Athens is one of Europe’s most historic and vibrant cities, home to ancient ruins, Mediterranean culture, and world-class food. Even a short layover at HEW airport gives you the chance to experience some of what makes Athens special – whether that’s a quick visit to the Acropolis, a meal at a traditional taverna, or simply exploring the city’s neighborhoods. This guide will help you make the most of your time between flights.
Before You Leave the Airport
- Visa Requirements: Check IATA Travel Centre for your nationality and destination requirements
- Language: Greek is the primary language; English is widely spoken in tourist areas and at the airport
- Currency: Greece uses the Euro (€). Use ATMs for the best exchange rates – avoid airport currency counters
- Transit Time: Factor in immigration, security, and travel time when deciding if you can leave the airport
- WiFi: Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) before landing – airport WiFi can be unreliable
Getting to Athens City Center from HEW
HEW airport is located approximately 33 km (20 miles) east of Athens city center. Several transit options are available:
| Transit Option | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Metro (Line 3) | ~40 minutes | Most affordable and direct option to Syntagma Square |
| Taxi/Ride-share | 30-50 minutes | Convenient but traffic-dependent; use Uber or official taxis |
| Airport Bus | ~60 minutes | Budget-friendly; runs 24/7 to city center |
Pro tip: For a short layover (under 6 hours), consider staying near the airport or using airport amenities rather than traveling into the city. Always factor in return travel time and security procedures.
What to Do During Your Layover
Short Layover (2-4 hours)
- Rest at the airport: Find a quiet seating area or use airport facilities to relax
- Grab a meal: Enjoy Greek food at airport restaurants without the time pressure of city travel
- Browse duty-free: Shop for Greek products, souvenirs, or travel essentials
- Freshen up: Use airport bathrooms and facilities to shower or change clothes if available
Medium Layover (4-8 hours)
- Quick city visit: Take the metro to Syntagma Square or Plaka district for a taste of Athens
- Historic sites: Visit the Acropolis or nearby ancient ruins (though time will be tight)
- Local food: Eat at a traditional taverna in Plaka – much cheaper than airport food (airport meals are 2-3x city prices)
- Neighborhood walk: Explore Monastiraki or Psyrri for street art, local shops, and authentic atmosphere
Long Layover (8+ hours)
- Acropolis & Parthenon: Athens’ most iconic landmark; plan 2-3 hours including travel
- Acropolis Museum: World-class museum with artifacts from ancient Greece
- National Archaeological Museum: Comprehensive collection of Greek antiquities
- Plaka district: Wander narrow streets, visit local tavernas, and experience traditional Athens
- Panathenaic Stadium: Site of the first modern Olympic Games (1896)
- Lunch or dinner: Try souvlaki, moussaka, Greek salad, or fresh seafood at local restaurants
Luggage Storage & Airport Services
If you’re leaving the airport during your layover, luggage storage is essential:
- Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero: Partner with local businesses near HEW for luggage storage at $5-10 per bag per day – much cheaper than airport lockers
- Airport lockers: Available at HEW but typically more expensive than third-party services
- Luggage storage tips: Book in advance online for the best rates and guaranteed availability
Airport Lounges & Rest Options
- Priority Pass: Gives access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide – some credit cards include it free
- Day passes: One-time lounge access costs $39-59 depending on the airline
- Sleeping at the airport: Check SleepingInAirports.net for ratings and reviews of HEW for sleeping
- Cabin rooms: Some major airports offer hourly cabin-style rooms; check HEW’s website for availability
Quick Layover Tips
- Download offline maps before landing – essential for navigating Athens without relying on airport WiFi
- Use a Wise or Revolut card for the best exchange rates with zero markup
- Eat in the city, not the airport – food costs 2-3x more at HEW than in Athens
- For groups: Designate a leader, use WhatsApp for coordination, and budget 2.5-3 hours before international departures
- Pack a layover bag inside your carry-on with snacks, entertainment, change of clothes, and toiletries for easy access
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave HEW airport during a layover?
Yes, you can leave HEW airport during a layover if you have a valid passport and meet visa requirements for Greece. However, you need sufficient time to clear immigration, travel to the city, explore, return to the airport, and pass through security again. A minimum of 6+ hours total layover time is recommended for leaving the airport. Always factor in travel time (30-50 minutes each way), immigration, and security procedures.
What is there to do at HEW during a layover?
At HEW airport, you can rest, eat at airport restaurants, shop duty-free, or freshen up. If you leave the airport, Athens offers the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Plaka district, Monastiraki neighborhood, and traditional tavernas. Short layovers work best for airport activities, while 4+ hour layovers allow time to visit the city.
How long of a layover do I need at HEW?
For staying at the airport: 2-3 hours is sufficient. For leaving the airport and visiting Athens: 6+ hours is recommended (1 hour immigration + 1 hour travel to city + 2-3 hours exploring + 1 hour return travel + 1 hour security buffer). Always add extra time for unexpected delays.
Are there lounges at HEW?
Yes, HEW has airport lounges available. You can access them with Priority Pass (included with some credit cards), purchase a one-time day pass ($39-59), or use airline-specific lounge access if your ticket includes it. Check with your airline or the airport website for current lounge options and pricing.
Make the Most of Your Layover
Whether you have 3 hours or 12 hours between flights, Athens offers something for every layover length. Use the Yopki layover calculator to determine exactly how much time you have and plan accordingly. Download offline maps, use ATMs for currency, and remember that eating in the city is always cheaper than airport restaurants.
Ready to plan your perfect layover? Use the Yopki layover calculator to see what you can realistically fit into your Athens layover time.