Athens Strike February 28, 2026: Metro Schedules, Airport Transfers, and Travel Updates
- Total suspension of national rail and Proastiakos suburban services for 24 hours.
- Metro Lines 2 and 3, including Airport service, begin operations at 9: 00 AM.
- Airport and Piraeus Port transfers may face delays—book a taxi or leave early.
- Syntagma and Panepistimio stations in central Athens are closed to the public.
- Use Line 1 (ISAP) between 9: 00 AM and 9: 00 PM for travel between Piraeus and Kifisia.
Saturday, February 28, marks a significant day of remembrance across Greece. On the third anniversary of the tragic Tempi train collision, public transportation unions have announced widespread strike actions. If you are planning to visit the Acropolis or stroll through the historic streets of Plaka, be sure to check the latest transportation schedules to avoid potential gridlock.
Planning a Greek getaway is usually a seamless experience, but today’s disruptions will require travelers to be a bit more flexible. While several transit options remain available, their operating hours have been significantly curtailed. Below is our detailed report to help you navigate Athens today.
Metro and Rail: Essential Travel Updates
The most critical information for those planning long-distance travel or airport transfers is the total suspension of national rail services.
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Hellenic Train and Proastiakos (Suburban Railway): All services nationwide are suspended for 24 hours. This includes the suburban lines connecting Athens to Corinth and Chalkida.
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Metro (Lines 2 and 3): There is good news for city explorers—the Red and Blue lines will begin service at 9:00 AM and run through the end of the day. Crucially for international travelers, the Airport Metro service will also be operational starting at 9:00 AM.
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Closed Stations: By police order, the Syntagma and Panepistimio stations will be closed starting in the morning. Trains will pass through these stations without stopping.
City Transit: Buses, Trams, and the ISAP
Travel along the Athenian Riviera and between Piraeus and Kifisia will also be subject to specific time restrictions.
The Green Line (ISAP - Line 1)
Trains on the Piraeus - Kifisia route will operate only between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM. The last full-route trains will depart from the terminals around 8:35 PM.
Tram Service
If you are heading to the coast, note that trams will start running at 9:30 AM, with final departures to the depots beginning as early as 7:00 PM. All late-night tram services for this Saturday have been canceled.
Buses and Trolleybuses
According to official announcements, buses and trolleybuses are expected to operate normally. However, travelers should anticipate two main challenges:
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Occasional service gaps may occur if individual drivers choose to join the strike.
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Expect significant traffic delays and detours in central Athens due to planned demonstrations.
Pro Tip for Travelers: If you need to reach Athens International Airport or the Port of Piraeus, we recommend leaving your hotel at least one hour earlier than originally planned. Avoid the areas around Syntagma Square and the University, as these will be the focal points for major gatherings.
Quick Reference: Transportation Hours (Feb 28)
| Mode of Transport | Operating Hours | Notes |
| Metro (L2, L3) | 9:00 AM to end of service | Syntagma & Panepistimio closed |
| Trains / Proastiakos | Suspended | No service for 24 hours |
| ISAP (Line 1) | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM | Piraeus - Kifisia route |
| Tram | 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM | No night service |
| Buses | Normal | Possible delays in city center |
Despite these temporary logistics, Athens remains a vibrant and welcoming destination. Today’s events are a poignant reflection of local solidarity, and with a little foresight, your Greek holiday can continue to be an unforgettable experience.
