Taking Buses & Trolleys in Athens

If you want to explore Athens beyond the metro lines, the city’s bus and trolleybus network is an affordable and far-reaching alternative.

While Athens buses aren’t always as fast as the metro (thanks to unpredictable traffic), they cover more neighborhoods, reach places the metro doesn’t, and even provide airport connections.

Trolleybuses (the yellow electric buses) operate mostly in central Athens and work just like regular buses but they run on electricity and follow overhead cables.

Using buses can seem confusing at first, but with the right routes, apps, and ticketing info, they’re a budget-friendly way to explore Athens like a local.

Best Bus Lines for Tourists on the Athens Bus Routes Map

Not all bus lines are useful for visitors, but a few key routes can make your Athens experience cheaper and more convenient. A good example is the Athens Airport Express Buses which is cheaper than the metro.

If you’re arriving at Athens International Airport, the Airport Express Buses are the cheapest way to reach the city:

• X95 - Airport → Syntagma Square (best for central hotels)

• X96 - Airport → Piraeus Port (for ferries to the islands)

• X93 - Airport → Kifisos Bus Station (for long-distance buses to other Greek cities)

• X97 - Airport → Elliniko Metro Station (best for southern suburbs)

👉 Airport buses run 24/7 and only cost €5.50, making them cheaper than the €9 metro ticket!

If you want to explore Athens beyond the metro, these bus lines can help:

• X80 Piraeus Express. Think of this as a budget hop-on-hop-off bus! It connects Piraeus Port to central Athens, stopping at Syntagma, Acropolis, and other top sights.

• 400 Tourist Bus. This used to be a dedicated tourist route, but it’s no longer active. Instead, use the X80, which covers all major attractions.

• 550 Bus runs from Kifisia to Piraeus, and is great for getting across the city if the metro isn’t an option.

• Night buses 500 & X14. If you’re out past midnight, night bus routes like 500 & X14 run after the metro closes.

👉 Always check the official Athens bus app for real-time bus arrival updates, as some buses don’t follow strict timetables!

How to Find Athens Bus Routes Online

Finding the right bus route in Athens is easy with the right apps and online tools.

• Citymapper Athens is the best app for live bus arrival times & route planning.

• Google Maps works well for general routes, but doesn’t always show delays.

• OASA Telematics App is the official Athens public transport app, with real-time bus tracking.

👉 Athens buses don’t announce stops clearly, so use Google Maps or Citymapper to track your location and know when to get off!

Where to Buy Bus Tickets in Athens & How to Validate Them

Where to buy bus tickets in Athens:

• Metro stations. Get your bus tickets at any metro station ticket machine.

• Kiosks (periptera). Many street kiosks sell bus tickets, but not all of them do.

• Online via the OASA app. If you have a Greek bank card, you can buy digital tickets.

• Ath.ena Card is the best option for tourists who plan to use both metro and buses.

Can you pay by card or only cash?
Unlike many cities in Europe, Athens buses do NOT accept contactless card payments. You must buy a ticket in advance!

How to validate your Athens bus ticket:

1. Once you board, find the blue ticket validation machine inside the bus.

2. Insert your paper ticket OR tap your Ath.ena Card.

3. Wait for the green light or beep – this means your ticket is validated.

🚨 Warning: Fines for riding without a validated ticket can be up to €72! Always validate immediately after boarding.

How to Get Around After Midnight Using Athens Night Buses

The Athens metro stops running at midnight (2 AM on weekends), but if you’re out late, you can take a night bus instead.

Best Night Bus Routes:

• 500 Bus runs from Piraeus to Kifisia, passing through the city center.

• X14 Bus runs from Syntagma to Kifisia (great for getting back from the nightlife areas).

• Airport Buses (X95, X96, X93, X97) run 24/7, so you can always get to the airport, no matter what time your flight is!

👉 Night buses don’t always follow schedules exactly, so be prepared for longer wait times. Use Citymapper or the OASA app for real-time updates.

Athens Trolleybus Map. What’s the Difference Between Buses & Trolleys?

You’ll notice that some Athens buses are yellow and connected to overhead electric cables. These are Athens trolleybuses! They work just like regular buses, but:

• They are fully electric, making them quieter and more eco-friendly.

• They mainly run in central Athens, Syntagma, Kolonaki, and Exarchia.

• Tickets, routes, and schedules are the same as normal buses.

👉 Trolleybuses tend to be less crowded than regular buses, making them a better option for getting around central Athens comfortably.

Are Athens Buses Worth Using?

If you’re only visiting for a few days, you’ll probably use the metro and tram more. But buses are a great backup option for reaching places the metro doesn’t go, especially the Athens Riviera, suburban areas, and ferry ports.

Best Reasons to Use Buses in Athens:

✅ Cheaper than taxis for airport transfers (X95, X96).
✅ Great for reaching beaches (A2, B2, E22 to Vouliagmeni).
✅ The only option late at night (Night Bus 500, X14).
✅ X80 bus = Budget hop-on-hop-off tour.

👉 What to avoid when taking buses in Athens: Traffic congestion can make buses slow, especially during rush hour (7-10 AM & 4-7 PM). Stick to the metro or tram when possible.

👉 Want to save money and travel like a local? Buy a multi-day pass, plan your routes with Citymapper, and always validate your ticket when boarding. With a little preparation, Athens buses can be a great way to explore the city on a budget!