The X-95 buses towards Syntagma Square depart from the airport in 15-20 minute intervals. The X-95 bus is located at the Athens Airport Arrivals Terminal, between exits 4 and 5. It operates 24 hours a day, and the journey from the airport to Syntagma Square takes approximately 40 minutes.

The newly available Tap2Ride option allows for secure contactless Payments with Bank Cards directly onto validation machines/ticket reader (available to use on metro trips, trams, trolleys and buses under OASA) so that you don’t have to go through the hassle of getting a ticket. You can use your bank card, either physical or digital via mobile or smartwatch (Apple Pay, Google Pay), for secure contactless fare payment. For more information, visit the OASA page on Contactless Payments here.

If you want to buy a ticket instead, tickets for the bus can be purchased at the ticket kiosk, again located between exits 4 and 5, by the bus stop.

A single one-way ticket towards Syntagma Square costs 5,50 EUR (children, teenagers and those over 65 get a discounted ticket that costs 2,70 EUR). This ticket will be valid for 90 minutes after validating it on the ticket reader of the bus. You will be able to use this same ticket across all transport networks throughout the city (e.g., metro, subway, buses) except for the airport metro service and the airport suburban railway service, as long as it is still valid. For more information about tickets, more details can be found under the section about public transport below.

Directions

Take the X-95 bus towards Syntagma from the airport all the way through to Syntagma.

From Syntagma, take the metro, located within the Square.

Take the Blue line (M3) towards Dimotiko Theatro, and get off at the next stop, Monastiraki. Change to the Green line (M1) towards Kifisia, and get off at Victoria. Alternatively, take the Red line (M2) towards Anthoupoli, and get off at Omonia to change onto the Green line (M1) towards Kifisia and get off at Victoria.

From Victoria Square, cross the road towards Chevden street. Walk along Chevden street until you get to 28is Oktovriou (Patision). Cross the street and turn left. In 150 m, the University will be on your right.

Bus timetables

Departure times from Athens International Airport:

00:10, 00:25, 00:45, 01:00, 01:20, 01:40, 02:00, 02:20, 02:45, 03:10, 03:35, 04:05, 04:30, 04:55, 05:20, 05:45, 06:00, 06:10, 06:25, 06:45, 07:00, 07:15, 07:30, 07:45, 08:00, 08:15, 08:30, 08:45, 09:05, 09:20, 09:35, 09:50, 10:10, 10:25, 10:40, 11:00, 11:20, 11:35, 11:55, 12:10, 12:30, 12:45, 13:05, 13:20, 13:40, 14:00, 14:40, 14:50, 15:05, 15:25, 15:40, 16:00, 16:15, 16:35, 16:50, 17:10, 17:25, 17:45, 18:05, 18:25, 18:40, 18:55, 19:10, 19:25, 19:40, 19:55, 20:10, 20:25, 20:40, 20:55, 21:10, 21:30, 21:50, 22:10, 22:00, 22:50, 23:05, 23:20, 23:40, 23:55.       

Departure times from Syntagma Square:

00:00,  00:20, 00:40, 01:00, 01:20, 01:45, 02:10, 02:35, 03:05, 03:30, 03:55, 04:20, 04:40, 04:55, 05:10, 05:25, 05:40, 05:55, 06:05, 06:20, 06:35, 06:50, 07:05, 07:20, 07:35, 07:55, 08:10, 08:25, 08:40, 09:00, 09:15, 09:30, 09:50, 10:10, 10:25, 10:45, 11:00, 11:20, 11:35, 11:55, 12:10, 12:30, 12:45, 13:20, 13:40, 13:55, 14:15, 14:30, 14:50, 15:05, 15:25, 15:40, 16:00, 16:15, 16:35, 16:55, 17:15, 17:30, 17:45, 18:00, 18:15, 18:30, 18:45, 19:00, 19:15, 19:30, 19:45, 20:00, 20:20, 20:40, 21:00, 21:20, 21:40, 21:55, 22:15, 22:35, 22:50, 23:10, 23:25, 23:45.       

A very useful site for bus timetables and bus live locations is OASA Telematics, access the site here.

The Blue metro line (M3) goes directly from the airport towards the centre of Athens within approximately 40 minutes. Signs in the airport terminals will guide you towards the metro. The metro operates every day of the week from 6:30 to 23:30 and trains depart every 30 minutes.

The newly available Tap2Ride option allows for secure contactless Payments with Bank Cards directly onto validation machines/ticket reader (available to use on metro trips, trams, trolleys and buses under OASA) so that you don’t have to go through the hassle of getting a ticket. You can use your bank card, either physical or digital via mobile or smartwatch (Apple Pay, Google Pay), for secure contactless fare payment. For more information, visit the OASA page on Contactless Payment here.

If you want to buy a ticket instead, tickets can either be purchased at the machines or at the ticket kiosk in the station. A single one-way ticket towards Dimotiko Theatro costs 9,00 EUR (children, teenagers and those over 65 get a discounted ticket that costs 4.50 EUR). You can also purchase a return ticket instead of a single for 16,00 EUR. This ticket will be valid for 90 minutes after validating it on a ticket reader. You will be able to use this same ticket across all transport networks throughout the city (e.g., metro, subway, buses), as long as it is still valid. For more information about tickets, more details can be found under the section about public transport below.

To purchase your ticket from a machine:

For a single ticket: Choose your preferred language on the screen > Buy travel product > Athens & Airport > payment in either cash or card (9,00 EUR).

For a return ticket: Choose your preferred language on the screen > Buy travel product > Athens & Airport, Round > payment in either cash or card (16,00 EUR).

Directions

Take the Blue line (M3) from the Airport towards Dimotiko Theatro, and get off at Syntagma station.

Change to the Blue line (M3) towards Dimotiko Theatro, and get off at the next stop, Monastiraki. Then change again to the Green line (M1) towards Kifisia, and get off at Victoria. Alternatively, take the Red line (M2) from Syntagma station towards Anthoupoli, and get off at Omonia to change onto the Green line (M1) towards Kifisia and get off at Victoria.

From Victoria Square, cross the road towards Chevden street. Walk along Chevden until you get to 28is Oktovriou (Patision). Cross the street and turn left. In 150 m, the University will be on your right.

Metro timetables

Departure times from Athens International Airport towards Dimotiko Theatro:

6:10, 6:46, 7:19, 7:58, 8:34, 9:10, 9:46, 10:22, 10:58, 11:34, 12:20, 12:46, 13:22, 13:58, 14:34, 15:10, 15:46, 16:19, 16:58, 17:34, 18:10, 18:46, 19:22, 19:58, 20:34, 21:10, 21:46, 22:22, 22:58, 23:34.

Departure times from Dimotiko Theatro towards Athens International Airport:

5:30, 6:06, 6:42, 7:18, 7:54, 8:30, 9:06, 9:42, 10:18, 10:54, 11:30, 12:06, 12:42, 13:18, 13:54, 14:30, 15:06, 15:42, 16:18, 16:54, 17:30, 18:06, 18:42, 19:18, 19:54, 20:30, 21:06, 21:42, 22:18, 22:54.

For more information on line 3 (Blue line (M3)) and timetable information visit the official Urban Rail Transport page here: https://www.stasy.gr/en/timetables/line-3/.

The Suburban Railway goes directly from the airport towards Athens within approximately 40 minutes. Signs in the airport terminals will guide you towards the suburban Railway. The Suburban Railway operates every day of the week from 4:30 to 00:00 and trains depart every 15-25 minutes.

The newly available Tap2Ride option allows for secure contactless Payments with Bank Cards directly onto validation machines/ticket reader (available to use on metro trips, trams, trolleys and buses under OASA) so that you don’t have to go through the hassle of getting a ticket. You can use your bank card, either physical or digital via mobile or smartwatch (Apple Pay, Google Pay), for secure contactless fare payment. For more information, visit the OASA page on Contactless Payment here.

If you want to buy a ticket instead, tickets can either be purchased at the machines or at the ticket kiosk in the station. A single one-way ticket towards Athens costs 9,00 EUR (children, teenagers and those over 65 get a discounted ticket that costs 4.50 EUR). You can also purchase a return ticket instead of a single for 16,00 EUR. This ticket will be valid for 90 minutes after validating it on a ticket reader. You will be able to use this same ticket across all transport networks throughout the city (e.g., metro, subway, buses), as long as it is still valid. For more information about tickets, more details can be found under the section about public transport below.

To purchase your ticket from a machine:

For a single ticket: Choose your preferred language on the screen > Buy travel product > Athens & Airport > payment in either cash or card (9,00 EUR).

For a return ticket: Choose your preferred language on the screen > Buy travel product > Athens & Airport, Round > payment in either cash or card (16,00 EUR).

Directions

Take the Suburban Railway from the Airport until you reach the stop Neratziotissa. Get off at Neratziotissa and change to the Green line (M1) towards Piraeus and get off at Victoria.

From Victoria Square, cross the road towards Chevden street. Walk along Chevden until you get to 28is Oktovriou (Patision). Cross the street and turn left. In 150 m, the University will be on your right.

Suburban Railway timetables

Departure times from Athens International Airport towards Neratziotissa:

5:52, 6:07, 6:52, 7:07, 7:52, 8:07 8:52, 9:07, 9:52, 10:07, 10:52, 11:07, 11:52, 12:07, 12:52, 13:07, 13:52, 14:07, 14:52, 15:07, 15:52, 16:07, 16:52, 17:07, 17:52, 18:07, 18:52, 19:07, 19:52, 20:07, 20:52, 21:07, 22:07, 23:07.

Departure times from Neratziotissa towards Athens International Airport:

4:36, 5:24, 6:16, 6:25, 6:41, 7:16, 7:25, 7:41, 8:16, 8:25, 8:41, 9:16, 9:25, 9:41, 10:25, 10:41, 11:25, 11:41, 12:25, 12:41, 13:25, 13:41, 14:25, 14:41, 15:16, 15:25, 15:41, 16:16, 16:25, 16:41, 17:16, 17:25, 17:41, 18:16, 18:25, 18:41, 19:25, 19:41, 20:25, 20:41, 21:25, 21:41.

A taxi ride from the Airport into Athens takes approximately 35 minutes depending on traffic. There is a set flat rate for airport transfers to and from the city centre (the inner ring of the city): 40,00 EUR for during the daytime (05:00 - 24:00) and 55,00 EUR during the nighttime (24:00 - 05:00).

All taxi drivers are legally obligated to accept credit and debit cards, and there should be a blue sticker on one of the rear door windows confirming this.

Nevertheless, it is best to always confirm with your driver before beginning your trip.

Taxis are available outside Exit 3 of Arrivals. Otherwise, they can be booked through taxi app services, or through the phone.

FreeNow is the most popular app in Athens for yellow taxi services (available for Android and iOS) which pins your location and allows you to insert your desired destination to find you a driver. It offers the option to pay in cash, card or online payment through the app. It also allows you to pre-book your ride.

Radio taxis are also an option. Below are listed a few radio taxi services available in Athens and their numbers. You can call to book on the spot, or even pre-book your ride.

Kosmos: Tel. 18300

Ikaros: Tel. +30 210 515 2800

Taxi Hellas: Tel. 18180

Taxiplon: Tel. 18222

Asteras: Tel. 18288

TAXI AND PRICING

Taxis are abundant in Athens, and so are very easy to come by either by waving one down on the street, or booking one. All taxis in Athens are bright yellow coloured, with a sign on the top that reads ‘Taxi’, making them easy to spot. Taxi fares are calculated according to a taximeter, which produces a value based on the distance traveled and time of day.

It’s important to note that different tariffs apply depending on the time of day. Daytime rides (05:00 to 24:00) operate under Tariff 1, have a rate of 0.90 EUR per km within city limits, while Nighttime rides (24:00 to 05:00) operate under Tariff 2, and have a rate of 1.25 EUR per km, a rate that also applies for any rides outside city limits. This should be evident on the taximiter at the front of the taxi.

All taxi drivers are legally obligated to accept credit and debit cards, and there should be a blue sticker on one of the rear door windows confirming this.

Taxi fares in Athens, Greece, are regulated by the Greek Ministry of Transport. Here is an overview of the official Taxi fares in Athens:

• Starting fare (base fee) – 1.80 EUR
• Minimum fare – 4.00 EUR
• Rate per km within city limits (Tariff 1) – 0.90 EUR
• Rate per km outside city limits or during night hours (Tariff 2) – 1.25 EUR
• Luggage over 10kg – 0.39 EUR per item
• FreeNow booking fee – 1,20 EUR

Important notes to keep in mind:

• All taxi drivers are legally obligated to use a taximeter and produce a receipt on demand at the end of your journey.
• All taxi drivers are legally obliged to accept credit and debit cards, and there should be a blue sticker on one of the rear door windows confirming this. Nevertheless, it is best to always confirm with your driver before beginning your trip.
• Ensure that the taximeter is set to the correct tariff (Tariff 1) during the day before setting off.
• To be aware and avoid any taxi scams, ask your hotel reception how much the journey you will take should cost approximately.
• If you believe you have been overcharged, ask the driver for a receipt that includes the taxi operator’s information and the taxi number, to be able to take it up with any authorities that could help (such as the tourist police).

Public transport in Athens is convenient, simple and affordable. A regular single ticket costs 1,20 EUR and is valid for 90 minutes. It can be used for all means of public transport (except for specific services to and from the airport that require specific tickets).

Athens has many modes of public transport:

Metro

The Metro is the easiest and most convenient means of transport, as well as the fastest. There are 3 metro lines, the Green line (M1), the Red line (M2), and the Blue line (M3).

The Green line (M1) is an overground train that runs from Kifissia all the way to the port of Piraeus. It connects to the Red line (M2) at three stations (Attiki, Omonia and Monastiraki) and one station on the Blue line (M3), (Monastiraki). The Green line (M1) operates every day between 5:00 and 24:00. More information here.

The Red line (M2) runs from West Athens (Anthoupoli) to South Athens (Helliniko) and passes through the centre of Athens. The Red line (M2) operates between 5:30 and 24:00 on Mondays - Thursdays and Sundays. On Fridays and Saturdays it operates between 5:30 and 1:40. More information here.

The Blue line (M3) starts from the Athens International Airport, runs through the centre of town, and reaches all the way to Piraeus port. The Blue line (M3) operates between 5:30 and 24:00 on Mondays - Thursdays and Sundays. On Fridays and Saturdays it operates between 5:30 and 1:30. More information here.

You can spot metro stations by this symbol, which is displayed as a sign outside every metro entrance.

Suburban Railway

The Suburban Railway is an overground train that runs from Piraeus port all the way to Athens International Airport. For more information on timetables, visit the Suburban Railway website here.

Buses and Trolleybuses

The Athens bus and trolleybus network is very extensive. Most buses and trolleybuses run daily from 5 am to midnight. The OASA telematics website is very helpful for accurate timetable information as well as exact live bus location information. You can access the website here.

Bus services to the Airport (Airport Express), operate 24 hours a day and are available from Syntagma Square in the centre of Athens, the Port of Piraeus and the Intercity Bus Terminal at Kifissos (KTEL Kifissos).

Tram

The tram network connects central Athens with the coastal suburbs of Faliro, Voula and Piraeus. Starting from Syntagma Square, the final stops at Voula or Piraeus are approximately 1 hour away by tram. The tram network comprises two lines. The T6 connects Syntagma with Faliro (Pikrodafni station) and T7 connects Voula (Asklipeio Voulas station) with Piraeus (Agia Triada station), which meet at Pikrodafni station.

The tram can be accessed by 4 of the metro’s connecting stops, Syntagma, Syngrou/Fix, Neos Kosmos and SEF (Peace and Friendship Stadium in Faliro).

The tram operates every day from 5:30 and 24:00. More information here.

TICKETS AND TICKET PLANS

STANDARD TICKETS

Ath.ena tickets and cards are used for Athens’ public transport and are available to purchase at metro and tram stations.

The newly available Tap2Ride option allows for secure contactless Payments with Bank Cards directly onto validation machines/ticket reader (available to use on metro trips, trams, trolleys and buses under OASA) so that you don’t have to go through the hassle of getting a ticket. You can use your bank card, either physical or digital via mobile or smartwatch (Apple Pay, Google Pay), for secure contactless fare payment. For more information, visit the OASA page on Contactless Payment here.

Simply tap your bank card or device directly onto the ticket reader of whichever means of public transport you have chosen.

Standard fares are 1,20 EUR for 90 mins, 5,50 EUR for airport buses and 9,00 EUR for metro to the airport. There's a cap of 4,10 EUR daily, so you can travel however much you want without exceeding the daily fare cap.

Some things to keep in mind:

• Only Visa & Mastercard are accepted, meaning cards such as Maestro, JCB, AMEX, Diners, Discover, and China UnionPay are not supported at the moment.
• Make sure to use the same bank card or device throughout your journey to avoid being charged a double fare.
• To verify your ticket to a ticket inspector you will simply need to scan the exact same card or device you used on the ticket reader. No physical receipt is provided upon tapping your card or device.
• Discounted fares are not available with tap2ride and you will need to purchase a physical Ath.ena ticket from a ticket booth.

TICKET PLANS

Some ticket plans available might provide a more economical investment.

• A Day Pass ticket costs 4,10 EUR for unlimited travel for 24 hours, however this ticket is not eligible for use on any services to or from the airport.
• A 5-Day Ticket costs 8,10 EUR for 5 unlimited days of travel, however this ticket is not eligible for use on any services to or from the airport.
• A 3-Day Tourist Ticket costs 20,00 EUR including unlimited travel and most conveniently, a round trip to/from the airport. This ticket is available to purchase at metro ticket kiosks.

More information on tickets can be found here.