Indoor pool, free wifi, small fitness center.
• 1 restaurant (open 24 hours). Room service 6:30am to midnight.

3. Galini Palace – Budget

Best cheap hotel close to Athens airport.
• Good value hotel located on the Athens Riviera, 17 km south of central Athens.
• 20 to 30 minutes, 21 km drive from the airport.
• X96 airport bus stops directly in front of the hotel.
• Taxi from Galini Hotel to Athens Airport: about 30 minutes, 40-50€.
• Sea View rooms have nice views but also face a noisy road.
• About an hour by inexpensive public transportation to central Athens and Piraeus ferry port.
• Good restaurants and swimming beaches are within an easy walk.
• Free parking.
• Free breakfast – simple buffet with pastries, fruit, toast, coffee, etc.

4. Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso – Luxury

Best beach hotel near Athens Airport.
• Great resort located on the Athens Riviera, 18 km south of central Athens.
• Wonderful private beach, sea swimming, indoor and outdoor pools.
• Many restaurants and lots of shopping nearby.
• 12-minute walk on busy road to X96 airport bus.
• Underground valet parking for a fee.
• Taxi from Divani Hotel to Athens Airport: about 30 minutes, 40-50€.
• Free shuttle to Glyfada shopping area and central Athens but not to airport.

5. Four Seasons Astir Palace – Luxury

5-star beach resort near Athens airport.
• Sprawling 5-star luxury resort on the Athens Riviera, 22 km south of central Athens.
• Outstanding facilities and amenities. Most units have a sea view.
• 3 private beaches, saltwater pool, tennis courts, basketball court, 8 restaurants & bars, full-service spa, fitness center.
• Water sports, paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, jogging trails (across the 100-acre property).
• Shopping and golf club nearby.
• Boat access and helipad.
• Taxi from Four Seasons to Athens Airport: about 40 minutes, 40-50€.
• Valet parking for a fee.

6. Avra Hotel – Midrange


• Modern, good value hotel close to Rafina ferry port (not the main ferry port at Piraeus).
• Restaurant, bar, balconies in all guest rooms, free parking.
• Free shuttle service to/from Athens International Airport, 25 km, 30 minutes.
• Taxi from Avra Hotel to Athens Airport: about 30 minutes, 35-50€.
• Many restaurants, bars, and beach are within a couple blocks.
• Breakfast starts at 6 am (perfect for most ferry departures).
• 5-minute walk, 400m, to the ferry port.
• The Rafina port is best for ferries to Mykonos, Andros, & Tinos. In high season there are also ferries to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, and Crete.

7. A for Athens – Midrange

4-star Athens hotel near train to airport.
• Awesome location near Monastiraki metro station and direct trains to both the Athens airport and the Piraeus ferry port
• Easy walk to Plaka, Acropolis, and the top sights of central Athens.
• Great rooftop bar with Acropolis views.

Map of Athens Airport Hotels

Map showing the best hotel at Athens airport and transportation options from the airport.
The Sofitel Athens Airport is the only hotel located at the Athens Airport.

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave in Athens, Greece Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece.

Questions? Email me at dave@santorinidave.com.