Getting Around Athens

Metro

Metro AthensThe Athens Metro is the easiest way of getting around the city. There are three lines:

  • Line 1 is the Green line that runs between Pireas and Kifissia. On this line you will find Thissio, Monastiraki, Omonia and Vidtorias. Line 1 is actually the Electric Railway Company (ISAP). For more details visit the ISAP website or telephone 1440 or + (30) 210-324-8311. Line 1 operates from 05:00am to 00:15am every day.
     
  • Line 2 is the Red line that runs between Ayios Antonios to Avios Dhimitrios. On this line you will find Omonia, Syntagma and Akropoli.
     
  • Line 3 is the Blue line that runs between Egaleo to the airport. On this line you will find Monastiraki and Syntagma.

Metro Lines 2 and 3 operate between 05:30am and 00:15am daily. On Friday and Saturday trains run until 02:00am. For more details telephone +302105194012 or visit the Attiko Metro website. 

Tickets are available from metro station ticket offices and machines. Validate your tickets in the machines at the metro station before you begin your trip. Click here for map of the Metro.

 

Buses

There are two types of buses operating in Athens - OASA (Blue Buses) and ETHEL (Thermal Buses). Both operate suburban routes, including Piraeus, and to the airport. Buy your tickets in advance at kiosks and newsagents and validate your ticket on the bus or at the orange machines before you begin you trip. For information on fares, timetables and bus routes telephone 185 or refer to the Athens Urban Transport Organization website.

 

Athens Sightseeing Bus Line 400

This is a new service which does a circuit of the main points of interest in the city. It travels from the National Archaeological Museum (Vas. Irakleiou Street) to Omonia - Psyrri - Kerameikos - Thissio - Monastiraki - Market (Varvakeios Agora) - Klafthmonos Square - Syntagma - Benaki Museum - National Gallery - Ampelokipi - National Gallery - Panathinaikon Stadium - Plaka - Akropoli - Olympic Zeus Temple - Greek Parliament - University - Omonia. For more information refer to the Athens Sightseeing Bus Line 400 webpage or telephone 185.

 

Trams

Athens Tram

There are three lines: 

  • Line 1 – from Syntagma to SEF (Peace and Friendship Stadium – Stadhio Eirinis ke Filias)
  • Line 2 – from Syntagma to Glyfada
  • Line 3 – from SEF to Glyfada

The number of the line is displayed on the front of the trams. Buy your tram tickets at the machines at the tram stations and validate your ticket either at the machines on the platform or on the tram. Trams run from 5:00am to 00:15am Monday to Thursday, and 24 hours Friday to Saturday.

The tram is a good way to get to the coast from Athens. For information on fares, timetables and a map refer to the Tram website.

 

Proastiakos - Suburban Rail

Proastiakos is a new high-speed suburban rail system.  It runs to Irakleio and Neratziotissa (next to the Athens Olympic Sports Complex), to Doukissis Plakentias (residential area), to Pallini and Kantza (eastern part of the greater Athens), to Koropi (industrial area), and Athens International Airport.  It also connects to the Kifissia-Piraeus ISAP line. There are plans to extend the network even further.

Trains run daily between 6:00am and 12:00 midnight. Trains between Neratziotissa and the Airport run 24 hours a day, every 30 minutes.

Telephone + (30) 210-527-2000 for more details or visit the Proastiakos website.

 

Travel Passes

It is cheaper in the long run, and more conventient,  to buy a travel pass which is valid on the metro, buses, trams, trolleybuses and some suburban rail lines. You can buy a one day, weekly or monthly pass at any metro station and most kiosks or newsagents. Don’t forget to validate your ticket before starting your trip.

 

Taxis

The yellow taxis of Athens are a cheap way of getting about. Be sure your taxi’s metre is switched on when you get in. Rates and any extra charges should be displayed in English and Greek. Expect to pay extra for carrying luggage (over 10kg/22lbs), trips to the airport, station or sea-port, ordering by phone and trips between midnight and 5am.

 

Car

Trying to get around Athens by car can be difficult. Parking is hard to find so it’s best to leave the car and take a taxi or public transport.