Athens Transportation: How to Get Around Athens

This is probably one of the first questions we get from people who visit the city for the first time: How to get around Athens?

Even though Athens’ transportation system is quite simple to us locals, it can sometimes feel confusing for newcomers. Unlike other metropolitans in Europe, Athens doesn’t have the right infrastructure for moving around the city by bike.

Therefore, locals usually use public transportation or move around on foot.

This guide aims to present the means of public transportation you’ll find in Athens and ticket prices for getting around Athens easily.

Metro in Athens City

Featuring only three lines, the metro in Athens isn’t difficult to use. In fact, it’s the quickest and most convenient way to get around the city.

There are metro stations to the city center’s touristy areas, including Monastiraki, Thissio, and Syntagma.

Metros depart approximately every 5 to 7 minutes from 5.30 am to 12.30 am.

Metro Line 1 (Green Line or the Electric Railway)

Operating since 1869, Line One (Green Line) is the second oldest underground system worldwide following London’s underground.

It connects the city of Piraeus to Kifisia in the northern suburbs, covering 25,7 kilometers.

Metro Line 1 stops in 24 stations in total and passes through the center of Athens with stations at Petralona, Monastiraki, Thissio, and Omonoia.

Metro Line 2 (Red Line)

Metro Line 2 (Red Line) was added to Athens’ metro system in 2000 but was extended in 2013.

Nowadays, it has 20 stations in total connecting Anthoupoli in the northwest to Elliniko in the south.

Red Line also runs through the center of Athens with stations at Metaxourgio, Omonoia, Panepistimio, Syntagma, and Acropoli.

Metro Line 3 (Blue Line)

Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) just like Line 2 was inaugurated in 2000.

It is the line connecting the Athens International Airport with the rest of Athens and the port of Piraeus.

It has 28 stations, some of which are in the center of Athens, such as Kerameikos, Monastiraki, and Syntagma. Download the Airport Metro Map for free:  click here.

Buses and Trolleys in Athens

Bus lines connecting the Athens International Airport with the center of Athens

Moreover, there are 4 bus lines connecting the Athens International Airport with the center of Athens (x93, x95, x96, x97) and all of them operate 24 hours a day. Tickets cost €5.50 for one-way trips.

Tram in Athens City

The modern tram system consists of 3 lines and 48 stops in total.

Two of the lines connect Syntagma square with the southern suburbs also known as the Athenian Riviera while line 3 runs only along the coastal side of Athens.

Tramlines in Athens city

For now, the tram’s line 3 runs from Akti Posidonos to Asklippio Voulas, the tram’s line 4 from Akti Posidonos to Kasomouli, and the tram’s line 5 from Kasomouli to Asklippio Voulas.

Making stops in every town between Athens and Kiato including Aspropirgos, Megara, and Korinthos, the suburban railway is a great choice for taking a day trip from Athens.

Taxis in Athens City

We know what you’re thinking: why use traditional taxis and not just get on Uber and be done with it? Well, the question you should be asking is whether Uber is available in Athens. Take a look at this article and find out.

 Athens Transport Tickets – Ticket prices

There are three types of Athens Transport tickets: The Ath.ena Ticket, the anonymous Ath.ena Card, and the personalized Ath.ena Card.

For tourists visiting Athens for only a short amount of time, it is more convenient to use the paper rechargeable Ath.ena ticket.

This ticket can be purchased at the ticket machines and you don’t need a document to get one.

However, those purchasing the Ath.ena ticket can’t buy half-priced tickets. It can be used for all means of public transportation, it is valid for 90 minutes and it costs €1.20.

Ticket prices from and to the Athens airport by metro

For transfers from and to the Athens airport by metro, the ticket costs €9 one-way or €16 for a round-trip. There are also 24-hour tickets, 5-day tickets, and 3-day (tourist) tickets.

The latter also includes a round trip from and to Athens International Airport by Metro or Express Bus, costing €20. Children under the age of 6 can travel free, while children aged 7-12 and teenagers aged 13-18 are eligible to obtain reduced-price tickets.

Seniors over the age of 65 can also get half-priced tickets. For more information regarding reduced-price tickets, please visit this website.

How to Get Around Athens by Car

The truth is that getting around the city center of Athens by car can be quite exhausting. The traffic is heavy and parking close to any of the popular attractions is nearly impossible.

However, driving around Athens will give you a totally different perspective of the city.

Traveling by car can get you to places you usually would not visit, like the northern suburbs of Athens, or to places that are not so easily reachable by public transportation, like the famous Athenian Riviera.

Also, remember that the Athens metro stops operating after midnight, leaving you with only a few bus lines to get around the city. So, a car would be a great choice if you plan to experience the vivid nightlife of Athens.

Now, here’s a pro tip: Renting a car before you get to Athens is going to be way cheaper than trying one of the rental car services in the city. Also, bear in mind that Athens gets really crowded during peak season, so your options are going to be limited. So, we advise you to think ahead and book your ride well in advance. Luckily for you, we’ve looked into numerous options and we found some great value for money deals at Rentalcars.com. It’s an innovative platform where you can browse and compare rental car companies, vehicles, and prices to reserve the one that suits you best. Click here and visit Rentalcars.com

How to Get Around Athens on Foot

Getting around Athens on foot is probably the most enjoyable way to experience the city.

Athens is a very walkable city, and most of the famous sights are located in the city center, making it easy to plan whole days of sightseeing without ever having to get in a car or on public transportation.

The areas around Syntagma, Monastiraki, Plaka, and Thission have long pedestrian streets, perfect for leisurely strolling, shopping, and relaxing at alfresco cafes and restaurants.

The most famous among them is Dionissiou Areopagitou, which will take you from Thission all the way to Koukaki, passing by Acropolis Hill.

However, you have to be really careful when walking around Athens. Unfortunately, many drivers do not respect traffic lights and pedestrian crossings. Keep an extra eye out for motorcycles!

All in all, even though Athens has an affordable public transport system covering the largest part of the city it is sometimes puzzling to travelers. Hopefully, this guide on how to get around Athens will be useful and make your trip to Athens and all your sightseeing easier and more enjoyable.