Can I rent a bicycle to explore Athens?

Yes, renting a bicycle is a great way to explore Athens. There are several bike rental services available in the city, offering both traditional and electric bikes. Cycling is a fantastic way to discover the city's charming neighborhoods and historical sites, with many areas featuring bike-friendly paths and routes.

Are there any transportation options for late-night travel in Athens?

Athens offers several late-night transportation options. The metro operates until midnight on weekdays and until 2 AM on weekends. Additionally, there are night buses that run on major routes throughout the city. Taxis are also readily available and can be a convenient option for late-night travel.

How accessible is public transportation for people with disabilities in Athens?

Public transportation in Athens is becoming increasingly accessible for people with disabilities. Many metro stations are equipped with elevators and ramps, and newer buses have low floors for easier access. However, it's advisable to check specific routes and stations in advance to ensure they meet your accessibility needs.

Are there any scenic routes to take while traveling in Athens?

For a scenic journey, consider taking the tram that runs along the Athenian Riviera. This route offers beautiful views of the coastline, beaches, and the Saronic Gulf. It's a relaxing way to travel while enjoying the picturesque scenery of Athens' coastal areas.

Best way to get around Athens: What you need to know

From travel passes to public transportation, these tips and tricks make getting around Athens easy.

Cari B.

Jun 25, 2025·6 min read

Best way to get around Athens: What you need to know

Athens features a modern and efficient transportation system, ideal for exploring its vast number of ancient attractions. The metro is often the best way to get around Athens, connecting you to popular landmarks and the best things to do in Athens. The city also offers scenic trams that lead to the coast, where an Athenian boat tour awaits, while taxis and scooters are additional options. This guide provides tips on public transportation in Athens, biking, and more. Whether you’re going shopping in Monastiraki or enjoying Plaka’s nightlife, learn how to get around Athens with this guide.

Getting around Athens: tips and tricks

Athens features a modern transportation system, ideal for getting around landmarks.

The metro is often the best way to get around Athens, connecting popular landmarks like the Acropolis and Syntagma Square quickly and efficiently.

Get an ATH.ENA Card: This rechargeable travel card covers buses, trams, and the Metro, making it a convenient option for public transportation in Athens.
Athens offers many scenic bike routes, perfect for exploring the city center or coastal areas.

Useful apps

FREENOW: Book taxis and get quotes.
Citymapper: public transportation in Athens.
Google Maps and Citymapper: Useful apps for directions and public transit routes.
Uber: Connects users to licensed taxi drivers.
OASA Telematics: Provides real-time updates, routes, and schedules for buses, trolleys, and the metro in Athens.
Hellenic Train: For regional and long-distance trains.

1. Getting around by subway in Athens

Navigating Athens is easy with its efficient metro system.

The Athens subway covers three lines and connects to major points across the city such as the Acropolis or Monastiraki neighborhoods, but it won’t take you everywhere and you may need to use buses or taxis (see below) for certain routes.

How to plan your journey

Apps like Citymapper and Moovit cover most public transportation in Athens, including metro, trams, buses, and trains.

How to buy and use metro tickets in Athens

Tickets can be bought at ticket booths and vending machines at most stations. Tickets can also be bought online through the OASA website, but only if you are a registered user of the ATH.ENA Card. Once registered, you can top up your card online, receive a code, and load it onto your card at a ticket machine.

2. Taking the bus in Athens

t4211. Athens - Red Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with Piraeus and Beach Rivera-19-LOWRES.jpg

photo: LemonOne

Explore Athens by bus.

A series of city buses operate throughout Athens. Many of these run until the early morning hours, but Express buses that connect the airport to popular locations like Syntagma Square run 24/7.

How to plan your journey

Download the OASA Telematics app to plan your route on buses in Athens and stay updated on delays and route changes.

How to buy and use bus tickets in Athens

Ticket machines and ticket booths at bus stations or metro stations, as well as kiosks throughout the city.

3. Getting around Athens by bike or scooter

t64622. Athens - Morning Bike Tour - 17-CRM-ARTICLE_GRID.jpg

photo: Stephen Lioy

Athens features dedicated cycle lanes.

You can take guided bike tours in Athens if you want to see the city on two wheels. Scooters are also popular for navigating busy streets, but they can be challenging during rush hour due to heavy traffic and narrow roads. If you plan to rent a bike or scooter, ensure you’re familiar with local traffic rules and road conditions.

How to rent and use bike or scooter in Athens

Book rentals through websites or apps like Lime. Many shops in central Athens offer hourly or daily rentals.

4. Getting about Athens by tram

Take the tram to head to the coast.

Trams connect the center of the city to the southern suburbs and many destinations on the coast, making them one of the best ways to get around Athens if you’re looking to get to the beach.

How to plan your journey

Check routes and stations here or plan your journey with Google Maps.

How to buy tickets and use tram in Athens

You can buy tram tickets anywhere you buy tickets for public transportation in Athens.

5. Using taxis and ride-sharing services in Athens

t253842. Athens - Private Airport Transfer-nr19_-LOWRES.jpg

photo: Anastasia Siomou

Local taxis are easily identified with their yellow color.

Athens has an official taxi service, with all cabs easily identifiable by their yellow color and equipped with meters. Ensure the meter is turned on at the start of your journey to avoid being overcharged. Taxis are a relatively affordable way to get around the city, but traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours.

How to plan your journey

You can stop by one of the many taxi ranks or hail them from the roadside, or you can use an app like Freenow or Uber to book a taxi.

How to get a taxi in Athens

Taxis with roof signs illuminated mean they are available – simply hail them from the roadside.

About the author

Cari loves Europe and its diverse people. She has traveled extensively in the area and enjoys helping others to discover the majesty of the continent.

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Best way to get around Athens: What you need to know