Three lines. €1.20 per ride. €4.10 for 24-hour unlimited travel. Most tourist sites covered. Built around the 2004 Olympics, kept in good shape since. Easier to use than Paris or Madrid. Here's how.
Line 1 (Green) — Piraeus ↔ Kifissia. The oldest line (1869, originally electric tram). Connects the port (Piraeus) with northern suburbs (Kifissia). Tourist stops: Thissio (Acropolis northwest), Monastiraki (transfer), Omonia (transfer), Victoria.
Line 2 (Red) — Anthoupoli ↔ Elliniko. Built for the 2004 Olympics. North-south through the city centre. Tourist stops: Akropoli (the Acropolis south slope, closest to Acropolis Museum), Syntagma (transfer + Plaka), Omonia, Larissa Station (national train station).
Line 3 (Blue) — Airport / Douk. Plakentias ↔ Dimotiko Theatro. The newest line. Goes to the airport. Tourist stops: Syntagma (transfer + Plaka), Monastiraki (transfer + flea market), Athens Airport.
Transfers: Syntagma is the central transfer between Lines 2 and 3. Monastiraki is the transfer between Lines 1 and 3. Omonia is the transfer between Lines 1 and 2.
Single ticket: €1.20 (90 minutes, includes transfers across all metro/bus/tram).
Day pass (24 hours): €4.10 (unlimited rides, all transport).
5-day tourist pass: €8.20 (unlimited rides, 5 days, all transport — best value if you stay 4+ days).
Airport ticket (one way): €10 (Line 3 only, airport segment).
Airport day pass (3-day, including airport): €20 (covers airport + unlimited transport for 3 days).
Buy at vending machines in every station. English language available. Cards accepted. Keep the ticket — there are random checks and a €60 fine for fare evasion.
Step 1: Buy ticket at vending machine. Touch English flag, choose ticket type, insert card or coins.
Step 2: Validate the ticket at the orange machines next to the gates. Tap your card or insert paper ticket. The gate opens.
Step 3: Follow signs to your line. Trains arrive every 4-7 minutes (longer late at night). Doors open automatically.
Step 4: Listen for your station. Stations are announced in Greek and English. Look at the line map above the doors.
Step 5: Exit. The ticket may be checked again on exit at some stations. Keep it.
Akropoli (Line 2) — Closest to Acropolis south entrance + Acropolis Museum. Most tourist hotels in Koukaki are walkable from here.
Syntagma (Line 2 + 3) — Athens's central square. Walking distance to Plaka, Kolonaki. Major hotel area.
Monastiraki (Line 1 + 3) — Flea market, old Athens, walking to Plaka. Glass-walled station shows Roman ruins.
Thissio (Line 1) — Closest to Filopappou Hill, Ancient Agora, photogenic walking street.
Piraeus (Line 1) — Port for ferries to Greek islands. End of Line 1.
Yes, very. Pickpocketing in busy stations and trains (especially at peak hours) is the main risk. Violent crime essentially doesn't happen. Keep your wallet in your front pocket, hold bags in front, you're safe.
Roughly 5:30 AM to midnight on weekdays. On Friday and Saturday, Lines 2 and 3 run until 2 AM. Last trains posted at every station. After hours, take a taxi or Free Now app.
Yes. Scan or insert your ticket at the orange validators next to the gates. Without validation, the ticket isn't 'active' and you'll be fined €60 if checked. Keep the validated ticket on you for the entire journey.
Most stations have elevators, but not all. Lines 2 and 3 are mostly step-free. Line 1 (older) has more stairs. The official Athens transport site (oasa.gr) lists accessibility for each station.
Take Line 1 (Green) to Piraeus station, the end of the line. From there, walk 5-10 minutes to the ferry port. The metro itself doesn't go to islands; ferries do.
Ask Stelios directly — replies during Athens hours.
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