Athens, the capital of Greece, along with its suburbs and the neighbouring city of Piraeus, constitutes a cohesive urban complex with a combined population of approximately 4 million residents. Over the years, this region has undergone significant advancements in transportation infrastructure, facilitating efficient and dependable travel for locals and tourists alike.
Although a rental car may be someone’s first thought in order to be flexible, Athens is the city where it is better to avoid driving. If you do decide to use a vehicle, you’ll find that as with any capital city, traffic can be very busy at peak times around major intersections and at particular points of interest – and parking can be limited in the city. The main motorway from the Airport is also a toll road, so ensure you have change available. If you are driving to the Megaron, do read the venue information page for parking information.
Getting around: There are five main types of public transport (metro/electric rail, city buses, electric trolley-buses, tram, and the suburban railway) for someone to choose in order to move around and with the universal ticket it is also easy to combine them.
You’ll find links to relevant transport websites at the bottom of this article. In addition, you may find our Accessible Transport in Athens article helpful.
Navigate this article
- Airport to City transport
- Metro
- Buses / Trolleybuses
- Tram
- Ticket Options
- Tourist Buses and the Happy Train
Arriving at the Airport
In order to reach Syntagma (Google map) from Athens International Airport, several transportation options are available, each with its advantages.
The most popular and convenient choice is the Metro, which directly connects to the city centre. Follow the signs for “Train – Metro” within the airport, and you’ll find the metro station easily accessible. The journey from the airport to Syntagma Station (Blue Line (Line 3) towards Dimotiko Theatro) takes approximately 40 minutes and costs around €10 for a one-way ticket. The train leaves every 30 minutes. From Syntagma, you can connect with other Metro lines, or the Athens Tram – depending on where you’re staying.
Note: The blue line also calls at ‘Megaro Moussikis‘ station – which is right outside the venue!
If you prefer a more direct and personalised mode of transportation, taxis are readily available outside the airport terminals. Licensed taxis can be identified by their distinctive yellow colour and an illuminated taxi sign on the roof. The ride from the airport to Syntagma normally takes around 30 minutes, always depending on traffic conditions, and the fare is approximately €38-€50, including additional charges for late-night trips and luggage.
Another option is taking a bus from the airport to Syntagma Square. Bus X95 operates 24/7 and provides a direct connection between the airport and the city centre. The journey takes approximately 60 minutes, depending on traffic, and the ticket price is about €6 for a one-way trip. The bus leaves every 20 minutes.
Moving around the city centre
Metro
The Athens Metro system is an efficient and reliable mode of transportation that can take you to various parts of the city. It consists of three lines: the Green Line (Line 1), the Red Line (Line 2), and the Blue Line (Line 3). Each line connects different areas, including key tourist attractions and transportation hubs.
Our venue is located outside Megaro Moussikis station (Google map) on the Blue Line (Line 3).
The Metro runs daily from 5 am to midnight. Lines 2 and 3 operate until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays. At peak hours, trains run every 5-6 minutes.
Details of services are on the OASA website
Buses & Trolleybuses
Athens has a really extensive bus network. Buses and trolleybuses start from 5 am to midnight.
You can find details of local buses using the OASA website, including route planners and real-time information for some services.
Tram
The tram network connects central Athens with the coastal suburbs of the city (Faliro, Voula and Piraeus). It normally takes one hour to get from Syntagma Square to Voula.
There are two tram lines; T6 connects Syntagma with Faliro (Pikrodafni station), and T7 connects Voula (Asklipeio Voulas station) with Piraeus (Agia Triada station). The two lines meet at Pikrodafni station.
The tram operates from 5:30 am to 12:00 am daily.
Tickets for Public Transport
You can find your tickets and passes (Ath.ena tickets) for public transport at machines in all Athens Metro and tram stations. There are three types of Ath.ena tickets: a paper ticket, an anonymous card that you can top up, and a personalised card. These tickets can be used on all forms of public transport.
Ticket Prices
- A standard ticket costs €1.20. Children up to the age of 6 travel free of charge; ages 7-18 pay €0.50 (proof of age required). The duration of the ticket is 90 minutes and can be used on any form of public transport (except services to/from the airport).
- A Day Pass (€4.10) is valid for unlimited travel to all models of transport (except airport services) for 24 hours.
- A 5-Day Ticket (€8.20) is valid for unlimited travel (except airport services and bus line Χ80) for 5 days.
- A 3-Day Tourist Ticket (€20) is valid for unlimited travel (including 1 round trip to/from Athens International Airport). 3-day passes are available at the bus and metro ticket kiosks at Athens International Airport, Omonia, Syntagma, Thissio, Monastiraki, Acropolis and Piraeus stations.
Tickets must be validated when you travel. You can validate your ticket or reloadable pass at the automatic entrance gates both when entering and upon leaving your final station in Metro. When entering buses and trams, validation is done using onboard ticket readers upon boarding only. (Passengers who do not validate a ticket can be charged with a fine of €72.)
Reaching Megaron Mousikis from the Airport
Arriving at the last minute? No problem – You can take the Metro from the airport direct to the Megaro Moussikis Station (Google Map), which is located right next to our venue!
Discovering Athens: Tourist Options
Once you’ve arrived in the city centre or reached your destination, Athens offers numerous transportation options to explore its many attractions. Additionally, Athens is a highly walkable city, especially in the historical centre.
The Hop-On Hop-Off bus in Athens is a popular and convenient way to explore the city’s major attractions at your own pace. This sightseeing bus service offers a comprehensive route that covers the key landmarks and cultural sites of Athens. With a single ticket, you can hop on and off as many times as you like throughout the day. The ticket prices vary depending on the duration of validity.
Happy Train
This train truly stands out: it has a bright red colour and looks like a toy! Happy Train is an alternative -fun- way to move around the city and explore the best points. It tours around the historical centre of Athens and the most important monuments of the city. Sightseeing tours with Happy Train start from Syntagma Square in downtown Athens.
