Athens Public-Transport

Athens Public-Transport information

Metro/Trains

There are three metro lines in Athens. Line M1 goes from Kifissia to Pireas, M2 from Aghios Antonios to Aghios Dimitrios, and M3 from Athens Airport to Monastiraki. Trains run from 05h30 to 00h15 every 3 to 10 minutes. A single ticket costs EUR0.70 (EUR0.40 for reduced fares) and is valid for 90 minutes. Metro station names are written in both Greek and the Roman alphabet. An electric train system also covers the suburbs with trains running south to the port of Piraeus where ferries leave for the Greek Islands.

Tram

A tramway line runs from Syntagma Square to Sef, north of Posidonos Avenue; and to Kolimvitirio, south of Posidonos Avenue. From Mousson station where transfers can be made to change directions on the line, the tram runs by the seafront. There are automatic ticket machines at each tram stop. A single ticket costs EUR0.70. If travelling on another mode of public transport and wishing to transfer to the tram system, your existing ticket can be used as long as it has been validated within the last 90 minutes. Trams run from 06h00 to 01h00 every 8 minutes, and from 01h00 to 06h00 every 40 minutes. Tram station names are also written in both Greek and Roman alphabets.

Buses

Buses offer a fairly comprehensive 24-hour service. However, note that destinations are only written in the Greek alphabet, which can problematic for non-Greek-speakers. Single bus trips cost EUR0.70, available from metro stations, public transport offices and kiosks.

Driving

The Ancient Greeks had a name for hell: Hades. It could be used for Athens's traffic today. Driving in and around the city should be avoided if possible - the centre reaches total gridlock during peak rush hours in the morning and evening, and is little better at other times. If you absolutely have to drive, major car hire firms can be found at the airport and in the city centre. A national driving licence is accepted from most countries. If you plan to take your own car to Greece, EU nationals are advised to obtain a "Green Card" to ensure full insurance cover. You must carry your car registration documents at all times. The minimum driving age is 18. Driving is on the right and you must overtake on the left. Children under ten years of age must travel in the rear of the car. Seat belts must be worn where fitted. The speed limit is 120km per hour (74mph) on motorways, 110km per hour (68mph) on the open road and 50km per hour (31mph) in urban areas. Toll charges are payable on two motorways in Greece, one to Northern Greece and the other to the Peloponnese. Tolls must be paid in cash. Wet weather driving can be hazardous as Greek roads become slippery in heavy rainfall. In an emergency you can call the national breakdown service, ELPA, Tel: 104. Take care when renting a motorbike or moped. Motorbike rental companies often don't insure their vehicles and you will be responsible for any damage.

Taxis

In the main touristy areas there are plenty of yellow cabs around. Most drivers will understand the name of the destination you are looking for, but in order to make sure it's worth carrying a map to point out the exact destination if in doubt. Make sure that the driver switches on the meter or you might end up paying a lot more than the usual fare for your trip. Travelling by taxi is relatively cheap unless travelling during rush hour. If you don't want to rely on luck, book a radio taxi.

Rent a Car

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