Travelling to Athens

Athens Tourist Guide helps you in knowing the various ways of commuting, for this city does not follow an orderly system of traffic rules. However, the city has one of the most dependable and varied transport systems to choose from. You will be spoilt for choice- from buses to taxis, to trams, to trolley buses, to metros to suburban trains connecting you with ease to any corner of Athens. The streets of Athens are not conducive for bicycling as the wayward drivers drive recklessly. Athens Tourist Guide brings you a brief description of each mode of transport to help you reach your destination with the least hassle and on time.

By Air

The airport in Athens is called Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport an started in April 2001 and is located on the eastern side of the city centre 27 km away. This airport was built for the convenience of the European travelers. Athens is the main centre in the Aegean, Balkan and Mediterranean regions for a major portion of international flights from North America while a major chunk of European flights head direct for Athens. The airport has several bus and metro services to the city.

By Bus

Athens has regional coaches which connects other cities in Greece. These buses have been revamped to provide more comfort and ensure safety of the passengers. You can even board the buses of the rail company for some chosen destinations. Some of these buses are operated by neighboring countries which are also used within the country but it is advisable to enquire about the bus destinations and routes about the choices.
The Athens Urban Transport Organization has large fleets of diesel buses, natural gas buses, trolley buses running on electricity.

By Metro

The Athens Metro System is perhaps the world’s best subway systems and is maintained by public as well as the personnel. Athens Tourist Guide recommends a good mode of travelling as most of the stations display excavated items which gives the metro the look of a museum. The Greeks are very particular about the cleanliness and do not allow any food or beverages inside the station. There are 3 lines operating- line 1 operates from Piraeus to Kifissia via the city centre. Line 2 operates from Agios Antonios to Agios Dimitrios on the western and southern sides. Line 3 operates Egaleo to Doukissis Plakentias to the International Airport thereby covering the south western and northern suburbs

By Taxi

Athens Tourist Guide advises you to be alert while hailing taxis in the city. Taxis in Athens are a reasonable mode of transport if you do not get stuck in a traffic jam. The starting fee is 1 Euro which could go up to 2.65 Euros depending on the rates specified i.e. Euros 0.34/km(rate 1) which applies while traveling within the city and Euros 0.64/km(rate 2) for areas outside the city and from midnight to 5 a.m. There are surcharges for traveling to and from the airport, heavy luggage or calling cabs by radio. Tips are not prevalent. Usually taxis are safe but you can ask for the meter to check on the rates if you feel you are being overcharged. If need arises you can ask for a receipt or report the plate number to the tourist police if he denies it.