For most visitors, Athens works best on foot and by metro. The central sightseeing area is compact, but its pavements can be uneven and some streets climb steeply towards the Acropolis or Lycabettus. Treat public transport as a way to connect walks rather than a reason to travel across the city between every stop.
Which metro line matters?
Line 1 (green) links Piraeus with stations including Thissio, Monastiraki and Omonia. Line 2 (red) serves Acropoli and Syntagma, continuing to Larissa Station. Line 3 (blue) connects Monastiraki and Syntagma with the airport on selected services and reaches Piraeus. Transfer at the stations shown on the network map, not wherever the lines look close on a street map.
Tickets and contactless payment
The standard 90-minute ticket costs €1.20; a 24-hour city pass costs €4.10 and a five-day ticket €8.20. The €20 three-day tourist ticket includes one journey from and one back to Athens Airport by eligible services. Ordinary city tickets do not cover the airport section. Prices checked against OASA, October 2026.
Contactless Visa or Mastercard payment is available on supported OASA services. Use the same physical card or device throughout a journey, and a separate one for each passenger; reduced fares require the appropriate ticket or card rather than ordinary bank-card tap payment. For visitors travelling together or using concession tickets, the normal ticket machines may be simpler.
Bus, tram and taxi
Buses reach places the metro does not; use OASA’s live journey tools because traffic can alter arrival times. Trams are useful for selected coastal stretches, but they are not a quick direct route to every beach. Taxis are practical for luggage or late returns. Use an official taxi or established booking app and confirm the fare basis.
Three easy walks
- Syntagma → National Garden → Panathenaic Stadium: a manageable introduction away from the busiest shopping streets.
- Acropoli station → Acropolis Museum → Dionysiou Areopagitou → Apostolou Pavlou: the pedestrian route around the archaeological hills.
- Monastiraki → Roman Agora area → Plaka → Anafiotika: lanes and historic buildings at a slower pace, with steps near Anafiotika.
For timings, route changes and fare eligibility, start with OASA’s visitor information.
PRACTICAL NEXT STEP
Turn the information into a workable plan.
Use the linked practical guides to sort transport, tickets and timing before you build the rest of your stay.
Choose a base for your Athens trip
Compare accommodation by area and category, then confirm current prices and availability for your dates.
Car rental in Athens
Compare rental cars for your dates and arrange pick-up in Athens. Check the exact collection point, insurance excess, mileage, fuel policy and cancellation terms with the provider before booking.