Posted by Athens Metro: The City’s Main Means of Transport
The Athens Metro (subway, 3 lines) is the most efficient and fastest means of transport in the Greek capital. It connects the city center with the outskirts and offers a convenient way to quickly reach major attractions. The metro is clean, affordable, safe, and relatively easy to use, making it a popular choice for tourists and locals alike.
By g7ahn – Flickr: ISAP EMU at Thision, CC BY 2.0, Link
Lines and Map
The Athens Metro network consists of three lines:
Line 1 (Green Line): Piraeus – Kifisiá. This oldest metro line, opened in 1869, connects the port of Piraeus with the northern district of Kifisiá. It is particularly convenient for travelers arriving by ferry or traveling to the port.
Line 2 (Red Line): Anthoupoli – Elliniko. This line runs through the city center and stops at key stations such as Syntagma, Acropolis, and Omonia.
Line 3 (Blue Line): Nikaia – Airport. It connects Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport with the city center and stops at key hubs such as Syntagma and Monastiraki.
The metro is well connected to other public transport options such as buses, trams, and the suburban train (Proastiakos), making it easy to transfer from one mode of transport to another.
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Tickets and Prices
The Athens Metro uses a modern electronic ticketing system with rechargeable cards. The main ticket options for the Athens Metro are (prices approx. 2025):
Single ticket: €1.20 (valid for 90 minutes on all public transport, except the Airport Express train)
24-hour ticket: €4.10 (valid for 24 hours on buses, trams, metro, and commuter rail within Athens)
5-day ticket: €8.20
Airport tickets:
Single ticket to/from the airport: €9.00
Round trip: €16.00
Group ticket for two people: €14.00
Group ticket for three people: €20.00
Tickets are available from ticket machines in metro stations, at many kiosks, and via the mobile app. Tickets must be validated upon entering and exiting the metro station.
By Badseed – Self-photographed, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Operating Hours and Frequency
The Athens Metro operates daily from approximately 5:30 a.m. to midnight. On Fridays and Saturdays, lines 2 and 3 run until 2:30 a.m. Frequency varies depending on the time of day:
Peak: Every 3–5 minutes
Off-peak: Every 7–10 minutes
Night (Friday & Saturday): Every 10–15 minutes
The trains are air-conditioned and well-maintained, which is especially beneficial in summer.
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Tourist Tips
Best Stations for Sightseeing:
Acropolis (Metro Line 2): For the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum
Monastiraki (Lines 1 & 3): For the Flea Market and the Historic Center
Syntagma (Lines 2 & 3): For Parliament Square and the Changing of the Guard
Omonia (Lines 1 & 2): Transportation hub with connections to several bus lines
Safety: Athens is generally safe, but pickpockets are especially prevalent in busy metro stations such as Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Omonia. It’s best to keep valuables close to your body.
Airport Transfer: The metro is a cheap and convenient way to get from the airport to the city center. The journey to Syntagma Station takes approximately 40 minutes.
Avoid rush hour: The subways are particularly crowded between 7:30–9:30 a.m. and 5:00–7:00 p.m. If you want to travel in a relaxed manner, avoid these times.
The Athens Metro is a reliable, affordable, and convenient way to get around the city. With its clear lines, affordable tickets, and fast connections to the airport, it’s the best choice, especially for tourists. Visitors to Athens should familiarize themselves with the metro system to save time and money.