Transportation in Athens

Attiko Metro

The Attiko Metro is the most important transport and environmental project in Greece.  Featuring 34 stations and connection with the Athens bus, tram and suburban railway systems, the Athens Metro is heavily used, serving approximately 700,000 passengers daily. In addition to the speed and reliability of its itineraries, the Athens Metro is renowned for the impressive archaeological exhibits at its central stations, as well as the modern artworks embellishing most stations. Its construction opened the way to the greatest archaeological excavation in Athens, which brought to light more than 50,000 archaeological finds from the Neolithic period to modern times.

The Metro runs from 05:30am to midnight.  For more information please visit the Attiko Metro website or click here to see  and download the map of Athens metro network.

Taxis

Taxis are a more expensive means of transportation in Greece compared to the tram, bus and metro but they are extremely cheap in comparison to those of other European countries.  Athens' official taxis are bright yellow, plentiful and safe.  You can find a taxi almost everywhere; they can be ordered by phone for a small surcharge, or waved down in the street.  Ordering a radio taxi at your hotel or booking one in advance by appointment helps you make the most of your time in Athens, particularly on rainy days, when the city tends to paralyze; the extra charge of a few Euros is certainly worth it.  Most hotels use one of the many radio taxi services.  Don't be surprised if the driver picks up an extra passenger along the way who are heading in your direction as this is quite normal.  Fares are higher between midnight and 5:00am but have in mind that from February 1st 2011, a new fare for taxis for airport transport is set fixed so take care not to be overcharged.

Trams

The high-tech Athenian streetcars run on tracks that begin at Syntagma Square and follow a coastal course to Glyfada and the Olympic venues in Faliron.  Ecological and environment friendly, air-conditioned and comfortable the trams offer great views of the coast. Even though they may seem a bit slow, the trams are safe and reliable as they move on an exclusive railway without interfering with the regular automobile traffic. A lovely alternative for passengers and an enjoyable choice of transport through parks, city squares, pedestrian streets, archaeological sites and commercial areas.  The trams are in service daily from 05:00am to 01:00am and on Fridays and Saturdays from 05:30am to 02:30am.  Do not forget to validate your ticket at the validation machines at the stops. 

For more detailed information, routes and timetables and to purchase tickets please visit The Tram of Athens website.

Buses

The bus network is extensive.  Blue buses run daily 5:00 am - 12:30 am but there are 24 hour bus lines that cover the main city areas.  For more information on the routes, stop lists and the current schedules you can contact telephone line 185.  The night service is limited.  The bus service is cheap but can get really crowded.  Tickets can be bought from the street kiosks or 'periptera', the metro, tram and railway stations and the blue/yellow ticket offices but do not forget to validate them in the orange machine upon boarding.  You can enter a bus with the same ticket you used in metro (within 90minutes of its validation). This is because since 2009 Athens public transport means have an integrated ticket that costs 1,40 Euro (reduced fare for elders, minors and students is 0,70 Euros).  Keep the ticket until you step off the bus, since it's not uncommon to have a ticket-control. There is also the 24-hour ticket sold for 3 Euros with a validity of unlimited travelling by all OASA public transport (buses, trolleys, trams, metro and suburban railway). A sightseeing bus starts from and terminates in front of the National Archaeological Museum.  

For more detailed information, routes, maps, transit stations and fares please visit the Athens Urban Transport Organisartion website.

Airport Express Bus Connections

EXPRESS Bus routes operated by ETHEL (Public Bus Company) connect directly the Athens (city center & greater area) and Piraeus (port) with the Athens International Airport (AIA) "Eleftherios Venizelos". Service is provided on a non-stop basis seven days a week including holidays (24/7 operation). All buses disembark passengers at the Departures Level (inbound trips to airport) and depart from the Arrivals Level (outbound trips from airport). BUS tickets are sold at the info/ticket-kiosk (located outside the Arrivals between Exits 4 and 5), or onboard (ask operator) at no extra cost.

Trolleybus

The network has been through a process of expansion and there are 25 routes covered by yellow trolleybus.  The trolley buses are an ecological means of transport as they do not emit any pollutants in the city and are noiceless. 

For more detailed information, routes, tickets and cards please visit the ILPAP website.

Suburban Railway 'Proastiakos'

 TrainOSE operates suburban, national, regional and international routes.  It daily performs over 500 routes covering a rail network of over 2,500km and trasports over 15 million passengers annually.  It also serves Athens International Airport. The suburban rail runs daily from 6:00am until 12 midnight.  

For more detailed information, routes, web-tickets and schedules please visit the TrainOSE website. 

Shipping Lines and Ports

The ports of Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrion connect Athens with the Greek islands and Greek ports. Flying dolphins, high-speed catamarans and traditional ferryboats offer frequent transportation to and from the numerous islands. Air-conditioned lounges, comfortable seats, TV screens, game rooms and snack bars make your trip a fun experience.  There are also ferries running from Limassol in Cyprus (journey time approximately 44 hours) as well as from Italy from Trieste, Venice, Brindisi, Ancona and Bari to Patra (journey time from Patra to Athens by train or drive is 3 1/2 - 4 hours).

Rent A Car

It is not really worth hiring a car while in Athens since the public transportation is very extensive and inexpensive and the taxis are everywhere. Athens is crowed and the parking so scarce that trust us you do not want to drive.  However, it is a good idea to rent a car and explore the regions beyond Athens.  Hiring a car is rather inexpensive and gives you flexibility and is the best way to see the countryside and visit some of the nearby attractions, like Nauplion or Delphi, at your own pace. Major car rental agencies and small family run rent-a-car companies offer a wide selection of car types and prices.  As parking in Athens is a nightmare, make sure to have your car delivered to you at the airport or at your hotel, on the day you plan to leave the city.  Usually, you should be 21 years old and hold a valid driving licence.

Limousine Services

A large number of limousine companies offer a wide range of special services ranging from excursions and chauffered tours in luxury cars to transportation on vehicles for disabled or handicapped passengers. Operating under the license of the Greek Ministry of Tourism, limousine service companies offer reliable, stress-free ground transportation services to individuals, families and large groups.

Motor Bikes

You will notice that especially in central Athens many people drive mopeds.  A speedy and fun way to zip around.  You will should have a valid driving licence to rent one.  Take care!