In this article, Getting Around Athens, we introduce you to the highly convenient Athenian public transport system. Firstly, we will show you the most efficient ways to travel around the city. Then, we will present some equally appealing and handy alternatives.
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Getting around Athens
Exploring Athens is a breeze; the best way to get around is on foot or by Metro. Most of the city’s major attractions are within easy walking distance or a short Metro ride away. Renting a car is not recommended due to heavy traffic and hard-to-find parking. You can take the Metro’s Line 3 or one of four EXPRESS airport buses from Athens International Airport. For travel from other parts of Greece, take the train or one of the country’s buses. Arriving by ship from other Mediterranean destinations such as Crete, Santorini, or the Saronic Islands, you can dock in Piraeus and take a short cab or metro ride to central Athens.
On Foot
Central Athens is relatively easy to navigate on foot since most of the city’s sights are nearby. Plus, downtown is home to many restaurants, shops, and hotels. However, you can rely on one of the city’s public transportation options to get to and from the airport and attractions like the National Archaeological Museum and the Benaki Museum.
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Use the Metro to get to critical sights like the Acropolis Museum.
With its three lines connecting to the tram, bus routes, and suburban railway, the Athens Metro is not just a mode of transport but a reliable companion for your city exploration. It’s the fastest and most efficient way to travel around Athens, ensuring you reach your destination quickly. The Metro operates daily from 5 am to midnight, with trains running every 5-6 minutes during peak hours until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Lines 2 and 3 connect to the airport and have significant transfer points at Omonia, Syntagma, and Monastiraki. So, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the Athens Metro is your ticket to hassle-free exploration.
Getting Around Athens with tourist friendly buses
Athens’ extensive bus network, operating from 5 am to midnight, with limited night services, is designed with tourists in mind. The vehicles are convenient, displaying upcoming stops and making announcements in both Greek and English. However, the bus network can sometimes be confusing, unreliable, and uncomfortable. Bus stops are often challenging to locate, and delays and overcrowding are common. You can consult the bus maps and schedules on O.A.S.A.’s planning website or avoid transit-related issues by walking or taking the Metro.
Use the tram to get to the coast.
Athens’ single tram line is a reliable mode of transport, connecting central Athens with the coastal suburbs of Faliro, Voula, and Piraeus. The tram network operates T6 (Syntagma – Faliro) and T7 (Voula – Piraeus), which meet at Pikrodafni station.
The tram connects to the Metro and overground train at four stops and operates daily from 5:30 am to 12:00 am.
Taxis are a convenient and, during the day, an affordable option for getting around Athens. However, they can be expensive after midnight.
Athens has no ride-sharing service, but conventional taxis are available and affordable at night. The night rate is about 60% higher than the day rate. Some drivers may need to speak English fluently, and some may try to exploit tourists. You can reserve a taxi in advance or use the Uber app to summon an official taxi. The meter should be set to “1” for the daytime rate and “2” for the nighttime rate. Additional charges apply for baggage and pick-ups from specific locations. One-way airport transfers cost 40 euros daily and 55 euros at night.
Local Tip: If you’re looking to hail a taxi, try waving your arm aggressively and shouting the name of the neighborhood you’re headed to. During busy times, drivers may pick up multiple passengers headed in the same direction. If you decide to share a taxi, take note of the meter reading when you get in. Then, when paying, subtract that amount from the total fare.
Use a ride-hailing app to book a licensed taxi.
The Free Now app allows you to quickly call a licensed Athens taxi, get an estimated price, and inform your driver of your destination without speaking. You can pay with cash or a credit card.
Driving around Athens is a headache.
When you encounter traffic jams, narrow and pedestrianized streets, and limited parking, having a car in Athens can become more of a burden than a convenience. Renting a car is a viable option for venturing out of Athens. Still, if you are planning to tr
Try Getting around Athens with a Happy Train
The Happy Train is not just a train but a fantastic and exciting way to explore Athens; it’s an experience you don’t want to miss. This bright red train is hard to overlook, and though it may look like a toy, it provides an unforgettable experience. The tour takes you around the city’s historical center, passing by the most important monuments, such as the Hellenic Parliament, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the War Museum, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Lantern of Diogenes, and many others. The tour starts from Syntagma Square, and you can hop off whenever you wish, allowing you to explore Athens at your own pace. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to discover Athens’ most iconic sites and monuments!
Tickets for Public Transport
Tickets and passes (Ath. Ena tickets) for public transport are available at ticket booths and machines in all Athens Metro and tram stations. There are three types of Ath. Ena tickets: paper tickets, anonymous cards you can top up, and personalized cards. These tickets can be used on all forms of public transport.
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An Ath. Ena ticket makes public transport cheap.
Athens has a unified Metro, bus, tram, and suburban rail ticket system that offers excellent value for money. You can buy a paper Ath. Ena ticket from vending machines at metro stations for just €1.20 per ride, or opt for a timed pass for €4.10 (24 hours) or €8.20 (5 days). And the best part? Multiple purchases are discounted, making it even more affordable to explore the city at your own pace.
For a sturdier option, get a preloaded plastic Ath.ena Card with 5 (€5.70/$6.70) or 11 (€12/$14.10) rides. It is refillable and less prone to loss or damage. For stays over a month, a personalized Ath. Ena Card can be obtained by showing your passport. Remember to tap in on readers and tap out of the Metro.
The Tourist Ticket to save on the metro rides from/to the airport.
Consider buying a Tourist Ticket to save money on metro trips to and from the airport. The three-day tourist ticket costs €20 ($23.45) and includes a round-trip fare for the airport metro, normally €18. Just make sure to tap out at the airport within 72 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you get from the airport to the center of Athens?
Athens Airport provides convenient transportation options to reach the city center. The most popular choices are via Metro (Blue Line 3), bus (X95 Airport Route), and suburban railway. If you prefer the Metro, you can take the Blue Line 3 and get off at Syntagma or Monastiraki, both located in the central parts of the city. Alternatively, you can take the bus, which departs from the Arrivals Area and typically takes around 40 minutes to reach the city center. Finally, we suggest you take the suburban railway. In that case, you can head to the Central Railway Station, board the train to Piraeus, and get off at Athens Station.
Note: Additionally, you can choose the following options (click on the link)
How can you get from the Airport to Piraeus Port?
Athens Airport connects to Piraeus Port by Metro (Blue Line 3), bus, and suburban railway. Take the Metro to Pireas (Piraeus) Station, or catch the X96 bus from the Arrivals Area (between Exits 4 and 5). The journey time is approximately 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
How can you get from Athens Center to Piraeus Port?
Athens Center offers several ways to reach Piraeus, including the Blue and Green Metro Lines, buses, and suburban railways. To take the Blue Line (Line 3) or Green Line (Line 1) towards Piraeus, board the Metro from Monastiraki. Stathmos Larissis is the suburban railway station that connects to the Red Metro Line.
Note: Additionally, you can choose the following options (click on the link).
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Feature photo credits: By Christopher1208 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=115823651