None of the old Ellinikon nightmares here! (Athens International Airport (ATH))

Member Name: Jpdm

Product:	Athens International Airport (ATH)
Date:	09/06/01 (178 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: brand new, spacious, good services

Disadvantages: just it is so new that a few things must be taken care of

“Eleftherios Venizelos” Athens international airport is quite a … mouthful! However, for me it was a pleasant surprise when I firstly landed there. It is a brand new project for Greece, made in cooperation with a foreign consortium of constructors (I think German) specialised in similar projects.
For you that have flown to Greece before early March, I only have one thing to say: Unlucky! This is because you have not yet been in an airport that compared to the old “Ellinikon” is some ages ahead. Well that is for Greece of course and despite some little problems still to be encountered, the new airport seems like nothing the locals or even you must have seen before. Don’t get me wrong but having in mind the old airport, I have to say there is a huge difference.
Upon arrival the first thing that the airway reminded me of Amsterdam Schiphol airport. Covering a large area of the eastern part of Attica, next to the town of Rafina, it will take some time for your aircraft to get to the terminal. There you will see for the first time in a Greek airport corridors being used in order to exit the aircraft. Unfortunately, I did quite agree with the air-hostess who commented on that: “Isn’t there an equivalent of the driving licence for this?…” You see the airport being quite new has some people working the corridors who are not completely familiarised with the whole process. Things, however, are improving as I hear…
Well, that’s out of the way. You have arrived at the airport. What’s next? It has to be said that the exit from the corridor is sometimes misleading you to the departures lounge! This happened the first time I arrived in the airport to some passengers in front. My advice is: do not open any doors and, if in doubt, ask someone! That is if anyone is there when you arrive. Especially in early morning or late evening flights you kind of get the feeling that you are
airport alone (like home alone, get it?)… Another area that is continuously improving.
Let’s go on now to what is very important: baggage reclaim. I have to say that it is quite a prompt service and you will get hold of your luggage in no time. This proves very useful especially when you have to change flight. Just make sure to do the logical thing: check-in quite late. One thing I found most unacceptable is that you have to pay to get a trolley for your luggage. These are found directly in front of the conveyor belt. Although they cost just around 55p or 300 drachma, I found it quite strange being charged for using a trolley in an airport! Enough about that. You have taken your luggage.
Just after the terminal, there is usually a great number of taxis waiting for you or alternatively, there is an express bus directly to Athens. You see the new airport is nowhere near the distance the old airport had from the city centre of Athens. It will take a bit more. The good thing is that the is a brilliant motorway serving the access to and from the airport and you will get to your destination in non time. Just beware of some taxi fares. Normally the taxi fare for central Athens is around £9-11 or 4500-5500 drachma depending on traffic. There is a number of dodgy meters though, so be careful to have a clear view of the taxi meter and keep a close eye at it!
Of course the airport also offers all of the services one would expect to get at a modern airport. There are three available parking areas available giving the visitor no problem in finding a parking space. There is also quite a good provision for disabled people with some ramps and elevators available to them. Typically as you would expect there are travel agents, ATMs, a hotel, car rental, bank, currency exchange and a post office on the premises.

If you want to get more information as far as everything concerning the new airport go to:
http://www.aia.gr/en/index
.shtm

One more thing is that on the way there while I was having a discussion with another passenger I heard that she was expecting to use the train to get to Athens. Despite the fact that the construction of a train line to and from Athens is a reality, it is not yet operational. So if you don't opt for the taxi, bus, you better rent a car.

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