The Ultimate Guide to Navigating Athens Metro, Buses, and Trams: From Airport to Beach and Everything In Between

Why Athens Public Transport is a Traveler’s Best Friend

Athens might be known for its ancient ruins and buzzing street life, but when it comes to getting around — the city actually does a solid job. With a network of metro lines, buses, trams, and airport connections, public transport is not only affordable but surprisingly efficient.

Let’s break down how to get from point A to Z (and every mythological stop in between!).

🚇 Athens Metro: Fast, Reliable, and (Mostly) Air-Conditioned

Metro Lines Overview:

Athens has three main metro lines:

• Line 1 (Green): Piraeus to Kifisia – the oldest line, partly above ground.

• Line 2 (Red): Anthoupoli to Elliniko – handy for downtown and south Athens.

• Line 3 (Blue): Nikaia to Airport – your best bet for reaching Athens International Airport (ATH).

Operating Hours:

• Daily: ~5:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

• Fridays & Saturdays: Until 2:00 a.m.

• 2025 Update: A trial for 24-hour service on weekends is expected to begin soon! Stay tuned.

Frequency:

• Every 5–10 minutes during peak hours

• Around every 10–15 minutes late at night

Getting to the Airport via Metro:

• Hop on Line 3 (Blue) toward "Airport"

• Journey takes about 40 minutes

• Fare: €9 for a one-way airport ticket (more on fares below)

🚌 Buses in Athens: Extensive, Cheap, and Night-Friendly

With hundreds of routes, Athens’ bus system can take you almost anywhere — though you might need patience during peak traffic.

Airport Express Buses:

No need to worry if the metro’s closed. These buses run 24/7!

• X95: Syntagma ↔ Athens Airport

• X96: Piraeus Port ↔ Athens Airport

• X93: KTEL Kifisos Station ↔ Athens Airport

• X97: Elliniko Metro ↔ Athens Airport

🚌 Fare for these buses: €5.50

Local Bus Tips:

• Buses are modern and air-conditioned

• Use the OASA Telematics App to check real-time bus arrivals

• Some buses also service beach routes, like from Glyfada to Vouliagmeni

🚊 The Athens Tram: For Seaside Lovers and South Suburb Explorers

If you’re beach-bound, the Athens Tram is your scenic ride.

Tram Routes:

• Connects the city center (Syntagma) to coastal suburbs like:

  • Nea Smyrni

  • Palaio Faliro

  • Alimos

  • Glyfada

  • Voula

🌊 Want to hit the beach? Get off at:

• Edem or Kalamaki for local beaches

• Glyfada for shopping and seaside cafes

• Asklipio Voulas for a more upscale beach scene

Tram Schedule:

• Runs daily until around midnight

• Slightly extended hours on weekends

🎟️ Tickets, Passes & Cards: What You Need to Know

Ticket Types (2025 prices may vary slightly):

• 90-minute ticket: €1.20 (valid on all modes except airport)

• 24-hour pass: €4.10

• 5-day pass: €8.20

• Airport Metro Ticket (one-way): €9.00

• Round-trip Airport Metro: €16.00 (valid for 30 days)

• Airport Express Bus Ticket: €5.50

Where to Buy:

• Ticket Machines at all metro and tram stations (multilingual, card-friendly)

• Kiosks near bus stops

• Online via OASA App or Athens Transport Card website

Payment Methods:

• Visa, Mastercard, cash (in machines), Apple Pay in select locations

Reusable Cards:

• Ath.ena Ticket: A paper-based rechargeable ticket

• Ath.ena Card: A plastic card you can register, recharge online, and use long-term

✅ Bonus: You can tap in/out on all transport modes using the same card/ticket (except for airport trips which require a specific ticket)

📱 Handy Apps for Getting Around Athens

• OASA Telematics: Real-time bus tracking

• Google Maps: Works well with transit routes

• Moovit: Reliable for metro/tram/bus planning

• Ath.ena Card App: Recharge and monitor your balance

🏖️ Best Beaches You Can Reach via Public Transport

Craving the Aegean without renting a car? Here are a few gems:

1. Vouliagmeni Beach

• Get there: Metro Line 2 to Elliniko, then bus 122 or tram to Asklipio Voulas

• Features: Sandy shore, clear water, sunbeds

2. Edem Beach

• Get there: Tram from Syntagma toward SEF or Voula – hop off at Edem

• Features: Easy access, family-friendly

3. Akti Tou Iliou (Sun Beach)

• Get there: Tram + short walk

• Features: Private beach, beach bars, volleyball courts

🚨 Traveler Tips & Local Hacks

• Validate your ticket at entry — failure to do so may lead to a fine (~€72).

• Keep your ticket until you exit (especially on metro) — you may need it at barriers.

• Always stand right, walk left on escalators (unless you want to look like a tourist 😉).

• Don’t rely too heavily on timetables — Athens traffic is real.

• Beware of pickpockets in crowded stations and buses — especially on Line 1 and airport buses.

FAQs

Is public transport in Athens safe?

Yes, it’s generally safe, but stay alert in crowded areas.

Can I use the same ticket for buses and metro?

Absolutely! A €1.20 ticket is valid for 90 minutes across all modes except airport lines.

Do I need a car in Athens?

Not at all. Parking is a nightmare, and public transit covers almost everything.

Can I take public transport to popular tourist spots?

Yes! Most major attractions (like the Acropolis, Plaka, Monastiraki) are within walking distance of metro stops.

Don’t Stress, Just Tap and Go!

Whether you're a tourist on a budget or a digital nomad settling in, Athens' public transport makes life so much easier. From ancient ruins to sandy beaches, you can reach almost every corner of this dynamic city without needing a car.

Just grab an Ath.ena Card, download a few apps, and let the city unfold at your feet — or wheels.

💬 Got questions or travel tips of your own? Drop us a note!