Athens Metro Eyes 24-Hour Weekend Service: A Bold Move to Cut Traffic Accidents
- Remo Bernardini
- Jun 17
- 4 min read
Athens Turns Up the Nightlife—Without the Traffic Risk
Greece’s bustling capital is known for its vibrant nightlife, ancient landmarks, and yes, its sometimes chaotic traffic. For years, the city’s public transportation system—especially the metro—has helped move thousands efficiently. But come 12:30 a.m. on weekdays (and 2 a.m. on weekends), the last train rolls out, and late-night commuters are often left scrambling for cabs or driving themselves home.
That could all change soon.
Deputy Minister of Transport Konstantinos Kyranakis recently dropped a headline-making announcement during a TV interview: the Athens Metro, tram, and buses may begin running 24 hours on weekends, starting this July, as part of a government-backed trial program aimed at reducing late-night traffic accidents.
What’s Behind the Push for 24-Hour Service?
Let’s face it—weekends in Athens don’t wrap up by midnight. From late-night tavernas and rooftop bars to cultural events and concerts, the city stays buzzing well into the early hours. Unfortunately, that’s also when a high number of traffic accidents occur, many involving young drivers returning from social gatherings.
According to Kyranakis, the move to extend public transportation hours is directly aimed at improving road safety and reducing weekend traffic-related fatalities and injuries. By giving people a safer, more reliable way to get home, the government hopes to tackle one of the most persistent problems facing the city.
What’s Included in the Trial?
Here’s what we know so far about the proposed trial:
Start Date: Tentatively scheduled for July 2025
Scope:
Metro lines to run 24/7 on Saturday and Sunday
Tram services to align with metro hours
Select bus routes will also join the round-the-clock effort
Duration: Initial trial period (duration TBD) to assess feasibility, costs, and public response
The Ministry of Transport is currently working with OASA (Athens Urban Transport Organization) to finalize routes, staffing, and budget logistics.
Why This Matters (Hint: It’s Not Just About Convenience)
Sure, it’s great to catch a train home at 3 a.m. instead of shelling out €30 for a cab. But this move has deeper implications:
1. Road Safety First
The most pressing concern? Reducing alcohol-related and fatigue-induced traffic accidents. A 24-hour service offers a safer alternative for young people and tourists who’d otherwise risk driving under dangerous conditions.
2. Economic Boost for Nightlife
Extended transit hours can benefit local businesses. Bars, restaurants, theaters, and clubs could see increased foot traffic if customers know they won’t be stranded after closing time.
3. Tourist-Friendly Athens
With over 30 million international visitors per year, Athens has been striving to become more tourist-friendly. A reliable and safe late-night transport system is a major step forward in aligning the city with other major tourist capitals.
What Do Locals Think?
While the trial hasn’t launched yet, chatter among Athenians and expats online has been generally positive.
Many applaud the move as "long overdue."
Some have raised concerns about security at night, particularly in less busy stations.
Transit workers’ unions are expected to weigh in on how this affects shifts, wages, and staffing.
Still, with careful planning, many believe this could be a game-changer for urban mobility in Athens.
Global Inspiration: Cities That Went 24/7
Athens isn’t the first city to try out extended transit hours. Here's how it stacks up against others:
New York City: Famously dubbed “the city that never sleeps,” NYC’s subway has been 24/7 for decades (except during COVID-19).
London: The Night Tube runs on select lines during weekends.
Berlin: Weekend U-Bahn trains run all night.
Barcelona: Metro operates all night on Saturdays.
These models show that with the right infrastructure and demand, late-night service can work successfully—and even boost urban development.
What's Next?
Before it becomes permanent, the 24-hour weekend plan will undergo thorough monitoring and evaluation. Key metrics to track will include:
Ridership numbers during late-night hours
Incident reduction statistics
Operational costs vs. revenue
Commuter and business feedback
If the results look good, Athens could very well be on its way to offering around-the-clock weekend transport year-round.
Tips for Late-Night Riders
Once the service kicks off, keep these in mind:
Download the OASA app to check live train and bus updates.
Travel in groups when possible, especially during off-peak hours.
Use stations in well-lit, populated areas.
Keep valuables secure, just like you would in any big city.
FAQs
When will Athens’ 24-hour weekend transport service begin?
The pilot program is expected to begin in July 2025, pending final approval and logistics.
Will all metro lines operate 24/7?
Not necessarily. The plan may begin with select lines and expand based on usage and feasibility.
Is this just for the metro?
Nope! Trams and key bus lines are part of the trial, too.
Why is the government doing this?
To reduce traffic accidents and make nightlife commuting safer for everyone.
A Step Toward a Safer, Smarter City
Athens is evolving. With this trial, the city takes a bold step toward modern, inclusive, and safe urban mobility. Whether you’re a local heading home from a night out or a tourist catching a late flight, a 24-hour weekend transit system is more than a convenience—it’s a smart, forward-thinking move.
If the pilot goes well, this could be the beginning of a major shift in how the city moves after dark.
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