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 42 miles from Athens. Chattanooga Lovell Field is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Delta, WestJet and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Athens departs from Jacksonville and takes around 1h 23m.

Car

Another option to get to Athens is to pick up a car rental from Atlanta, which is about 117 miles from Athens. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Turo, among others, in Atlanta.

Plane

Although Athens doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Knoxville McGhee Tyson (TYS), which is located 42 miles from Athens. Chattanooga Lovell Field is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Delta, WestJet and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Athens departs from Jacksonville and takes around 1h 23m.

Car

Another option to get to Athens is to pick up a car rental from Atlanta, which is about 117 miles from Athens. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Turo, among others, in Atlanta.

Airports near Athens

CHAChattanooga Lovell Field
TYSKnoxville McGhee Tyson

Airlines serving Athens

KLM
Good (1,471 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,848 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,786 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,291 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,134 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,740 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,423 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,544 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,542 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,714 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,800 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,371 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (389 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (12,042 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (971 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (3,032 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (1,127 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (1,477 reviews)
Avianca
Good (2,499 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,202 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 (8.9, 63 reviews)
$72+
View
Hampton Inn Athens
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 154 reviews)
$120+
View
Comfort Inn Athens
2 stars
Excellent (8.4, 585 reviews)
$79+
View
Quality Inn Sweetwater West
2 stars
Good (7.9, 512 reviews)
$74+
View
Serenity Inn Sweetwater
2 stars
Good (7.9, 320 reviews)
$71+
View
Red Roof Inn Etowah - Athens, Tn
2 stars
Good (7.7, 433 reviews)
$54+
View

Renting a car in Athens

Renting a car in Athens costs $158 per day, on average, or $633 if you want to rent if for 4 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 58% more expensive than at Knoxville McGhee Tyson.

Expect to pay $3.37 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 $40.43 and $53.90. Standard (Kia Sorento or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Athens, while also 50% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Athens costs $158 per day, on average, or $633 if you want to rent if for 4 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 58% more expensive than at Knoxville McGhee Tyson.

Expect to pay $3.37 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 $40.43 and $53.90. Standard (Kia Sorento or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Athens, while also 50% cheaper than other types, on average.

Find car rentals in Athens