Getting Around Athens: A Practical Transport Guide
Athens offers several transport options for navigating the city. The main public transport operator, Transport for Athens (OASA), manages an integrated system that includes metro, trams, buses, and suburban rail. Signs throughout the network are transliterated into Roman letters, and English information is widely available, with most staff able to communicate in English.
Understanding Tickets and Fares
A single ticket costs €1.20 and allows you to travel on any type of OASA transport—metro, trams, or buses—with unlimited transfers within a 90-minute window. Airport express services are an exception and cost €9 for a full journey between any point in the Athens public transport system and the airport.
If you plan to use public transport multiple times, daily, 3-day, 5-day, and bulk ticket packages are available. For visitors without a Greek payment method, contactless payment using tap-to-ride technology works with Visa or Mastercard, or mobile payment apps like Google Pay and Apple Pay. This system bills at the end of each day and caps charges at €4.10, making it a convenient option for short-term visitors. Discounted fares for students and seniors require a personalised ATH.ENA card, which may not be worthwhile for a brief visit.
The Metro System
Athens has three metro lines that form the backbone of public transport:
- Line M1 runs from Piraeus (the port) to Kifissia in the northern suburbs, passing through the city centre. This is the oldest line. It's advisable to keep an eye on your personal belongings on this line.
- Line M2 connects western and southern Athens through the city centre, running from Anthoupoli to Elliniko.
- Line M3 links Piraeus and western suburbs with eastern suburbs and the airport, running from Dimotiko Theatro through Doukissis Plakentias to the airport.
Key interchange stations include Syntagma (a major hub), Larissa Station (the main rail station), and Acropolis. The metro typically operates from 5:30 in the morning until 00:30 (12:30 a.m.). You'll need to validate your ticket before entering, though this is not required at all exits. Many stations feature archaeological artifacts discovered during construction. During peak hours the metro becomes crowded, and summer air conditioning can be limited.
Trams and Suburban Rail
The Athens Tram system connects the city centre with southern suburbs and links to metro lines. Three tram lines operate, with routes including Peace and Friendship Stadium to Asklipeio Voulas Hospital (Line T3), Syntagma to Peace and Friendship Stadium via Neos Kosmos (Line T4), and additional southern routes (Line T5).
The Suburban Railway (Proastiakos) is operated by Hellenic Train and offers three routes: Piraeus to the Airport, Piraeus to Aigio, and Athens Central Station (Larissa) to Chalkida. These services complement the metro network for longer-distance journeys within the metropolitan area.
Buses
OASA operates the bus network throughout Athens using the same ticket system as other public transport. Buses provide coverage across areas not served by metro or tram, and like all OASA services, accept the 90-minute multi-modal ticket.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are available throughout the city and at major transport hubs like Piraeus Port. They provide a direct alternative to public transport, though they are not cheap, especially for longer distances. Ride-hailing services offer another option for getting around, though the source material does not specify which services operate in Athens.
Walking
Walking is a practical way to explore central Athens, particularly areas around major attractions. From Piraeus Port, for example, pedestrians face a safe, level walk of over a mile to the Piraeus Metro station, giving a sense of scale for navigating the city on foot.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is located 27 km (17 miles) east of the city centre near Spáta. Several transport options connect the airport to the city:
- Metro (Line M3): Direct metro service links the airport to central Athens, passing through the western and eastern suburbs before reaching Piraeus and the city centre. The standard airport fare of €9 covers the entire journey.
- Suburban Railway: The Proastiakos line connects the airport directly to Piraeus, offering an alternative rail route into the city.
- Express Bus (Route X80): An airport express bus service operates to central Athens. This service is not covered by the standard €1.20 ticket and requires the airport fare.
- Buses from the airport: Route X93 serves Kifissos KTEL Station, while routes 051 and 052 connect to Athens centre and Elaionas Metro station respectively.
- Taxis: Taxis are available but can be expensive for the 27 km journey.
The airport has the standard array of facilities including restaurants, duty-free shops, lounges, and 24-hour convenience shopping. Free Wi-Fi is available for unlimited use. Luggage storage is available at the south end of the airport on the arrivals level, with options for storage periods ranging from 6 to 36 hours.
Arriving by Coach, Train, or Sea
If arriving by regional coach, KTEL operates from two stations: Liosion KTEL Station (near Aghios Nikolaos station on the Green metro line) and Kifissos KTEL Station. A consolidated terminal is under construction at Eleonas and expected to open in 2026.
The national rail service Hellenic Train connects Athens to other Greek cities, with Athens Central Railway Station (Larissa Station) serving as the main hub. The rail network is limited compared to other European countries, with routes running south to the Peloponnese and north to Thessaloniki and beyond.
Piraeus is the main sea port for Athens and is served by many ferries, with good metro access. Alternative ports at Lavrio (60 km south) and Rafina (25 km east) offer ferry services and are reached by KTEL regional buses.