Practical info Athens, Greece
Getting around the city
Most tourist sites are within the city centre, which is easy to navigate on foot. However, Athens has an extensive public transport network consisting of buses, trolley buses, trams and a fast, three-line underground metro service. The metro and the tram network are especially useful for tourists. Transport is cheap, but often overcrowded, especially during rush hour (1-3pm). Most public transport operates until midnight, with a limited night bus and tram service operating along major routes. Although taxis are plentiful, it may be difficult to get one during rush hour. For this reason, it's not unusual to share the ride with other passengers. Taxis are inexpensive, but visitors should always check that the meter is on and set to the minimum fare. Drivers often attempt to overcharge tourists. Legitimate surcharges can increase the final bill, but these should be displayed on the dashboard.
Time
GMT +2
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts and 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use, including the European-style two-pin and the round three-pin.
Currency
The official currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. Banks and bureaux de change are widely available and major credit cards are accepted. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining euros.
Communication
The international access code for Greece is +30. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The city code for Athens is 21. Free wifi is available at cafes, restaurants, hotels and other similar establishments throughout Greece. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Emergency number
112 (General European Emergency Number); 100 (Police), 166 (Ambulance), 199 (Fire)
Travel documents and health
Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
Getting to the city
Metro Line 3 connects the airport with central Athens. The airport is also served by four public bus routes, which connect to destinations in the greater area of Athens and Piraeus, with buses running frequently day and night. Athens International is also connected to Athens Central Railway Station (Larissis Station) by the Suburban Rail line.
Car rental
Avis, Hertz, Budget, Enterprise and Sixt are all represented at the airport.
Airport taxi's
A taxi to the centre of the Athens takes roughly half an hour to an hour depending on the traffic. Taxis are substantially more expensive at night. Taxis can be found at the designated taxi waiting area located at Exit 3 of the main Arrivals level.
Transfer between terminals
The two terminals are connected by a walkway.
Facilities
The airport features banks and ATMs, currency exchange services, a tax refund desk, travel agencies, conference facilities, a business centre, a tourist information desk, numerous shops and restaurants, and a food court.
Parking
There is short and long-term parking available in the airport. The short-term parking is on the arrivals level and costs €3.80 for the first hour (up to 20 minutes are free), while long-term parking is found across the access road in P3. Long-term parking costs €13 for the first day and €50 for a week. Long-term parking is connected to the terminal by a free shuttle.
Internet
The airport offers free wifi.