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Getting Around Athens
Athens, Greece is a city with plenty to see and do; for any visitor getting around Athens is an essential part of having the best experience. With its ancient monuments, sprawling parks and vibrant nightlife an efficient transport system for getting around Athens is very important. Fortunately, the city offers plenty of options when it comes to getting from one point to another; from the reliable and ever-present Metro to navigating the narrow cobblestone streets in traditional Greek scooters, getting around Athens is easy and affordable. In this blog we’ll explore each of these options and more, giving your all the right tools to have your most enjoyable visit when getting around Athens!
Transportation in Athens
Now that you know where to spend the night in Athens let’s talk about getting around Athens. Depending on where you stay and for how long, you can choose the best transportation or even any of the below options. In order to get around, you can use the urban and intercity public buses, rent a car or motorbike, or use a taxi. Taxis in Athens are colored yellow, whereas taxis that operate to the villages are silver-colored. For exploring Athens Town, we recommend you walk or cycle, even though we do not have as many bike roads as we should!
Hidden spots of Athens – Food Tour
Discover the true flavors of Athens and learn about the rich food culture of the city on a walking food tour.
Public Transportation in Athens
Athens boasts an extensive and well-developed public transportation system that provides convenient access to the city’s major attractions and diverse neighborhoods. The primary modes of public transportation are the metro, buses, and trams. Let’s explore each in detail:
a) The Athens Metro
The Athens Metro is the backbone of the city’s public transport, offering quick, efficient, and air-conditioned travel to various parts of Athens. With three major lines (Line 1, Line 2, and Line 3), the metro connects the city’s key areas, making it an ideal choice for reaching popular destinations such as the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, and Monastiraki. Metro trains run frequently, especially during peak hours, ensuring minimal waiting time for commuters. Additionally, the metro system is clean, safe, and easy to navigate, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking to explore Athens with ease.
b) Athens Buses
Complementing the metro system, the Athens bus network serves areas not covered by the metro lines. Buses in Athens come in various sizes and types, from standard buses to trolleybuses. With an extensive network, buses provide access to neighborhoods, historical sites, and places of interest throughout the city. Travelers can purchase bus tickets directly from the driver or at kiosks near major bus stops. The affordability and convenience of the bus system make it a popular choice for both locals and tourists.
c) Athens Trams
The Athens tram system is an excellent option for those seeking a scenic and leisurely mode of transportation. Running along the coastline from Syntagma Square to the southern suburb of Voula, the tram offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and Athens’ picturesque coastal landscape. The tram is especially popular during summer, providing a refreshing escape from the city’s bustling center. While trams are not as extensive as the metro or bus network, they offer a unique and enjoyable way to explore Athens.
Rent a car or a motorbike in Athens
There are many car and motorbike rental agencies around Athens, mainly along Syggrou Avenue, close to Syntagma. The price depends on the season and the type of vehicle you want to rent.
Buses & Metro in Athens
There are many ways to get around the town, and one of them is the local public bus. The main bus station is the one that is located in Syntagma. Again, it depends on where you want to go. Generally, the Syntagma area is easy to get around because you have numerous options to get to the destination. There are some buses that are operating 24 hours. For more info, click here.
Athens Taxis
Taxis are available all around the town and constitute an ideal option for your transfers. Taxi stations are found in the city, at the central square, the airport, and the port. There are fixed rates available for the main tourist attractions. You can book a taxi here.
Walking Tours and Walking Paths
Athens is a city best explored on foot, especially when visiting its iconic historical sites like the Acropolis and the ancient Agora. Joining a guided walking tour or following self-guided walking paths allows you to immerse yourself in the city’s history and culture while savoring its unique atmosphere. Strolling through the historic streets of Plaka, the oldest neighborhood in Athens, offers an authentic glimpse into the city’s past and its vibrant contemporary culture.
🍅GreeceFoodies’ recommendations: Walking Food Tours in Athens
Acropolis Food Tour: Acropolis food and walking tours are a great way to experience the best of Athens’ food culture combined with mythology and myths about Acropolis.
Exarcheia Walking Tour: Explore the alternative side of Athens with our Exarcheia Walking Tour.Discover the neighborhood’s rich history and culture. Join us for a unique and unforgettable experience off the beaten path.
Athens Food Markets Tour: Join this 2 hour Athens food markets tour and learn about the local food culture! You will have an opportunity to buy fresh herbs, other local products.
Athens by Bight Tour: Athens By Night Food Tour is the perfect way to discover some of the best restaurants in athens and sample their delicious dishes. A unique food tour in Athens.
Walking paths in Athens extend beyond the city center, leading to beautiful parks, hills, and vantage points that offer stunning panoramic views of the metropolis. A hike up Mount Lycabettus rewards visitors with breathtaking vistas of Athens, making it a popular activity among locals and tourists alike.
Boats from Piraeus
In the Piraeus area, where the port is, daily ferries are going to Aegean islands, Crete, Cycladic islands, etc. In the Summer period, of course, the itineraries are more frequent, and the options are numerous. Ticket prices vary from the destination, but if you are a university student in the EU, you have a discount of 50% from the initial price of the ticket. You can travel by staying in a cabin and transferring your car/motorbike/bike.
Wrapping up – Getting Around Athens
Getting around Athens is an adventure in itself, with a range of transportation options that cater to various preferences and budgets. Whether you prefer the speed and convenience of public transport, the freedom of two wheels, or the charm of strolling through ancient streets, Athens offers it all. Embrace the diversity of transportation choices and navigate the city with ease, unlocking its hidden treasures and creating lasting memories of this extraordinary destination.
Remember to plan your journeys in advance, familiarize yourself with ticketing systems, and consider the distance between destinations when choosing your mode of transportation. By exploring Athens through its well-connected transportation network, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history, culture, and unique atmosphere, creating an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after you leave this historic city.
Whether it’s trying new flavors or learning about food culture while interacting with locals, there’s no better way to explore the city foodscape and pick up some great stories along the way. With a professional tour guide leading the way and taking care of all the details, you can indulge your passion for food without having to worry about directions. Start your trip to Greece with an amazing food adventure!
A team of foodies, cooks, and travelers. Alios Tours was founded out of our passion for Greek food. We share the delicious side of Greece.
