Bus, taxi, or metro?

It depends on where you are. In any case, these are the best modes of transportation in Athens. From the airport to the city or Piraeus, I would prefer the bus or metro to a taxi. After all, the airport is just under an hour’s drive from the city center or the port of Piraeus.

In the city itself, I prefer a taxi, which is not expensive and, with Uber or Free Now (taxi apps), super safe, comfortable, and easy. The metro is also very practical and fast, especially during rush hour.

Arriving in Athens

I travel through Athens often and have collected and listed lots of information for you about Athens Airport, arrivals and departures, currency exchange, luggage storage, nearby hotels, etc. By the way, I’m also happy to tell you where I find cheap flights.

If you want to visit Athens, here are my best travel tips for a successful stopover. Athens is a fascinating metropolis and always worth a visit! I always deliberately plan an extra day for this fantastic city on my trips, and actually, one day is never enough!

Of course, I have selected only the most beautiful, best located, and cheapest hotels in Athens for you. Right in the center, easily accessible, something for every taste.

Metro > From the airport to the city center

When I want to go to the city center, I prefer the metro to the express bus. It’s faster and less dependent on traffic. If there’s a strike, I’ll take the bus instead. The easiest way is to take the elevator up to the departure hall, go outside, cross the street, and you’ll find the main entrance to the metro opposite. Tickets are available at the metro station. The journey into the city by metro takes exactly 45 minutes, and the metro runs every half hour via Syntagma to Monastiraki. From 5:00 a.m. to midnight.

Return trip to the airport

The line starts at Monastiraki metro station, with the next stop being Syntagma. Trains run every half hour. As a reminder, they always depart at half past and on the hour. Please be careful on your return trip. If you miss a train, you will have to wait 30 minutes for the next one. Not all metro trains run from Monastiraki to the airport; some only go as far as Doukissis Plakentias. You can then change to the airport train there. When you arrive at Monastiraki or Syntagma, I recommend asking at the ticket office for the departure times for your return journey so that you don’t risk any unpleasant surprises.

Tickets: You have to buy a separate ticket to and from the airport! Within the city, the city ticket is valid for one and a half hours (reduced tickets are available for children, students, and seniors); a day ticket may be worthwhile. There are also discounted tickets for 3 or 5 days for all public transport (metro, bus, tram).

My tip: It is cheaper to buy a return ticket to the airport (valid for 48 hours), and it is also cheaper to travel in pairs (2-person group ticket, 3-person group ticket). Children, students, and seniors also receive a discount.

Bus

From the airport to the city center

You can take the X95 express bus to Syntagma, which is handy if the metro is on strike. The buses never really go on strike. There is a direct X95 express bus from the airport to Syntagma Square. Travel time: 1 hour, if you don’t get stuck in rush hour traffic. Again, be careful when calculating your return journey times, as the bus can always get caught in heavy traffic… The bus runs every 15 minutes. You can buy your ticket in front of the airport when you exit the arrivals terminal, on the far right at exit 5, at a tiny ticket booth. Again, it is cheaper to buy a return ticket and you may want to ask about group tickets or senior citizen fares.

To Piraeus

If you want to continue your journey by boat or just want to soak up the harbor atmosphere, the X96 express bus is the most elegant solution. Since most people choose this option when they want to continue their journey by boat, I have put together an extra page with all the travel tips you need for the port of Piraeus. Here you will find all the important links: Ikaria by boat

Taxi

I would only take a taxi from the airport to the city center or Piraeus in an absolute emergency (e.g., during a general strike), as it is quite expensive! Taxis are available at the airport at Exit 3. Be careful! Taxis are yellow; the black ones are limousines! Official prices

However, I do use taxis to get around within the city. Uber or Free now (taxi app) always work!

As always, all of this information is intended as a guide only and is provided without guarantee!

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My Athens guide: insider tips & highlights

Athens is a vibrant metropolis full of contrasts: modern shops right next to ancient sites, small bazaars with oriental flair, a famous flea market, and winding old town streets. Not to mention the Acropolis and the ancient Roman market!
In my Athens City tips, you’ll find out how to make your stay perfect—including my top hotel recommendations, all the important information about Athens Airport and useful tips in case you get caught up in a strike.