Hi!
We have a return flight booked on Sept 22/09 from Athens to Halifax, departing at 6:45am. We will be staying in Athens for 2 nights on the 19th and 20, but I've left the 21st up in the air as I'm not sure if it is best to book a hotel close to the airport or try and arrange transport from Athens to the airport. We are very comfortable taking the metro, but from what I've been able to find out, the metro starts at 5:00am, too late for us to get there, check in and make our international flight.
I've seriously considered the St. Thomas B&B (http://www.stay-in-athens.com) but they only arrange taxis from 8am to midnight. I've looked into the Sofitel, and although the higher price is doable (just not appealing), I was also hoping for a less North American style large hotel for our last night.
Does anyone have any suggestions on the best way to make it to the airport for an early morning flight? Can "reguialr" taxis be pre-arranged, or is there another car service anyone recommends for that eary hour?
Thanks again - we've had such great responses, ideas, and honest feedback from everyone!
Jenn

The Airport Express Bus #95 leaves Syntagma Square in Central Athens every half hour, 24/7/365. If your hotel is close by you can walk to the bus stop. Catch the 3 AM or 3:30 AM bus. That early in the morning the trip takes 45 minutes. The fare is 3.2 euro. Buy your tickets from the driver and validate them in the machine inside the bus. There is ample luggage storage inside.

Hotels very near (no more than 5 minutes walking) the bus stop include the Pan Hotel, Arethusa Hotel and Metropolis Hotel.

We took a taxi from our hotel to the Madrid airport because we had a 6:25 a.m. flight, and when we arrived 2 hours beforehand, most of the airport, including our gate, etc., was not open. We waited for at least an hour before any appropriate airport personnel were there.

If I'd known the place would be pretty much shut down until 5:00 or 6:00 s.m.--or whenever it was, I'd have taken the subway and saved a bundle.

I'd be sure to check to make sure that the appropriate check-in counters and gates are actually open, if you plan on arriving the usual two hours before departure that most international flights recommend.

They'll be open at least two hours before departure, depend on it.

Be advised that a taxi from Central Athens to the airport between Midnight and 6 AM will cost double, or approximately 60-75 euro.

We're in the same position as the OP. Our flight is at 6:30 am. We were going to stay at Peri's hotel but their free shuttle service to the airport doesn't start running until 7 am.

Brotherleelove, do you think we're better off staying at Peri's and taking a taxi to the airport? Or staying near Syntagma Square and catching the airport express bus.

One thing to consider is that we'll just be arriving in Athens (via Piraes) from Santorini that afternoon. So, we'll literally check in and then check out several hours later and head to the airport. I hate to get a room for such a short period but I guess we're going to have to rest our tired heads somewhere for a few winks.

Thanks!

If you don't mind getting up early stay in Athens. You'll be able to do any last-minute shopping and have a nice meal, and getting to your hotel after the ferry from Santorini will only take a short time by Metro. If you stay at one I mentioned above you can walk to the bus stop. If none of that matters then stay at Peri's and have them arrange a 4 AM pickup for you. But first I'd write and ask to be sure they can do that and how much it will cost.

Hey! I see you're from Halifax too! I'm also planning a trip to Greece. I'm probably leaving Halifax on August 26th and leaving Athens on September the 11th.
How long are you planning your trip to be?

We're leaving Sept 4th and returning Sept 22nd! Can't wait!

brotherleelove2004, thanks (as always) for the good advice. Much appreciated