FAQ - Getting around
- I have just arrived at the Airport. How far is Athens and by what types of transportation can I reach Athens?
- How do I use the Metro. Where to buy tickets and how long are they valid?
- How do I call a taxi?
- How can I hail a taxi from the street?
- How can I rent a car in Athens?
- How far are the ports of Piraeus and Rafina from the center of Athens?
- How do the Intercity KTEL Buses operate?
- What is the difference between City buses and trolleys?
- How can I travel by OSE trains?
- What is the tram schedule?
- What do I need to be aware of driving a car or a motorcycle in Athens?
- How can I travel by OSE trains?
Question: I have just arrived at the Airport. How far is Athens and by what types of transportation can I reach Athens?
Athens International Airport is about 20 km east of Athens city center (30 km by road, due to inyervening hills). There are three types of transportation from the Airport - Metro, Taxis & Buses:
Metro The Metro stration is immediately adjacent to the airport terminal (and accessible by an elevated walkway). Tickets are sold at the automatic machines installed at the Metro station as well as at the ticket booths. The distance Airport - Syntagma is covered in 37 minutes. The cost of the ticket is 6 Euro for one trip.
Taxi Athens El. Venizelos Airport taxis are available at the designated taxi waiting area located at Exit 3 of Arrival Level. A taxi into Athens costs 40-50 Euro.
Bus Buses run 24 hours a day and they pick up passengers directly in front of the terminal. Your 3.20 Euro ticket will also include a transfer to other form of public transporation in Athens if used within 90 minutes. Buses leave from Door 5 of the Arrivals level:
X94 Express bus to the Metro station "Ethiniki Amyna", better known as Pentagono (travelling time: 50-70 minutes). First bus 07:30, last bus 21:55 (frequency 10-20 minutes).
X95 Express bus to the center, Syntagma (average travelling time: 70-90 minutes). Every 10-30 minutes, 24 hours a day (travelling time: 70-80 minutes). Connecting with Metro Lines 2 & 3.
X96 Express bus, all the way to Pireaus taking a route that avoids the center of Athens, partially along the coast (travelling time: 90-120 minutes). Every 20-40 minutes, 24 hours a day.
X92 - To and from Kifisia (see X93 for a similar name but different location) in the northern suburbs of Athens to the airport. Runs every 45-60 minutes from 05:00 to 23:45; every 90 to 120 minutes during the late hours
X93 - Watch the similar name on this one. It runs from Kifisos Station in Athens itself where the intercity buses connect. It runs to and from the Athens Airport, usually on a 40 minute schedule except between midnight and 04:15, when it runs about every 60-70 minutes.
X94 - From Ethniki Amyna to and from the Athens Airport. Every 10-20 minutes 24 hours a day.
X97 - From Daphni Metro Station to and from the Airport. Every 40-60 minutes from about 06:00 to 22:00, then up to 90 minutes between buses.
Question: How do I use the Metro. Where to buy tickets and how long are they valid?
There are thre Metro Lines and guides are available in all stations. Tickets are sold at the automatic machines installed at all metro stations as well as at the ticket booths. The tickets are valid for one hour from the time of purchase and may be used as transfer for all forms of public transportation.
Question: What airports are there in Greece or which is the nearest one to my destination?
Taxi service companies in Athens:
Center:
+30 210 2636385,
+30 210 8673216,
+30 210 9212800,
+30 210 5152800
North Athens: +30 210 8142300
East Athens: +30 210 2919016
South Athens: +30 6944473802
West Athens: +30 210 5316698
- The flat rate at the start of the meter: 1.05 €
- Rate per km inside the city limits (zone 1): 0.48 €
- Rate per km inside the city limits (zone 2): 0.84 €
- Waiting time fee (per hour): 9.60 €
- Minimum travel charge: 2.80 €
- Night tariff (from 24:00 - 05:00): 0.84 €
- Holiday tariff during the Christmas and Easter seasons: + 1 €
- To/ from Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos: 3.40 €
- Outward from Athens Port and railways and bus depots: 0.95 €
- Baggage over 10 KG (22 lbs) each: 0.35 €
- Regular call for taxi pickup: 1.70 €
- Taxi pickup by appointment: 3.00 € - 5.00 €
Question: How can I hail a taxi from the street?
As in any other metropolitan area, the common practice is to wait by the right side of the street and raise your hand. Take note that if the driver does not have his flag raised and/or lit, he or she might not stop to take you (they might be changing shift or radio cabs). It is also common practice for taxis to stop and ask where you are going - possibly with others already in the cab. This way they double up on fares. Be sure to keep your eye on what the meter says when you first get in and subtract that amount from the total.
Question: How can I rent a car in Athens?
To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category) and have held your license for 1 year. Non-EU residents need to obtain an International Drivers License in order to drive, do not forget to apply for these papers on time. Many car rental companies have a maximum age for car rental in addition to a minimum age: 70 years. Seatbelts are mandatory and children up to 4 years are required to sit in a child seat (in the back). Traffic travels on the right and the speed limits are as follows: in the city 30mph/50kph, on open roads 50 mph/80kph and highways 74mph/100kph. There are many car rental companies scattered around the main airports in Greece. Some of these include: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Eurodollar, Hertz, National, Sixt and Travelstar. All major credit cards are accepted and be sure to ask them where to go for the cheapest gas. Another option is renting a car through EasyTerra. This website compares the rates of well-established car rental companies for your convenience.
Question: How far are the ports of Piraeus and Rafina from the center of Athens?
The Port of Piraeus is located 10 km southwest from the center of the urban area of Athens. The Port of Rafina is about 30 km east of downtown Athens.
Question: How do the Intercity KTEL Buses operate?
Athens has four bus terminals, two of which serve the regional bus line and two of which serve the suburban bus lines. Check regional schedules by calling 210 5114505 (from within Athens; schedules listed in Greek only), or suburban schedules at http://www.ktelattikis.gr.
Question: What is the difference between City buses and trolleys?
KTEL buses (the yellow ones) leave from Terminals A and B, Mavromateon St. 29, and Eleftherias Sq., and travel all over the Attica peninsula. Unlike much of Greek transportation, they are punctual, so be on time. Buy KTEL bus tickets on board or in the terminal. The other buses frequently visible around Athens and its suburbs are blue, designated by 3-digit numbers. Both are good for travel throughout the city and ideal for daytrips to Daphni and Kesariani, the northern suburbs, Glyfada and the coast, and other destinations in the greater Athens area. The Metro stations and tourist offices maps of Athens label all of the most frequented routes. Buses run Mon.-Sat. 05:00-23:30, Sun. and public holidays 05:00-23:30. The X95 from Syntagma to El. Venizelou airport, X96 from Piraeus to El. Venizelou airport, and #040 from Piraeus to Syntagma all run 24hr. Check KTEL bus schedules by calling Terminal A (210 831753). Trolleys are distinguished from buses by their electrical antennae. Buy a bus/trolley ticket ahead of time at a kiosk (0.80€). Service is frequent and convenient for short hops within town. See the detailed Metro and tourist office map for routes and stops. Trolleys operate Mon.-Sat. 05:00-midnight, Sun. and public holidays 05:00-midnight.
Question: How can I travel by OSE trains?
Domestic and international departures from Athens and Thessaloniki by train with connections to major railways as well as the biggest cities in Greece. The main train stations in Athens are: Peloponnisou 210 5131601 and Larissa 210 5297777 (serves northern Greece and international routes). For more information dial: 1110; http://www.ose.gr.
Question: What is the tram schedule?
Following are the routes of the Tram:
THUKIDIDIS 3: SEF-ASKLIPIO VOULA
ARISTOTELIS 4: SYNTAGMA-SEF
PLATONAS 5: SYNTAGMA- ASKLIPIO VOULA
Tram hours:
The tram operates daily from 05:00 to 02:00 while on Fridays and Saturdays it operates 24 hours
.
Question: What do I need to be aware of driving a car or a motorcycle in Athens?
One must be familiar with the traffic codes and parking regulations. Restriction of driving within Dactylios (downtown zone) does not apply to rental cars and cars with foreign license plates. All others drive in this zone according to the plates last number, if it is odd then driving on odd days is permitted and if even then on even days. So far, there are no toll stations to get into and out of the city (except from the airport), but there are talks of installing them from the surrounding suburban areas of Athens.