Public Transport in Athens
Athens’ public transport system is efficient and user-friendly, offering visitors a convenient way to explore the city. This guide provides essential information on transport options, including how to travel from the airport to the city center, what to do upon arrival at the main train stations, and the key public transport methods within Athens, such as the metro, buses, trams, and trolleys.
Tickets & Payment Methods
Contactless Bank Cards
🟡 Best for: Visitors and occasional travelers
How it Works: Tap your contactless debit/credit card or mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) on validators in metro stations, buses, and trams.
Fare: Flat fare of €1.20 (90-min unlimited transfers) with daily cap of €4.10.
No card fee • No registration needed • Works across Athens
ATH.ENA Ticket Card
🔵 Best for: Residents and frequent travelers
Cost: €2 for the reusable plastic card, plus your chosen fare.
Types:
- Anonymous Card: No registration, works like a prepaid transit card.
- Personalized Card: Required for student/senior discounts, can be replaced if lost.
Where to Buy:
- Metro stations (ticket offices or machines)
- OASA public transport ticket kiosks
- Online via official ATH.ENA Card portal
Top-Up Options: Add travel products (e.g. 90-min tickets, 24h pass, monthly pass) at machines or online with NFC-enabled phone.
5-year validity • Accepted on metro, buses, trams, trolleys, and suburban rail (within urban zone)
Paper Tickets
🔴 Best for: Visitors making just a few trips
Available for metro, buses, trams, and trolleys.
Purchase at:
- Ticket machines at metro stations
- Kiosks (periptera) throughout the city
- OASA ticket offices
Must validate before each journey • 90-minute validity
Day Passes
🟢 Best for: Tourists exploring extensively
Options:
- 24-hour ticket: €4.10 (all transport)
- 5-day ticket: €8.20 (all transport excluding airport transfer)
- 3-day ticket: €20 (all transport including airport transfer)
- Airport Express: €9 one-way (metro/bus)
Buy at: Metro stations, airport, tourist info centers
Includes metro, buses, trams, trolleys • No validation needed
Transport Modes in Athens
Metro
Athens’ modern metro system has three lines (M1, M2, M3) connecting key areas including Syntagma Square, Monastiraki, the Airport, and Piraeus. Stations display ancient artifacts found during construction.
Tram
The coastal tram line runs from Syntagma to the southern suburbs (Glyfada, Voula) and offers scenic seaside views. Perfect for reaching beaches in summer months.
Bus
An extensive network of blue buses (OSY) covers all city areas. Electric buses serve the historic center. Express buses (X80, X95) connect major tourist sites and the airport.
Trolleybus
Athens’ eco-friendly electric trolleybuses (yellow vehicles) serve central routes. They’re quieter than diesel buses and ideal for short hops in the city center.
Suburban Rail (Proastiakos)
Connects Athens with Piraeus port, the Airport, and nearby cities like Corinth. Useful for day trips outside Athens while using the same tickets as metro/bus.
Taxi
Yellow taxis are affordable (daytime fares start at €3.50) and can be hailed on street or booked via apps.
Zones & Fare System
Metro, Bus & Tram
Unified fare system – Same ticket valid for all modes (90min transfers)
Athens Transport Tickets:
- Single: €1.20 (90min unlimited transfers)
- Daily: €4.10 (24hr unlimited travel)
- 5-day: €8.20 (great for tourists)
Airport Connections
Special fares apply for airport routes
Airport Options:
- Metro Line 3: €9 (single, 40min to Syntagma)
- Express Bus X95: €5.50 (24/7 service)
- Taxi: Fixed €40 (daytime) & €55 (nighttime) to city center
Athens Transport Quick Tips
Validate Tickets
Always validate paper tickets in the machines when boarding buses/trams or entering metro stations.
90-Minute Transfers
Single tickets (€1.20) allow unlimited transfers between metro, bus, tram, and trolley for 90 minutes.
Discounted Fares
Students and seniors (65+) pay €0.50 (ID required). Children 6 and under travel free; ages 7-18 pay €0.50.
5-Day Ticket = Best Value
At just €8.20, this unlimited travel pass pays for itself if you make 7+ trips.
Ticket Inspections
Inspectors verify contactless payments by scanning the exact card/device you tapped in with – no paper receipt is provided.
Avoid Rush Hour
Metros and buses are packed 7:30-9:30 AM and 4-6 PM.
Airport Transport Options
Metro Line 3 (€9) or express bus X95 (€5.50) are cheaper than taxis (€38 fixed).
Tram for Coastal Views
Take tram line 3 or 4 from Syntagma to the beach suburbs for scenic seaside views.
Best Tourist Tip
Combine a 5-day transport ticket with the Athens City Pass for unlimited travel + free museum entries!
Getting to Central Athens & Harbors
From Athens International Airport (ATH)
🚇 Metro Line 3 to City Center
💰 €9 (single ticket)
⏱ ~40 min to Syntagma
📍 Direct to central stations
⏰ Every 30 minutes
🚌 Express Bus X95 to Syntagma
💰 €5.50 (from kiosk)
⏱ 50–70 min (traffic dependent)
📍 Direct to city center
🕒 24/7 service
🚖 Taxi to Central Athens
💰 €45–55 flat rate to city center
⏱ ~40 min to center
📍 Pick-up at Arrivals exit
💼 Extra charge after midnight
🚇 Metro to Piraeus Port
🔄 Line 3 to Monastiraki → Transfer to Line 1
💰 €9 (single ticket)
⏱ ~60 min total travel
📍 Stops right next to cruise port
🚌 KTEL Bus to Rafina Port
💰 €4 (ticket on board)
⏱ ~50 min (traffic dependent)
📍 Direct from airport, outside Arrivals
🕒 Buses approx. every 1–1.5 hours
🚍 KTEL Bus to Lavrio Port
🚌 Airport → Metro to Nomismatokopeio Station → KTEL Bus to Lavrio
💰 ~€9 (metro) + €4.80 (bus – tickets on board) = ~€13.80
⏱ ~90–120 min total
Athens Tourist Travel Passes
These passes combine transport with entry to Athens’ top attractions and museums.
Athens City Pass
- Free entry to Acropolis + 6 major sites
- Unlimited public transport (metro/bus/tram)
- Skip-the-line access at attractions
- Free airport transfer (metro or express bus)
Duration: 1-3 days (€30-€60)
Buy Pass5-Day Unlimited Transport
- Unlimited travel on all transport
- Covers metro, buses, trams, trolleys
- Includes Piraeus port connections
- Great value at just €8.20
Best for: Budget travelers making 7+ trips
More InfoArchaeological Sites Combo
- Entry to Acropolis + 6 ancient sites
- Valid for 5 days
- Does not include transport
- Skip-the-line benefit
Price: €30 (summer), €15 (winter)
Buy PassIsland Hopping Add-on
- Combine with Athens transport pass
- Discounted ferry tickets to islands
- Optional guided tours
- Flexible island combinations
Options: Aegina, Hydra, Poros, etc.
View OptionsAlternative Transport in Athens: Bikes, Scooters & Boats 🚲🛴⛴️
AthensBike: Bike Sharing & Rental
- 🚲 €5–10 per day depending on rental type
- 🗺️ Available near Syntagma, Plaka & Acropolis
- 📱 Book online or on-site with ID
- 🔧 Includes helmets, locks, and optional child seat
TIER & Lime: E-Scooters in Athens
- 🛴 ~€1 unlock + €0.20/min ride
- 📍 Available across central Athens
- 📱 Unlock via TIER or Lime app
- 🪪 Riders must be 18+ with valid ID
Athens Riviera: Boat Transport
- ⛴️ Private and group cruises from Piraeus
- 🏖️ Explore beaches like Vouliagmeni & Glyfada
- 💳 Advance booking recommended
- 🌅 Sunset tours and half-day island trips
📍 Popular Departures
- • Marina Zeas (Piraeus) – Saronic Gulf tour
- • Flisvos Marina – Day trips to Aegina
- • Alimos Marina – Riviera sunset cruises
Pro Tip: While Athens lacks a unified public bike-share system, scooters and coastal cruises offer scenic and flexible travel options across the city!
Athens’ Most Scenic Transport Routes
Discover the city’s ancient and coastal charm through these picturesque transit routes
Tram Line 6 – Riviera Ride
Travel along the Athenian Riviera from Syntagma to seaside Faliro, passing palm-lined avenues and marinas.
Metro Line 1 – Above-Ground to the Port
Green Line 1 travels mostly above ground from leafy Kifisia to the bustling port of Piraeus.
Lycabettus Hill Cable Car – Skyward Ride
Ascend through the pine forest to the summit of Mount Lycabettus for panoramic views over Athens and the Aegean Sea.
Cable Car InfoPiraeus to Aegina Ferry
Enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the Saronic Gulf to Aegina island, known for pistachios and beaches.
Ferry SchedulesTrolley Line 2 – Vintage Athens
The yellow electric trolleys offer a charming and nostalgic way to traverse central Athens’ historic streets.
Accessible Public Transport in Athens
Metro Accessibility
Most Athens Metro stations are equipped with elevators and tactile paving for visually impaired passengers. Newer stations are fully accessible.
Suburban Railway (Proastiakos)
Key suburban stations offer step-free access and elevators. Ramps are available on request for train boarding at major hubs like Larissa Station and Airport.
Low-Floor Buses & Trolleys
Many buses and trolleys are low-floor with deployable ramps. Not all stops have raised platforms, so it’s best to notify the driver if assistance is needed.
Assistance & Information
OSE and STASY provide support via STASY Accessibility Services. It’s advisable to contact in advance for station-specific access details.
Accessibility Resources
STASY Accessibility Guide – Metro & tram accessibility details
TrainOSE Services for Disabled – Intercity & suburban support