Athens is considered a safe destination, but do have a look out for pickpockets, especially when traveling on the bus or walking around Monastiraki and Omonia.
When downtown, the best way to explore it would be on foot, as distances are short, and traffic can be quite hectic. When the weather is good, put on your walking shoes, take your camera and let yourself wander in one of the most beautiful cities in this world!
The metro is one of the fastest ways to travel within Athens. All information and maps posted are also in English.
Line 1 (Green) – Which is the oldest line, and also referred to as the “Ilektriko”, runs from Kifisia in the north to Piraeus in the south. After closing hours, there is a night bus (500 Piraeus-Kifisia) which follows the same route as the Metro line 1.
Line 2 (Red) – Anthoupoli - Helliniko
Line 3 (Blue) – Agia Marina - DoukissisPlakentias - Airport. (Every 30mins to/from
Airport with a charge of 8€ one way)
Sunday to Thursday 05:30 – 00:30
Friday and Saturday 05:30 – 02:30 (Closing time applies to lines 2 and 3)
(Line 1 opens at 05:00 daily)
www.stasy.gr
This line or “Proastiako”connects directly from the Airport to the city center, as well as to Piraeus, with daily schedules every hour.
The line also connects from the Airport to Larisa Station, where there are connections to all routes of the Intercity network.
Furthermore, there is also the option of being transferred to Kiato or Chalkida, with connections from the Railway Station Kato Acharnai.
Athens International Airport - Koropi - AnoLiosia
Athens International Airport - Koropi - Athens - Pireaus
For further information, just click the site and there you will be able to find all destinations and timetables, along with online ticket purchases.
www.trainose.gr
The Athens Tram which starts from Syntagma square, situated right next to the National Gardens, will take you to the Southern Suburbs along the coast. When having time on your hands, it really is an ideal way to see different neighborhoods of Athens.
There are two trams that go down to the coast; one that goes to Voula (1hour) and the other, to Faliro/ SEF (Stadium of Peace and Frienship near Piraeus). (45 minutes). Ticket vending machines are available on the platforms.
Sunday to Thursday 05:30 – 01:00
Friday and Saturday 05:30 – 02:30
www.stasy.gr
Buses and electric trolleybuses operate every 10- 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic and your destination, from 05:00 – 00:00. At all bus stops there are monitors that show the timetable of the different buses and their route. The most popular and useful lines to go or move around downtown for tourists are 2, 5, 11 and 15 which run north from Syntagma.
The Athens airport is connected to downtown by the bus lines X93, X95, X96 and X97, which also connect to the KTEL and Liosion bus terminals and Piraeus. They run 24 hours. These require a different ticket and cost 6€ each way, which are available at the designated kiosks at the stops all over Athens.
www.oasa.gr
Each trip costs 1,40€ which has a duration of 90 minutes.
There is a discount if you buy 5 or 10 trips.
24 hour/ 5-day travel pass for 4,50€/9€.
Children under the age of 6, travel for free; persons under 18 or over 65 are qualified for half-fare tickets, but only if they buy the Ath.ena ticket directly from a clerk at a ticket office, with their passport or I.D. card.
There is also theAth.ena card, which is more durable; so if staying a while in Athens and you are planning on using public transportation often, these cards are definitely recommended. Just keep in mind that there is a minimum top up of 4.50€for this card.
Finding taxi’s in Athens is very easy, whether it’s flagging one down on the street or calling private dispatchers (a small charge may apply); they are considered cheap, comparing to the rest of the E.U. and are quite convenient.
Greek taxi drivers are polite on the whole and helpful, and most speak basic English.
At rush hour, flagging down a taxi may require one to shout out their destination, as taxis may not stop if it's not on their route. Once in, there are chances that the taxi driver might stop to pick up someone else who is also going along the same route. There you have the option to tell the driver that you do not wish for him to stop. Also, make sure that the taxi meter is on once you have gone in.
With private dispatchers, the above does not apply. Depending on where you want to go or if you are booking the taxi for a later time or date, charges may apply.
Day tariff : 05:00 – 00:00
Night tariff : 00:00 – 05:00
The minimum fare is: €3,50
Taxi to/from Airport DAY NIGHT
City Center 38€ 50,€
Piraeus Port 45 € 60€
Rafina Port 35€ 50€
Lavrio Port 47€ 65€
Radio Taxi services which are highly recommended :
https://www.radiotaxi-parthenon.gr/
https://www.radiotaxiikaros.gr/en/
Still, if you desire to be fully independent, than a private vehicle could be the perfect solution for you. If so then contact Athens Insiders at [email protected] or +302117909879.
Cover Photo Credit: elias filis
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