Athens Suburban Railway & Train Tips

If you’re looking to travel beyond central Athens, the Athens Suburban Railway (Proastiakos) is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to reach key destinations like Piraeus Port, Athens International Airport, and even historic sites like Corinth. Unlike the metro, buses, or trams, the Proastiakos trains cover longer distances, making them perfect for day trips or airport transfers. Whether you’re catching a ferry, heading to the airport, or planning an excursion outside the city, here’s how to navigate Athens train system like a pro.

How to Use the Athens Suburban Railway (Proastiakos)

The Athens Suburban Railway (also known as Proastiakos) connects Athens with its suburbs and major transport hubs, including the airport and ferry port. It is operated by Hellenic Train (formerly TrainOSE) and integrates with metro and bus lines, making transfers easy.

Where can you go with the Proastiakos?

1️⃣ Athens Airport

• Route: Airport → Athens → Piraeus

• Journey time: ~40 minutes from the Airport to Athens Central Station, ~55 minutes to Piraeus Port.

• Ticket price: €9 one-way (same as the metro).

• Best for: avoiding expensive taxis and reaching central Athens or Piraeus with minimal hassle.

👉 If you’re staying in Syntagma, Monastiraki, or Plaka, you’ll need to transfer to the Athens Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) at Athens Central Station to reach the city center.

2️⃣ Piraeus Port (Best for Ferries to the Greek Islands)

• Route: Airport → Athens → Piraeus

• Journey time: ~55 minutes from the Airport to Piraeus, ~20 minutes from Athens to Piraeus.

• Ticket price: €1.20 for local tickets, €9 from the Airport.

• Best for travelers catching a ferry to Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, or other Greek islands.

👉 The Proastiakos train to Piraeus drops you near the port entrance, so you won’t need a taxi like you would if you took the metro.

3️⃣ Corinth & the Peloponnese (Perfect for Day Trips from Athens!)

• Route: Athens → Corinth → Kiato

• Journey time: ~1 hour from Athens to Corinth, ~1 hour 30 minutes to Kiato.

• Ticket price: €6 one-way to Corinth, €12 round trip.

• Best for visiting Ancient Corinth, the Corinth Canal, and the Nemea wine region.

👉 From Corinth station, you’ll need a local bus or taxi to reach Ancient Corinth. It’s about 8 km away.

4️⃣ Chalkida (For a Beach & Seafood Escape!)

• Route: Athens → Chalkida (Evia Island)

• Journey time: ~1 hour 20 minutes.

• Ticket price: €6 one-way.

• Best for a quick island escape to Evia, perfect for beaches, seafood, and relaxing by the sea.

👉 Unlike other Greek islands, Evia is connected by a bridge, so no ferry is needed! The train takes you straight to the island.

Athens Train Station Map. Where to Catch the Train

If you’re using the Athens Suburban Railway, here’s where to find the main train stations:

Athens Central Railway Station (Larissa Station)
Location: Larissis Metro Station (Line 2 or Red Line)

• The main hub for long-distance trains and suburban railway connections.

• If you’re heading to Corinth, Chalkida, or other cities, this is where you’ll start.

• Connected to Metro Line 2, making it easy to reach from central Athens.

Piraeus Train Station
Location: next to Piraeus Port (Metro Line 1 or Green Line)

• The final stop for trains heading to the port.

• Ideal for those catching a ferry to the Greek islands.

• Seamless connection with Metro Line 1 (Green Line) for travel to Monastiraki & Omonia.

👉 If you’re heading to Santorini, Mykonos, or Crete, taking the train to Piraeus is cheaper and easier than a taxi, especially in traffic.

Athens International Airport Train Station
Location: next to Airport Arrivals Hall

• Direct trains to Athens, Piraeus, and Corinth.

• Train platform is well-marked, but expect a 10-minute walk from baggage claim.

👉 Trains from the airport run only every 36 minutes. If you just miss one, you may be better off taking the Metro Line 3 if your destination is Syntagma or Monastiraki.

Buying Athens Train Tickets Online vs. At the Station

You can buy Athens train tickets in several ways, but knowing where and how to purchase them can save you time and money.

Where to buy Athens train tickets:

• At train stations. Buy tickets from ticket counters or self-service machines.

• Online (best for long-distance trains). Purchase through Hellenic Train website for major routes.

• Metro stations. Some metro ticket machines also sell train tickets for short-distance routes.

• Ath.ena Card (for local travel). If you’re using Athens public transport, load suburban train tickets onto your Ath.ena Card for easy access.

Should you buy Athens train tickets online?

For local suburban train trips (Piraeus, Airport, Corinth, Chalkida):
❌ NO need to buy online, just purchase at the station or metro.

For long-distance trains to Thessaloniki or other cities:
✅ YES, buy online in advance on the Hellenic Train website to secure better fares & seat reservations.

👉 If you’re taking a popular train route (like Thessaloniki) during peak season, book at least 1-2 days in advance. These trains sell out fast!

Is the Athens Suburban Railway Worth Using?

If you’re staying within central Athens, you won’t need the suburban railway. However, it’s one of the best options if you’re:

✅ Going to the airport (cheaper than a taxi).
✅ Heading to Piraeus Port (best for catching a ferry).
✅ Taking a day trip to Corinth or Chalkida (fast, affordable, and scenic).

With affordable tickets, comfortable seating, and easy metro connections, the Athens Suburban Railway is a hidden gem for travelers looking to explore beyond the city center.

👉 Want to save money and travel like a local? Plan your train routes using Google Maps, buy tickets at the station, and always validate your ticket before boarding to avoid fines!