Athens Transportation: Getting Around the Greek Capital

Navigating around the sprawling city of Athens is an adventure in itself, with a variety of options available to suit different needs and budgets. From the Athens International Airport to the city center, and within the city itself, transportation options are both convenient and affordable. Here, we explore the various modes of transportation available in Athens, their prices, and what each option has to offer.

Athens International Airport to City Center

Landing at Athens International Airport and looking for your way to downtown Athens? Plenty of options are available! Depending on your budget, time, and needs, you can choose between airport taxis, metro, and buses. There are also car rental companies at Athens Airport, as well as private transfers.

Taxi

Athens airport taxis are the most expensive, yet the most convenient way to reach Athens city center. The taxi fare is flat, at 40€ (42$) during the daytime (05:00 am – 00:00 am) and 55€ (58$) during the night shift, while the total journey to Athens city center lasts 35-40 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

Metro/Train

Fast services, frequent itineraries, and relatively affordable prices make Athens metro a very popular transportation option. A one-way ticket costs 9€ (10.44$), and the journey to Syntagma Square is about 40 minutes. Athens airport metro line 3 departs from the airport every 30 minutes from 06:30 am to 11:30 pm

Bus

The cheapest transfer option from Athens Airport to Athens city center is the Athens airport bus. A fare of just 5.5€ (6.38$) will get you to Syntagma Square in downtown Athens in about 60 minutes, depending on the roads’ congestion.

Car Rental

Car rental is also an option, providing autonomy for those who prefer traveling with their own vehicle. The journey from Athens Airport to downtown Athens will take approximately 35-40 minutes depending on the traffic levels and the exact location of your final stop.

Private Airport Transfers

Private airport transfers from Athens Airport are ideal if comfort and convenience are your priorities. The price for a private transfer from El. Venizelos can be slightly higher than the ordinary taxi fare, but with thorough research, you could even book a private ride at the exact same fee.

Public Transportation in Athens

The Athens public transport system is affordable, reliable and covers most of the city and suburbs. You can use all means of public transport using the same ticket, which costs €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes.

Metro

The fastest means of getting around Athens is the Metro. The Athens Metro system consists of 3 lines and connects to the tram, bus routes, and suburban railway. It runs daily from 5 am to midnight, with extended hours until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays. At peak hours, trains run every 5-6 minutes.

Suburban Railway

This overground train provides a direct link between Piraeus port and Athens International Airport. It also connects Athens to Halkida in Evia and Kiato and Corinth in the Peloponnese. The suburban railway operates from 4:30 am until 11 pm daily

Buses & Trolleybuses

The Athens bus and trolleybus network is very extensive, running daily from 5 am to midnight. Airport Express buses operate on a 24-hour basis, connecting Athens International Airportclick(0)

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Transportation and Pricing for Transport in Athens

When traveling to Athens, a city steeped in history and full of modern attractions, one will find numerous options for transportation from Athens International Airport to the city center, as well as around the city itself. These options range from taxis, metros, and buses to car rentals and private transfers, each with its own set of benefits and pricing.

From Athens International Airport to Athens City Center

For those landing at Athens International Airport and looking to reach downtown Athens, a variety of options are available depending on budget, time, and needs.

The most convenient, albeit the most expensive, option is to take a taxi. Athens airport taxis offer door-to-door transfer services, air-conditioned vehicles, and enough storage space for a comfortable journey to your destination in the heart of Athens. The taxi fare is a flat rate of 40€ (approximately 42$) during the daytime (5:00 am – 12:00 am) and 55€ (approximately 58$) during the night shift. The total journey to Athens city center lasts around 35-40 minutes under normal traffic conditions​¹​.

The Athens airport subway is a popular choice for public transport due to its speed, frequent service, and relatively affordable prices. The airport train station is a 5-minute walk from the terminal, and tickets can be purchased either from the station’s ticket offices or automatic vendors. A one-way ticket costs 9€ (approximately 10.44$), with a discounted fare of 4.5€ (approximately 5.22$) for students and elders. A return ticket costs 16€ (approximately 18.56$). Children under six can travel for free. The train journey to Syntagma Square takes about 40 minutes, and the metro line 3 departs from the airport every 30 minutes from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm​¹​.

For those on a tight budget, the Athens airport bus is the cheapest transfer option. At a fare of just 5.5€ (approximately 6.38$) or 2.70€ (approximately 3.13$) for those under 18 or over 65, the bus X95 will get you to Syntagma Square in downtown Athens in about 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Tickets are available from the airport ticket offices or on board​¹​.

Additionally, car rentals and private airport transfers are also available for those who value autonomy or prefer a more personalized travel experience​¹​.

Getting Around Athens

Once in Athens, the public transport system is affordable, reliable, and extensive, covering most of the city and suburbs. A standard ticket costs €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes on any form of public transport, including the Metro, Suburban Railway, Buses & Trolleybuses, and Tram​²​.

The Athens Metro system is the fastest means of getting around, with three lines operating daily from 5 am to midnight, and until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays. At peak hours, trains run every 5-6 minutes​²​.

The Suburban Railway provides a direct link between Piraeus port and Athens International Airport, along with connections to Halkida in Evia and Kiato and Corinth in the Peloponnese​²​.

The bus and trolleybus network is extensive, with most buses and trolleybuses running daily from 5 am to midnight. Airport Express buses operate on a 24-hour basis, connecting Athens International Airport with the city center, Piraeus port,