Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos)
It is not possible to fly direct to Hydra because there isn't an airport on the island. The closest airport to the island on the mainland in Athens, Greece.
Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos", commonly initialized as "AIA", began operation on 28 March 2001 and is the primary international airport that serves the city of Athens and the region of Attica.
Address: Attiki Odos, Spata Artemida 190 04
Code: ATH
Telephone: +(30) 210 353 0000
Athens International Airport (AIA) is a really comfortable and user-friendly airport. Definitely up there with the best. If you land in the early hours, it's much more comfortable to stay put for a few hours. Waiting about in the dark at Piraeus for the first dolphin can be a little unsettling.
You need to allow about one and a half hours travelling time to Piraeus, the main sea port that is used for transfers with Hellenic Seaways flying dolphins and cats for the onward sea-journey to Hydra.
A taxi from the airport can manage the trip in about 1 hour if there is no heavy traffic but anticipate 1.5 hours
So in total, if you land on time, you will need to allow approximately 3.5 hours between landing at AIA, to departing from Piraeus. Bring Euro coins with you if you want to use a trolley, there's no change machine before customs.
If you land very early in the morning, it is more comfortable to wait in the airport lounges or cafes until about 2.5 hours before your departure time from Piraeus. Sitting around on the metal benches, at 2 in the morning, next to the Hellenic ticket office waiting for the first dolphin to depart, can be indimidating and a little scary!
AIA Call Center operates 24hours on a daily basis and provides the following information:
- Flight Arrivals/Departures to/from AIA on a 24hours basis
- Serivces inside Terminal Building:
- Airlines' phone numbers, as well as telephone contacts of all other companies operating in AIA
- Transportation means from/to AIA
- Parking Facilties
- Lost Property/Articles
- Baggage trolley services
- Left luggage office
- Hotel accomodation next to AIA (Sofitel, see below)
- Reporting/Handling of complaints from airport users
Please visit the main airport website at: www.AIA.gr for full details.
ATHENS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT S.A. "ELEFTHERIOS VENIZELOS"
SPATA GR-19019
GREECE
Airport call center: (+30) 210 3530000
Airport company call center: (+30) 210 3531000
Airport company facsimile: (+30) 210 3530001
The Sofitel Hotel is right next to the airport and is a convenient place to stay if you want a good nights sleep before travelling on to the island. You can't really miss it, it's directly across the road when you come out of the airport building through Exit Door 4.
You can take a trolley for your luggage, but you need to make sure you have a 1 euro coin on you. The porters at the hotel are very helpful and will handle everything for you while you check in.
Book online to get the best rates!
If you want to make the most of being so close to the centre of Athens and all it's ancient monuments and places to visit, then there are a couple of express buses that will take you to the central areas or you can use the Metro which is very well operated and is a good way of travelling around the city. (Please make sure that you have your valuables tucked away safely and zipped inside your coat or jacket. Do not leave them in the side pocket of your rucksack!)