How to Get Around Athens, Greece: Complete Transportation Guide for Tourists

Planning a trip and wondering how to get around Athens, Greece? This lively capital is full of ancient history, charming neighborhoods, and plenty of hidden gems waiting to be explored. Luckily, getting around Athens is easier than most travelers expect.

From metros and buses to walking through its scenic streets, there are plenty of options for every budget and style. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying a while, knowing how to get around Athens, Greece will help you make the most of your time.

Let’s dive into all of the best ways to explore Athens, from public transportation to taxis, tours, and more.

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Introduction: What to Know About Transportation in Athens, Greece

Before diving into all the options for transportation in Athens, let's start with the basics. We'll first cover how to get to Athens and then explain what moving around the city looks like.

 How to Get to Athens

There are several ways to visit Athens, including:

• Flying into Athens International Airport
• Arriving overland from neighboring cities or countries
• Take a ferry Athens: There are a many ferries from other Greek islands.
• Go on a cruise to Athens: Many cruise lines include Athens as a port

Want the full details for each option? Check out our complete guide on how to get to Athens, which goes over everything you need to know.

 What is the Best Base for Exploring Athens?

If it's your first time visiting Athens, you'll want to stay somewhere centrally located, near the top things to do and see in the city. Here are our most recommended neighborhoods:

• Monastiraki is walking distance from major sites like the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and Plaka, and is surrounded by great restaurants, shops, and rooftop bars.
• Plaka is perfect for history and culture lovers. Known as the “Neighborhood of the Gods,” it’s full of charming pedestrian streets, neoclassical houses, and local tavernas, all sitting right beneath the Acropolis.
• Anafiotika is great for an authentic feel that's still central, but quieter, and has great views.
• Koukaki is a fantastic choice for those who want a more local feel while still being central. It’s close to the Acropolis Museum, has tons of cute cafés, and is well-connected by metro, making it easy to get around Athens, Greece.

 How Do You Get Around in Athens?

Here are the main ways to travel around Athens, Greece:

• Walk: The city center is very walkable, especially around Plaka, Monastiraki, and the Acropolis.
• Use public transportation: The metro, buses, and trams are affordable and connect all major areas.
• Take taxis or ride-hailing apps: Convenient and easy to find anywhere in the city.
• Use scooters or bikes: Great for shorter distances or exploring the Athens Riviera.
• Join guided tours: Perfect for stress-free sightseeing and exploring top attractions.
• Rent a car: Best for day trips outside the city, like Delphi or Cape Sounion.

How to Get Around Athens, Greece: Different Transportation Options for Exploring

Ready to explore the best of Greece's capital? Here's a deep dive into our Athens transportation guide with all of the options for getting around the city, and to other nearby destinations.

Getting Around Athens from the Airport

Athens International Airport is about 40 minutes from the city center, and there are several ways to reach it. The metro (Line 3) runs directly to Syntagma Square, and there are express buses operating 24/7. Taxis are another option and usually cost a flat rate of around €35–€40.

If you’re arriving late at night, taking a taxi or arranging a private transfer is the most convenient choice.

 Exploring Athens’ Neighborhoods

Getting around the neighborhoods of Athens is straightforward once you get the hang of it. Central areas like Plaka, Monastiraki, and Psiri are best explored on foot, as many streets are pedestrian-only and full of cozy cafés, rooftop bars, and shops.

For slightly farther areas like Koukaki or Exarchia, you can easily take the metro or a short taxi ride. Walking is not only practical but also one of the best ways to experience the city’s atmosphere.

We also recommend joining a free walking tour to be able to get a feel for the city and learn your way around, as well as to see some hidden gems!

Public Transportation in Athens

Athens has one of the most efficient public transportation systems in Europe, with a mix of metro, buses, trams, and trolleys that connect nearly every part of the city. Services generally run from around 5:30 am until midnight, making it super convenient for both early risers and night owls.

The metro is the fastest and easiest way to get around Athens, Greece, especially for popular spots like the Acropolis, Monastiraki, and Syntagma Square. There are three main lines:

• Line 1 (Green): Connects Piraeus Port to Kifisia
• Line 2 (Red): Connects Anthoupoli to Elliniko
• Line 3 (Blue): Connects Nikaia to the Airport

You can purchase tickets from machines at stations or through the Ath.ena Card, a reloadable transportation card that works for all modes of public transport. Just make sure to tap it at the validation machines when entering and exiting!

Getting Around Athens by Car

Driving in Athens can be both convenient and challenging. Renting a car is really only necessary if you’re planning day trips outside the city to places like Delphi, Meteora, or the Peloponnese. Inside the city center, however, traffic and limited parking can make driving stressful, and we wouldn't recommend it.

If you do choose to rent a car, stick to areas outside of Syntagma Square or Plaka, and make sure your accommodation has parking. This option gives you flexibility to explore beyond Athens, but you won’t need it for getting around the city itself.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps in Athens

There are plenty of taxis in Athens and they are a convenient option if you’re traveling late at night or prefer not to use public transport. Most rides within the city center cost between €5–€10. 

Bolt and Uber operate in Athens as well, but they work with licensed taxis rather than private drivers.

Make sure the meter is running when you start your ride, or agree on a price beforehand. Using apps is usually easier since you’ll see the estimated fare before getting in.

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Train Travel in Greece

While trains aren’t used for getting around Athens itself, they’re great if you’re traveling to other cities in Greece. The main station, Larissa, connects Athens to Thessaloniki and several other destinations. Trains are comfortable and affordable, making them a nice alternative to flying for longer routes.

 How to Get Around Athens, Greece by Fun, Alternative Transportation Methods

If you want to take the stress out of planning, joining a guided experience is one of the easiest ways to get around Athens, Greece. There are sightseeing buses that loop through the main attractions, as well as scooter and bike tours for a more local experience.

For those short on time or that have limited mobility, the Hop-On Hop-Off bus is an easy way to explore all of the highlights in one day.

Here is a list of the different transportation experience options:

• Hop on Hop Off Bus: takes you to the top highlights around the city, and allows you to stay in each spot for your preferred length of time.
• Bike Tours: Explore Athens on two wheels with guided routes through Plaka, the Acropolis area, and hidden streets you might miss on foot.
• Scooter Tours: Zip around the city with ease and enjoy panoramic views while covering more ground in less time.
• Boat tours: Take a scenic cruise along the Athens Riviera or join a day trip to nearby islands like Hydra, Aegina, or Poros.

 Getting Around Athens, Greece with Guided Tours & Day Trips

Wondering how to get around Athens, Greece but don't want the hassle of finding places yourself?

Aside from taking tours such as bike or scooter tours, you can also enjoy getting around Athens and its surroundings by other excursions. Whether it's a day trip or guide taking you around unique spots around the city, joining a guided tour is a fun and easy way to see the best that Athens has to offer.

 Ferries in Athens

One of the best parts about visiting Greece is how easy it is to explore the islands, and Athens is the main starting point for doing just that. Whether you’re heading to a nearby island for the day or planning a longer island-hopping adventure, there are plenty of ferry options from Athens.

The city has three main ports: Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio.

• Piraeus Port is the largest and most popular, located about 25–30 minutes from the city center by metro or taxi. It’s where most ferries to the Cyclades depart, including Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Syros, and Milos.

• Rafina Port is smaller and closer to the airport, making it a great choice if you’re flying into Athens and heading straight to the islands. From here, you can catch ferries to Andros, Tinos, and Mykonos.

• Lavrio Port is the quietest of the three, used mainly for ferries to the Kea (Tzia) and Kythnos islands.

Ferries range from standard boats to high-speed catamarans, and travel times can vary depending on your destination. For example, it takes around 5–8 hours to Santorini, 4–5 hours to Mykonos, and just 1 hour to Aegina — one of the best day trips from Athens.

Tickets can be booked online or purchased at the port, but during summer it’s best to reserve in advance, especially for the more popular islands.

If you’re wondering which island to visit, here are a few ideas:

• Aegina: The closest island to Athens, perfect for a quick day trip.

• Hydra: Famous for its car-free streets and romantic charm.

• Poros: Great for a relaxed atmosphere and easy access from the mainland.

• Mykonos & Santorini: Best for nightlife, beaches, and postcard views.

• Paros & Naxos: Ideal for travelers looking for authentic island life without the crowds.

No matter which route you choose, taking the ferry from Athens is one of the most scenic and exciting ways to experience Greece.

How to Get Around Athens,Greece FAQ

Now you have all of the information you need for how to get around Athens, Greece! In case you missed anything though, here are a few answers to some frequently asked questions that we've seen across the web.

How to Get Around Athens, Greece: Final Tips for Moving Around & What's Next

Now that you know all of the ways for getting around Athens, Greece it's time for the final part of our Athens transportation guide, sharing helpful tips for getting around, info for visiting, and some related reads.

 Tips for Getting Around Athens, Greece

 Other Things to Know About Visiting Athens, Greece

Now that you know how to get around Athens, Greece, here are some other things you'll probably want to know about visiting!

 Getting There: Athens is well-connected with many cities in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and beyond. You can also visit on a cruise, or ferry there from one of the Greek islands.

 Where to Stay: Stay in centrally-located neighborhoods such as Monastariki or Plaka which have plenty of dining and shopping.

 Language:  Greek is the official language of Greece. English is spoken in most hotels, restaurants, and on tours though.

 Currency: Greece uses the Euro.

 Safety: Athens is generally very safe for tourists, with no major safety concerns.

 Weather: Athens experiences all four seasons, with hot and sunny summers, and mildly cold winters (it typically doesn't snow).

 What's Next?

Now that you know how to get around Athens, Greece, we're sure you're ready to learn more about what it's like visiting the Greek capital,

Here are some other guides we've written that you can check out:

 How to get to Athens

 The top 10 rooftops in Athens

 31 cool bars & restaurants in Athens

 What to eat in Athens (complete food guide)

 How to get from Athens to Santorini

...and more coming each week!

We hope you enjoyed our guide about how to get around Athens, Greece! Have questions still? Feel free to drop them in the comments below.

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