Capital city in Attica, Greece
Getting around Athens
How to get around Athens
Central Athens is walkable; metro, tram and buses cover the rest. Use metro line 3 for the airport and taxi apps for late nights.
Ways to get around Athens
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Metro (lines 1, 2, 3) | 1.20 EUR for 90 minutes | Same ticket works on buses, trams and trolleys; validate it |
| Tram | 1.20 EUR for 90 minutes | Syntagma to the southern coast beaches |
| Buses and trolleys | 1.20 EUR for 90 minutes | Frequent but slow in traffic |
| Taxi apps | About 8–14 EUR for 5 km | Cheaper and more transparent than street taxis |
Ride-hailing apps in Athens
A 5 km ride costs about €8–14 ($9.0–15.8).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| FREENOW | Licensed taxis; pay by app or card |
| Uber | Also dispatches licensed taxis; works at the airport |
| Bolt | Often cheaper; mix of taxis and private cars |
- Street taxis should use the meter; flat airport fares are fixed. Card payment is mandatory in taxis but drivers sometimes say it is broken.
Arriving in Athens
Athens International (Eleftherios Venizelos) (ATH)
Metro line 3 to Syntagma 9 EUR, about 40 min; X95 bus 6 EUR, 60–90 min; taxi flat 40 EUR day, 55 EUR night.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Possible but hectic traffic and tram tracks; rent only if experienced. A motorcycle licence is needed above 50 cc.
- Driving: on the right. Non-EU licences generally need an International Driving Permit; rental firms check. Quads and scooters need a motorcycle licence.
- Onward travel in Greece: Ferries reach the islands; book ahead in summer. Hellenic Train runs Athens–Thessaloniki in about 4–5 hours, KTEL buses cover the mainland, and domestic flights save time.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Athens?
Yes. Apps that work here: FREENOW, Uber, Bolt.
What's the best way to get around Athens?
Central Athens is walkable; metro, tram and buses cover the rest. Use metro line 3 for the airport and taxi apps for late nights.
How do I get from the airport to Athens?
Metro line 3 to Syntagma 9 EUR, about 40 min; X95 bus 6 EUR, 60–90 min; taxi flat 40 EUR day, 55 EUR night.
Is Athens walkable?
Very walkable.
More about Athens
Going to Athens solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Athens meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Hellenic Train
- Visit Greece
- Athens Urban Transport Organisation (OASA)
- Athens International Airport
- Hygeia Hospital
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.