Transportation

From Athens International Airport (ATH), the metro Line 3 runs directly into the city centre and is a cheap, reliable option, while express bus X95 goes to Syntagma Square around the clock. Taxis and apps like FREE NOW or Bolt offer a fixed daytime flat fare to the centre. Buy a ticket at machines before boarding, and allow extra time in the busy summer season.

Athens has a clean, modern network of three metro lines plus buses, trolleys and a tram to the coast, all covered by a single ticket system. The metro is the fastest way around and reaches the main sights and the port at Piraeus. Buses fill the gaps to neighbourhoods and beaches. Keep an eye on belongings on crowded metro trains, especially around Monastiraki.

Athens uses the reloadable Ath.ena Card, along with paper Ath.ena Tickets, across the metro, buses, trolleys and tram under one integrated fare. Buy and top up at station machines and ticket offices, then validate at the gate or on board at the start of your trip. A 90-minute ticket covers transfers, and day or multi-day passes suit sightseeing. Keep your ticket until you exit.

Athens taxis are yellow and metered, and generally affordable. The easiest way to book is via apps like FREE NOW or Bolt, which also let taxi drivers accept card payment and show a fare estimate. From the airport there is a set daytime flat fare to the centre, with a higher night rate. Make sure the meter is running, and expect small legitimate surcharges for luggage, ports and airports.

Renting a car is a great way to explore the mainland and larger islands like Crete, Rhodes and the Peloponnese at your own pace. Greece drives on the right, and many visitors need an International Driving Permit alongside their home licence, so check before you go. Roads range from good motorways to narrow, winding village lanes; drive cautiously, watch for scooters, and book ahead in peak summer.

Ferries are central to Greek travel, with most island routes leaving from Piraeus and other Athens-area ports such as Rafina. In summer they get very busy, so book ahead, especially for cars and popular islands. On the mainland, KTEL intercity buses connect towns widely and affordably, and there are some train links. Compare and book ferries on apps like Ferryhopper, and arrive at the port early.

Domestic flights are a fast, convenient way to reach distant islands and cut long ferry journeys, with Aegean Airlines, its Olympic Air arm and Sky Express serving many islands and mainland cities. Routes expand in summer to places like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete and Rhodes. Baggage allowances can be tight and small island airports get busy, so book early, travel light and allow buffer time for connections.

Plan around the ferry schedule when island-hopping, and always validate metro and bus tickets to avoid fines. Combine metro and buses in Athens with an Ath.ena Card, and use apps to book taxis and ferries. In summer, book ferries, flights and cars well ahead, carry water and sun protection, and keep some cash for small islands. Allow buffer time between connections since ferries can be delayed by weather.