What Athens Public Transport Could Improve

While Athens public transport is affordable and efficient, it still has some drawbacks that can make travel frustrating especially for tourists and travelers with mobility concerns. Issues like limited accessibility, unreliable night buses, outdated payment systems, and language barriers can create unnecessary hassles.

If you’re planning to rely on public transport in Athens, here’s what you should be aware of and how to work around these common problems.

Accessibility Issues – Limited Elevators & Escalators in Some Metro Stations

Athens metro stations are modern and clean, but not all of them are fully accessible. While major stations like Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Acropoli have elevators and escalators, some older metro stations lack proper accessibility features.

✅ Fully accessible metro stations

• Syntagma (Red & Blue Line) has multiple elevators and wide gates for wheelchairs.

• Monastiraki (Green & Blue Line). Elevators are available, but crowded most of the day.

• Acropoli (Red Line). Wheelchair-accessible with ramps & elevators.

❌ Stations with accessibility issues

• Omonia & Victoria (Green Line). Not all platforms have working elevators.

• Older Green Line stations. Some lack escalators, so be prepared to climb stairs.

👉 If you have mobility concerns, check the official Transport for Athens website before heading to a station. Not all elevators are always functional, so having a backup route is wise.

Night Buses – Lack of Frequent Services After Midnight

If you’re out late in Athens, be aware that public transport options are limited after midnight.

✅ What Athens public transport is available at night?

• Metro operates until midnight (2 AM on weekends).

• Night buses (Routes 500 & X14) run, but infrequently.

• Airport buses (X95, X96, X93, X97) operate 24/7.

❌ What’s missing at night from public transportation Athens Greece?

• No late-night tram service.

• No dedicated night metro line.

• Regular buses stop running early.

👉 If you’re staying out past 1 AM, it’s better to use a taxi or Uber, especially if you’re in a less busy area where night buses are unreliable.

Payment Methods – No Contactless Payments on Buses

One of the biggest frustrations for tourists in Athens is the lack of contactless payment options on buses and trams. Unlike cities where you can tap your credit card or use Apple Pay, Athens still requires physical tickets.

✅ Where you CAN use contactless payments

• Metro stations ticket machines accept credit/debit cards.

• Ath.ena Card is the only option to buy Athens public transport tickets online (but only with a Greek bank account).

❌ Where you CANNOT use contactless payments

• Buses & Trolleys have no onboard payment, so tickets must be purchased before boarding.

• Trams face the same issue as buses, no tap-to-pay system.

👉 Always buy your bus or tram ticket before boarding at a metro station or kiosk, and validate it immediately to avoid fines.

Language Barriers – Limited English on Ticket Machines & Signs

Athens is a tourist-friendly city, but not all transport signs and ticket machines are easy for non-Greek speakers to understand.

✅ Where English is available

• Metro station signs in most central stations have English translations.

• Ticket machines at metro stations offer English, French, and German options.

❌ Where English is lacking

• Bus stop signs are often only in Greek, making it hard to understand routes.

• Some older ticket machines & kiosks only display Greek instructions.

• Announcements on buses & trams are mostly in Greek, so use Google Maps or Citymapper to track your stop.

👉 If you don’t speak Greek, use Google Translate on your phone or rely on Citymapper Athens for real-time updates. Most locals are friendly and will help you if you ask!

How to Overcome These Challenges

While Athens public transport is cheap and convenient, these issues can make travel tricky. Here’s how to work around them like a local:

• Mobility concerns? Stick to Syntagma, Acropoli, and Monastiraki stations for better accessibility.

• Traveling late at night? Plan your return before midnight, or use Uber/taxis.

• Need to pay for a bus? Buy your ticket before boarding at a metro station or kiosk.

• Confused by Greek signs? Use Google Maps & Citymapper for real-time navigation.

👉 Want a hassle-free experience? Buy a multi-day Ath.ena Card, stick to the metro & trams, and always check for strikes before heading out!