Current fares, airport surcharge explained
Which pass actually saves you money — complete 2026 price breakdown.
Athens public transport is one of the best-value metro systems in Europe — but the pricing has one major catch that trips up almost every tourist. The airport line charges a completely different fare, and buying the wrong ticket will get you turned back at the barrier. This guide gives you the complete 2026 price breakdown so you know exactly what to buy before you tap in.
All Athens ticket prices at a glance
| Ticket type | Price | Valid for | Includes airport? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single journey | €1.20 | 90 minutes, unlimited transfers | No |
| 24-hour pass | €4.10 | All rides for 24 hours | No |
| 5-day tourist pass | €8.20 | All rides for 5 days | No |
| Airport single (one way) | €9.00 | One trip to/from airport | Yes |
| Airport return | €16.00 | Airport round trip (valid 30 days) | Yes |
| 3-day tourist pass + airport | €20.00 | 3 days unlimited + airport round trip | Yes |
The airport surcharge — the most important thing to know
Athens Metro Line 3 (the blue line) runs all the way to Athens International Airport, but the airport section — beyond Koropi station — sits in a different fare zone. A standard €1.20 single or even the 5-day pass does not cover it.
If you are arriving at the airport and heading into the city, buy your €9.00 airport ticket at the machines in the arrivals hall before going to the platform. If you plan to return to the airport at the end of your trip, the €16.00 return ticket is better value. Alternatively, if you are staying 3 days or more and want unlimited city transport plus airport, the €20.00 3-day tourist ticket covers unlimited city travel plus one trip to and one trip from the airport.
Which ticket is right for you?
Quick guide by trip type
- 1–2 days, no airport: 24h (€4.10) pass
- 3+ days, no airport: 5-day tourist pass (€8.20) — best value in the city
- Airport arrival only: €9.00 single airport ticket, then 5-day pass for city
- Airport + 3 city days: €20.00 combined pass covers everything
- Just a quick visit (1–3 rides): Single tickets at €1.20 each
Where to buy Athens metro tickets
Tickets are available from yellow vending machines at every metro station — they accept coins, notes, and contactless cards. You can also buy from the staffed ticket windows at major stations including Syntagma, Monastiraki, and the Airport.
For the 5-day tourist pass specifically, it is most easily found at airport ticket windows and at Syntagma station. Some central vending machines stock it but availability varies.
If you prefer not to carry paper tickets, Athens launched its Tap to Ride contactless payment system, which lets you tap a Visa or Mastercard (physical, phone or watch) directly at metro, tram, trolley and bus validators. The standard €1.20 fare is charged automatically, and daily charges are capped at €4.10 — the price of a 24-hour ticket. It also works for the airport: €9.00 on the metro and €5.50 on the express buses. Always use the same card or device for every tap. See our full guide to Tap to Ride in Athens for details.
Are paper tickets being phased out?
No. Contactless Tap2Ride now works across OASA’s metro, tram, trolley and bus network, but Ath.ena tickets and cards remain on sale and valid. For stays of three days or more, the €8.20 5-day ticket is still cheaper than tapping every day (up to €4.10 a day).
How much is a single metro ticket in Athens in 2026? +
A single journey ticket costs €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes with unlimited transfers across metro, bus, tram, and trolleybus. It does not cover the airport line.
How much does the metro to Athens Airport cost? +
An airport single ticket costs €9.00 one-way. A return ticket costs €16.00. The airport section of Line 3 is in a separate fare zone — standard city tickets are not accepted.
Is the Athens 5-day tourist pass worth it? +
At €8.20 for 5 days of unlimited city travel, yes, if you will take 7 or more rides in total — that is where it becomes cheaper than €1.20 singles (7 × €1.20 = €8.40). It does not include the airport line, so buy a separate €9.00 airport ticket on arrival if needed.
Can I use contactless payment on Athens metro? +
Yes. You can tap a Visa or Mastercard (physical, phone or watch) at metro, tram, trolley and bus validators: €1.20 per 90-minute journey, capped at €4.10 a day. It also works for the airport — €9.00 on the metro, €5.50 on the express buses. Amex and Maestro are not accepted.
Do children travel free on Athens public transport? +
Children under 6 travel free. Reduced fares for ages 7–18, students and over-65s require a personalised Ath.ena card issued by OASA, so most visitors pay the full fare.
For the full Athens transport guide — metro lines, buses, tram routes, and airport options — visit our complete city guide.
Athens Transport Guide 2026
