Getting Around Athens: Transportation Tips for Tourists
Oct 22, 2025
Planning a trip to the Greek capital? Getting around Athens is easier than you might think. This vibrant city balances ancient history and modern urban life, with plenty of transport options that make exploring both seamless and budget-friendly. Whether you're staying for a weekend or a full week, these tips will help you navigate Athens efficiently and stress-free.
Is Athens Easy to Get Around?
Yes! Athens is one of the most tourist-friendly cities in Europe when it comes to transportation. The city centre is compact, many major attractions are within walking distance, and signage is often in both Greek and English. Public transport covers all key areas, and even first-time visitors will find getting around Athens surprisingly straightforward.
The Best Ways to Get Around Athens
On Foot – Exploring the City Centre
Walking is one of the most rewarding ways to discover Athens. Key districts like Plaka, Monastiraki, Psiri, and the Acropolis area are all pedestrian-friendly. Strolling through these areas reveals lively squares, hidden ruins, street art, and local shops—perfect for slow, immersive sightseeing.
Athens Metro – Fast, Clean & Tourist-Friendly
The metro is the fastest and most efficient way of getting around Athens. It connects the city centre with neighbourhoods, the airport, and even the port of Piraeus. Tourists can easily reach landmarks like the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, and the National Archaeological Museum. Trains run from 5:30 AM to midnight (and later on weekends), and signage is available in English.
Athens Metro Map - Planning your movements
The metro network is fairly easy to navigate, and here you will find an image showing all lines, stations, and connections.
Athens has a wide network of buses and electric trolleys that serve both central and suburban areas. They're affordable but can be slower due to traffic, especially during peak hours. They are useful for reaching local neighbourhoods and attractions slightly off the metro map.
Trams – Coastal Connections
The Athens tram network connects the city centre to the coast. From Syntagma Square, you can ride to seaside areas like Palio Faliro and Glyfada, ideal for beach days. Although slower than the metro, the tram offers a scenic, relaxing journey. Find more information about each line, its timetable and scheduled stops here.
Public Transportation Tickets & Tourist Passes
You can buy tickets at metro stations, kiosks, or via apps. You can use a single ticket on Metro, Bus, Trolley and Tram, provided you are still within the validity duration.
Single ticket: €1.20, valid for 90 minutes on all modes
24-hour pass: €4.10
3-day tourist ticket: €20 (includes one round trip to the airport)
Tickets must be validated at the start of your journey. Keep your ticket handy during your trip, as random inspections do occur.
Taxis & Ride Apps – Easy and Affordable
Taxis are inexpensive compared to other European cities. Hail a cab from the street or use the Free Now app or Uber for safe, convenient rides with upfront pricing. A ride from the airport to the city centre typically costs €35-€45. Taxis are a good option at night or when travelling with luggage.
Tours & Day Trips – Simplify Your Sightseeing
Choosing KeyTours for your Athens city tours, ensures a smooth and stress-free experience when visiting the city’s most iconic landmarks. From the Acropolis and its Museum to panoramic city tours and evening excursions, guests enjoy modern, air-conditioned vehicles, professional drivers, and guided insights that make every journey comfortable and enriching.
For attractions outside the city centre or multi-site itineraries, guided tours are a hassle-free option. KeyTours offers comfortable, transport-inclusive tours to top sights like sacred Delphi, enchanting Cape Sounion, and mystical Meteora, all with the added convenience of hotel pickup and accompanied by knowledgeable, expert guides. It’s the easiest way to go beyond the city without dealing with intercity buses or renting a car.
Tips for Getting Around Athens Like a Local
Avoid the metro during rush hour (8-9 AM and 5-7 PM)
Carry coins for bus and kiosk purchases
Watch for pickpockets in busy areas like Omonia and Monastiraki
Download or use offline maps or Google Maps
Getting around Athens is simple once you know your options. Combine walking with the metro for most of your sightseeing, and don’t hesitate to join a day tour to see what lies beyond the city. For a deeper look at what to explore, check out our latest guide to Greece tours for solo travelers.
FAQs About Getting Around Athens City
Q: Is public transport in Athens safe?
A: Yes, public transport is generally safe and reliable. Just be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.
Q: How do I get from Athens Airport to the city centre?
A: Take Metro Line 3 (Blue), the X95 bus, or a taxi. The metro takes about 40 minutes.
Q: Can I use the same ticket for metro, bus, and tram?
A: Yes! All standard transport tickets are valid across metro, buses, trolleys, and trams.
