“The world’s ancient capital”

With equal measures of grunge and grace, Athens is a heady mix of history and edginess. Cultural and social life plays out amid, around and in ancient landmarks. The magnificent Acropolis, visible from almost every part of the city, reminds Greeks daily of their heritage and the city’s many transformations.

Travelling by Plane

Athens International Airport (AIA) is located approx. 42.5km from Athens City and is an approx. 40min taxi journey. There are several different routes from the airport to the City but the fastest option for public transport is the metro and suburban rail. However, the bus is the cheapest option (provided there are no strikes on).

Car & Motorcycle

Athens’ city roads are prone to traffic congestion and it can be confusing to navigate the narrow one-way streets so be prepared for this by using Google maps or Satnav. There is no free parking in the city and the price for parking per day is approx. €20. Make sure, if you are driving to check with your hotel beforehand to make sure that a parking space is provided on their premises. Paid parking areas require tickets available from kiosks.

Directions from AIA to Crowne Plaza Athens (conference venue)

Venue: Crowne Plaza Athens
Address: City Centre Michalakopoulou 50, Athina 115 28, Greece
Tel. +30 210 727-8000

*Please note this route has tolls.

If you are coming by car from the airport, follow the main airport highway (Attiki Odos) until you reach the exit for Messogion Avenue. Turn left on Messogion towards the city centre and continue until Feidippidou Street, then turn left and continue for one block to reach Mihalakopoulou Street. Drive 2km down Mihalakopoulou and the Crowne Plaza will appear on your left on the opposite side of the street. There is an underground parking area available at the venue if required.

Local Public Transport

Bus & Trolleybus

Local express buses, regular buses and electric trolleybuses operate every 15 minutes from 5am to midnight.

Directions to Crowne Plaza Athens (conference venue) via Bus

Venue: Crowne Plaza Athens
Address: City Centre Michalakopoulou 50, Athina 115 28, Greece
Tel. +30 210 727-8000

The airport bus X95 drops you on Vassilisis Sophias Avenue within a five minute walk from the hotel. On both Vassilisis Sophias and the main street outside the hotel (Mihalakopoulou Street), there are over a dozen bus and/or trolley bus lines that connect you to practically all parts of the city. Ask us for more on how to come from or go to a particular neighbourhood.

Metro

The metro works well and posted maps have clear icons and English translations. Trains operate from 5am to midnight, every four minutes during peak periods and every 10 minutes off-peak. On Friday and Saturday, lines 2 and 3 run till 2am. Get information at www.stasy.gr. All stations have wheelchair access.

Directions to Crowne Plaza Athens (conference venue) via Metro

Venue: Crowne Plaza Athens
Address: City Centre Michalakopoulou 50, Athina 115 28, Greece
Tel. +30 210 727-8000

Just five minutes’ walk to the Megaro Moussikis metro station (blue line) which takes you directly from and to the airport in 35 minutes. The metro also takes you in two stops to Syntagma Square (three minutes), the very heart of Athens, and to Monastiraki Square, the historic core of the city (four minutes). The metro system connects you easily to the Port of Piraeus, the Suburban Railway, the main train station, and the tram that takes you to the coastal area of greater Athens.

Taxi

Athens’ taxis are excellent value and can be the key for efficient travel on some routes. It can be difficult to hail a taxi during rush hour. Make sure the meter is on. It is better to use the mobile app Taxibeat (www.taxibeat.gr) – you can book from abroad and pay in cash. Uber also operates in Athens. Or call a taxi from dispatchers such as Athina 1, Enotita or Parthenon.

If a taxi picks you up while already carrying passengers, the fare is not shared: each person pays the fare on the meter minus any diversions to drop others (note what it’s at when you get in). Short trips around central Athens cost about €5; there are surcharges for pick-ups at the airport and transport hubs. Nights and holidays, the fare is about 60% higher.

Tickets & Passes

Paper tickets are valid for 90 minutes (€1.40) and a 24-hour/five-day travel pass (€4/10) are valid for all forms of public transport except for airport services. The three-day tourist ticket (€22) includes one round-trip airport ride. Children under six travel free; people under 18 and over 65 pay half-fare.

Buy tickets in metro stations or transport kiosks or most periptera (kiosks). Validate the ticket in the machine as you board your transport of choice.

Train

A fast suburban rail links Athens with the airport, Piraeus, the outer regions and the northern Peloponnese. It connects to the metro at Larisis, Doukissis Plakentias and Nerantziotissa stations, and goes from the airport to Kiato.

Tram

Athens’ tram (www.stasy.gr ) offers a slow, scenic coastal journey to Faliro and Voula, via Glyfada.

Trams run from Syntagma, opposite the National Gardens, to the coast, then split: east to Voula (one hour) and west to Faliro (45 minutes). (The western line is being extended to Piraeus but most visitors will find the metro a faster option.) Service is from 5.30am to 1am Sunday to Thursday (every 10 minutes), and to 2.30am on Friday and Saturday (every 40 minutes). Ticket vending machines are on the platforms.