Athens Transport

Athens has a comprehensive public transport system that makes it easy for visitors to get from A to B, regardless of where they are staying. The Metro offers the most convenient means of transport, while buses and trams operate in the areas that aren’t covered by the Metro network. Driving in Athens is not recommended unless you are capable of dealing with aggressive driving and hot tempered taxi drivers.

By Metro

Travelling by Metro is one of the easiest ways to get about the city, with many stations tastefully decorated and exhibiting ancient artefacts, making them museums in their own right. The three Metro lines are as follows: Line 1, which runs from the Piraeus to Kifissia; Line 2, which commences at Agios Antonios and terminates at Agios Dimitrios; and Line 3, which begins at Monastiraki and travels to Doukissis Plakentias and Athens International Airport.

Tickets can be bought at all stations and must be validated upon entering the station. Single and return tickets are available, as are group, daily and weekly tickets.

By train

Visitors have the option of travelling by suburban train should the Metro not make a stop at their desired destination. Known as the proastiakos, the suburban railway commences at Larissis Station and terminates at Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos).

By tram

Athens’ tram network links the city centre with the southern suburbs and various Metro stations. Three tram lines are in operation, with Line 1 travelling from Syntagma to Palaio Faliro and Neo Falirom, with a stop at the Peace and Friendship Stadium. Line 2 begins at Syntagma and travels to the coastal areas of Palaio Faliro and Glyfada, while Line 3 commences at Neo Faliro and continues on to Palaio Faliro and Glyfada.

By bus

There are various types of buses operating in Athens, with diesel, natural gas and electric trolley buses all being run by the Athens Urban Transport Organisation. Bus travel is a cheap and convenient means of accessing the airport, while night buses are also available on limited routes to the following destinations: Kifissia, Nea Elvetia, the Piraeus and the airport.

Taxis

Taxis are a convenient means of getting around the city, relatively cheap and easy to find. Visitors can hail cabs in the street or pre-book them by telephone. Additional fees are levied for night-time travel and extra luggage. Taxi drivers are obliged to give you a receipt, should you request one, limiting the possibility of tourists getting ripped off.

Tourist services

Visitors can ride to the top of Mount Likavitos on the cable-car railway (teleferique), which is a popular tourist activity. Services operate every 20 minutes in the summer, with a small fee charged for the ride up. Tourists can enjoy the views from the top while relaxing at the mountainside café.

From the airport

There are a variety of ways to reach the city from the airport, with many people choosing to hire a car on arrival. From the airport, the Attiki Odos, a high-speed toll motorway, connects the city’s western gate with the airport. If you are not confident in driving yourself, six public bus routes operate between the airport, Athens and the Piraeus. Tickets for these airport express buses can be bought onboard.

The airport is also connected to the city by Metro Line 3, with trains terminating at Monastiraki Station in Athens. There are 12 stops en route, with it also being possible to change to Metro Line 2 at Syntagma Station. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, with trains running every 30 minutes.

Alternatively, passengers can travel via suburban rail services to Larissis Station, Athens’ central railway station, with trains running more frequently than Metro services, but taking longer, with a journey time of 38 minutes.

Taxis are available 24 hours for journeys into the city, with the tariff increasing for journeys made at night. Additional charges also apply for baggage. Cabs can be pre-booked by calling: +210 523 9524. Limousines are also available on request.