Getting Around Athens
Athens has a well-developed public transport network operated by Transport for Athens (OASA). The system is designed to be accessible to visitors, with signs displaying both Greek script and Roman letter transliteration, and English information widely available. Most staff can communicate in English.
Fares and Tickets
A single base ticket costs €1.20 and allows unlimited travel on metro, trams, and buses with unlimited transfers within Athens for 90 minutes. This covers all OASA routes except for Airport Express lines (Line M3 and Route X80).
Various multi-day passes are available, including Daily, 3-Day (with airport access), 5-Day, and bulk ticket packs. The standard fare to or from the airport is €9 each way, covering the full journey between any point in the Athens public transport system and the airport.
Contactless payment via "tap2ride" is available on all means of transport. You can tap a contactless Visa or Mastercard, or use mobile payment systems like Google Pay or Apple Pay. This automatically pays for a €1.20 ticket (or the airport fare), with costs billed at the end of the day and capped at €4.10.
The Metro System
Athens has three metro lines that form the backbone of public transport:
- Line M1 runs from Piraeus to Kifissia, connecting the port of Piraeus and northern suburbs through the city centre. This is the oldest line in the system.
- Line M2 connects western and southern Athens through the city centre, running from Anthoupoli to Elliniko.
- Line M3 connects Piraeus and the western suburbs with the eastern suburbs (Halandri and Doukissis Plakentias stations) and the International Airport.
Key interchange stations include Syntagma (a major hub in the city centre), Larissa (the main railway station), and Acropolis. Trains typically run from 5:30 to 00:30, with extended hours until around 02:00 on Friday and Saturday nights and the night before public holidays.
You will need to validate your ticket before entering, though validation is not required at all exits. Many metro stations contain archaeological artifacts excavated during construction. The system can become very crowded during rush hours, and air conditioning may be limited in summer months.
Trams
Athens has a tram network connecting the city centre with southern suburbs. Tram lines connect with the metro system, making them useful for reaching coastal areas and specific neighbourhoods in the south. Line T3 connects Peace and Friendship Stadium to Asklipeio Voulas Hospital and runs along the coastal zone.
Buses and Regional Transport
Buses are operated by OASA and are covered by the same ticket system as the metro and trams. Regional coaches operated by KTEL connect Athens to other cities throughout Greece. There are two main KTEL coach stations: Liosion KTEL Station near Aghios Nikolaos metro station on the Green line, and Kifissos KTEL Station on Kifissos Avenue, which also serves the airport.
International bus services are available to neighbouring countries including Albania, Bulgaria, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Turkey.
Suburban Railway
The Athens Suburban Railway (Proastiakos), operated by Hellenic Train, provides three lines: from Piraeus to the airport, from Piraeus to Aigio, and from Athens Central Station (Larissa station) to Chalkida. This service complements the metro for journeys to outlying areas.
Rail Services
Hellenic Train operates the national rail service, connecting Athens to other Greek cities and international destinations. The network has two main lines: one runs south to the Peloponnese, and the other goes north to Thessaloniki and Larissa, continuing further north and east through northern Greece toward Istanbul. Two types of train service are available: standard trains (which may include sleeper cars and are slower) and faster Intercity trains, which charge a quality supplement fee but offer greater reliability.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are available throughout Athens and can be hailed on the street or called in advance. They are readily available at major transport hubs and tourist areas. Ride-hailing services operate in the city as an alternative to traditional taxis.
Walkability
Athens is a walkable city, particularly in the historic centre and around major attractions. Many neighbourhoods are best explored on foot, and walking is a practical way to experience the city's character and archaeological sites. The terrain is generally manageable, though some areas have hills.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is located 27 km (17 miles) east of the city centre near the suburb of Spáta. The airport has excellent transport connections to the city.
Metro Line M3 connects the airport directly to central Athens, with trains running to Piraeus and the western suburbs. The airport fare of €9 covers the entire journey to any point in the Athens transport system.
Airport Express bus services are available, though these are separate from the standard OASA fare system. Regional KTEL coaches also serve the airport.
Taxis are readily available at the airport but are not cheap. Rental cars are available for those preferring self-drive options.
The airport itself is noted as one of Europe's more attractive and efficient major airports, with free unlimited Wi-Fi, duty-free shops, restaurants, and 24-hour convenience shopping. Luggage storage is available on the arrivals level for stays ranging from 6 to 36 hours, with no automatic lockers.