Athens Transportation Guide

Greece › Athens › Transportation
Updated: October 22, 2026 • By Santorini Dave

See Also

• Piraeus Ferry Port Guide
• Where to Stay in Athens
• Best Hotels in Athens
• Athens Airport Hotels
• Athens Airport Rental Cars

Athens Transportation: Quick Tips

The best way to get around Athens is on foot and by metro. Most major sights are within walking distance of Plaka, Syntagma, and Monastiraki. Taxis are relatively inexpensive and useful for luggage, late nights, and hot summer afternoons. You do not need a rental car.

• Athens Airport to central Athens: Take Metro Line 3 (€9) if you’re staying near Syntagma or Monastiraki and have manageable luggage. A taxi (€50 daytime, €65 nighttime) is easier for families, groups, heavy luggage, or hotels on pedestrian streets.
• Athens Airport to Piraeus Port: Metro Line 3 (€9) is direct and takes about 65 minutes. The X96 bus (€5.50) runs 24 hours. Allow additional time to reach your ferry gate.
• Getting around Athens: Walk and use the metro. A standard 90-minute ticket costs €1.20. You can pay by tapping a contactless Visa or Mastercard, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
• Taxis: Uber and FREENOW both book licensed yellow taxis. I prefer using an app rather than hailing a taxi on the street.
• Ferry connections: Aim to reach your departure gate at Piraeus at least 60 minutes before your ferry. For a same-day flight-to-ferry connection, I recommend allowing at least 4 hours between scheduled arrival and ferry departure, preferably more for international flights.

From Athens Airport to Central Athens

Athens International Airport (ATH) is about 30 km east of central Athens. The metro is usually the best combination of speed and price, but taxis are more convenient if your hotel is far from a station.

Metro from Athens Airport to Athens

• Line: Metro Line 3, the Blue Line.
• Route: Airport → Syntagma → Monastiraki → Piraeus.
• Time: About 40 minutes to Syntagma and 42 minutes to Monastiraki.
• Frequency: Airport trains run approximately every 36 minutes. Not every Line 3 train goes to the airport.
• Hours: Airport service generally runs from about 6am until 11:30pm. Check the timetable for your direction, especially for late arrivals and early departures.
• Cost: €9 one-way. The standard €1.20 city ticket is not valid for airport metro trips.

The airport metro station is across the road from the terminal, reached by a pedestrian bridge. Follow the signs for Trains.

The metro is my first choice when luggage is manageable, especially for hotels near Syntagma or Monastiraki. But some hotels in Plaka, Anafiotika, and around the Acropolis require walking along uneven or uphill streets. A taxi can be much easier, though pedestrian-only lanes may prevent the driver from reaching your hotel entrance.

Airport Express Bus to Central Athens

• Route: X95 from Athens Airport to Syntagma Square.
• Hours: Runs 24 hours.
• Time: Usually 45 to 70 minutes, longer in heavy traffic.
• Cost: €5.50.
• Payment: Buy a ticket at the airport or tap a contactless Visa or Mastercard, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

The X95 is the cheapest direct option from the airport to central Athens and is particularly useful after the airport metro stops running. It works best if your hotel is near Syntagma.

Other airport buses include the X93 to the Kifisos and Liosion intercity bus terminals and the X97 toward Elliniko.

Taxi from Athens Airport to Central Athens

• Pickup: Official taxi rank outside Exit 3 on the arrivals level.
• Daytime fixed fare: €50 from 5am to midnight.
• Nighttime fixed fare: €65 from midnight to 5am.
• Travel time: Usually 35 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Included: The official flat fare includes tolls, luggage, VAT, and applicable surcharges.

The fixed fare applies between Athens Airport and the central Athens inner ring, including most hotels in Syntagma, Plaka, Monastiraki, Kolonaki, and Koukaki. It applies in both directions and is charged per taxi, not per passenger.

The fare is determined by the time you arrive at your destination, not when you get into the taxi. If your journey ends after midnight, the nighttime fare applies.

For Piraeus, Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and addresses outside the central ring, taxis use the meter. Private transfers have separately quoted prices.

For three or four people with luggage, I would usually take a taxi rather than the metro. For two adults staying near Syntagma or Monastiraki, the metro is generally better value.

From Athens Airport to Piraeus Ferry Port

Piraeus is Athens’ main ferry port, with departures to Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Milos, Crete, Rhodes, and many other islands.

Metro from Athens Airport to Piraeus

• Line: Metro Line 3, the Blue Line.
• Route: Airport → Syntagma → Monastiraki → Piraeus.
• Time: About 60 to 65 minutes to Piraeus station.
• Frequency: Airport trains run approximately every 36 minutes.
• Cost: €9.

The metro is direct and does not require changing trains. It’s my first choice if you have manageable luggage and plenty of time before your ferry.

But Piraeus Port is huge. The metro gets you to Piraeus station, not necessarily your ferry gate. Some gates are nearby, while others require a long walk or the port shuttle.

X96 Bus from Athens Airport to Piraeus

• Route: Athens Airport to Piraeus Port.
• Hours: Runs 24 hours.
• Time: Usually 60 to 90 minutes, longer in heavy traffic.
• Cost: €5.50.

The X96 is useful for late-night arrivals and early-morning ferries when the airport metro is not running. Check the bus timetable and allow enough time to reach your ferry gate.

Taxi or Transfer from Athens Airport to Piraeus

• Time: About 40 to 75 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Cost: Expect roughly €55 to €75 for a regular taxi, with higher fares possible at night or in heavy traffic. Private transfers are priced separately.

There is no fixed airport taxi fare to Piraeus. Regular taxis use the meter.

I would take a taxi or pre-booked transfer if you have lots of luggage, are traveling as a family or group, or have limited time before your ferry.

Connecting from a flight to a ferry: I recommend at least 4 hours between your scheduled flight arrival and ferry departure, and preferably more if you’re arriving internationally or checking bags. This is a planning minimum, not a guaranteed connection. For a long-haul flight or a tight connection, I would spend the night in Athens rather than risk missing the ferry.

From Athens Airport to Rafina Port

Rafina is Athens’ second main ferry port and is much closer to the airport than Piraeus. It’s particularly convenient for ferries to Mykonos, Tinos, and Andros.

If you’re flying into Athens and heading straight to one of these islands, check Rafina departures before booking a ferry from Piraeus.

KTEL Bus from Athens Airport to Rafina

• Location: Regional bus stop at the airport. Follow signs for KTEL Attikis.
• Frequency: Several departures daily, with schedules varying by season.
• Time: About 30 to 40 minutes.
• Cost: Approximately €3.
• Payment: Carry cash. Do not assume contactless payment will be available.

The bus is inexpensive, but departures are much less frequent than the airport express buses to central Athens and Piraeus. Check the KTEL Attikis timetable before relying on it.

Taxi from Athens Airport to Rafina

• Time: About 25 to 35 minutes.
• Cost: Expect roughly €35 to €50 for a regular taxi, depending on traffic and time of day.

For two or more people, I would take a taxi. Rafina is close to the airport, and you don’t have to plan your flight arrival around the bus schedule.

Getting from Central Athens to Piraeus Port

The metro is usually the easiest way to reach Piraeus from central Athens.

• From Monastiraki: Take Metro Line 1 or Line 3 directly to Piraeus. Allow about 15 to 20 minutes on the train.
• From Syntagma: Take Metro Line 3 directly to Piraeus. Allow about 20 minutes on the train.
• From Plaka: Walk to Syntagma or Monastiraki for a direct train. If Acropoli station is closer, take Line 2 to Syntagma and change to Line 3.
• By taxi: Allow roughly 25 to 50 minutes from central Athens, depending on traffic and your ferry gate.

Check your ferry gate before leaving your hotel. Some gates are close to Piraeus station, but others require a 10- to 20-minute walk or a ride on the port shuttle.

I like to be at the correct departure gate at least 60 minutes before my ferry, especially in summer. Allow more time if you have luggage, need to collect tickets, or are departing from a distant gate.

For very early ferries, staying at a hotel in Piraeus can make the morning easier. Otherwise, I prefer staying in central Athens for the restaurants and sightseeing.

See my full Piraeus Ferry Port guide for gate locations and additional transportation advice.

Getting Around Central Athens

Most of the historic center is best explored on foot. Plaka, Monastiraki, Psirri, Syntagma, the Acropolis, and the Ancient Agora are close enough that you can walk between them.

• Walking: Best for the historic center, restaurants, shopping, and most major sights.
• Metro: Best for longer trips, airport transfers, Piraeus, and traveling between neighborhoods.
• Taxis: Useful with luggage, late at night, during summer heat, and for destinations not conveniently served by metro.
• Buses and trolleybuses: Useful for some local routes, but most first-time visitors won’t need them much.
• Tram: Mainly useful for the southern suburbs and coast, rather than central Athens sightseeing.

In July and August, I often recommend a short taxi ride rather than a long walk during the hottest part of the afternoon.

Athens Metro: Lines, Tickets, and Contactless Payment

The Athens Metro is clean, inexpensive, and easy to use. Pickpocketing is the main concern on crowded trains and around busy stations such as Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Omonia. Keep your phone and wallet secure.

The Three Metro Lines

• Line 1, Green: Piraeus ↔ Monastiraki ↔ Omonia ↔ Kifisia. Useful for Piraeus and Monastiraki.
• Line 2, Red: Anthoupoli ↔ Syntagma ↔ Acropoli ↔ Elliniko. Useful for the Acropolis and Syntagma.
• Line 3, Blue: Airport ↔ Syntagma ↔ Monastiraki ↔ Piraeus ↔ Dimotiko Theatro. The most useful line for airport and ferry transfers.

Not every Line 3 train goes to the airport. Airport-bound trains run less frequently than ordinary Line 3 service, so check the destination displayed on the train.

Metro Ticket Prices

• Standard 90-minute ticket: €1.20 for normal city transport.
• 24-hour ticket: €4.10 for normal city transport.
• 5-day ticket: €8.20 for normal city transport.
• Airport metro ticket: €9 one-way.
• Airport express bus ticket: €5.50.

Standard city tickets cover metro, buses, trolleybuses, and trams within the normal urban network. They do not cover airport metro journeys or airport express buses.

Using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a Contactless Card

You can pay directly at Athens Metro ticket gates and on buses, trolleybuses, and trams using a contactless Visa or Mastercard, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. You don’t need to buy a separate ticket.

• Tap your card or phone: Use the same payment card or device throughout your journey, including when exiting metro stations.
• One payment method per passenger: Each person needs their own valid ticket or contactless card or device. You cannot tap the same card multiple times to pay for several people.
• Daily fare cap: Contactless city travel is capped at €4.10 per day, equivalent to a 24-hour ticket. Airport fares are charged separately.
• Airport journeys: Contactless payment works for the €9 airport metro fare and €5.50 airport express bus fare.
• Reduced fares: Travelers eligible for discounted tickets should use the appropriate ATH.ENA ticket or card rather than ordinary bank-card payment.

My recommendation: For most visitors, tapping a phone or contactless card is easiest. If you’re staying several days and want a 5-day pass, buy an ATH.ENA ticket from a metro station ticket machine or counter.

Taxis, Uber, and FREENOW in Athens

Athens taxis are yellow, plentiful, and useful, especially with luggage or during the hottest part of the day.

• Uber: Operates in Athens using licensed taxis, not the private-driver UberX service found in many other cities.
• FREENOW: Widely used in Athens and often the easiest local taxi app.
• Street taxis: Fine to use, but make sure the meter is running unless you’re on the official airport-city fixed fare.
• Payment: Licensed taxis are required to accept card payments. Taxi apps are convenient for paying automatically, though booking fees may apply. I still carry a little cash as backup.

I prefer using Uber or FREENOW rather than negotiating with a driver on the street. Both are particularly useful when you don’t speak Greek or want your destination entered correctly.

At Athens Airport, regular taxis wait outside Exit 3. Uber has a designated pickup area opposite Exit 4.

Athens Ferry Port Tips

Athens has three main ferry ports. Make sure you know which one your ferry departs from before booking transportation.

• Piraeus: The main port for Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Milos, Crete, Rhodes, and many other islands. Directly connected to central Athens and the airport by Metro Line 3.
• Rafina: Closer to the airport and particularly convenient for Mykonos, Tinos, and Andros.
• Lavrio: Southeast of Athens, useful for Kea, Kythnos, and some seasonal routes. Closer to the airport than Piraeus, but with fewer ferry departures.

If you’re arriving at Athens Airport and heading straight to an island, compare ferry departures from Piraeus and Rafina before booking. A convenient departure from Rafina can save a long transfer across Athens.

Getting to the Athens Riviera

The Athens Riviera is a good choice for beach hotels, resort pools, and seaside restaurants, but I wouldn’t stay here if sightseeing in central Athens is your main priority.

• Vouliagmeni: My favorite Riviera base for luxury hotels, swimming, and restaurants. A taxi or private transfer is easiest from the airport.
• Glyfada: More urban, with shopping, restaurants, nightlife, and better public transport connections than Vouliagmeni.
• Airport transfers: Both areas are reasonably convenient by taxi, but public transport to the airport is less straightforward than the direct metro from central Athens.
• Central Athens: Allow roughly 30 to 60 minutes by taxi to reach the Acropolis and historic center, depending on your hotel and traffic.

The Riviera can also be a good final-night stop if you want a resort stay before flying home. For very early flights, an airport hotel is more convenient.

See my guide to the best hotels on the Athens Riviera.

Should You Rent a Car in Athens?

For Athens itself, no. A rental car is more hassle than help. Traffic is stressful, parking is limited, and the best sightseeing neighborhoods are easier on foot, by metro, or by taxi.

Rent a car for an independent mainland road trip, particularly the Peloponnese, Delphi, or Meteora. For Cape Sounion alone, a tour or private driver is often easier.

I prefer renting at the airport or on the edge of the city rather than driving through central Athens. See my guide to renting a car at Athens Airport.

Best Athens Neighborhoods for Transportation

For most visitors, I would choose a hotel based on the neighborhood rather than minor differences in transportation. Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Plaka are all convenient for airport and ferry connections. Koukaki is slightly less convenient but still an excellent base.

• Syntagma: Direct metro to the airport and Piraeus, easy taxi access, and walking distance to Plaka and the Acropolis. Also served by the 24-hour X95 airport bus.
• Monastiraki: Equally convenient for airport and Piraeus metro connections. Excellent for walking to Plaka, Psirri, and the Ancient Agora.
• Plaka: My favorite neighborhood for first-time visitors. Most hotels are within walking distance of Syntagma or Monastiraki stations, though pedestrian-only streets can make taxi pickups and luggage transfers less convenient.
• Koukaki: Great for the Acropolis and restaurants. Acropoli station is on Line 2, so reaching the airport or Piraeus by metro usually requires changing to Line 3 at Syntagma.

See my guide to where to stay in Athens and my list of the best hotels in Athens.