Public Transport in Athens
Welcome to the definitive guide for moving around the capital of democracy. Athens’ transport system is efficient and evolving. This guide covers the Metro, the new electric buses (replacing older trolleys), the coastal Tram, and essential Airport transfer tips to avoid scams.
Tickets & Payment
Athens now supports contactless payments, but app features vary by phone type.
Watch the Athens Public Transport Guide
Transport Modes
From the underground “museums” of the Metro to the new electric buses, here is how to move around.
The Metro (Lines 1, 2, 3)
Fast, clean, and safe. Stations like Syntagma and Monastiraki are essentially free museums, displaying ancient artifacts found during digging.
- 🔴 Line 2 (Red): Connects Acropolis to Syntagma.
- 🔵 Line 3 (Blue): Connects Airport to City Center & Piraeus Port.
- 🚧 Note: You will see construction for Line 4 (Orange). This is a massive expansion opening ~2029.
Buses & Trolleys (The Green Shift)
Athens is swapping old trolleys for new Electric Buses (especially in Piraeus and Center). They are quieter and cleaner.
The “X80” is a special tourist bus connecting the Cruise Port (Piraeus) to the Acropolis. It accepts the Tourist Ticket (€20) or a special €4.10 day pass.
The Coastal Tram
Slow but scenic. It connects Syntagma Square to the Athens Riviera (beaches). Great for a relaxed afternoon trip to Flisvos Marina or Glyfada.
Taxi & Apps
Yellow taxis are everywhere. For safety and ease, use the Freenow App (formerly Beat). Uber works too, but it just calls a standard yellow taxi.
Zones & Fares
City Transport
Unified Ticket: One ticket covers Metro (Lines 1, 2, 3), Buses, Trams, and Suburban Rail (Urban Zone only).
- Single (90 min) €1.20
- Daily Pass (24h) €4.10
- 5-Day Pass €8.20
*Prices verified Jan 2026. Children under 6 travel free.
Airport Connections
Special fares apply here. The standard €1.20 ticket is not valid for the airport.
- Metro (Line 3) €9.00
- Express Bus (X95/96) €5.50
- Taxi (Day / Night) €40 / €55
Local Pro Tips
From handling strikes to finding the best sunset views.
Check for Strikes
Transport strikes (“Apergia”) happen occasionally. Always check the status before you fly.
Late Night Metro
Friday Nights: Lines 2 & 3 run until 02:00 AM.
Saturday Nights: New for 2026! Metro Lines 2 & 3 now run 24 hours on Saturdays. Perfect for enjoying Athens’ nightlife.
Avoid Rush Hour
The Metro and key bus routes (like near Syntagma) get extremely crowded. If you have luggage, avoid traveling during these times:
- Morning: 08:00 – 09:30
- Evening: 17:00 – 19:30
Scenic Coastal Route
Take Tram Line 7 (from Syntagma) or Line 6 (from Pikrodafni) towards Voula. It runs right along the sea (Athens Riviera). It’s the cheapest sunset cruise in the city!
Taxi Flat Fare Law
Airport ↔ City Center is a fixed legal fare: €40 (Day) or €55 (Night). Do not use the meter. If they refuse, use an app.
Safety Warning
Athens is very safe, but professional pickpockets target tourists on the Metro (Airport Line) and Bus X95. Keep bags on your front, not your back.
Airport to City & Ports
⚠️ Important: The “Flat Taxi Rate” applies only to the City Center. Trips to the port are metered.
🅰️ To City Center (Syntagma)
🚇 Metro Line 3 (Blue)
Cost: €9.00 (Single) / €16.00 (Return)
Time: ~40 mins
Fastest way to Syntagma/Monastiraki.
🚌 Bus X95
Cost: €5.50 (Ticket kiosk)
Time: 60-70 mins
Operates 24/7. Good if arriving late.
🚖 Taxi (Fixed Rate)
- Day (05:00-00:00): €40.00
- Night (00:00-05:00): €55.00
*This price is LAW. Do not use meter.
🚢 To Piraeus Port
🚇 Metro Line 3 (Blue)
Cost: €9.00
Time: ~55 mins
Direct line! No transfers needed anymore. Stops right at the port (Gates E5/E6).
🚌 Bus X96
Cost: €5.50
Time: 90 mins
Runs 24/7 along the coast.
🚖 Taxi (Metered!)
⚠️ Scam Alert: There is NO flat rate to the port. Drivers often ask for €70-80 fixed. Refuse.
- Real Meter Cost: ~€55-60 (Day)
- Night Cost: ~€70-75
⚓ Rafina & Lavrio Ports
To Rafina Port
Closest port to airport (20 mins).
- KTEL Bus: €4.00 (Orange bus outside Arrivals).
- Taxi (Metered): ~€35-40.
To Lavrio Port
Furthest port (45 mins).
- KTEL Bus: Change at Markopoulo required. Difficult with luggage.
- Taxi (Metered): ~€60-70. Recommended.
Tickets & City Passes
Choose your strategy: Buy a complete pass or book individual top attractions.
🅰️ Best Value Bundles
3-Day Tourist Ticket
€20.00Best for Transport. Includes 72 hours of unlimited Metro/Bus/Tram AND a round-trip to the Airport (worth €18 alone).
Multi-Site Combo
~€30.00Best for Ruins. Entry to 6 major sites (Acropolis, Agora, etc.) over 3 days. Pre-book to skip the ticket office line.
Athens City Pass
Var.Zero Hassle. Bundles museums, transport, and Hop-on Hop-off bus into one digital pass.
🅱️ Top Individual Experiences (Don’t need a full pass?)
Scooters, Bikes & Boats
Beyond the Metro: How to ride the Riviera and dodge traffic.
🛴 E-Scooters
STRICT RULESLime & Tier are everywhere, but laws tightened in 2025/26.
- 🛑 Parking Zones: You cannot end your ride just anywhere. You must park in designated spots shown in the app, or you keep paying.
- 🪪 ID Required: You must scan a valid ID/Passport to unlock. (18+ only).
- ⚡ Speed: Capped at 25km/h on roads.
🚲 Bike Rentals
FOR COASTAthens is hilly and traffic is heavy. Avoid biking in the center. Instead, rent a bike near the Acropolis and ride the dedicated path to the coast.
- 🗺️ Best Route: Thissio → Petralona → Stavros Niarchos Park.
- 💰 Cost: ~€10-15 per day (Electric ~€25).
- ⚠️ Note: There is no unified “CityBike” dock system for tourists yet. Rent from a shop.
⛴️ Day Cruises
ISLANDSThe classic “3-Island Cruise” (Hydra, Poros, Aegina) departs daily at ~08:00 AM.
- ⚓ Departure: Marina Zeas (Piraeus) or Flisvos Marina.
- 🎟️ Price: ~€110-140 (Includes lunch & entertainment).
- 🌅 Sunset Alternative: Take a shorter “Riviera Sunset Cruise” from Alimos Marina (~€50).
Pro Tip: For scooters, always look for the “P” icons on the map before you start your ride. If you end the ride outside a Parking Zone, the meter keeps running!
Scenic Routes & Day Trips
From the Riviera coast to the historic streets of Old Athens.
Accessibility
Athens is improving, but challenges remain. Here is the honest guide to elevators, ramps, and the Acropolis.
Metro Access
- ✔ Lines 2 & 3: Fully accessible with elevators at every station.
- ⚠️ Line 1 (Green): Older stations (like Monastiraki) have complex elevator layouts. Always check signs carefully.
- ℹ️ Boarding: The first and last carriages are designated for wheelchairs.
Bus & Streets
- ✔ Ramps: All blue buses and yellow trolleys have manual ramps (ask the driver).
- ⚠️ The “Sidewalk Problem”: Athens is notorious for parked cars and trees blocking sidewalks. Stick to main roads.
- ℹ️ Best Area: The pedestrian zone around the Acropolis (Dionysiou Areopagitou) is perfectly flat and smooth.
Acropolis Lift
- ✔ The Elevator: A modern elevator is available on the north slope. You must contact the site in advance or ask at the ticket booth.
- ✔ Golf Carts: Shuttle service is often available from the main entrance to the elevator.
- 📞 Support: Call +30 210 3214172 for Acropolis assistance.
Useful Official Resources
For specific station maps and breakdown alerts:
🟢 Last Verified: January 2026 – Transport details may change. Check official sources for the latest updates.
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