Planning a trip to Athens? It’s worth getting to know the local transport before you land so you can make the most out of your trip.
This ancient city has great public transport links across the city, making it easy to visit the top sights in Athens.
In this guide, we’ll dive into:
- The main transportation methods in the city
- The best transportation in Athens for tourists
- Routes to and from Athens Airport
- Practical tips for getting around Athens, Greece
Let’s dive right in!
Overview of Transportation in Athens
Here’s a quick snapshot of what you need to know about getting around Athens:
- Typically, the quickest and easiest way to get around Athens is to take the metro or trams.
- Buses are a great option for more local neighborhoods and night travel.
- To take advantage of the integrated travel in Athens, it’s worth picking up an Ath.ena card. There are different types, including day passes for tourists.
- The historical center of Athens is quite walkable. So if you’re on a budget, you may be able to get around on foot or hire a bicycle.
How to use public transportation in Athens
Athens public transportation is quite good, with multiple ways of getting across the city.
If you want to make the most of your time in Athens, it’s essential to understand how Ath.ena cards work. They’re your main access point to nearly all of Athens’s public transport.
Before diving into the best ways to get around the city, let’s quickly go over the different ticket types, prices, and how to use them.
All about Ath.ena cards
The Ath.ena card is your key to navigating Athens with ease.
This rechargeable travel card gives you access to the city’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleys with one simple tap.
You can load it with single tickets, day passes, or multi-day options depending on how long you’ll stay. It’s the most convenient and cost-effective way to explore Athens without worrying about buying separate tickets each time you travel.
The different types of cards are:
- Single tickets (valid for 90 minutes): €1.20
- 24-hour ticket: €4.10
- 3-day tourist ticket: €20
- 5-day ticket: €8.20
- 2 ticket bundle: €2.30
- 5 ticket bundle: €5.70
- 10 ticket bundle: €12
You can purchase an Ath-ena card at the automatic ticket vending machines at metro and train stations, the transportation center at the airport, or from select vendors.
Metro
Athens’ metro system is fast, clean, and the easiest way to move around the city. It has three main lines connecting the airport, central neighborhoods, and key landmarks such as the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, and Monastiraki.
Trains run roughly every 5–10 minutes from early morning until midnight, with extended hours on weekends.
Many metro stations double as mini museums, displaying ancient ruins uncovered during construction.
Signs and announcements are in both Greek and English, making navigation simple even for first-time visitors.
Tickets can be tapped at the gates using your Ath.ena card, and you’ll find metro maps posted clearly on every platform. Whether you’re heading from the airport or hopping between neighborhoods, the metro is the backbone of Athens’ public transport.
The operating hours of the Athens metro are as follows:
05:00 to 00:00 Mondays to Thursdays and Sundays
Lines 2 and 3 run from 05:00 to 02:00 on Fridays, and all night on Saturdays
Trams
Athens’ tram network offers a scenic, laid-back way to travel, especially if you’re heading toward the coast. The two lines connect the city center with seaside areas like Nea Smyrni, Alimos, and Voula, making it ideal for beach days or sunset strolls along the Athenian Riviera.
While slower than the metro, the trams are modern, comfortable, and perfect for sightseeing as they pass through residential districts.
You can use your Ath.ena card here too, simply tapping in at the onboard ticket validator. For visitors with time to spare, a tram ride to the sea is one of the most relaxed ways to experience a different side of Athens.
The operating hours of the trams in Athens are as follows:
05:30 to 00:00 Mondays to Fridays and Sundays
Lines run 24 hours on Saturdays
Trains
Athens’ train services connect the city with nearby regions and other parts of Greece, making them ideal for day trips. The main hub is Larissa Station, where you’ll find national and suburban trains. The suburban network links central Athens to the airport, Piraeus port, and outlying areas like Corinth, Chalkida, and Kiato.
The trains in Athens are reliable, air-conditioned, and connects seamlessly with the metro system.
Tickets are compatible with the Ath.ena card for airport and suburban routes, though longer-distance journeys require separate tickets.
Train schedules can vary, so it’s best to check times before you travel. Whether you’re heading to the coast or another city entirely, Athens trains offer a comfortable, scenic ride.
Buses
Athens’ bus and trolley network covers areas the metro and tram don’t reach, making it essential for getting around more local neighborhoods.
Services run frequently throughout the day, though traffic can cause delays during rush hour. Stops are clearly marked, and many routes pass key attractions such as the National Archaeological Museum and Mount Lycabettus.
You can use your Ath.ena card on both blue buses and yellow electric trolleys. Just tap when boarding and again when exiting.
Bus timetables and route maps are available through the OASA Telematics app, which gives real-time arrival updates.
Tip: If you’re traveling late, look for the night routes that operate along main corridors after the metro closes.
Plaka area in Athens
Monastiraki area in Athens City Center
“Karyatides” from the Acropolis in Athens
Other ways of getting around Athens
Public transportation in Athens is great, but perhaps you’d like a more convenient or scenic way of getting around. Here are your other options.
Taxis and private transfers
Athens taxis are readily available throughout the city.
Ride-hailing apps like FreeNow, Uber, and Bolt are also popular in the city.
If you want the ultimate comfort and convenience at a reasonable price, you can pre-book Athens Airport transfers from a trusted international provider like Welcome Pickups.
Bike & Scooter Rentals
For a fun, flexible way to explore, bike and e-scooter rentals are widely available in central Athens.
Cycling is best enjoyed in areas with dedicated paths, such as around the National Garden or Thissio. Just remember that Athens’ streets can be hilly and busy, so stay alert and wear a helmet if possible.
Transportation in Athens for Tourists
For tourists, getting around Athens is straightforward once you know your options.
The Ath.ena card is your best friend. It works across metro, buses, trams, and suburban trains, allowing easy transfers between them. Most major attractions are close to metro stations, so you can cover a lot of ground without needing a car.
If you’re short on time, the metro is the fastest way to move between key landmarks like the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, and Monastiraki.
For more relaxed sightseeing, trams or hop-on-hop-off buses are ideal.
Taxis and rideshares are affordable by European standards, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours.
You can also pre-book an Athens private tour for a unique way of seeing the city in a private vehicle with a professional driver.
If you’d rather use your own two feet, Athens is also very walkable within its historic center, especially around Plaka and the Ancient Agora. Combining walking with public transport gives you the perfect balance of convenience and exploration.
Airport Transportation in Athens
Athens Airport, Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), is around 35 kilometers outside of the city center.
You can travel from Athens Airport to the city center by:
- Metro: Use Line 3 to get to the city center in 40 minutes.
- Bus: Catch the X95 Express Bus to Syntagma Square, which takes around 1 hour.
- Taxi: Get an Athens Airport taxi from the ranks to take you anywhere in Athens in around 25 minutes.
Alternatively, you can book an Athens Airport transfer from Welcome Pickups to receive an unparalleled, door-to-door service to your destination.
Practical Tips for Getting Around Athens
We hope this guide helps you explore the incredible city of Athens with confidence. Here are a few bits of parting advice for getting around Athens:
- Buy and top up your Ath.ena card at metro stations or kiosks
- Download the OASA Telematics app for real-time bus and trolley updates
- Avoid rush hours (08:00 to 10:00 and 17:00 to 19:00) when the metro and buses are busiest
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the historic center on foot
- Keep small change handy for kiosks and taxi rides
Interior view of a public bus
Yellow Taxi in Athens
Athens Riviera by tram
FAQs
How to Get Around in Athens City Center?
The city center is compact and walkable, especially around Plaka, Syntagma, and Monastiraki. Most major landmarks are linked by metro or tram, so you can easily combine walking with short rides.
What is the best way to get around in Athens?
The metro is the fastest and most reliable option for most visitors, with frequent trains and easy connections to buses and trams. Taxis or private transfers are great for short trips when public transport is less convenient.
How to pay for public transport in Athens?
Use an Ath.ena card, which you can buy and top up at metro stations, airport machines, or select vendors. Simply tap in at the start of each journey.
Is public transportation free in Athens?
No, public transport isn’t free, but it’s very affordable. Reduced fares are available for students, seniors, and children.
How much is a 3 day metro pass in Athens?
A 3-day unlimited travel pass costs around €20, including a round-trip to and from the airport, and covers metro, tram, bus, and trolley rides.
