Public transportation in Athens

The Greek capital, together with its suburbs and the neighbouring city of Piraeus, forms a residential complex numbering about 4.5 million inhabitants.
The best solution to get around Athens is of course by foot, and fortunately, the major sights of the city are concentrated in a relatively small area. However if you decide to use the public transport, here is a look at the alternatives:

* The Buses, the Trolley busses and the Tram Line.

• Athenian buses and electric "trolley" buses are cheap and run until late at night. A ticket must be purchased from the kiosks before boarding. The cost of the ticket is 0.50 cents. Validate this ticket after boarding and keep it until the end of the run. The English language newspaper 'Athens News' prints the Athens bus schedules. For more information on city bus and electric trolleybus itineraries, as well as on timetables and tickets click here
• Six bus routes run from the Airport 24hrs a day. E94 takes you to the first metro station, E95 to Syntagma Square, E96 to Piraeus port, E93 to the bus station for intercity buses to the rest of Greece, E97, E98. The cost is 3.00euros for one single trip to/from the Airport but unlimited travel on the metro, buses and trolleys for 24hrs from the first validation.
  

*  Metro: Tickets are purchased from vendors or automats in the stations. Signs are written in both Greek and Latin alphabet and stations are identified with signs on which the letter M appears. Trains run quite often until midnight. The new "Attiko Metro" line is spotless clean, efficient and safe and the ticket costs 0.80 cents. The old subway line ticket costs 0.70 cents
The Athens Metro consists of three lines - Line 1 (the old Kifissia - Athens - Piraeus electric rail service known as ISAP, coloured “green”), Line 2 coloured “blue” (underground) and Line 3 coloured “red” ( underground). Route maps are displayed in every metro station but click here if you want more information.

*  Tram Line: The tram network connects the centre of Athens (Syntagma Square) to the southern (coastal) suburbs. Boasting modern vehicle design, it serves the following routes:
- From Athens centre through Nea Smyrni, Paleo Faliro, Alimos and Helliniko (the old airport area), to Glyfada.
- From Athens centre through Nea Smyrni and Paleo Faliro and from there branching out along the coastal avenue, to Peace & Friendship Stadium (Neo Faliro), and
- From Glyfada via the coastal avenue and the Faliriko Delta to Peace & Friendship Stadium.
Click here for more information on the tram Line operation.

*  The Suburban Railway (Proastiakos): Travels between the Athens Railway Station and the Athens International Airport, with seven stops along the line connecting to the Metro Line at Plakentias Station. For more information visit, http://www.proastiakos.gr

*  Yellow Taxis. Taxis in Athens are inexpensive and providing you can find one free, they are the most convenient way of getting around. All taxis display an illuminated taxi sign on top when free. They are flagged down along the street. The driver is obliged to activate the meter upon hire. There are two rates; The single and the double tariff. The double tariff is applied outside the city limits and also between midnight and 05.00am. There is a minimum charge applied even for the shortest run. Don't be surprised if, once you have finally got one, your driver will stop and pick up other people along the way, especially during rush hours. Normally, the taxi driver should ask you about this but sometimes they don't. Make sure the meter is on always. There is a surcharge for dropping off / picking up people from the airport, ports or bus and train stations. (Don't forget to leave a small tip). Click here for more information concerning charges.

Affiliated websites: astoria travel, astoria of Athens, Tours to Greece.