The Athens metro is one of the best ways to get around the city — clean, efficient, air-conditioned, and with stations that double as archaeological museums. Here’s everything you need to know about using the Athens metro.
Athens Metro Overview#
The Athens metro has 3 lines covering most tourist areas:
| Line | Color | Route | Useful For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Line 1 | Green | Piraeus ↔ Kifisia | Piraeus port, Thissio, Monastiraki |
| Line 2 | Red | Anthoupoli ↔ Elliniko | Acropolis, Syntagma, Omonia |
| Line 3 | Blue | Airport ↔ Aghia Marina | Airport, Syntagma, Monastiraki |
Key interchange stations:
- Syntagma — Lines 2 and 3 meet
- Monastiraki — Lines 1 and 3 meet
- Omonia — Lines 1 and 2 meet
Tickets & Prices (2026)#
| Ticket Type | Price | Valid For |
|---|---|---|
| Single journey | €1.20 | 90 minutes, all transport |
| 24-hour pass | €4.10 | Unlimited rides |
| 5-day pass | €8.20 | Unlimited rides |
| 3-day tourist pass | €20 | Unlimited + airport journey |
| Airport single | €9 | One-way airport trip |
| Airport return | €16 | Return airport trip (7 days) |
Important: Airport trips require a special ticket. A regular €1.20 ticket doesn’t work for the airport section of Line 3.
How to Buy Tickets#
Ticket Machines#
- Located at all metro stations
- Accept cash and cards
- Available in English and other languages
- Easy to use
Ticket Windows#
- Staffed booths at major stations
- Can answer questions
- Good for complicated requests
Athens Transport App#
- Download the official app
- Buy tickets on your phone
- QR code validation
Paper vs. Digital#
Paper tickets work fine. Digital is convenient but requires the app and phone battery. Your choice.
How to Use the Metro#
Step 1: Buy Your Ticket#
Use machines or windows at any station.
Step 2: Validate Your Ticket#
Important: You must validate (scan/stamp) your ticket at the yellow machines before entering the platform area. Unvalidated tickets = fine.
Step 3: Find Your Platform#
Signs indicate direction by final station name:
- Line 2 toward “Elliniko” = south (Acropolis, airport direction)
- Line 2 toward “Anthoupoli” = north
Step 4: Board and Ride#
Trains are clean and air-conditioned. Announcements in Greek and English.
Step 5: Exit#
Keep your ticket — you may need it to exit gates at some stations.
Metro Lines Explained#
Line 1 (Green) — Piraeus to Kifisia#
The oldest line, mostly above ground, connecting the port to northern suburbs.
Tourist-relevant stations:
- Piraeus — Ferry port for islands
- Thissio — Ancient Agora area, pedestrian promenade
- Monastiraki — Flea market, central hub
Note: Line 1 is older and less modern than Lines 2 and 3, but still efficient.
Line 2 (Red) — Anthoupoli to Elliniko#
The main tourist line, covering central Athens.
Tourist-relevant stations:
- Omonia — Central square, National Archaeological Museum (walk)
- Panepistimio — University, neoclassical buildings
- Syntagma — Parliament, Plaka, central hub
- Akropoli — Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Koukaki
- Syngrou-Fix — Koukaki neighborhood
Line 3 (Blue) — Airport to Aghia Marina#
The airport connector, also serving central Athens.
Tourist-relevant stations:
- Airport — Athens International Airport
- Syntagma — Central interchange
- Monastiraki — Markets, Ancient Agora
- Kerameikos — Gazi nightlife area
Key Stations for Tourists#
| Destination | Station | Line |
|---|---|---|
| Acropolis | Akropoli | Line 2 (Red) |
| Acropolis Museum | Akropoli | Line 2 (Red) |
| Plaka | Syntagma or Monastiraki | Lines 2, 3 |
| Monastiraki Flea Market | Monastiraki | Lines 1, 3 |
| Ancient Agora | Monastiraki or Thissio | Lines 1, 3 |
| National Archaeological Museum | Omonia (then walk) | Lines 1, 2 |
| Piraeus Port | Piraeus | Line 1 (Green) |
| Airport | Airport | Line 3 (Blue) |
| Syntagma Square | Syntagma | Lines 2, 3 |
| Gazi Nightlife | Kerameikos | Line 3 (Blue) |
Metro Operating Hours#
| Weekdays | Weekends | |
|---|---|---|
| First train | 5:30 AM | 5:30 AM |
| Last train | 12:30 AM | 12:30 AM |
| Frequency | 3-10 min (peak), 10-15 min (off-peak) | 10-15 min |
Airport line: First train around 6:30 AM, last around 11:30 PM. Trains every 30 minutes.
Metro Tips#
1. Download the App#
The Athens Transport app shows real-time arrivals and helps plan routes.
2. Avoid Rush Hour#
8-9:30 AM and 5-7 PM are crowded. Plan major site visits outside these times if using metro.
3. Watch for Pickpockets#
Metro is generally safe but pickpockets operate on crowded trains, especially around tourist stations. Keep valuables secure.
4. Use Syntagma Station’s Museum#
Line 2/3 interchange at Syntagma displays artifacts found during construction — free mini-museum while you wait.
5. Airport Tickets Are Different#
Don’t forget: airport trips need special tickets. A regular ticket won’t work.
6. Right Side Standing#
On escalators, stand on the right, walk on the left. Athenians will give you looks otherwise.
Metro + Other Transport#
Your metro ticket also works on:
- Buses — Same ticket, same validation
- Tram — Runs along the coast
- Trolleybuses — Electric buses in central Athens
The €4.10 day pass covers everything except airport trips.
Beyond Metro: Other Transport#
Tram#
Runs from Syntagma along the coast to Glyfada and Voula. Useful for Athenian Riviera beaches.
Bus#
Extensive network but more confusing. The X95 airport bus is most useful for tourists.
Taxi / Beat#
Use the Beat app (Greek equivalent of Uber). Metered and reliable.
Walking#
Athens center is very walkable. Most attractions are within 20-30 minutes of each other on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions#
Is the Athens metro easy to use?#
Yes — it’s one of the simplest metro systems in Europe. Three lines, clear signage, English announcements.
How much is a metro ticket in Athens?#
€1.20 for a single journey (90 minutes), €4.10 for a day pass, €9 for airport one-way.
Do I need to validate my ticket?#
Yes — always validate before entering the platform area. Unvalidated tickets result in fines.
Is the metro safe at night?#
Yes — the metro is generally safe. Normal urban precautions apply (watch your belongings).
Does the metro go to the airport?#
Yes — Line 3 (Blue) runs to Athens International Airport. Takes about 40 minutes from Syntagma.
Can I use my metro ticket on buses?#
Yes — the same ticket works on metro, buses, tram, and trolleybuses within its validity period.
The Bottom Line#
The Athens metro is clean, efficient, and easy. For most tourists, you’ll only need Lines 2 and 3 — they cover the Acropolis, Syntagma, Monastiraki, and the airport.
Best approach: Buy a day pass (€4.10) if you’ll make 4+ trips, or the 3-day tourist pass (€20) if you’re doing an airport round trip plus sightseeing.
Planning your Athens trip? Check out our airport transfer guide and 3-day itinerary.
