The cradle of modern civilisation, the birthplace of democracy – Athens has to be one of the most influential and iconic destinations in the world. Book a flight to Athens with Qatar Airways and you’ll quickly discover why this extraordinary city is so important not just to the history of Europe, but to its future as well.

Fly to Athens and immerse yourself in 7,000 years of history and unwrap the cradle of Western civilisation. Founded by the Greeks and occupied by a succession of invaders, this culturally diverse city is home to one of the Wonders of the Ancient World.

Book a flight ticket to Athens with Qatar Airways and walk in the footsteps of Socrates, Plato and Pericles, as you explore some of the finest archaeological sites in Europe

Book a flight from Beijing with Qatar Airways and you’ll fly from one of the busiest international airports in the world. Situated around 32km from the city centre and ranked as the second busiest airport for passengers in the world, this modern, efficient airport has an excellent safety record and a reputation for outstanding passenger care. The focus (primarily due to the sheer volume of traffic) is on efficiency, and passengers are able to check in within minutes of arriving, making it a pleasant departure point for international travel and particularly popular with business travellers on tight schedules.

Transportation and parking

The airport is extensive, with three large terminals, regular shuttles run between the terminals and parking areas. The Beijing Subway's Airport Express runs to T2 and T3 and takes around 20 minutes from the city centre. Shuttles run between the major hotels and the airport and are remarkably efficient and regular. It takes approximately 45 minutes from the centre of Beijing to the airport by shuttle. Taxis are plentiful, but as many drivers do not speak English it is best to ask your hotel concierge to book a taxi for you. Taxi journeys take approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions. Parking at the airport is provided for both short and long-term stays, but proportional to the size of the airport, spaces are limited.

Arriving in Beijing

Passengers flying from Beijing with Qatar Airways depart from Terminal 3 Concourse E. While T3 is huge, it is incredibly well organised and run, so passengers should have no difficulty checking in and clearing security checks. This ultra-modern terminal has everything passengers need, including exclusive lounges for business and first-class passengers, and electrical power points next to every chair in the Departure waiting areas.

Facilities and amenities

Facilities at the airport are exceptional, particularly in the main Terminal - 3. Terminal 3 has 243 elevators, escalators or moving walkways, so getting around is easy. The surroundings are incredibly modern, yet there is the tranquillity of an indoor garden in the heart of the terminal for a chance to get some peace and quiet before your flight leaves. Food and drink options include tea houses, fast food restaurants and traditional Chinese cuisine, as well as international restaurants. The shopping court is outstanding, offering everything from Duty Free through to traditional Chinese goods for those last-minute souvenirs.

The cradle of modern civilisation, the birthplace of democracy – Athens has to be one of the most influential and iconic destinations in the world. Book a flight to Athens with Qatar Airways and you’ll quickly discover why this extraordinary city is so important not just to the history of Europe, but to its future as well.

Filled with incredible historical sites, Athens is also a modern, working city that is home to nearly four million people.

But it’s the history that most visitors come to experience, and immersing yourself in the relics of the past is a great way to understand so much more about our own modern civilisation, as well as Greece’s incredible past.

Tourist Attractions

Athens packs in the attractions, and at the top of most visitors’ lists has to be the Acropolis, a World Heritage site and standing proud above the city itself. For the best overall view of Athens, especially at sunset, head to Lykavittos Hill.

It’s a hot, dusty climb, but on a clear day you can see beyond the port of Piraeus and out to the islands of Aegina and the Peloponnese.

Back in the city, the Ancient Agora is home to some of the best-preserved temples and monuments from the Bronze Age, and the magnificent Temple of Zeus with its towering columns.

Modern Athens has plenty to offer as well, with dozens of museums and galleries to explore. The best way to see Athens is to take an open-top tour of the city by bus.


Travel Considerations

Flights to Athens with Qatar Airways land at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Athens please check the visa and passport requirements.