Insider Tips for Tourists Using Public Transport in Athens

Navigating Athens public transport like a pro can save you time, money, and stress. While taxis are an option, they can be expensive, and Athens traffic can double your travel time. With an affordable metro system, convenient buses, and scenic trams, you can reach top attractions, beaches, and ferry ports with ease.

In this section, I’ll share the best transport options for sightseeing, smart money-saving hacks, safety tips, and local tricks to maximize your budget while exploring Athens.

Best Transport Options for Sightseeing

If you’re visiting Athens to see its ancient sites, beaches, and famous squares, you’ll want to use the most efficient transport routes.

Best Metro Stations for Key Attractions

The Athens Metro is the fastest way to reach most tourist spots. Here’s where to get off:

• Acropolis (Red Line 2, Acropoli Station) - Steps away from the Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

• Monastiraki (Blue Line 3 & Green Line 1) - Best for Plaka, Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, and the famous flea market.

• Syntagma (Blue Line 3 & Red Line 2) - The heart of Athens, where you can see the Greek Parliament and the Changing of the Guard.

• Thissio (Green Line 1) - Ideal for exploring the Ancient Agora and charming cafés.

👉 If you want to avoid crowds, visit the Acropolis before 9 AM and take the first metro of the day to Acropoli Station.

Best Athens Bus Lines for Tourists

Not all buses in Athens are useful for visitors, but these routes are tourist-friendly and budget-friendly:

• X80 Express Bus

  • Best Hop-on-Hop-off Alternative

  • Connects Piraeus Port to the city center

  • Stops at Acropolis, Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Plaka.

  • Runs only in summer and it’s a great option if you’re coming from a ferry.

• 400 Tourist Bus

  • Used to be the official tourist bus

  • No longer active, but now the X80 and metro cover the same spots.

• Night Buses

  • Best for late-night travelers

  • Buses 500 and X14 run after the metro closes (midnight - 5 AM).

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

👉 If you’re staying out late in Athens, avoid empty bus stops and use a taxi or Uber after 1 AM for safer travel.

How to Reach the Best Beaches in Athens by Public Transport

Yes, Athens has great beaches, and you don’t need a car to get there! The tram and buses will take you straight to the Athens Riviera.

• Tram Line T3 (Syntagma → Glyfada) is the best scenic tram ride to the beach.

• Buses A1 and B1 (to Alimos Beach and Kalamaki Beach) can take you to the closest sandy beaches to the city center.

• Bus E22 (to Vouliagmeni Beach) will take you to one of Athens’ best beaches with crystal-clear waters.

👉 Edem Beach is only 20 minutes from the city center by tram, and it’s less crowded than Glyfada!

Athens Public Transport Money-Saving Hacks

Public transport in Athens is already cheap, but with a few smart tricks, you can save even more.

Best Tourist Pass to Save Money. Is the 3-Day Tourist Ticket Worth It?

If you’re staying in Athens for 3 days or less, the 3-day tourist pass (€20) is the best deal.

✅ Unlimited travel on metro, buses, and trams.
✅ Includes 2 airport metro rides (which normally cost €9 each!).
✅ Saves money compared to buying single tickets every day.

👉 If you won’t use the airport metro, then the 5-day pass (€8.20) is cheaper for unlimited city transport.

How to Avoid Overpaying for Taxis. When to Use Public Transport Instead

✅ Use the metro from Athens Airport instead of a taxi. Taxis from the airport to the city cost €40-€55, while the metro only costs €9.
✅ Avoid taxi scams at Piraeus Port. Some drivers overcharge tourists. Instead, take Metro Line 1 (Green Line) for €1.20.
✅ Uber & Free Now (formerly Beat) are cheaper than street taxis. Download one of these apps to see fares in advance and avoid rip-offs.

👉 If you need a taxi at night, always check the price before you get in. Some drivers refuse to use the meter. Ask for a fixed price or use an app.

Hidden Discounts. Free Transport Days, Student & Senior Passes

Athens has several transport discounts that many visitors don’t know about.

✅ Seniors (65+ years old) & students get half-price tickets (€0.60 single ticket, €2.00 24-hour pass).
✅ EU students under 25 benefit from FREE travel on buses & 50% off metro tickets. They must show a valid student ID.
✅ Free public transport days. On certain national holidays, all public transport is free (check local news).

👉 If you’re an EU student, get a Greek ISIC card for cheaper transport, museums, and ferry tickets.

Is Athens Public Transport Safe? Tips for Night Travel & Solo Travelers

Athens is generally safe, but like in any major city, you should be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

✅ Avoid metro stations late at night. Omonia & Victoria can feel unsafe after dark.
✅ Watch for pickpockets. Be extra careful on Line 3 (Airport Line) and crowded buses like X95.
✅ Stick to well-lit areas. If you’re traveling solo, avoid empty tram stops at night.
✅ Use Uber or Free Now (formerly Beat). For late-night travel, taxis are safer than night buses.

👉 Pickpockets often work in teams in Syntagma, Monastiraki, and on Airport Bus X95. Keep your bag in front of you and zipped at all times!

How to Travel Athens Smarter & Cheaper

✅ Use the metro for sightseeing. It’s fast, cheap, and easy.
✅ Take the X80 bus instead of a hop-on-hop-off tour.
✅ Use trams & buses to reach Athens best beaches.
✅ Get the 3-day tourist pass (€20) if you need airport transfers.
✅ Use Google Maps & Citymapper for real-time routes.
✅ Avoid taxis from the airport and take the metro instead!