Athens Tram Tips & Best Routes

Athens may be about ancient ruins and busy streets, but it also has a seaside escape, and the Athens tram is the best way to get there. Whether you’re heading to Glyfada beach, exploring the Athens Riviera, or just looking for a relaxed, scenic ride, the tram is a hidden gem for travelers. Unlike the metro and buses, the tram offers a smooth, air-conditioned journey along the coast, making it one of the most enjoyable ways to get around Athens.

Athens Tram Map. Where the Tram Runs & How to Use It

The Athens tram network is small but incredibly useful for visitors. It has three main routes, all of which start in Syntagma Square and head south towards the coast:

1️⃣ Tram Line T3 (The Seaside Route) is the best for tourists.

• Runs from Syntagma to Glyfada, with stops at Nea Smyrni, Edem Beach, Kalamaki, and Glyfada.

• This is the most scenic tram route in Athens, following the coast along the Athens Riviera.

• Best for relaxing rides, beach days, and sunset views over the Saronic Gulf.

👉 Get off at Edem or Kalamaki if you want a quieter beach experience than the busier Glyfada beach.

2️⃣ Tram Line T6 (City to Coast)

• Runs from Syntagma to SEF (Peace & Friendship Stadium, near Piraeus), with stops at Neos Kosmos, Palaio Faliro, Flisvos Marina, and SEF.

• It’s ideal for getting to Palaio Faliro, a beachfront area with great seafood restaurants and a marina for sunset walks.

• Best for seaside dining, visiting the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, or connecting to ferries in Piraeus.

👉 If you’re heading to Piraeus Port, take the tram to SEF (Neo Faliro) and then switch to Line 1 (Green Metro). It’s faster than staying on the tram.

3️⃣ Tram Line T7 (Coastal Loop)

• Runs from Glyfada to Piraeus (Neo Faliro SEF Stadium), with stops at Alimos Marina, Flisvos, Faliro, and Piraeus.

• It connects Glyfada to Piraeus, running along the entire Athens Riviera.

• Best for exploring all the coastal suburbs of Athens in one ride.

👉 The T7 tram is great for sightseeing. It passes through some of Athens’ most expensive and luxurious neighborhoods.

Athens Tram Tickets Pricing & Where to Buy

Good news! Athens tram tickets are the same as metro & bus tickets, making it super easy to switch between transport options.

Where to buy Athens tram tickets:

• Metro stations. Ticket machines sell tram, metro, and bus tickets.

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

• OASA Telematics App. Digital tickets are available for locals with Greek bank accounts.

• Ath.ena Card. Best for tourists who plan to use multiple transport options.

🚨 Important: Validate your ticket inside the tram at the blue validation machines. The fines for riding without a validated ticket can be up to €72!

Best Tram Routes for Sightseeing in Athens & Beaches

1️⃣ Syntagma to Glyfada Beach (T3), the Scenic Coastal Route

• The most beautiful tram ride in Athens. You’ll see the sea, marinas, and beaches all along the way.

• Journey time: ~50 minutes from Syntagma to Glyfada.

• What to do there? Swim, shop, or grab a seaside lunch at a café in Glyfada.

👉 Avoid traveling during rush hour (7-10 AM & 5-7 PM). Trams get crowded with commuters.

2️⃣ Flisvos Marina & Edem Beach (T6 & T7)

• A quick beach escape from the city center, perfect for an afternoon by the sea.

• Journey time: ~30 minutes from Syntagma to Flisvos.

• What to do there? Flisvos Marina has yachts, waterfront restaurants, and a park with a playground for families.

👉 Edem Beach is less crowded than Glyfada and easier to reach from central Athens.

3️⃣ Piraeus via the Coastal Loop (T7)

• A relaxing ride through the coastal suburbs before reaching Piraeus Port.

• Journey time: ~60 minutes from Glyfada to Piraeus.

• What to do there? Visit Mikrolimano Harbor for seafood, explore the Piraeus Archaeological Museum, or catch a ferry to the Greek islands.

👉 If you’re not in a rush, the tram is a cheap alternative to a taxi for reaching Piraeus.

Why Take the Athens Tram?

Is the tram the fastest transport in Athens? No.
Is it the most scenic? Absolutely!

If you’re looking for a relaxed, budget-friendly way to explore the coast, the Athens tram is a fantastic choice. Whether you’re heading to the beach, exploring marinas, or just enjoying a smooth ride, using the tram map Athens is one of the best-kept secrets in Athens public transport.

Best for beaches, scenic coastal views, and budget-friendly sightseeing.
Worst for getting somewhere in a hurry (the Athens metro is faster).

👉 Want to travel like a local? Save an Athens tram map PDF to your phone and plan your routes using Google Maps or Citymapper. With the right plan, you’ll get the most out of the Athens tram system!