Arriving Athens Airport at 1:25 AM
 

Has anyone ever experienced arriving in Athens at 1:25 AM or there about? Not sure what to expect at the airport at that hour of the morning. Any suggestions or advice on how to handle such an early arrival would be appreciated. Thank you!

Answer depends on what happens after your arrival. Are you catching another plane or going into town?

I've often arrived around 4 am, once at 2 am as I recall. If you need to wait for an early morning flight, or to kill some time before going to the port for a morning ferry, there are cafes on the departure level open all night. There is also a small museum another level up good for a few minutes diversion. Nearly all the shops are closed until later in the morning.

At 1:30 AM the vampires crawl out of their coffins and at 1:45 AM the Gremlins are around.


Please ask a more sensible question in order to get a sound answer. There are very knowledgable people here on this forum, but please take them seriously.

>>Answer depends on what happens after your arrival. Are you catching another plane or going into town?<<

I apologize for not wording my question for a helpful response. When we arrive in Athens from California via Istanbul at 1:30 am, we are in Athens to transfer to a cruise ship in Piraeus that day sometime around noon. I am wondering if we should book a hotel room for a very late check in near the port or if we should just get a room at the airport. If going to a hotel near the port is an option, will cabs be readily available and will there be safety concerns at that time?

Thank you for any suggestions on what might be a good option.

Check out the Sofital. It is 100 meters from the airport exit doors. It is pricey but location is worth paying for. Wake up next morning and take a taxi or the x95 bus to the port,
There will be taxis at the airport if you choose to spend another hour or so before hitting bed in Piraeus.

oops that is the x96 bus.

I agree about Sofitel—no point in travelling to the port that late at night. Yes, Sofitel is expensive, but worth it for late arrivals or early morning flights.

The X96 bus is a good way to get to the ferry docks in Piraeus, but doesn't stop near the cruise ship docks. Were it me I would take a taxi.

I wouldn't pay for a room for just a few hours, and a pricey one... I suggest you just hang around, go see the archaeological museum (yes, in the airport) eat something and sit in a cafe with wifi to further plan your trip.

I would get a room near the airport. You can still get in 7 to 8 hours sleep (sleep late, don't unpack, skip breakfast, eat on the ship) and prebook a taxi or car service to the ship. If you don't, you will be exhausted and probably just wanting to sleep by time you are on board the ship.

I like to feel rested and energetic the first day of a cruise, to enjoy the sail-a-way, dinner and entertainment, not sacked out in the cabin from fatigue.

Sassafrass has some good suggestions!

In my Mar 27th reply I suggested hanging around the airport terminal, but that was before you revealed that you can't board your cruise ship until around noon. That 10 hour overnight layover in the terminal would be exhausting!

Sofitel is very convenient—just walk across the street from the terminal and you can be in your hotel room a few minutes later. There are some cheaper alternatives near the airport that would involve a taxi or transfer.

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions. I think we are leaning towards the hotel at the airport.

There is a Holiday Inn near the Athens Airport that is much less expensive than the Sofitel. You might consider staying there since you will be tired from all that flying.