Flying through Athens International Airport with kids can be a challenge, but with the right preparation, your family trip can be smooth, enjoyable, and even relaxing. From navigating security with little ones to finding kid-friendly spots around the terminal, this guide covers essential tips to make your airport experience stress-free. Plus, we’ll share simple relaxation techniques to help both parents and children stay calm and comfortable throughout the journey.

Athens Airport with Kids: A Complete Guide

Flying through Athens Airport with kids is surprisingly manageable. I’ve traveled through AIA with my children since they were newborn babies, often on my own, with a stroller, a baby carrier, and lots of gear. Here are the top reasons why Athens International Airport (AIA) is one of the easiest and most family-friendly airports to navigate:

1. Convenient Location

Athens International Airport is located in the Spata area and is just 30 minutes from the city center. It’s also close to several beaches and shopping outlets, which can make layovers or delays more pleasant. If you have extra time before your flight, a beach visit, the Athens Zoo or retail therapy can be a fun way to pass the time.

2. Excellent Access by Road and Public Transport

You can reach the airport by car, bus, metro or train. The suburban railway and Athens Metro Line 3 both stop at the airport. Trains arrive within a 5-minute walk from the departures terminal. Taxis, buses, and private transfers are also readily available. (Scroll to the end of the article for full transport details.)

3. Family-Friendly Design

Athens Airport is modern, bright, and thoughtfully laid out. The terminals are filled with natural light and designed on a manageable scale—making it easy to navigate, even when you’re juggling a stroller, toddler, or baby gear. Clear signage and short walking distances mean less stress for parents and more comfort for little travelers.

4. Calm and Spacious – Generally Relaxed, But Can Get Busy

Unlike sprawling hubs, Athens Airport often feels calm and easy to navigate, even with kids. Many travelers praise its clear layout and quick, stress-free security process—one even described it as “one of the least complex airports in the world”.
That said, during peak times—early mornings and summer afternoons—check-in and security can get a bit busier, so it’s wise to arrive a little earlier.

5. Helpful Airport Staff

Airport staff are especially kind to families with children. Security staff usually guide families to a priority lane, making the process faster and less stressful. We’ve frequently been waved through a separate entrance for passport and boarding pass checks.

6. Play Area for Babies and Toddlers

The Kids Play Area is on the second floor, departures level, and caters to children ages 1.5 to 8. There’s a soft play zone for toddlers and creative toys and crafts for older kids. The play area is managed by The Smile of the Child an NGO, which provides staff for creative activities. Opening Hours: Usually between 09:00–21:00 or 09:00–20:30 daily Note: Parents must stay with their children, and boarding passes and passports are required to enter.

7. Facilities for Families

Athens International Airport makes traveling with babies easier thanks to clean, well-equipped baby changing rooms located in both the public and secured areas. These spaces are usually tidy, stocked with essentials like paper towels, and offer enough room for strollers and bags.

Water fountains are available throughout the terminal, ideal for refilling baby bottles or sippy cups. If you’re formula-feeding, you’ll also find that many airport cafés are happy to provide warm water upon request.

For breastfeeding mothers, while there are no dedicated nursing rooms, Greece is generally breastfeeding-friendly, and you’re unlikely to be bothered for nursing in public. That said, if you prefer more privacy, some parents recommend using quieter gates or finding a calm corner near the lounges or upstairs food court.

If you need to settle a fussy baby or escape the noise, the first floor near the play area and museum tends to be quieter and more relaxed.

Family toilets: Aiming to meet family needs, there are also specially outfitted bathrooms at various locations (both at public and passenger areas) throughout the terminals where parents of either gender may enter when escorting their children. Look for the facilities with the respective signage.

8. Small Museum

On the Mezzanine/2nd floor of the Departures level is a small exhibition of ancient artifacts uncovered during the airport’s construction. It’s a peaceful and interesting way to pass time with curious kids. Open Hours: Roughly 06:00–23:00 daily; no cost. Features: Includes permanent exhibition of 170+ artifacts from Neolithic to Byzantine era.

Note: The museum and play area are free, family-friendly distractions—great for stressed babies and toddlers.

9. Great Views and Plane Spotting Opportunities

The first-floor food court offers a popular spot with panoramic runway views, perfect for little ones to watch planes take off and land. But there’s more! Families and plane-spotting fans alike can enjoy several other vantage points:

1. McDonald’s Observation Deck (4th Floor)
   The McDonald’s upstairs is a hidden gem. It has large windows overlooking taxiways and one of the main runways—great for spotting aircraft from comfortable seats
2. Bridge Near Metro Station
   The elevated walkway connecting the metro station and terminal offers excellent views over one runway (03L/21R) and adjacent taxiways. It’s less crowded and often has shaded benches
3. Landside Walkway Outside Departures
   Just outside security on the departures level, there’s a walkway with clear sightlines over the other runway and ramp area. A relaxed and accessible option without entering the terminal
4. Open-Air Observation Area (2nd Floor)
   Some guides and traveler tips mention an open-air viewing platform by the cafés on the second-floor sky bridge—an airy spot for plane-watching or relaxing with a drink. 
5. Comfort Spot in the Food Court
   A recent Redditor shared: “There’s a museum on the 2nd floor… but I like to find a comfortable table in the food court on the main floor behind departures … watching the planes take off.”
6. Sofitel Hotel Rooftop Views
   For travelers staying overnight, rooms at the Sofitel (adjacent to the terminal) often offer direct runway views—watching flights from bed is a treat!

10. A Touch of Sunshine

Whether arriving or departing, there’s something uplifting about the sunshine and Greek hospitality at AIA. It always feels like the start of a holiday or the warmth of returning home.

Bonus Tip: Relaxation Techniques for Kids and Parents

Family travel can be stressful, especially for families with babies or toddlers. Before your flight, consider trying simple relaxation techniques like breathing exercises or Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tapping. EFT is a gentle and effective way to reduce anxiety and restlessness in both kids and adults. For more on how to use EFT when traveling with kids, check out the The Parenting Solution’s guide here:

Staying Calm on the Go: Stress Relief for Parents and Kids While Traveling

Current Airport Expansion: What to Expect

Athens International Airport is currently undergoing a major expansion to accommodate increased passenger traffic. Construction is underway to make the airport more modern and spacious. While the works are ongoing, it’s good to factor in a few extra minutes for navigation and minor detours in the terminal.

Where to Stay Near Athens Airport with Kids

Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel

Located just a 2-minute walk from the terminal, the Sofitel is a luxury hotel with spacious family rooms, restaurants, and a relaxing atmosphere. My kids especially loved the dessert selection in the lobby. It is the number one hotel for family travel at the airport.

Family-friendly features include:

• Spacious family rooms with cribs available on request
• On-site restaurants with kid-friendly menus
• Indoor pool (great for winding down after a flight)
• Quiet, soundproofed rooms for a good night’s rest

Click here for more information and to book your stay

Holiday Inn Athens Airport

Only a 10-minute taxi ride from the terminal, the Holiday Inn offers an indoor pool, family rooms, and great views. It’s also close to the shopping malls and other attractions (the Zoo). After Sofitel, The Holiday Inn is the second closest hotel to Athens International Airport. Note: it is on the highway and not suitable for a stroll in the evening.

Family-friendly features include:

• Large family rooms and connecting room options
• An indoor pool—a hit with kids at any time of year
• Complimentary airport shuttle service
• On-site restaurant with flexible meal options
• Highchairs and child-friendly services available upon request

Click here for more information and to book your stay

Comfort Stays Airport Studios

Close to the Athens International Airport, on a 4 acres estate, Comfort Stay is an elegant accommodation complex consisting of 9 tastefully decorated and furnished studios. You will find the typical Mediterranean vegetation environment where guests can relax and enjoy the blue sky and bright sunshine of the Attica sun. Comfort Stay is family friendly and also includes a yard for children to play.

Family-Friendly Features

• Free 24-hour airport shuttle
• Spacious garden areas
• Kitchenettes in all studios
• Comfortable family studios
• Continental breakfast available
• Cribs and extra beds on request
• Friendly, multilingual staff

Click here for more information and to book your stay

How to Get to Athens Airport with Kids

Train & Metro Access

• Metro Line 3 (Blue line) connects Athens Airport directly to central Athens, running every 30–36 minutes from approx. 06:30–23:30. The ride takes about 40 minutes to Syntagma
• The suburban railway (Proastiakos) also operates from the same station and connects the airport with central stations and Piraeus
• Fare: one-way metro/suburban train now costs €9 (standard fare with airport surcharge), or €18 return within 48 hours

Express Buses

Four express bus routes serve the airport: X95 (Syntagma), X96 (Piraeus), X93 (Kifissos/Liossion), X97 (Elliniko)

• Regional buses to Rafina and Lavrio depart from outside near the Sofitel on the Arrivals level

Taxi, Car & Pick‑Up

• Taxis wait at Arrivals Exit 3. Standard rate is about €40 to city centre, more late-night
• Pick-up/drop-off zones: first 10 minutes are free, then €5 per extra 10 minutes
• Car Rentals are available at Arrivals level

Parking

All official parking now offer “be fast” priority lanes at security for online bookings:

• Short-term (P1 & P2): Walk 1–2 min to terminal; first 20 min free, then €6/hour up to €25/day
• Long-term (P3): Shuttle to terminal (or 5 min walk); pricing starts at €6/hour, sliding to €50/day .
• Economy: From €5/day — includes shuttle
• Valet: Premium service (pick-up/departure) starting at €25 for up to 5 hrs .
• Electric vehicle charging: now available in Short‑Term 1 area with 14 chargers
• Disabled parking: All public parking areas offer designated spaces, some at lower rates (€5/day) .

More Tips for Flying with Kids

Over the years, I’ve traveled all across Europe—often solo—with my two children, from the newborn and toddler stage through to the preschool and school-age years. I’ve navigated airports, flights, and everything in between with a stroller in one hand and snacks in the other. Now that my kids are teenagers, they’ve started flying on their own, and I’m becoming an expert in a new phase of travel: everything related to minors flying with assistance—paperwork, airline policies, and all the practicalities that come with teens traveling without their parents.

If you’re looking for practical, experience-based guidance on traveling with kids, these articles cover everything from packing and preparation to what to expect at the airport and in the air.

• Packing tips for Flying with Kids
• Top Tips for Flying with Kids
• Getting prepared for Flying with Kids

Have you traveled through Athens International Airport with kids? Share your experience below or save this guide for your next trip!

Do you need more information about family travel in Athens? Click here for the official website of the Athens International Airport Travelling With Children Section.

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