Best Alternatives to Public Transport in Athens

While Athens public transport is a great way to get around, it’s not always the most convenient option. Sometimes walking is faster, biking is more scenic, and taxis or ride-sharing apps can save time when public transport is limited especially at night.

If you’re wondering whether you should walk, cycle, or hop on an Uber, here’s what you need to know about the best alternatives to public transport in Athens.

Walking. The Best Way to Explore Central Athens

Athens is one of those cities where walking makes sense, especially in the historic center, where the metro and buses aren’t always necessary.

Best Areas to Explore on Foot in Athens

✅ Plaka is the most charming and walkable area, filled with neoclassical buildings, small squares, and traditional tavernas.
✅ Anafiotika feels like a tiny Greek island village right under the Acropolis.
✅ Monastiraki is great for street markets, flea shops, and stunning Acropolis views.
✅ Syntagma to Acropolis Walk is a traffic-free pedestrian route along Dionysiou Areopagitou Street that passes by the Herodes Atticus Theater and Acropolis Museum.

👉 Athens is hilly, and sidewalks can be uneven, so wear comfortable shoes, especially if you’re visiting in the summer when the pavement gets scorching hot.

Biking – Is Athens a Bike-Friendly City?

Cycling in Athens isn’t as common as in Amsterdam or Copenhagen, but if you stick to the right routes, it can be a great way to explore the city.

✅ Where to Cycle in Athens?

• Athens Riviera (Faliro to Vouliagmeni) is a scenic seaside route with dedicated bike lanes.

• National Garden & Zappeion are safe, green areas for casual biking.

• Pedestrian streets around the Acropolis may not have official bike lanes but they are low-traffic and perfect for cycling.

❌ Where NOT to Cycle in Athens

• Syntagma, Omonia & Exarchia where traffic is chaotic, and drivers don’t always respect cyclists.

• Main roads without bike lanes. Unlike other European capitals, Athens lacks widespread bike infrastructure.

Where to Rent Bikes in Athens

• EasyBike is a bike-sharing system in central Athens.

• WeBikeAthens offers electric bike tours (perfect for hills!).

👉 If you’re not an experienced city cyclist, stick to bike tours or the Athens Riviera bike paths, as traffic can be intense and unpredictable.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing. Uber vs. Free Now (Beat) in Athens

Athens taxis are cheap compared to other European cities, but not all drivers use meters. Therefore, knowing when and how to take a taxi can save you from getting scammed.

Uber vs. Free Now (Beat) – Which is Better?

Public transportation Athens: ride-sharing services compares

👉 Always ask for a receipt from a taxi driver. Some may “forget” to turn on the meter, especially near tourist areas like Piraeus Port or Monastiraki.

Flat Taxi Fares from the Airport

• €40 from Athens Airport to the city center (daytime).

• €55 for the same ride after midnight.

👉 Avoid taxi scams: If a driver doesn’t use the meter, exit the taxi and find another one.

E-Scooters & Rentals – Are They Worth Using?

Electric scooters (e-scooters) have become popular in Athens, especially for short trips within the city center and along the coast.

✅ When to Use an E-Scooter in Athens?

• For short trips. They’re great for moving between Plaka, Monastiraki, and Syntagma.

• Athens Riviera (Faliro to Glyfada), where wide bike paths make it a fun ride.

• Avoiding traffic. Faster than buses during rush hour.

❌ When NOT to Use an E-Scooter in Athens?

• Busy roads (Syntagma, Omonia, Piraeus) have no dedicated scooter lanes, and traffic is aggressive.

• Hilly areas (Acropolis, Kolonaki) where scooters struggle on steep inclines.

• At night some areas are poorly lit, making scooters unsafe.

Best Scooter Rental Apps in Athens

• Lime is available in central Athens & coastal areas.

• Hive is best for short-distance rides in the city center.

👉 Use e-scooters along the Athens Riviera for a fun and scenic ride, but avoid using them on main roads in the city center.

What’s the Best Alternative to Public Transport in Athens?

• Walking is best for Plaka, Monastiraki & the Acropolis area.

• Biking is great along the coast, but not ideal in the city center.

• Taxis & Ride-Sharing when you use Free Now (Beat) to avoid scams.

• E-Scooters are fun for the Athens Riviera, but risky in traffic-heavy areas.

👉 Want to explore Athens smarter? Walk as much as possible, take bike paths when available, and use ride-sharing apps for night travel instead of taxis. With the right approach, getting around Athens can be stress-free and fun!