How to use the metro system in Athens

If you want to get around Athens quickly, cheaply and like a local, the metro is clean, efficient and surprisingly easy to use. Here’s everything you need to know to master the city’s underground.

Why choose the metro?

Athens’ traffic can be legendary (and not in a good way), especially during rush hour. The metro lets you skip the jams, avoid the stress of parking and get from A to B in comfort.

It connects most of the city’s main sights, neighbourhoods and transport hubs – the furthest south you can go on the metro is Elliniko, the furthest north is Kifissia, the furthest west is Piraeus and the furthest east is the airport.

The basics: lines and stations

The Athens metro has three main lines:

Line 1 (Green): Runs from Kifisia in the north to Piraeus port in the south. This is the oldest line in Athens, and the one you’ll take to catch a ferry. It’s a bit rougher and rattlier than the other two, and probably the line you need to be a little more careful on with pickpockets, but if you exercise common sense it’s perfectly fine. Unlike the other two lines which are mostly fully underground, the Green Line also runs overground so you can see a lot of Athens on the journey.
Line 2 (Red): Runs from Anthoupoli in the northwest to Elliniko in the south. This line takes you to the Acropolis, Syntagma Square and other central spots, so it’s very commonly used by tourists and locals alike.
Line 3 (Blue): Runs from Dimotiko Theatro (Piraeus) to the airport (Eleftherios Venizelos). It’s the line you’ll use for airport transfers and also stops at Monastiraki and Syntagma. Read up on how to get to the airport below.

The main interchange stations are Monastiraki and Syntagma, where you can switch between lines. Most signs and announcements are in both Greek and English, so you won’t get lost.

Buying tickets

Tickets are easy to buy and very affordable. You can purchase them from machines or ticket counters at every single metro station, as well as some tram and bus stations. The machines have an English language option and accept both cash and cards.

Standard ticket: €1.20 (valid for 90 minutes on all forms of public transport, including buses and trams)
Airport ticket: €9 (one way, valid for 90 minutes)
Daily ticket: €4.10 (unlimited travel for 24 hours)
5-day ticket: €8.20 (unlimited travel for 5 days, not valid for airport journeys)

As of July 2025, you can even pay for Athens metro journeys with a contactless debit or credit card. Just tap your card (or your phone/smartwatch if it’s set up for contactless payments) at the ticket barriers to enter and exit the metro.

How to use your ticket

Once you’ve bought your ticket, you’ll need to validate it at the barriers before entering the platform. Just tap your paper or plastic ticket on the reader. Don’t stand too close to the barriers when you do this, or it may not open. Keep your ticket until the end of your journey, as you’ll need it to exit the station too.

If you’re using a multi-day ticket, tap in and out each time you travel. Don’t try to sneak through without a ticket – you might see a few locals do this, but there are regular checks and fines are steep.

Navigating the stations

Athens’ metro stations are generally clean, safe and well signposted. Many of the central stations, like Syntagma, Akropoli and Monastiraki, double as mini-museums, displaying ancient artefacts unearthed during construction. It’s worth taking a moment to look around.

Platforms are clearly marked with the direction of travel and the next train’s arrival time. Trains run every 3-5 minutes during peak hours and every 5-10 minutes at other times. The metro operates from about 5am until midnight, with later trains (until 2am) on Fridays and Saturdays.

Getting to the airport

The easiest way to get from central Athens to the airport is on Line 3 (Blue). Trains run every 30 minutes and the journey takes about 40 minutes from Syntagma. Make sure you buy the special airport ticket, as standard tickets aren’t valid for this route. To get to the airport from Syntagma, follow the signs down to the Aerodromio platform and wait for the metro that says ‘Aerodromio’.

There are two trains that run from here; one that only goes as far as Doukissis Plakentias station, and another that goes all the way to the airport; wait for that one, they run every 30 minutes. If you get on the Doukissis Plakentias train by accident, ride it all the way there and wait wait on the same platform for the next airport train (which will be clearly marked).

Getting to the ferry port

If you’re catching a ferry to the islands, take Line 1 (Green) all the way to Piraeus. The port is just across the street from the station – when you leave the station, cross the road at the traffic lights and head left until you see big boats!

It’s always a good idea to allow a little extra time. The port area is massive, and it’s a bit of a walk to some of the ferry gates.

Safety and etiquette

The Athens metro is generally very safe, but as in any big city, keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded trains and stations. Pickpocketing can and does happen, particularly around tourist hotspots like Monastiraki and Omonia. Be especially vigilant on metro escalators as they’re a favourite spot for pickpocketers.

Let passengers off before you get on, and don’t block the doors. If you’re carrying a backpack, take it off and hold it in front of you during busy times. Eating and drinking are not allowed on the trains, and you’ll rarely see locals breaking this rule.

Accessibility

Most metro stations are accessible, with lifts and escalators. There are also designated spaces for wheelchairs and priority seating for those who need it. If you have mobility issues, check the Athens Transport website OASA for up-to-date information on station facilities.

Handy tips

Plan your route: the City Mapper app, along with Google Maps and the OASA Telematics app are both reliable for metro directions and real-time updates.
Avoid rush hour: Trains can get crowded between 8-10am and 5-7pm. If you can, travel outside these times for a more comfortable ride.
Look out for art: Many stations feature contemporary art, mosaics and even ancient ruins on display.
Keep your ticket handy: You’ll need it to exit, and inspectors do check.

Using the metro in Athens is one of the easiest ways to get around, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller. It’s quick, affordable and gives you a real taste of local life. So grab your ticket, hop on board and enjoy the ride.