Getting Around Athens: The Smart Traveler’s Guide to Public Transport, Taxis & Walking

ContentbyJess — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 13:25:50 +0000

Athens may be ancient, but its transportation system is surprisingly modern, efficient, and affordable — if you know how to use it. This guide walks you through all the ways to get around Athens like a local: from hopping on the bus or metro to calling a taxi, to navigating the walkable neighborhoods on foot.

Let’s simplify your movement, save you time, and keep your trip stress-free.

1. Should You Rent a Car in Athens?

Short answer: No.

Traffic is chaotic, especially in the city center. Parking is scarce and confusing. Locals use tight sidewalk spots and I have seen so many parked in double rows or just stopping with warn lights, very stressful. The metro is faster than driving for most destinations. Save the rental for day trips outside the city, like Delphi or the Peloponnese.

2. The Athens Metro: Fast, Cheap & Reliable

Athens has three main metro lines:

Line 1 (Green): Piraeus (port) to Kifisia — old above-ground train

Line 2 (Red): Anthoupoli to Elliniko — connects to major tourist spots

Line 3 (Blue): Airport to Nikaia — connects airport to city center

Best part? All signs and announcements are in Greek and English.

Must-Know Stations:

Syntagma: City center, transfer point (Blue & Red Lines)

Monastiraki: Old town, flea market, Acropolis view

Acropoli: Closest station to the Acropolis and Plaka

Thissio: Great for Ancient Agora and scenic walks

Ticket Info:Single ride (90 min): €1.20, 24-hour pass: €4.10, 5-day pass: €8.20, Airport ticket (one-way): €9

Where to buy: Metro machines (accept cash/card), airport station, or major stations.

3. Bus: Easy Way To Get Around

Buslines are an easy way to get around the city and to the beaches. Syntagma is a major hub for busses and was my usual start/ stop for any journey. A2 Line connects the city center to the Athenian riviera and takes you to Glyfada, Kalamaki and more. Price is the same as the metro and busses are tap-to-pay. Keep in mind that busses get crowded during commuting hours.

X95 Lines takes you to and from the airport to Syntagma and costs 5,50€. It’s also the cheapest way to reach the city.

4. Walking in Athens: The Best Way to Explore

Many of the city’s best neighborhoods — like Plaka, Anafiotika, Koukaki, and Monastiraki — are made for wandering. Be ready for:Uneven and sometimes slippery marble stones (especially around ancient ruins, lots of hills and stairs and narrow sidewalks. But also for lots of cats, cafés, restaurants, little alleys, beautiful trees and flowers and small things to discover around every corner.

Athens is very walkable distance-wise and I really only took a bus to get to the airport and travel to and from Glyfada or Kalamaki.

Pro tip: Wear good walking shoes with grip. Even locals occasionally slip on worn marble.

5. Suburban Railway (Proastiakos)

Mainly for commuters and long-distance travel. The Airport to Athens Central Station (Larissa) route is helpful if you’re heading north or to the Peloponnese by train.

6. Taxis in Athens: Affordable If You Use the Right App

Taxis in Athens are cheaper than most European cities, but:they don’t always use the meter (especially at tourist spots)some drivers overcharge non-locals. You can easily flag one down on the streets.

Uber is technically banned from operating with private cars in Athens. If you open Uber, it redirects you to official taxis via UberTaxi, which costs the same as regular taxis — no savings.

Since we had an evening flight and arrived late, we had our hotel organise pickup, which arrived via UberTaxi and cost us 50 € to Glyfada (a price I only paid because I did want to navigate Glyfada at night )and would have cost us about 48 € from Syntagma. These prices were pre-agreed on via the hotels, prices may differ if you book it personally.

8. Electric Scooters & Bikes

You might see Lime or Hopp scooters parked around Athens, especially near parks and touristy spots. But: Athens’ sidewalks and traffic aren’t ideal for scooter riders — ride with caution and always wear a helmet.

9. The Funicular to Lycabettus Hill

Want a lazy way up to Athens’ highest viewpoint? Catch the Lycabettus Funicular from Kolonaki (at the corner of Aristippou & Ploutarchou streets).€12 round trip, runs every 30 mins, more often during rush hour (sunset). Avoid it during foggy days — the ride is enclosed and steep.

Extra Local Tips

Validate your ticket at the start of your journey or face a fine. Metro closes at midnight (2am on weekends). Pickpocketing is rare but can happen on crowded trains — keep bags zipped and in front.Trams are scenic but slow — great for beachside neighborhoods like Glyfada, not for tight schedules.

Final Thoughts:

Athens isn’t hard to navigate — but it’s much more fun when you feel in control of your movement. With this transport guide, you can focus on exploring temples, tucked-away neighborhoods, and local life without worrying about getting lost.

Euro summer in Greece – The Asthetic of Jess