Athens has an extensive, cheap public transport network run by OASA. For visitors the metro is the most useful: modern, clean, fast and with many stations in the historic centre, some of which are real archaeological museums, because thousands of finds emerged during their construction.
The metro
| Line | Colour | Route | Useful stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Line 1 | Green | Piraeus, Thissio, Monastiraki, Omonia, Kifissia | Port of Piraeus, Agora, Archaeological Museum (Viktoria) |
| Line 2 | Red | Anthoupoli, Omonia, Syntagma, Akropoli, Elliniko | Acropolis, Koukaki, Syngrou-Fix |
| Line 3 | Blue | Piraeus, Monastiraki, Syntagma, Evangelismos, Airport | Airport, Kerameikos, Kolonaki |
Line 1 is the oldest: it began in 1869 as a steam railway between Athens and Piraeus and runs mostly above ground. Lines 2 and 3 opened in 2000 and have since been extended; line 3 has reached Piraeus since 2022. A line 4 is under construction that will cross the centre from west to north-east, via Exarchia and Kolonaki; the first section is expected towards the end of the decade. Trains run from about 5.30 am to after midnight, with later hours on Fridays and Saturdays on some lines.
The tram
The tram links the centre with the sea. Line T6 runs from Syntagma down to Faliro; T7 runs along the coast from Piraeus to Voula. It is slow but scenic, ideal for reaching the beaches, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center and the Riviera. See the Riviera.
Buses and trolleybuses
Buses (blue and white) and trolleybuses (yellow) reach every corner of the metropolitan area. Stops often have real-time arrival boards, and the official app helps plan routes. Airport express buses (X95, X96, X93, X97) have a special ticket. For trips out of town, KTEL coaches leave, for example for Cape Sounion and Marathon from Aigyptou Square (Mavromateon Street). See day trips from Athens.
Tickets
| Ticket | Validity | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 90 minutes on all transport, transfers included (airport excluded) | 1.20 euros |
| Day pass | 24 hours unlimited (airport excluded) | 4.10 euros |
| Five-day | 5 days unlimited (airport excluded) | 8.10 euros |
| Tourist | 3 days unlimited, with an airport return trip | 20 euros |
| Airport | One metro trip to or from the airport | 9 euros |
Tickets are sold at station machines and ticket offices, on rechargeable cards (Ath.ena Ticket and Ath.ena Card), or you can pay directly by holding a contactless credit card or smartphone to the gates (the Tap2Ride system), with a daily cap. Tickets must be validated at the start of every journey, including transfers; inspections are frequent and fines steep. Under-18s, students and over-65s get reduced fares with ID; small children travel free. Check prices on the official site.
Taxis
Taxis are yellow and relatively cheap compared with other European capitals. Hail them in the street, find them at taxi ranks or call them with the FreeNow and Uber apps (Uber in Athens uses licensed taxis). The meter has a higher night rate; there is a fixed fare to the airport. Drivers may pick up other passengers heading the same way, though this happens less often today.
On foot, by bike and by scooter
The historic centre is very walkable, thanks to the pedestrian streets around the Acropolis, Plaka and Ermou Street; but the climbs to the hills are steep and summer heat is a factor. There are cycle paths along the Riviera and shared e-scooter and bike services, but traffic makes cycling impractical in the centre.
By car
Driving in Athens is demanding: heavy traffic, one-way streets, scooters everywhere and scarce parking. The centre has a limited-traffic zone on weekdays. A car is only useful for leaving the city. See the airport and car hire.
Tips
- Transport strikes are frequent but announced a few days ahead: check the news.
- Watch out for pickpockets, especially on line 1 between Piraeus and Omonia and at the busiest stations.
- On the metro, give up your seat to the elderly and pregnant women, and don't eat.
- For a 3-day stay arriving and leaving by air, the tourist ticket is almost always worth it.
See also where to stay and practical tips.