How to move around Athens

Metro (Subway)

The metro is the easiest and fastest means of transport in Athens. It connects the most popular spots of interest with numerous neighborhoods in Athens. It also operates between the city center and the port of Piraeus and the International Airport of Athens via the Blue Line (Line 3). Inaugurated in 2001, the metro of Athens is a modern construction. Routes are very frequent during the day, approximately every 4 minutes. The metro is open from 05:00 until midnight except for Fridays and Saturdays when it stops around 01:00. Although it serves a large part of the town and suburbs, the network is still expanding. You can get information concerning timetables here.

Tram

The tram network connects the center of Athens to the southern (coastal) suburbs. The coaches are nice and modern and the routes allow you to gaze at the cityscape. Note that the tram runs at lower speeds compared to the metro.
Two routes are operated by the tram; these are Athens (Syntagma) - Neo Faliro (Pikrodafni) and Piraeus (Agia Triada) - Voula.
You can get more information about tram timetables here.

City Buses

A huge network of buses and trolleys (electric buses) operates in Athens and its suburbs. Itineraries usually start early in the morning (05:00 to 06:00) and stop around 23:00, with the exception of some buses that operate 24 hours, such as the Express buses from the Airport to Syntagma or to the port of Piraeus. Tickets for buses and trolley buses can be purchased in special kiosks around the town, automated ticket dispensers situated in central spots, or inside any Metro Station. Find information about timetables on www.telematics.oasa.gr.

Taxis

Taxis in Athens are yellow and equipped with a taximeter that displays the fare. There are taxi ranks outside the airport, the metro and train stations, hospitals, museums, theaters, etc. Overall, hundreds of taxis go around the roads of Athens at any given moment, so catching one will not be an issue.
A noteworthy piece of information about the Athenian taxis is that a person can be picked up by a taxi while there is another passenger in it if they move in the same direction. Every passenger will be charged the fare shown on the meter.
The fares are doubled between midnight and 5:00. There is an extra fee when entering a taxi from the port, airport, rail station, and KTEL bus station.
If you want to stop a taxi, just step on the side of the road and raise your hand. Otherwise, you can book a taxi by calling any of the following numbers: 18222, 18300, 18288, 18180. Alternatively, you can book your taxi online.

Hon-on Hop-off Buses

The hop-on hop-off bus is one of the best ways to tour around Athens. It offers a great variety of tours, such as the Classic tour, the Athens and Piraeus tour and the Athens and Beach Riviera tour. The tours come with commentary in 13 languages, free Wi-Fi and a free glass of Greek beer. In case of rain, free ponchos are given to passengers, too.

Happy Train

Another fun way to move around the city and explore the best points of interest in Athens is the Happy Train! Happy Train tours around the historical center of Athens and passes by the most important monuments of the city. This train truly stands out: it has a bright red color and looks like a toy! Sightseeing tours with Happy Train start from Syntagma Square and follow an amazing route, passing by monuments and sites, such as the Hellenic Parliament, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the War Museum, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Lantern of Diogenes and others. You can hop off the train whenever you wish, so the Happy Train is a very convenient way to move around Athens.

Organized Tours

There is no better way to explore a place, than touring around it with the help of well-trained, experienced, local guides! Choose the tour that appeals to you the most, visit the most breathtaking spots of Athens and create wonderful memories that will last for a lifetime!
→ Discover our tours in Athens

Suburban Railway (Proastiakos)

The suburban railway accommodates travelers who want to reach Athens from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport or the port of Piraeus (and vice versa). It also travels between Athens and the area of Kiato in Corinth Kiato. Itineraries are daily and run almost every hour. Get more information here.

Car Rentals

With a car or motorcycle, you can easily move to any location in town or travel to nearby destinations, like Cape Sounion, Corinth, Arachova, Delphi, etc. In case you don't have your own vehicle, renting a car for your sightseeing trips is an excellent idea!
Concerning your transfers by car within the city limits, you should always keep in mind that traffic jam in Athens is a phenomenon occurring every day and you might also have difficulty in finding free parking spots.
However, some lovely areas outside the city center are accessible via Attiki Odos. Attiki Odos is a cutting-edge motorway in Europe linking the town of Elefsina (Western Attica) to the International Airport of Athens (Eastern Attica). Part of the Athens peripheral ring road, it circumvents Athens and offers 27 main and secondary interchanges for entrance and exit into/from the capital. To enter the motorway, drivers must pay tolls.
→ Rent your car with us!

KTEL (Suburban) Buses

The KTEL buses connect suburban places and towns around Greece. Intercity buses heading to almost all towns around the country depart from Athens. In fact, KTEL buses are more popular to travel in Greece than the train, even though more expensive. The two central KTEL bus stations in Athens are located in Kifissos and Liossion Street, respectively. The bus station in Kifissos is the most popular and is connected to several destinations. The Liossion KTEL station serves central Greece and a few destinations in northern Greece.
Get more information about routes and timetables here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: Timetables and ticket prices are subject to changes. For up-to-date information kindly check the official websites of transportation services.

How can I get from the Airport to Athens Center?

Athens Airport is connected to the city center by metro, bus and suburban railway.

• Metro (Blue Line 3)

Directions: The metro that arrives at the platform follows the Blue Line and heads to Dimotiko Theatro. The most central spots to get off are Syntagma and Monastiraki.
Trip Duration: 38’ - 40’
Timetables: 06:10 - 06:46 - 07:19 - 07:58 - 08:34 - 09:10 - 09:46 - 10:22 - 10:58 - 11:34 - 12:10 - 12:46 - 13:22 - 13:58 - 14:34 - 15:10 - 15:46 - 16:19 - 16:58 - 17:34 - 18:10 - 18:46 - 19:22 - 19:58 - 20:34 - 21:10 - 21:46 - 22:22 - 22:58 - 23:34
Tickets: One-way ticket: 9 € | Discounted: 4,50 € | Two-way ticket: 16 € | 3-day tourist ticket: 20 € (includes a two-way airport ticket)

• Bus (X95 Airport Route)

Directions: The Airport bus stop is located in the Arrivals Area, between Exits 4 and 5.
Trip Duration: Around 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
The terminal is at Syntagma Square, where individuals disembark.
Timetables: 00:10 - 00:25 - 00:40 - 00:55 - 01:10 - 01:25 - 01:40 - 01:55 - 02:10 - 02:30 - 02:50 - 03:10 - 03:30 - 03:50 - 04:15 - 04:40 - 05:05 - 05:25 - 05:45 - 06:00 - 06:10 - 06:25 - 06:40 - 06:55 - 07:10 - 07:20 - 07:35 - 07:45 - 08:00 - 08:10 - 08:25 - 08:40 - 09:00 - 09:15 - 09:30 - 09:40 - 09:55 - 10:10 - 10:30 - 10:50 - 11:10 - 11:20 - 11:35 - 11:45 - 12:00 - 12:15 - 12:30 - 12:45 - 13:00 - 13:15 - 13:25 - 13:40 - 13:55 - 14:10 - 14:25 - 14:35 - 14:50 - 15:05 - 15:20 - 15:35 - 15:45 - 16:05 - 16:25 - 16:35 - 16:45 - 17:00 - 17:15 - 17:30 - 17:45 - 18:05 - 18:20 - 18:35 - 18:50 - 19:10 - 19:25 - 19:40 - 19:55 - 20:10 - 20:25 - 20:40 - 20:55 - 21:10 - 21:25 - 21:40 - 21:55 - 22:10 - 22:30 - 22:45 - 23:00 - 23:15 - 23:30 - 23:45 - 23:55
Bus tickets: One-way ticket: 5,50 € | Discounted: 2,70 € | 3-day tourist ticket: 20 € (includes a two-way airport ticket)

• Suburban railway (Proastiakos)

Directions: The suburban railway station in Athens center is in the Central Railway station ("Stathmos Larissis - Larissa Station) which is connected with the Red Metro Line.
The platform of the suburban railway is located in the same area as the platform of the Metro. Passengers have to get on the train that heads to Piraeus and disembark it at Athens Station.
Timetables: 06:07 - 07:07 - 08:07 - 09:07 - 10:07 - 11:07 - 12:07 - 13:07 - 14:07 - 15:07 - 16:07 - 17:07 - 18:07 - 19:07 - 20:07- 21:07 - 22:07

How can I get from Athens Center to the Airport?

Athens Center is connected to the Airport by metro, bus and suburban railway.

• Metro (Blue Line 3)

Directions: From Syntagma or Monastiraki stations, travelers have to take the metro heading to the Airport (Blue Line).
Trip Duration: 38’ - 40’.
Timetables from Syntagma Station: 05:51 - 06:28 - 07:04 - 07:40 - 08:16 - 08:52 - 09:28 - 10:04 - 10:40 - 11:16 - 11:52 - 12:28 - 13:04 - 13:40 - 14:16 - 14:52 - 15:28 - 16:04 - 16:40 - 17:16 - 17:52 - 18:28 - 19:04 - 19:40 - 20:16 - 20:52 - 21:28 - 22:04 - 22:40 - 23:16
Timetables from Monastiraki Station: 05:49 - 06:26 - 07:02 - 07:38 - 08:14 - 08:50 - 09:26 - 10:02 - 10:38 - 11:14 - 11:50 - 12:26 - 13:02 - 13:38 - 14:14 - 14:50 - 15:26 - 16:02 - 16:38 - 17:14 - 17:50 - 18:26 - 19:02 - 19:38 - 20:14 - 20:50 - 21:26 - 22:02 - 22:38 - 23:14
Tickets: One-way ticket: 9 € | Discounted: 4,50 € | Two-way ticket: 16 € | 3-day tourist ticket: 20 € (includes a two-way airport ticket)

• Bus (X95 Airport)

Directions: The stop for the Express Bus that heads to the Airport is located in 8, Othonos Street (Syntagma Square). The bus terminates at the Departures Level.
Trip Duration: Around 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Timetables from Syntagma Station: 00:10 - 00:25 - 00:40 - 00:55 - 01:10 - 01:25 - 01:40 - 01:55 - 02:10 - 02:30 - 02:50 - 03:15 - 03:40 - 04:05 - 04:25 - 04:40 - 04:55 - 05:05 - 05:20 - 05:35 - 05:45 - 06:00 - 06:10 - 06:25 - 06:35 - 06:50 - 07:00 - 07:15 - 07:30 - 07:40 - 07:50 - 08:05 - 08:20 - 08:30 - 08:45 - 09:00 - 09:15 - 09:30 - 09:45 - 10:00 - 10:10 - 10:25 - 10:35 - 10:50 - 11:05 - 11:20 - 11:35 - 11:50 - 12:05 - 12:15 - 12:30 - 12:45 - 13:00 - 13:15 - 13:25 - 13:40 - 13:55 - 14:10 - 14:25 - 14:35 - 14:50 - 15:05 - 15:20 - 15:35 - 15:50 - 16:05 - 16:20 - 16:35 - 16:55 - 17:10 - 17:25 - 17:40 - 18:00 - 18:15 - 18:30 - 18:45 - 19:00 - 19:15 - 19:30 - 19:45 - 20:00 - 20:15 - 20:30 - 20:45 - 21:00 - 21:20 - 21:35 - 21:50 - 22:05 - 22:20 - 22:35 - 22:50 - 23:05 - 23:20 - 23:35 - 23:50
Tickets: One-way ticket: 5,50 € | Discounted: 2,70 € | 3-day tourist ticket: 20 € (includes a two-way airport ticket)

• Suburban railway (Proastiakos)

Directions: The suburban railway heading to the Airport departs from Larissa Station (Red Metro Line). Passengers must check the train's direction, as not all trains have the airport as their final destination.
Timetables: 04:16 - 05:05 - 06:05 - 07:05 - 08:05 - 09:05 - 10:05 - 11:05 - 12:05 - 13:05 - 14:05 - 15:05 - 16:05 - 17:05 - 18:05 - 19:05 - 20:05 - 21:05

How can I get from the Airport to Piraeus Port?

The Airport of Athens is connected with the port of Piraeus by metro, bus, and suburban railway.

• Metro (Blue Line 3)

Directions: The metro that arrives at the platform follows the Blue Line and heads to Dimotiko Theatro. Passengers have to get off at Pireas (Piraeus) Station.
Tickets: One-way ticket: 9 € | Discounted: 4,50 € | Two -way ticket: 16 €

• Bus (X96 Airport)

Directions: The X96 bus stop is located in the Arrivals Area, between Exits 4 and 5.
Trip Duration: Around 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Timetables: Day Itineraries (04:05 - 04:35 - 05:05 - 05:35 - 06:10 - 06:30 - 06:55 - 07:20 - 07:40 - 08:00 - 08:20 - 08:40 - 09:00 - 09:20 - 09:40 - 10:00 - 10:20 - 10:40 - 11:05 - 11:25 - 11:50 - 12:10 - 12:35 - 12:55 - 13:20 - 13:40 - 14:05 - 14:25 - 14:45 - 15:10 - 15.30 - 15:55 - 16:15 - 16:40 - 17:00 - 17:25 - 17:45 - 18:05 - 18:25) pass by Piraeus Metro Station, so you disembark there.
Evening - Night Itineraries (18:45 - 19:05 - 19:25 - 19:45 - 20:10 - 20:35 - 21:00 - 21:20 - 21:45 - 22:10 - 22:35 - 23:05 - 23:35 - 00:05 - 00:35 - 01:05 - 01:35 - 02:05 - 02:35 - 03:05 - 03:35), though, terminate one stop before Piraeus Metro Station, at Karaiskaki Square. Hence, you will need to walk around 5 minutes to reach the Metro Station.
Tickets: One-way ticket: 5,50 € | Discounted: 2,70 € | 3-day tourist ticket: 20 € (includes a two -way airport ticket)

• Suburban railway (Proastiakos)

Directions: The suburban railway station in Piraeus is located close to the port.
The platform of the suburban railway at the Airport is located in the same area as the platform of the Metro. Passengers have to get on the train that heads to Piraeus.
Timetables: 06:07 - 07:07 - 08:07 - 09:07 - 10:07 - 11:07 - 12:07 - 13:07 - 14:07 - 15:07 - 16:07 - 17:07 - 18:07 - 19:07 - 20:07 - 21:07 - 22:07.
Tickets: One-way ticket: 9 €

How can I get from Piraeus Port to the Airport?

The port of Piraeus is connected with the Airport of Athens by metro, bus, and suburban railway.

• Metro (Blue and Green Metro Lines)

Directions: From Pireas (Piraeus) Station, travelers have to take the metro heading to the Airport (Blue Line).
Tickets: One-way ticket: 9 € | Discounted: 4,50 € | Two-way ticket: 16 €

• Bus (X96 Airport)

Directions: The bus stop in Piraeus Port is located in front of Gate E7.
Trip Duration: Around 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Timetables: Day Itineraries (05:00 - 05:20 - 05:40 - 06:00 - 06:20 - 06:40 - 07:00 - 07:20 - 07:40 - 08:20 - 08:40 - 09:00 - 09:25 - 09:45 - 10:10 - 10:30 - 10:55 - 11:15 - 11:40 - 12:00 - 12:25 - 12:45 - 13:05 - 13:30 - 13:50 - 14:15 - 14:35 - 15:00 - 15:20 - 15:45 - 16:05 - 16:25 - 16:45 - 17:05 - 17:25 - 17:45 - 18:05 - 18:30 - 18:55 - 19:20 - 19:45 - 20:00) pass by Piraeus Metro Station, so you can hop on the bus from there.
Evening - Night Itineraries (20:10 - 20:35 - 21:05 - 21:35 - 22:05 - 22:35 - 23:05 - 23:35 - 00:05 - 00:35 - 01:05 - 01:35 - 02:05 - 02:35 - 03:05 - 03:35 - 04:05 - 04:35), though, depart from Karaiskaki Square and don't pass by Piraeus Metro Station. Hence, you will need to walk around 5 minutes to reach the bus stop.
Tickets: One-way ticket: 5,50 € | Discounted: 2,70 € | 3-day tourist ticket: 20 € (includes two -way airport ticket)

• Suburban railway (Proastiakos)

Directions: The suburban railway heading to the Airport departs from Piraeus Suburban Railway Station. Passengers must check the train's direction, as not all trains have the airport as their final destination.
Timetables: 04:45 - 05:45 - 06:45 - 07:45 - 08:45 - 09:45 - 10:45 - 11:45 - 12:45 - 13:45 - 14:45 - 15:45 - 16:45 - 17:45 - 18:45 - 19:45 - 20:45.
Tickets: One-way ticket: 9 €

How can I get from Athens Center to Piraeus Port?

Athens Center is connected with the port of Piraeus by the Blue and Green Metro Lines, bus and the suburban railway.

• Metro (Blue Line / Line 3)

Directions: From Monastiraki or Syntagma Metro Stations, passengers can take the metro of the Blue Line and disembark at Pireas (Piraeus) station. The direction of the metro must be to Dimotiko Theatro.
Trip Duration: 20’ (Metro frequency 5’ - 15’)
Tickets: One-way ticket: 1,20 € (0,60 € discounted)

• Metro (Green Line / Line 1)

Directions: From Monastiraki Metro Station, passengers can take the metro of the Green Line and disembark at Pireas (Piraeus) station. The direction of the metro must be Piraeus.
Trip Duration: 20’ (Metro frequency 5’ - 15’)
Tickets: One-way ticket: 1,20 € (0,60 € discounted)

• Bus (Route 040)

Directions: The bus stop is located at 2, Fillelinon Street (Syntagma Square).
Trip Duration: Around 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
You disembark at Piraeus stop which is situated outside Gate E12.
Note that there is a 10-minute walking distance to the gate where most ferries depart for the islands.
Frequency ranges from 10’ to 30’.
Tickets: One-way ticket: 1,20 € (0,60 € discounted)

• Suburban railway (Proastiakos)

Directions: The suburban railway station in Athens Center is in the Central Railway station Stathmos Larissis (Larissa Station), which is also connected with the Red Metro Line.
Timetables: 06:21 - 06:52 - 07:21 - 07:52 - 08:21 - 08:52 - 09:21 - 09:52 - 10:21 - 10:52 - 11:21 - 11:52 - 12:21 - 12:52 - 13:21 - 13:52 - 14:21 - 14:52 - 15:21 - 15:52 - 16:21 - 16:52 - 17:21 - 17:52 - 18:21 - 18:52 - 19:21 - 19:52 - 20:21 - 20:52 - 21:21 - 21:52 - 22:21 - 22:52.
Tickets: One-way ticket: 1,40 €

How can I get from Piraeus Port to Athens Center?

Piraeus Port is connected with Athens Center via the Blue and Green Metro Lines, bus and suburban railway.

• Metro (Blue Line 3)

Directions: From Pireas (Piraeus) Metro Station, individuals have to get on the metro of the Blue Line and stop at Monastiraki or Syntagma Metro Station.
Note: You may observe that some metros head to the Airport while others to Doukissis Plakentias. That does not affect you, as all stop at Monastiraki and Syntagma.
Trip Duration: 20’ (Metro frequency 5’ - 15’)
Tickets: One-way ticket: 1,20 € (0,60 € discounted)

• Metro (Green Line 1)

Directions: From Pireas (Piraeus) Metro Station, passengers have to take the metro of the Green Line and stop at Monastiraki Metro Station.
Trip Duration: 20’ (Metro frequency 5’ - 15’)
Tickets: One-way ticket: 1,20 € (0,60 € discounted)

• Bus (Route 040)

Directions: The 040 bus stop is located in Piraeus, in front of gate E12.
Trip Duration: Around 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
You should disembark at the Syntagma stop.
Frequency ranges between 10’ and 30’.
Ticket: One-way ticket: 1,20 € (0,50 € discounted)

• Suburban railway (Proastiakos)

Directions: The suburban railway station in Piraeus is near the port, on the left of the metro station as you face it from the port. The suburban railway station in Athens is Stathmos Larissis (Larissa Station), which is also connected to the Red Metro Line.
Timetables: 04:45 - 05:45 - 06:15 - 06:45 - 06:52 - 07:15 - 07:45 - 07:52 - 08:15 - 08:45 - 08:52 - 09:15 - 09:45 - 09:52 - 10:15 - 10:45 - 10:52 - 11:15 - 11:45 - 11:52 - 12:15 - 12:45 - 12:52 - 13:15 - 13:45 - 13:52 - 14:15 - 14:45 - 15:15 - 15:45 - 16:15 - 16:45 - 17:15 - 17:45 - 18:15 - 18:45 - 19:15 - 19:45 - 20:15 - 20:45 - 21:15 - 22:15
Ticket: One-way ticket: 1,40 €