Introduction
What to do
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Athens travel guide

Athens Tourism | Athens Guide

You're Going to Love Athens

With a population of 13’458, Athens is a must-see destination in Tennessee, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 4 days in order to fully appreciate everything Athens has to offer.

Activities & attractions in Athens

Movie theater
Art & Performing Arts•Entertainment

When to visit Athens

Athens in December
Estimated hotel price
$87
1 night at 3-star hotel
Athens in December
Estimated hotel price
$87
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Athens in July, when the average temperature is 77 °F, and the highest can go up to 87.8 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 32 °F, with an average temperature of 41 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in January, when precipitation is around 4.7″. In contrast, October is usually the driest month of the year in Athens, with an average rainfall of 2.4″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Athens

Plane

Although Athens doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Knoxville McGhee Tyson (TYS), which is located 68 km from Athens. Chattanooga Lovell Field is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Athens departs from Jacksonville and takes around 1h 20m.

Car

Another option to get to Athens is to pick up a car rental from Atlanta, which is about 188 km from Athens. You’ll find branches of Ace and Fox, among others, in Atlanta.

Plane

Although Athens doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Knoxville McGhee Tyson (TYS), which is located 68 km from Athens. Chattanooga Lovell Field is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Athens departs from Jacksonville and takes around 1h 20m.

Car

Another option to get to Athens is to pick up a car rental from Atlanta, which is about 188 km from Athens. You’ll find branches of Ace and Fox, among others, in Atlanta.

Airports near Athens

CHAChattanooga Lovell Field
TYSKnoxville McGhee Tyson

Airlines serving Athens

KLM
Good (1,460 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,810 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,768 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,237 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,127 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,347 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,538 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,746 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,534 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,699 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,747 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,369 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (387 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,959 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (962 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (3,040 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (1,464 reviews)
Avianca
Good (2,497 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,195 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,714 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Athens

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Holiday Inn Express Athens By IHG and Baymont by Wyndham Athens, TN.

Where to stay in popular areas of Athens

Most booked hotels in Athens

See all
HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof Athens, TN
2 stars
Excellent (8.8, 63 reviews)
$57+
View
Comfort Inn Athens
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 584 reviews)
$80+
View
Serenity Inn Sweetwater
2 stars
Good (7.9, 319 reviews)
$70+
View
Quality Inn Sweetwater West
2 stars
Good (7.8, 512 reviews)
$61+
View
Baymont by Wyndham Athens, TN
2 stars
Good (7.8, 348 reviews)
$69+
View
Red Roof Inn Etowah - Athens, Tn
2 stars
Good (7.7, 433 reviews)
$57+
View

Renting a car in Athens

Renting a car in Athens costs $49 per day, on average, or $197 if you want to rent if for 4 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 32% cheaper than airport locations in Athens.

Expect to pay $3.26 per gallon in Athens (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $39.07 and $52.09. Standard (Kia Sorento or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Athens, while also 18% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Athens costs $49 per day, on average, or $197 if you want to rent if for 4 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 32% cheaper than airport locations in Athens.

Expect to pay $3.26 per gallon in Athens (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $39.07 and $52.09. Standard (Kia Sorento or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Athens, while also 18% cheaper than other types, on average.

Find car rentals in Athens