Athens to Schinias: How to Get There

Schinias is 45 kilometres from central Athens and approximately 32 kilometres from Athens International Airport. It is easy to reach by car and manageable by public transport, though a car gives you significantly more flexibility once you are there. This page covers all the options clearly.

From Central Athens to Schinias

By Car

The most practical option. The journey takes approximately 1 hour in normal traffic, longer on summer Friday afternoons when Athenians head to the coast.

Route: From the centre of Athens, take Marathonos Avenue (the road to Marathon) north-east. Follow it through Pallini, Rafina junction, and continuing north along the coast through Nea Makri. Schinias is clearly signposted from this road. The drive is straightforward — one main road for most of the journey, no toll booths.

If you are hiring a car in Athens, this is the simplest way to reach Schinias. Parking is available near the beach (free, though limited at peak times in July–August).

By Taxi

A taxi from central Athens to Schinias costs approximately €45–60 depending on traffic and the exact destination. This is reasonable for groups of 2–4 people splitting the cost, and eliminates the need to hire a car for the journey itself. However, taxis back from Schinias need to be pre-arranged or called — there are no taxi ranks at the beach.

By Public Transport

The KTEL Attikis bus departs from Nomismatokopio Metro Station in central Athens towards Marathon and Kato Souli, stopping at various points along the route including Nea Makri and the Schinias area. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. From the Schinias/Nea Makri stop, the beach is a further 10–15 minutes by local taxi or on foot if you are staying nearby.

Buses run regularly throughout the day. Check the current timetable at ktelattikis.gr before travelling, as schedules vary by season.

Public transport is a viable option for solo travellers or couples travelling light. For families with luggage and children, or for those who want flexibility during their stay, a car is strongly recommended.

From Athens Airport to Schinias

By Car or Hire Car

This is the shortest and simplest connection. Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) sits in the north-east of Attica, on the same side of the city as Schinias. The distance is approximately 32 kilometres and the journey takes around 40 minutes in normal traffic.

Route: From the airport, take the road towards Rafina (not towards Athens). Continue north along the coastal road through Rafina and Nea Makri to Schinias. The roads are clear and well-signposted. All major car hire companies operate from the airport terminal.

By Taxi from the Airport

A taxi from Athens Airport to Schinias costs approximately €35–50. This is often the most practical option for visitors arriving late or with heavy luggage who want to reach their accommodation directly without navigating unfamiliar roads. Pre-booking a taxi is possible through the airport's official taxi service or various apps.

By Bus from the Airport

There is no direct bus from the airport to Schinias. The option is to take the metro or express bus into central Athens, then the KTEL Attikis bus from Nomismatokopio Metro Station as described above — total journey time of approximately 2.5 hours. Not recommended unless you have significant time and no luggage.

Getting Around Once You Are There

Schinias itself is spread over a long coastal strip. The beach, the national park, the Olympic rowing centre, the wetlands, nearby tavernas, and the sites at Marathon are all within a few kilometres of each other but not really walkable as a complete circuit. A car (or bicycle) makes a significant difference to how much you can see and do comfortably.

If you are staying at Schinias Soul Habitats, the apartments include private parking and the beach is a 10-minute walk. For exploring the wider area — Marathon archaeological sites, Nea Makri restaurants, Lake Marathon — a car is useful. Contact us if you have any questions about getting here.