Getting Around Athens – Metro, Tram, Buses, Taxis & Walking

Getting around Athens – the big picture

Getting around Athens is easier than it first looks. Most of the places visitors care about – the Acropolis, Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma and Psiri – sit within walking distance of each other, so in the centre your feet do most of the work. For longer hops there is a clean, modern metro, a tram that runs down to the coast, an extensive bus network and yellow taxis you can hail or book through an app. Our first tip: don't over-plan your transport. Stay central, explore the old town on foot, and save public transport for the airport, the port and the beaches.

The Athens metro

The metro is the fastest way across the city. Three main lines – green, red and blue – meet at central hubs such as Syntagma and Monastiraki. The blue line also serves the airport, and the green line runs down to Piraeus. Stations are clean and signposted in English, and some double as small museums, displaying archaeological finds uncovered during construction. Keep an eye on bags and pockets at rush hour, and hold on to your ticket until you exit. Routes, operating hours and ticket types change from time to time, so check the official information before you travel.

The tram – from the centre to the sea

The Athens tram starts near Syntagma and runs down to the southern coast, towards Faliro, Glyfada and Piraeus. It is slower than the metro, but that is rather the point: the ride itself is part of the experience, with views of the sea and the seafront promenade. It is a relaxed way to reach the nearer Riviera beaches or a waterfront park in the late afternoon. Travelling with children or a stroller, you will usually find the tram easier than a bus. In summer it fills up at beach time, so set off early or head back before sunset.

Buses and trolleybuses

Buses and trolleybuses reach almost every corner of Athens and its suburbs, and some lines go out to beaches and sights beyond the city. For visitors, though, the network can be harder to read: timetables shift, rush-hour traffic is heavy and stop signage is not always clear. Popular navigation apps usually show the lines and estimated arrival times, which helps a great deal. Tickets are generally shared across the metro, tram and buses – check the current options at a station ticket machine or kiosk before you ride.

Taxis and ride apps

Athens taxis are yellow and easy to spot. You can hail one on the street, find a taxi rank or book through an app, which shows the route in advance and sometimes an estimated fare. Make sure the meter is running when you set off, and keep your hotel's name and address saved on your phone in Greek or English. Late at night, at busy times, or with luggage and children in tow, a taxi simply saves time and nerves. For larger groups or lots of bags, it is better to arrange a vehicle in advance.

On foot – the best way to know the city

Central Athens is made for walking. Dionysiou Areopagitou, a pedestrian street curving around the Acropolis, links the Acropolis, Thissio and Monastiraki in one wide, pleasant promenade, and from there it is a short walk to Plaka, Anafiotika and Syntagma. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip: pavements can be uneven, and there are plenty of steps and slippery marble. In summer, plan walks for early morning and the hours before sunset, and carry water. Yana also runs a boutique walking tour of Plaka and Anafiotika – note that it is guided in Hebrew.

From the airport and the port

Athens airport is linked to the centre by metro, dedicated express buses and taxis, and Piraeus port connects to the city by metro and tram. Still, after a flight or a cruise – with suitcases, children or a late arrival – many travellers prefer someone waiting for them. Yana can arrange a private transfer by car, van or minibus from the airport or port straight to your hotel, so your first day starts calmly.

Questions & answers