Planning a trip to the Greek capital?

Public transport in Athens has undergone a massive transformation in recent years. To ensure you spend your time enjoying the Acropolis instead of stressing over a ticket machine, we've prepared a list of 15 key facts that will save your holiday and your wallet.

15 things you need to know before you travel:

1. 1. Forget about paper tickets (Tap2Ride) In 2026, you don't need to look for a kiosk. In the metro, buses, and trams, you simply tap your payment card, watch, or phone (Apple/Google Pay) against the reader. The Tap2Ride system calculates the fare automatically.

2. 2. Smart Daily Cap This is the best feature for sightseers. If your total fares in a single day (paid via card/phone) reach €4.10, the system stops charging you. From that point until the end of the day, you ride for free.

3. 3. One ticket, multiple modes of transport A standard city ticket (€1.20) is valid for 90 minutes. During this time, you can transfer freely between the metro, bus, tram, and trolleybus.

4. 4. The Airport is a "different zone" This is the most common trap! A regular city ticket does not cover travel to/from the airport. You must purchase a special ticket for €9.00 (metro) or €5.50 (express bus).

5. 5. X95 and X96 buses run 24/7 Landing at 3:00 AM? No problem. The X95 bus takes you straight to Syntagma Square (center), and the X96 goes to the Port of Piraeus at any time of day or night.

1. 6. The 3-Day Tourist Ticket is a "safe bet" It costs €20.00 and is valid for 72 hours. Most importantly: it includes round-trip airport transfers! If you are staying for a weekend, this is the most cost-effective option.

2. 7. Tap your card when exiting the metro Unlike buses, the Athens metro and suburban trains have gates. You must tap your ticket or card both at the entrance and the exit to open the gates.

3. 8. Reaching the ports (Rafina and Lavrio) Piraeus is easily reached via the metro (Green and Blue lines). However, to reach the ports of Rafina and Lavrio, you need the orange KTEL Attikis buses (departing from the airport or near Pedion tou Areos Park). City tickets are not valid here—you pay the driver or at the ticket booth.

4. 9. Free rides for the little ones Children under 6 years old travel completely free in Athens and do not need a ticket or specific document.

5. 10. Seniors and youth – 50% discount People over 65 and youth (7-18 years old) are entitled to reduced fares. Important: The Tap2Ride system usually charges the full rate. If you want the discount, buy a ticket at a desk or machine by showing your ID.

6. 11. OASA Telematics app is your GPS Don't trust paper schedules. Download the OASA Telematics app—it shows the real-time location of buses on the map and waiting times.

7. 12. Take the tram to the sea (Athens Riviera) Want a break from ruins? Hop on the tram at Syntagma Square. For €1.20, you can reach the seaside (towards Glyfada, Voula). The views from the window, especially at sunset, are priceless!

8. 13. Watch out for pickpockets Metro Line 1 (Green) and stations like Monastiraki, Omonia, and Victoria can be very crowded. They are hotspots for pickpockets. Keep your backpack in front of you and mind your phone.

9. 14. Taxis (Uber / FreeNow / Bolt) In Athens, the Uber app is used to call legal yellow taxis. This is a safe solution because the price from the center to the airport is a flat rate. Avoid people soliciting rides in the arrivals hall.

10. 15. Fines are strict Inspectors are very active in 2026. The fine is 60 times the price of a ticket (approx. €72). The excuse "I'm a tourist and I didn't know" rarely works.

Summary: Which one to choose?

• Arriving for 3 days: Buy the 3-Day Tourist Ticket at the airport machine.

• Just passing through: Use Tap2Ride (bank card/phone).

• Cheapest airport transfer: Choose the X95 bus.

Why trust us? At GR&PL, we monitor changes in Greek transport in real-time. This guide has been updated with the latest tariffs as of January 2026. Have a question? Ask us in the comments!