Athens International Airport (‘Eleftherios Venizelos’), commonly abbreviated as AIA, is the largest international airport in Greece. It serves the city of Athens and the region of Attica, and is the home of Aegan Airlines. Stretching over 16,000 acres (25.0 square miles; 14.7 square kilometres), the facility is sizeable, and with size comes traffic: it is among the busiest and most active airports in all of Europe.

Athens Airport offers a total of 9 lounges across its two main halls and Satellite Terminal, including options from Skyserv, Goldair and Swissport. These lounges are designed to accommodate for a range of traveler needs, providing amenities such as free Wi-Fi, Greek cuisine, and even shower facilities for added comfort and convenience.

In this guide, we’ll cover each lounges’ unique features, their services, and how you can gain access.

List of Lounges in Athens Airport

Below is a full list of all lounges at Athens (ATH) airport. There are four lounges in Hall A and Hall B of the airport, and one in the Satellite Terminal Building.

Departures - Hall A (Non-Schengen) in the shopping area, before the gates

• Skyserv Aristotle Onassis Lounge (2nd floor)

• Goldair Handling (2nd floor)

• Swissport Lounge (2nd floor)

• Aegean Business Lounge (3rd Floor)

Departures - Hall B (Schengen)

• Goldair Handling CIP Lounge

• Lufthansa - Business Lounge

• Skyserv Handling Services – Melina Merkouri

• Aegean Business Lounge

Satellite Terminal Building

• Goldair Handling x AIA Lounge

Departures- Hall A (Non-Schengen):

Skyserv Aristotle Onassis Lounge

• Location: Airside after Passport Control and Security Checks. This lounge is located on the 2nd Floor near Gate A7, after the Duty Free shops. The lounge is not accessible to passengers departing from the Satellite Terminal or Hall B.

• Opening Hours : 06:00 - 20:00 daily (6am-8pm).

• Amenities: Wi-Fi, snacks and refreshments, premium alcohol, flight monitors, television, air-conditioning, newspapers & magazines, conference room, fax machines and internet terminals.

• Access duration: Maximum 4 hour stay. Access may be restricted due to space constraints.

• Children: Admitted free of charge under the age of 3 years. Must be accompanied by an adult.

• Access Options:

  • Flexible lounge passes available through LoungePair, offering walk-up access without fixed time/date booking. LoungePair offers 3 hours access from €48 (~US$51) per person, a fully refundable pass for an additional €5, or for free with LoungePair+ purchase.

  • Members of contracted travel programs (Priority Pass and DragonPass) are granted access. Guest enitlements will depend on how you have obtained your membership.

  • Certain passengers of partner airlines, such as those with Star Alliance Gold status flying with Egyptair and Turkish Airlines, or those in First or Business Class on the same airlines.

  • Diners Club, American Express Platinum and Mastercard with LoungeKey cardholders have access to the Skyserv Aristotle Onassis Lounge. Venture X and Venture X Business Primary cardholders who have enrolled in Priority Pass can also access this lounge through Capital One, and will have guest entitlements.

  • Passengers may pay a walk-up fee at the front desk.

Goldair Handling Lounge

Location: Located Airside after Security Checks and Passport Control in Hall A. The Lounge is situated in the Non-Schengen area of the Departure Hall on Level 2. International Flights only. This lounge is not accessible to passengers departing from the Satellite Terminal and Hall B.

Opening Hours: 07:00-22:00 daily (7am-10pm).

Access duration: Maximum 4 hours.

Children: Under 6 years are granted free access. Must be accompanied by an adult.

Amenities and Food: Tv, air conditioning, alcohol, telephones, wi-fi, refreshments, flight monitors, conference room and prayer room. There are also shower facilities that are subject to payment.

The Goldair Handling Lounge offers a selection of dishes, snacks and desserts, all of which are inspired by Greek cuisine. As for the drinks, there is an extensive variety of premium beverages available, both hot and cold, as well as wines from renowned Greek producers.

Access Options:

The following are your options for getting into the Goldair Lounge:

• Flexible lounge passes available through LoungePair, offering walk-up access without fixed time/date booking. LoungePair offers 3 hours access from €47 (~US$49) per person, a fully refundable pass for an additional €5, or for free with LoungePair+ purchase.

• Priority Pass and DragonPass members are able to access the lounge. Guest enitlements will depend on how you have obtained your membership.

• Cardholders of Mastercard with LoungeKey, American Express Platinum, or Venture X, as well as Venture X Business primary cardholders with Capital One, can enjoy complimentary access to this lounge. Diners Club members also have access, with an additional guest fee of 29 EUR.

• Oneworld members with Sapphire or Emerald status can visit this lounge when flying with American Airlines. Business and First Class passengers on this airline are also provided access.

• Passengers may pay a walk-up fee at the front desk.

Swissport Lounge

Location: After the duty free shops on the 2nd Floor.

Hours of Operation: 08:00-16:00 (8am- 4pm)

Amenities: Wi-fi, snacks, soft drinks, appetisers, meals, alcoholic beverages, and a designated quiet area.

Access Requirements: Entry into the Swissport Lounge is available to select premium customers and elite members departing on an airline served by this lounge:

• SkyTeam: First or Business Class ticket holders or those with SkyTeam Elite Plus Frequent Flyers travelling on an international flight operated by Delta Airlines have access to the Swissport Lounge.

• Oneworld: Passengers flying first or business class, or those with Sapphire or Emerald status flying with either Qatar Airways or Royal Jordanian. Access for eligible customers traveling on these oneworld member airlines only.

• Star Alliance: Passengers are granted access when flying Air Canada. You need to be traveling in either business class or first class, or you should have Star Alliance Gold status.

You may also pay a walk-up fee at the desk if you don’t meet the eligibility requirements.

Aegean Business Lounge

This state-of-the-art lounge first opened back in 2022. Expanding over 1,200 square meters, it was designed to reflect the elegance of Greek architecture and exhibit the new identity of the Aegean brand.

The space is divided up into several smaller blended lounges: an area for media with a large flatscreen display, an area for socialising or just general relaxing, and a quiet zone near the windows with several partitioned recliners. There is also 2 meeting rooms, two cafes, and a large dining space.

Location: In the Non-Schengen area, prior to the central square, 3rd floor on the right. Follow the signage labelled ‘Business Lounges.’

Hours of Operation: 5:00-00:00 daily (5am-12am)

Amenities and food: Charging stations, Wi-Fi, hot and cold beverages, self-serve buffet, free daily press, alcoholic beverages, magazines and newspapers.

The buffet has plenty of local food on offer, including an assortment of tossed salad, cold cuts, fresh fruit, juices, pastries, sandwiches, and sweet snacks. If it’s a hot meal you’re craving, there are hearty casseroles and spanakopita (Greek spinach pies) available, among other delicacies.

Access Requirements: The Aegean Business Lounge (Non-Schengen) is open to passengers flying on Aegean airlines and Gold +Bonus members. Star Alliance also grants access to their Gold members.

Departures - Hall B (Schengen)

Goldair Handling CIP Lounge

The Goldair Handling CIP Lounge is a contemporary single-room space with two main buffet areas and large window views of the Spata countryside.

Location: In Hall B, airside, after security checks. The lounge is in the Schengen Area of Departures on Level 1, opposite Gate B13. The Goldair Handling CIP Lounge is not accessible to passengers departing from the Satellite Terminal or Hall A.

Opening Hours: 24 Hours daily.

Children: Under 6 years are granted free access. Must be accompanied by an adult.

Services and Features: Business Area with free wi-fi access, Internet terminals, flight monitors, satellite tv, international and local magazines/newspapers, a wide range of hot and cold food, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.

Of the two buffets- one is largely a beverage station and the other supplies food. The drink section has a coffee machine, tea, soft drinks, liquor, and wine. The food station typically has a variety of pastries, sandwiches, breakfast cereals, juice, and hot meals such as vegetable soup and Greek pies.

Access Options:

• Flexible lounge passes available through LoungePair, offering walk-up access without fixed time/date booking. LoungePair offers 3 hours access from €47 (~US$49) per person, a fully refundable pass for an additional €5, or for free with LoungePair+ purchase.

• Membership with contracted travel programs: If you are a member with Priority Pass or DragonPass, you will have access to this Goldair Lounge. Guest enitlements will depend on how you have obtained your membership.

• Cardholders: Mastercard with Loungekey, American Express Platinum, and Diners Club. Capital One Venture X cardholders are also eligible for a free Priority Pass membership that grants entry here.

• Travel Class and Status: SkyTeam Elite Plus Frequent Flyers, and first and business class passengers flying with AirFrance, ITA Airways, and KLM have complimentary access.

• Goldair Premium and Premium Package Plus members are granted entry.

Lufthansa Business Lounge

Location: Schengen departure area opposite Gate B12, airside. Near Gate A25.

Hours of Operation: 04:30- 20:00 daily (4:30am- 8:00pm)

Amenities: Wi-Fi, food and beverage selection, TV area, magazines, fax machines, flight monitors, printers, snacks, alcoholic drinks, charging ports, smoking area.

Food often includes selections such as colds cuts, omelettes, fruit, greek yoghurt, cereal, as well as some snacks such as biscuits. The beverage station offers a coffee machine (including greek coffee), juice, water, spirts and wine and soft drinks.

Access Requirements: A requirement for entry into Lufthansa lounges is your Miles & More status or your travel class and a valid boarding pass for the respective lounge location.

If you are a first or business class passenger on a flight operated by Lufthansa, SWISS, or StarAlliance you have access. For status: Miles & More Senator status, Hon Circle Frequent Flyer, or Star Alliance Gold membership are all valid.

Skyserv Handling – Melina Merkouri Lounge

Named after the renowned Greek actress, politician, activist and singer Maria Amalia "Melina" Mercouri, this Skyserv Lounge is a modest and relaxed space with comfortable seating and lots of natural light during the daytime.

Location: Across from Gate B11 in the Schengen Area after security Checks. Airside.

Opening Hours: 06:00 - 22:00 daily. (6:00am-10:00pm)

Access duration: Maximum 4 hour stay.

Children: Under 4 years are admitted free, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Amenities: Wi-Fi, refreshments, snacks, alcohol, coffee, flight monitors, tv, conference room (chargeable), fax machines, air conditioning, newspapers and magazines.

Access Requirements:

• Flexible lounge passes available through LoungePair, offering walk-up access without fixed time/date booking. LoungePair offers 3 hours access from €47 (~US$49) per person, a fully refundable pass for an additional €5, or for free with LoungePair+ purchase.

• SkyExpress permits access to the Skyserv Melina Merkouri Lounge no matter what kind of ticket fare you have, one of the few airlines to do this. This is available for an add-on fee.

• Membership with contracted travel programs: If you are a member with Priority Pass or DragonPass, you will have access to this Goldair Lounge. Guest enitlements will depend on how you have obtained your membership.

• If you are a Mastercard with LoungeKey, American Express Platinum, Diners Club or Capital One (via Venture X) cardholder, you will have access to this lounge.

• If you are flying Business or First Class, or have either Sapphire or Emerald Status with oneworld and are flying on Iberia or Royal Air Maroc, you will be able to access the Skyserv Melina Merkouri Lounge.

• Lounge access for international First or Business Class ticket holders or SkyTeam Elite Plus Frequent Flyers traveling on an international flight operated by AirEuropa are also provided access.

Aegean Business Lounge (Hall B)

The Aegean Lounge in Hall B utilises classic Greek materials like marble, mosaic, glass and wood, yet embodies a modern feel. Relax in the stylish seating area, indulge in some aromatic coffee, or explore the buffet options.

Location: Hall B, Departure Level, After Security Control, Opposite to Gate B13.

Operation Hours: 04:00- 23:30 (4:00am-11:30pm) daily

Amenities and Food: Tv area, workstation, printers, PC desktop, telephone access, alcoholic drinks, magazines, flight monitors, hot and cold beverages, charging stations, wi-fi, snacks, fax machine. 

Food is comprehensive, and includes various meats including fish, greek cuisine, cold cuts, snacks, sandwiches, cheese, and desserts such as a cheesecake.

Access Options: The Aegean Business Lounge in Hall B (Schengen) is open to passengers flying on Aegean Airlines in Business Class, and Gold +Bonus members. Star Alliance also grants access to their Gold members.

Satellite Terminal Building

Goldair Handling x AIA Lounge

Location: About 13 minutes walking distance from the main Terminal, this lounge is located on Level 2 of the Satellite Building. After security control but before passport control. Near Boarding Gate C34.

Opening Hours: Daily, 08:00-22:00 (8:00am-10:00pm)

Access Duration: 3 Hours Maximum

Children: Under 6 years are admitted free with an adult.

Amenities & Food: Wi-Fi, air conditioning, food and drinks, computer access, newspapers & magazines, TV, alcoholic beverages, baby changing facilities, flight monitors.

The buffet section was recently renovated and expanded in 2024, so the menu has multiplied its' options. This Goldair lounge provides a variety of hot and cold dishes/beverages, tasty snacks and desserts inspired by local culture. From traditional Greek cream cheese bagels, to Mediterranean salads, to vegetable soup. There is also a fine selection of spirts and liquor available.

How to Access:

• Flexible lounge passes available through LoungePair, offering walk-up access without fixed time/date booking. LoungePair offers 3 hours access from US$45 (~€44) per person.

• Goldair offers Gold and Gold Plus, Premium and Premium Plus packages which enable access to their lounges.

• Having a membership with Priority Pass and DragonPass will grant access. Guest enitlements will depend on how you have obtained your membership.

• Mastercard with LoungeKey, American Express Platinum, Capital One (via Venture X & enrolling in Priority Pass), and Diners Club cardholders are among those who can access this lounge.

• First or Business Class ticker holders or SkyTeam Elite Plus Frequent Flyers travelling on an international flight operated by Delta Airlines have access.

• You can also pay a walk-up fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is lounge access in Athens Airport?

Lounge access costs will vary depending on the lounge and the access method. Memberships like Priority Pass or being a cardholder with American Express for example may have different associated costs and benefits. However, most lounges in Athens International Airport are within the US$40.00-$52.00 (~€38-€49) range.

How to access Athens Airport lounge for free?

Free access to lounges is usually available to passengers with elite airline status or premium travel class. Many credit cards will also provide complimentary access as an added benefit.

How do I get from Athens International Airport to the city?

Athens International Airport is located approximately 33km southeast of the city (~20miles). There are several ways of getting from the airport to the city:

• The Metro Line 3 offers a direct route from the airport to Syntagma Square in the city centre. Talking around 40 minutes, this service is available daily every 30 minutes from 6:30Am-11:30pm.

• 24 hour buses connect Athens airport with the Port of Praeus and the Intercity Bus Terminal (KTEL Kifissos). Buses drop passengers off at the Departures Level and depart from the Arrivals Level of the Airport. Tickets can be purchased at the booth located outside the Arrivals hall, between Exits 4 and 5.

  From the airport, there are four bus routes available:

  1. Route X95 takes you to Syntagma Square with an estimated travel time of 60 minutes.

  2. Route X93 heads to Kifissos Station and typically takes about 65 minutes.

  3. Route X97 offers service to Elliniko, with a journey time of around 45 minutes.

  4. Route X96 connects to Piraeus port, requiring approximately 90 minutes of travel time.

• By Taxi. You can hail a taxi from the bay outside Arrivals Exit 3. There is usually a flat rate of €40 during the daytime, and €55 from 0:00-05:00am.

• The suburban railway, known as Proastiakos, links Athens Airport with Larissis Station, the central railway station in Athens, in around 45 minutes. Trains leave the airport for Doukissis Plakentias station frequently. At Doukissis Plakentias, passengers can transfer to the Athens Metro network and continue their journey using the same ticket.

How long can I stay in Athens Airport Lounges?

The stay time for Athens Airport Lounges is typically 3-4 hours, depending on how the access pass was obtained (membership, cardholder, walk-up, etc). Access duration may fluctuate due to unforeseen circumstances such as capacity constraints. Some lounges may allow for extended access if requested and paid for, but that is up to the individual lounges in person and typically not advertised online.

Summing Up

Athens Airport offers an impressive range of airport lounge options.

From the chic Aegean lounges to the modern Goldair spaces, there's a wonderful dedication to celebrating Greek culture while also embracing contemporary design aesthetics.

With amenities ranging from locally inspired cuisines, to shower facilities or conference rooms, there is plenty here to choose from to suit a wide range of traveller needs. In addition, there is an abundance of access options for all lounges, ensuring that every guest, regardless of their travel class or frequent flyer status, can find a suitable space.

Enjoy your journey through Athens Airport!