Greece › Athens › Airport Hotels
Updated: September 2, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
See Also
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 Hotels – My Tips
My wife and I at Athens International Airport.
- The Sofitel Athens Airport is the only hotel at the airport and easily the most convenient choice for an early flight or late arrival. It is directly across from the terminal, about a 2-minute walk away.
- If the Sofitel is too expensive, I’d stay at the Holiday Inn Athens Airport. It is about a 10-minute drive from the terminal and has a free airport shuttle. The current airport shuttle operates from 4:30am to 11pm, so very late arrivals will need a taxi.
- Beyond those two hotels, don’t worry too much about staying as close to the airport as possible. Choose based on what you are doing next. For cheaper rooms, there are also many small hotels and apartments around Spata, a short drive from the terminal.
- For a morning ferry from Rafina: stay in Rafina. It is much closer to Athens Airport than Piraeus and a good option for ferries to Mykonos, Tinos, and Andros. Avra Hotel is the most convenient hotel for the ferry port.
- For a ferry from Piraeus: I prefer central Athens unless your ferry leaves very early. You get to enjoy the evening in Athens, and Metro Line 3 runs directly from the center to Piraeus. For an early ferry, stay in Piraeus. The Port Square Hotel is especially convenient.
- For sightseeing: stay in central Athens. A for Athens is beside Monastiraki Station, with direct Metro Line 3 service to the airport. Plaka and the Acropolis are an easy walk.
- For a beach or resort stay before flying home: stay on the Athens Riviera. It works well if you have an afternoon or full day before your flight, but I would not stay there solely for airport convenience.
7 Best Hotels for Athens Airport
1. Sofitel Athens Airport – Luxury
• Great hotel and the only hotel located at Athens Airport.
• 2-minute walk to Arrivals, Departures, and the airport train and metro station.
• About 40 minutes to central Athens by metro.
• Soundproof rooms and 24-hour reception and room service.
• Indoor heated pool, gym, 2 restaurants, and bar.
• The clear first choice for a very early flight, late arrival, or overnight connection.2. Holiday Inn Athens Airport – Midrange
• Good hotel with little nearby, but very convenient for the airport.
• About a 10-minute drive from Athens Airport.
• Free airport shuttle currently operates from 4:30am to 11pm.
• Free parking.
• Indoor pool, free wifi, fitness center, and restaurant.
• Best alternative when the Sofitel is too expensive or sold out.3. Galini Palace – Budget
• Good-value hotel on the Athens Riviera, about 21 km from the airport.
• Roughly 20 to 30 minutes from the airport by taxi in light traffic.
• The X96 airport bus runs along the coastal road nearby.
• Sea View rooms have nice views but also face a busy road.
• Restaurants and swimming beaches are within an easy walk.
• Free parking and simple buffet breakfast.
• Better for travelers who want the Riviera than for a very early flight.4. Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso – Luxury
• Excellent beach resort in Vouliagmeni on the Athens Riviera.
• About 22 km from Athens Airport and usually under 30 minutes by taxi without heavy traffic.
• Private beach, indoor and outdoor pools, spa, and several restaurants.
• Glyfada restaurants and shopping are a short drive away.
• Underground parking for a fee.
• A good choice for a relaxing final night or two before flying home, not simply as an airport hotel.5. Four Seasons Astir Palace – Luxury
• The best luxury resort on the Athens Riviera.
• Large waterfront property in Vouliagmeni with private beaches, pools, spa, water sports, and excellent restaurants.
• Most rooms have sea views.
• About 35 to 45 minutes from Athens Airport by taxi, depending on traffic.
• Expensive, but a great final stop if you want a resort stay before flying home.
• Not a practical choice solely for airport access.6. Avra Hotel – Midrange
• Modern, good-value hotel beside Rafina ferry port.
• Best choice if you are flying into Athens and taking a ferry from Rafina the next morning.
• About 30 minutes from Athens Airport by car.
• Restaurant, bar, balconies, and parking.
• Restaurants, cafes, and the beach are nearby.
• Breakfast starts at 6am.
• About a 5-minute walk to the ferry port.
• Rafina is especially useful for ferries to Mykonos, Andros, and Tinos.7. A for Athens – Midrange
• Awesome central location beside Monastiraki Station.
• Direct Metro Line 3 service to Athens Airport and Piraeus.
• Easy walk to Plaka, the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and other central sights.
• Great rooftop bar with Acropolis views.
• My favorite choice if you have enough time to enjoy Athens before or after your flight.
Map of Athens Airport and Transportation
The Sofitel Athens Airport is the only hotel directly at Athens International Airport. I’ve stayed here several times and it’s always been easy and enjoyable.
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