Discover the ultimate guide to using public transportation in Athens, Greece, including metro, tram, buses, and taxis, along with tips for getting to and from the airport.

Athens boasts three metro lines that connect key locations across the city:

Line 1 (Green): Piraeus – Kifisia

Line 2 (Red): Anthoupoli – Elliniko

Line 3 (Blue): Dimitiko Theatro – Doukissis Plakentias – Airport

The metro is a convenient way to reach major tourist spots, such as the Acropolis and Syntagma Square. Operating hours are from 5:30 AM to midnight, with extended hours on weekends (until 2:00 AM on some lines).

For a more scenic route, the Athens tram is a fantastic way to access the city’s southern suburbs and coastal areas. The tram connects the city center with popular seaside neighborhoods like Faliro, Glyfada, and Voula, making it ideal for beach days. The tram runs from 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM daily. Map. Opens a new tap.

Athens has an extensive network of buses that reach areas the metro and tram don’t cover. Most routes operate from 5:00 AM to midnight, though certain night buses run 24/7. These buses are great for exploring outer neighborhoods or for late-night travel.

Arriving at Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos)? There are several convenient ways to reach the city center:

Metro Line 3 (Blue): Offers a direct connection from the airport to central locations like Syntagma Square and Monastiraki.

Airport Express Buses (X95, X96, X97, X93): The X95 bus is the most popular option, providing 24/7 service between the airport and Syntagma Square.

Taxi: Taxis are available around the clock. The fare is fixed at €38 during the day and €54 at night for trips from the airport to the city center.

Suburban Railway (Proastiakos): Ideal if you’re heading to Larissa Station, Piraeus, or other outer areas of Athens.

One of the best features of Athens’ public transportation system is the unified ticket system. This means that one ticket can be used across multiple transport modes, including the metro, tram, and buses (with the exception of airport routes). Here’s a quick breakdown:

Single Ticket: €1.20 for 90 minutes of unlimited travel on all modes of transport.

Day Ticket: €4.10 for 24 hours of unlimited travel.

5-Day Ticket: €8.20 for unlimited travel over five days.

Airport Ticket: €9 for a one-way metro trip to/from the airport or €5.50 for the express bus.

You can purchase tickets from metro stations, tram stops, and ticket machines. Don’t forget to validate your ticket at the designated machines.

Taxis are another option for getting around Athens. The city’s taxis are bright yellow and can be hailed from the street, ordered by phone, or through a taxi app like FreeNow and Uber. Prices are generally affordable, but be aware of additional charges for nighttime rides, luggage, or travel to/from the airport. Always ensure the meter is running!

Avoid Rush Hours: Public transport can get crowded during rush hours (8:00-10:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM), especially on the metro.

Use Google Maps: It’s a reliable tool for navigating public transportation in Athens, offering real-time schedules and directions.

Free Wi-Fi: Many metro stations and some buses/trams offer free Wi-Fi, so stay connected while you travel.

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