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Athens Public Transport Tickets and Passes in 2025: Prices, Metro Guide and Airport Info

If you're planning a trip to Athens in 2025 and want to explore both the city's ancient sites and its gorgeous beaches - without relying on expensive taxis/uber - then it's worth getting to know how the local public transportation system works. This guide walks you through all the essentials: from how to get around, to which ticket to buy, where to purchase it, and how to use it.

Athens may be best known for the Acropolis, but it's also a sprawling capital of around five million people. Luckily, the city has a fairly well-developed public transportation network that makes getting around easy and affordable - once you know the system.

Public Transportation in Athens: The Basics

Athens' transport system includes several types of services:

Metro (μέτρο)
Buses (λεωφορεία)
Trolleybuses (τρόλεϊ)
Trams (τραμ)
Suburban Railway - Proastiakos (προαστιακός)

One big advantage is that most of the Athens metro area functions as a single fare zone. That means you can use one ticket to ride the metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses across the entire city - including trips from downtown to the coast or into quieter residential neighborhoods. For example, the same ticket will take you to the Acropolis, the upscale Athens Riviera, or the peaceful seaside suburb of Artemida.

The only exception is the suburban railway, which charges based on distance. We’ll explain that in detail below.

Who Runs Public Transit in Athens?

The system is managed by OASA (Organismos Astikon Sygkoinonion Athinon), the Athens Urban Transport Organization. OASA is the top-level body overseeing all public transportation in the city.

Two major subsidiaries operate under it:

OSY (Odikes Sygkoinonies) - runs buses and trolleybuses
STASY (Statheres Sygkoinonies) - responsible for the metro and trams

You’ll also encounter Hellenic Train, previously known as Trainose, which operates the Proastiakos suburban railway.

The Athens Metro: Fast, Clean, and Efficient

If you're staying in Athens, chances are you'll be using the metro quite a bit. It's modern, mostly underground, air-conditioned, and fairly easy to navigate. The system consists of three main lines, each marked by a different color:

Line 1 - Green

This is the oldest line and mostly runs above ground. Locals call it the "Ilektrikos". It connects Piraeus (the city’s port) with Kifisia, a northern suburb.

24 stations
Entire trip takes around 51 minutes

Line 2 - Red

This line runs from Anthoupoli to Elliniko, a rapidly developing southern area.

20 stations
Entire trip takes around 29 minutes
It’s also the line you’ll use to get to the Acropolis (just get off at the Akropoli station)

Line 3 - Blue

Known as the airport line, this route connects Dimotiko Theatro (in Piraeus) to Athens International Airport.

Entire journey takes about 59 minutes

Note: Unlike in many cities, you need to validate your ticket twice on the Athens metro: once when entering through the gates, and again when exiting the station.

Trams in Athens: A Scenic, Slower Option

The tram system is ideal for visitors wanting to explore Athens at a slower pace. It’s especially useful for reaching the coastal neighborhoods like Glyfada, Voula, or Neo Faliro. Trams connect the city center (Syntagma and Zappeion) with the Athens Riviera and parts of Piraeus.

Launched in 2004 for the Olympic Games
Generally clean and comfortable, but slower than the metro
You validate your ticket once, upon boarding, using the blue machine with a screen and scanner

Buses and Trolleybuses: Extensive and Affordable

The bus and trolleybus network in Athens is large and practical, offering around 280 routes. These cover not just downtown areas but also suburbs, beaches, and even the airport.

You validate your ticket only once, at the beginning of your ride
Validation machines are the same as in trams - blue with a screen

Important: Traveling to or from the Airport

If you're heading to or from Athens International Airport, you’ll need to purchase either a special airport ticket or a 3-day tourist pass.

Regular tickets are not valid on airport routes
Airport tickets do not allow transfers - if you change to another form of transportation after reaching the center, you’ll need a new ticket

The Suburban Railway (Proastiakos): Beyond the City

The Proastiakos suburban railway connects central Athens to outer suburbs and neighboring cities like Kiato, Chalkida, and Corinth. It’s ideal if you want to explore areas beyond the metro zone or are staying near the airport.

Here are the main suburban railway lines as of 2025:

Piraeus - Athens - Airport
- 19 stops
- Duration: approx. 1 hour and 3 minutes
Piraeus - Kiato
- 20 stops
- Duration: approx. 1 hour and 38 minutes
Athens - Inoi - Chalkida
- Duration: approx. 1 hour and 19 minutes
Ano Liosia - Metamorfosi - Koropi - Airport
- Duration: approx. 34 minutes
Aigio - Kiato - Athens - Airport
- Launched in 2020
- Duration: approx. 2 hours and 32 minutes

Note: Regular transport tickets are valid only between Magoula, Piraeus, and Koropi. For other destinations, you’ll need a separate Proastiakos ticket.

Ticket Types and Prices in 2025

Tickets are available as paper cards (ATH.ENA Ticket) or rechargeable smartcards (ATH.ENA Card). All children under 6 years old travel for free within the Attica region.

Photo by @www.oasa.gr: License

Standard Single Ticket - €1.20 (€0.50 reduced)

Valid for 90 minutes, including transfers
Valid on metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses
Not valid on airport lines or Express Bus X80
In the metro, valid only up to Koropi on the blue line
On Proastiakos, valid only on the Magoula - Koropi - Piraeus segment

24-Hour Ticket - €4.10

Unlimited rides for 24 hours after first validation
Valid on all standard city transport, but not valid on airport metro or buses
Includes Express Bus X80

3-Day Tourist Ticket - €20

Valid for 72 hours
Includes one round-trip airport transfer (bus or metro)
Unlimited access to metro (up to Koropi), trams, buses, trolleys
Includes Express Bus X80
Does not cover full Proastiakos routes

5-Day Ticket - €8.20

Unlimited rides for 5 consecutive days
Covers metro (up to Koropi), trams, buses, trolleys
Not valid for airport travel or Express Bus X80

Airport Tickets in 2025

If you’re coming from or going to Athens International Airport, you’ll need one of the following:

Express Bus Ticket (X95, etc.):
€5.50 (or €2,70 reduced) - valid for one ride, no transfers
Metro Ticket to/from Airport:
€9.00 (or €4.50 reduced) - valid for one ride

The choice between bus and metro depends on where you're staying. Buses are cheaper, but the metro is faster and more direct.

Where to Buy Tickets

From ticket machines at metro and tram stations (available in Greek and English)
At kiosks located near major transport hubs
At OASA ticket offices, including one at the airport, near the express bus stop
From ticket machines inside certain city buses, especially on newer or express lines - these machines allow you to purchase a single-use ticket using coins or contactless card

Final Thoughts

Athens’ public transportation system is affordable, simple to use, and well-suited for both tourists and locals. Whether you're riding the metro to the Acropolis, taking a tram to the coast, or catching a suburban train to ancient Corinth, the right ticket can make your travel experience much smoother.

Just be sure to validate your ticket, know whether your journey includes the airport zone, and choose the right pass based on the length of your stay.