Getting Around

Public Transport

The Athens public transport system is affordable, reliable and covers most of the city and suburbs. You can use all means of public transport using the same ticket (a single ticket costs €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes).

Metro

The fastest means of getting around Athens is the Metro. The Athens Metro system consists of 3 lines and connects to the tram, bus routes and suburban railway. 

The Metro runs daily from 5 am to midnight. Lines 2 and 3 operate until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays. At peak hours, trains run every 5-6 minutes. 

Athens Metro: Website / Tel. +30 214 414 6400

Line 1 is an overground train (known as ISAP) that runs from the northern suburb of Kifissia to the port of Piraeus. It connects to lines 2 and 3 at three stations (Attiki, Omonia and Monastiraki). 

Athens Piraeus Electric Railways: Website / Tel. +30 210 324 8311

Suburban Railway

This overground train provides a direct link between Piraeus port and Athens International Airport. It also connects Athens to Halkida in Evia and Kiato and Corinth in the Peloponnese. The suburban railway operates from 4:30 am until 11 pm daily. 

Suburban Railway: Website / Tel. 14511

Buses & Trolleybuses

The Athens bus and trolleybus network is very extensive. Most buses and trolleybuses run daily from 5 am to midnight, but do check the timetable of your route. 

Airport Express buses operate on a 24-hour basis. These services connect Athens International Airport with the city centre (Syntagma Square), Piraeus port and the Intercity Bus Terminal (KTEL Kifissos).

OASA: Website / Tel. 11185

Tram

The tram network connects central Athens with the coastal suburbs of Faliro, Voula and Piraeus. It takes approximately one hour to get from Syntagma Square to the final seaside stops at Voula or Piraeus. 

There are two tram lines; T6 connects Syntagma with Faliro (Pikrodafni station) and T7 connects Voula (Asklipeio Voulas station) with Piraeus (Agia Triada station). The two lines meet at Pikrodafni station.

The tram connects to the Metro and overground train at four stops: Syntagma, Syngrou/Fix, Neos Kosmos and SEF (Peace and Friendship Stadium in Faliro). See the timetable here.

The tram operates from 5:30 am to 12:00 am daily.  

Tram S.A.: Website / Tel. +30 214 4146400

Tickets for Public Transport

Athens’ public transport uses Ath.ena tickets and cards, available at metro and tram stations.

For added convenience, tap2ride lets you pay directly at validators with a contactless Visa/Mastercard (physical or digital via Apple Pay/Google Pay) and is ideal for visitors and occasional commuters.

How it Works

  • Tap your card/device at metro gates, buses, trams and trolleys.
  • Standard fares apply (€1.20 for 90 mins, €5.50 for airport buses, €9 for metro to the airport).
  • Daily fare cap of €4.10—travel as much as you like for one day without exceeding this limit.

Good to Know

  • Only Visa & Mastercard are accepted—cards such as Maestro, JCB, AMEX, Diners, Discover, and China UnionPay are not supported at this stage.
  • Use the same card/device for your entire journey (including transfers) to avoid multiple charges.
  • Ticket inspectors verify payment by scanning the exact card or device you used to tap in—no paper receipt is provided.
  • Discounted fares (e.g. student, senior tickets) are NOT available with tap2ride—use an Ath.ena ticket or card instead.

If you prefer a traditional ticket, Ath.ena tickets and cards remain available.

Ticket Prices

  • A standard ticket on Athens public transport costs €1.20.
  • A special ticket of €9 is required for transport to and from the airport.
  • Students and senior citizens over 65 pay €0.50 (student ID and proof of age required).
  • Children up to age 6 travel free; ages 7-18 pay €0.50 (proof of age required).
  • Each ticket is valid for 90 minutes on all modes of transport, except airport services.

Longer-term options include

  • Day Pass (€4.10) – Unlimited travel for 24 hours (excluding airport services).
  • 5-Day Ticket (€8.10) – Unlimited travel for 5 days (excluding airport services and bus X80).
  • 3-Day Tourist Ticket (€20) – Includes unlimited travel and one round trip to/from Athens International Airport. This is available at bus and metro ticket kiosks at Athens International Airport, Omonia, Syntagma, Thissio, Monastiraki, Acropolis, and Piraeus stations.

For more information on tickets, routes and prices visit oasa.gr or call 11185.