Metro: The new modern AttikiMetro is probably the best way to travel around Athens. It is efficient, clean and cheap. The old Metro (line 1) runs from Piraeus to Kifissia. Line 2 runs between Sepolia and Dafni. Line 3 runs between Ethniki Amyna and Syntagma. These lines will eventually be extended, with line 3 running all the way up to the new airport in Spata.A single ticket costs 0.70 euro and is valid for a journey of any length one way only. You can buy tickets that are valid for 24 hours at a cost of2.90. Tickets are purchased at metro stations, from machines or from a window.
When's the next train to... ? Pote fevgi
to epomeno
single (one-way) aplo
return (round-trip) me epistrofi
Buses: There is an extensive bus network
running many places that the Metro doesn't reach and they run from 5am-11.30pm.
However the buses can be crowded with local Athenians coming and going,
especially at peak times and for short journeys it may be more comfortable
to walk or get a taxi. Books of 10 tickets can be purchased from news
kiosks and special booths at both bus and metro stations. Augmenting the
bus system are electric trolley buses operating on set routes.
As a general guide, bus numbers beginning with 0 operate in central Athens;
those beginning with 1 operate in the southern coastal suburbs as far
as Vougliameni; 2 to the south central sub- urbs; 3 and 4 to southeastern
and central Attica; 5 to Kifissia and the northern suburbs; 6 and 7 to
the northwest;
8 westwards towards Dafni; 9 towards Piraeus.
The Athens Transport Office (OASA) issues a free map showing Metro line
routes and the routes of the buses in the downtown area. This can be obtained
from Tourist Offices and from the OASA office at Odos Metsovou 15.
This is located one street north of the National Archaeological Museum.
Taxis: Taxis are numerous and cheap (they are painted yellow and have the sign TAXI atop the vehicle and on the side). Prices are posted at the taxi stand at the airport. In the city you can hail taxis in the street but extra long or short distances may be unpopular with drivers. All hotels will call a taxi for you that will pick you up at the reception.
Ferries: The ferry system is inexpensive
and reliable though ticket prices may rise as new craft augment the aging
fleet. Daily services operate to all the nearby islands from Piraeus to
the south of Athens for the islands of the Saronic Gulf, and Rafina to
the Sporades islands to the northeast.
For details of all services, contact Pireaus Port Authority, tel. 210
45 11 310; Rafina Port Authority, tel. (0294) 22 300; Saronicos Ferries,
tel. 210 41 26 181 (operates services to all the Saronic Gulf islands).
The fastest services are offered by the "flying dolphin" services.
These hydrofoils can carryover 200 people and cut the journey time to
the Saronic islands by at least 50 percent over regular ferries (you'll
reach Aegina in around 40 minutes). The main company is Flying Dolphins,
tel. 210 42 80 001; Minoan Flying Dolphins, tel. 210 41 99 000.
