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Athens

Athens Metro Guide: Tickets, Airport Line & Tips

How to use the Athens metro: ticket types, airport tickets, validating, lines to Piraeus and safety tips.

By the iLoveGreece editorial team · Last reviewed 2026-11

Quick answer

Athens has three metro lines, a tram and a suburban railway. A 90-minute ticket costs €1.20 and works on metro, tram and buses; tapping a contactless bank card at the gate is capped at €4.10 a day. The airport needs its own €9 ticket, and line 3 trains to the airport run every 36 minutes. Always tap or validate before you board.

The three lines

Stations travellers use most
LineRuns betweenUseful stops
1 (green)Piraeus – KifisiaPiraeus (ferries), Thissio, Monastiraki, Omonia, Victoria (National Archaeological Museum)
2 (red)Anthoupoli – EllinikoLarissa (trains), Omonia, Syntagma, Akropoli (Acropolis Museum)
3 (blue)Dimotiko Theatro (Piraeus) – AirportAirport, Syntagma, Monastiraki, Kerameikos, Piraeus

Tickets

  • 90-minute ticket: €1.20, valid on metro, tram and buses (not the airport section).
  • Contactless bank card or phone: tap at the gate each trip; charges are capped at €4.10 a day.
  • Airport ticket: €9 one way at the machines. A normal city ticket isn't valid to or from the airport.
  • Machines take cards and cash and have an English option.
  • Ticket inspectors fine passengers without a validated ticket on the spot.

Airport and port

  • Line 3 runs from the airport to Syntagma in about 40 minutes and on to Piraeus in about 60.
  • Piraeus station (line 1) is opposite the main ferry gates E5–E7; line 3 stops a little further in town.
  • With heavy luggage at rush hour, the X95 bus (€5.50, 24 hours) or a fixed-fare taxi can be easier.

Tips

  • Trains run from early morning until around midnight; check STASY for late-night extensions on weekends.
  • Keep phones and wallets close on line 1, especially between Piraeus and Omonia.
  • Eating and drinking aren't allowed on board.
  • The tram from Syntagma runs down to the coast at Palaio Faliro and Glyfada: a cheap way to reach the beach.

FAQ

Can I use my bank card on the Athens metro?

Yes. Tap a contactless card or phone at the gate; it's charged like a 90-minute ticket and capped at €4.10 a day.

How do I get from the airport to the centre by metro?

Take line 3 (blue) to Syntagma, about 40 minutes, with a €9 airport ticket.

Does the metro go to Piraeus port?

Yes. Line 1 (green) ends at Piraeus station, opposite the main ferry gates, and line 3 also reaches Piraeus.

Metro map →Airport to Piraeus →Getting around →

Related guides

Updated 2026-11. General planning guidance. Check with operators and local authorities.