Athens Metro Routes & Tips

If you’re in Athens for a few days, the metro is the most efficient way to get from one part of the city to another. It’s clean, modern, and much faster than buses, which often get stuck in traffic. The Athens metro map is simple, with only three lines, making it incredibly easy to navigate even if you don’t speak Greek.

Understanding the Athens Metro Map — The Three Lines

As you will see on any Athens subway map, the Athens metro network consists of three color-coded lines, each connecting key areas:

🟢 Line 1 (Green Line) runs from Piraeus Port to Kifisia. This is the oldest line, dating back to 1869, and is essential for travelers catching ferries to the Greek islands. Metro stations on Line 1 (Green Line): Kifissia – Kat – Maroussi – Neratziotissa – Irini – Iraklio – Nea Ionias – Pefkakia – Perissos – Ano Patisia – Agios Eleftherios – Kato Patisia – Agios Nikolaos – Attiki (connection to Red Line) – Victoria – Omonia (connection to Red Line) – Monastiraki (connection to Blue Line) – Thissio (connection to Blue Line) – Petralona – Tavros – Kalithea – Moschato – Faliro – Piraeus.

🔴 Line 2 (Red Line) runs from Anthoupoli to Elliniko. This line connects Syntagma, Acropolis, and Monastiraki, making it the most useful for tourists. Metro stations on Line 2 (Red Line): Agios Antonios – Sepolia – Attiki (connection to Green Line) – St. Larissis – Metaxourgiou – Omonia (connection to Green Line) – Panepistimio – Syntagma (connection to Blue Line) – Acropolis – Syngrou-Fix – Neos Kosmos – Agios Ioannis – Dafni – Agios Dimitrios.

🔵 Line 3 (Blue Line) runs from Nikaia to Athens International Airport. If you’re arriving by plane, this is the easiest and cheapest way to get into the city. Metro stations on Line 3 (Blue Line): Doukissis Plakendias – Halandri – Agia Paraskevi – Nomismatokopeio – Holargos – Ethniki – Katehaki – Panormou – Ambelokipi – Megaro Moussikis – Evangelismos – Syntagma (connection to Red Line) – Monastiraki (connection to Green Line) – Thissio (connection to Green Line) – Kerameikos – Eleonas – Aigaleo.

👉 If you’re heading to Piraeus Port for an early morning ferry, take Line 1 instead of relying on taxis. It’s more reliable and runs frequently.

Athens Metro Hours of Operation

The metro operates at convenient hours, but it’s important to plan ahead:

• Monday to Thursday & Sunday: 5:30 AM – Midnight

• Friday & Saturday: 5:30 AM – 2:00 AM (extended hours)

• Airport Line (Line 3 to Athens International Airport): First train: 5:30 AM, Last train: 11:30 PM

👉 If you’re out late on a Friday or Saturday, take advantage of the extended metro hours to avoid expensive taxi fares.

Athens Metro Ticket Prices & Best Passes for Tourists

Athens public transport tickets are among the cheapest in Europe, making the Athens metro, buses, and trams an excellent choice for travelers. Whether you need a single ticket (€1.20), a 3-day tourist ticket for Athens, or a 5-day Athens public transport pass, there are options for every budget. Here’s what you need to know:

Athens metro prices

👉 If you plan to visit Athens for 3 days, get the 3-Day Tourist Ticket for Athens public transportation. It includes unlimited metro rides plus two airport trips, saving you money.

Taking the Athens Metro to the Airport is the Smartest Way to Travel

Avoid expensive taxis! The Athens metro connects directly to the airport via Line 3 (Blue Line), making it the best option for travelers.

• Cost: €9 one-way, €16 round-trip

• Journey Time: ~40 minutes

• Frequency: every 36 minutes

• First train: 5:30 AM | Last train: 11:30 PM

👉 If you’re traveling late at night, the X95 bus from Syntagma to the airport runs 24/7 and costs only €5.50.

Upcoming Metro Extensions (2025-2026) — What’s Changing?

The Athens metro system is expanding to make travel even easier:

✅ Line 3 extension to Piraeus Port is already completed and it will make ferry connections faster.
✅ New Line 4 (Under Construction) will connect key neighborhoods like Exarchia, Pangrati, and Galatsi, reducing congestion in the city center. Expected completion: first phase by 2029.

👉 Once Line 4 is fully operational on the metro Athens map, it will drastically improve travel to areas not currently served by the metro.

Why the Athens Metro is a Traveler’s Best Friend

If you’re visiting Athens, the metro should be your primary mode of transport. It’s fast, reliable, and affordable, with direct connections to airports, ferry ports, and major attractions. Whether you’re heading to the Acropolis, catching a ferry to Santorini, or just exploring the city, the Athens metro map is your best guide to moving around efficiently.

👉 Want to travel like a local? Save an Athens metro map PDF on your phone and plan routes ahead using apps like Google Maps or Citymapper. With just a little preparation, you’ll master the Athens metro in no time!