The Athens Metro is the fastest, most reliable, and most modern way to get around the Greek capital. The 3-line, 66-station network covers the entire central area, both Athens airports, the major museums, and the Piraeus port, with a flat €1.20 fare for any 90-minute journey. Some stations double as underground archaeological museums (Syntagma, Akropoli, and Monastiraki preserve ancient finds discovered during construction). This is the complete Athens metro guide for 2026 with line-by-line breakdown, ticket prices, contactless payment, the new 3-day tourist pass, and clear tips on which stations to use for each major attraction.
The Three Athens Metro Lines
Line 1 (Green) – Kifissia to Piraeus
Athens’s oldest metro line. Originally opened in 1869 as a steam railway, electrified in 1904, now fully integrated. 26 stations over 27 km running north-south. The line connects the northern suburb of Kifissia through the city centre (Omonia, Monastiraki, Thissio) to Piraeus port. Key tourist stations: Monastiraki, Thissio (Ancient Agora), and Piraeus (ferry departures).
Line 2 (Red) – Anthoupoli to Elliniko
Opened in 2000 ahead of the 2004 Olympics. 20 stations running broadly north-south through central Athens. Key tourist stations: Akropoli (Acropolis, Acropolis Museum), Syntagma (Parliament, central square, transfer to Line 3), Omonia (central transport hub, transfer to Line 1), and Larissa (railway station).
Line 3 (Blue) – Athens Airport to Dimotiko Theatro (Piraeus)
Opened in 2000-2004. The most internationally important line for visitors. Connects the airport directly to central Athens and onwards to Piraeus port. Key stations: Athens Airport, Doukissis Plakentias, Halandri, Ethniki Amyna, Megaro Mousikis (Megaron concert hall), Evangelismos (Byzantine and Christian Museum, Hilton, War Museum), Syntagma (central transfer), Monastiraki (transfer to Lines 1 and 2), Kerameikos (archaeological cemetery), and Piraeus port.
For broader context, see our Getting Around Athens pillar, our Airport transport guide, and our things to do guide.
2026 Ticket Prices & Tap-to-Ride
Single Ticket (Flat Fare)
€1.20 for a 90-minute journey on metro, bus, tram, and trolleybus combined (transfers included within the 90-minute window).
Day Pass
€4.10 for 24 hours unlimited travel on all OASA transport (metro + bus + tram + trolleybus). Excellent value if you take 4+ rides in a day.
5-Day Pass
€8.20 for 5 days unlimited travel.
Tap-to-Ride (Contactless)
Use any contactless credit/debit card or smartphone (Apple Pay, Google Pay) at the yellow readers. €1.20 charged per 90-minute journey; daily cap automatically applied at €4.10. The most convenient option for visitors with contactless cards.
3-Day Tourist Ticket
€20. Includes 3 days of unlimited travel on all OASA transport PLUS one round trip to/from the airport (the €9 standard airport fare each way is included). Excellent value for visitors landing at the airport. Available at major metro stations: Syntagma, Omonia, Monastiraki, Thissio, Acropolis, and Piraeus.
Airport Express Ticket
€9 single / €16 return. Required for journeys to/from the airport on Metro Line 3 or X95/X96 buses. NOT included in the standard €1.20 fare or the standard day pass. Reduced rate €4.50 single for under 18, over 65, and other categories.
Operating Hours
Lines 1, 2, 3: Daily 5:30 AM to midnight Sunday-Thursday. Friday and Saturday: Lines 2 and 3 extend to 2:00 AM. Line 1: standard hours all week.
Trains run every 5 minutes during peak hours (7-10 AM, 4-8 PM), every 8-10 minutes off-peak, and every 12-15 minutes after 11 PM.
Which Station for Each Major Attraction
- Acropolis: Akropoli (Line 2 red)
- Acropolis Museum: Akropoli (Line 2 red)
- Ancient Agora: Thissio (Line 1 green) or Monastiraki (Lines 1 & 3)
- Plaka: Monastiraki (Lines 1 & 3) or Syntagma (Lines 2 & 3)
- Monastiraki Flea Market: Monastiraki (Lines 1 & 3)
- Syntagma Square & Parliament: Syntagma (Lines 2 & 3)
- National Archaeological Museum: Viktoria (Line 1) or Omonia (Lines 1 & 2)
- Benaki Museum: Syntagma (Lines 2 & 3)
- Byzantine & Christian Museum: Evangelismos (Line 3)
- Kerameikos Cemetery: Kerameikos (Line 3) or Thissio (Line 1)
- Temple of Olympian Zeus: Akropoli (Line 2)
- Panathenaic Stadium: Akropoli (Line 2) or Syntagma + 12-min walk
- Piraeus Port (ferries to islands): Piraeus (Lines 1 & 3)
- Athens Airport: Athens International Airport (Line 3)
How to Use the Metro
Step 1: Buy or Activate Your Ticket
Three options: buy a paper ticket from a station machine (€1.20 single), buy a day pass from a machine or kiosk (€4.10), or use contactless tap-to-ride with your bank card or phone.
Step 2: Validate (Critical)
Tap your paper ticket or contactless card at the yellow validators at the station entrance BEFORE going to the platform. An unvalidated ticket counts as no ticket; inspectors check regularly and the fine is €60 if caught.
Step 3: Find Your Line and Platform
Signs are bilingual (Greek/English) throughout the network. Line colours: green (1), red (2), blue (3).
Step 4: Board and Ride
Trains arrive every 5-15 minutes. Doors close automatically; stand back from the platform edge.
Step 5: Exit
Pass through the gate at your destination station; tap your contactless card again at exit gates if you used tap-to-ride.
The Metro’s Archaeological Stations
The Athens metro construction (2000-2004) uncovered significant archaeological finds. Several stations display the discoveries in situ:
- Syntagma Station: stratigraphic sections of soil layers from ancient through modern Athens, plus ancient pottery, bronze, and architectural fragments displayed in the main concourse.
- Akropoli Station: full-scale replicas of the Parthenon friezes (the original Elgin Marbles section, displayed where the original would have been in the temple).
- Monastiraki Station: the preserved 5th-century-BC Eridanos River that ran through ancient Athens, plus the foundations of an 8th-century-AD Byzantine workshop. Free to view through glass floors.
- Athens Airport Station: exhibits on the history of Athens transport from antiquity.
Free Wi-Fi
All Athens metro stations and trains offer free Wi-Fi via the “Athens Metro Free Wi-Fi” network. No registration required; connect and accept the terms.
Accessibility
All Line 2 and Line 3 stations are fully wheelchair-accessible with elevators. Most Line 1 stations are accessible; check OASA’s accessibility map for specific stations. Accessible toilets at all major interchange stations (Omonia, Syntagma, Monastiraki).
Common Metro Mistakes to Avoid
Not validating your ticket (€60 fine). Buying tickets on the train (not allowed; only at stations). Trying to use a standard €1.20 ticket for the airport (you need the €9 airport-specific ticket). Using contactless then losing the card you tapped in with (each journey must be tapped in and out with the same card). Confusing Line 1 (green) Piraeus with Line 3 (blue) Piraeus; both serve the port but from different stations.
The Athens Metro During Major Events
Athens Metro extends operating hours and frequency during major events:
New Year’s Eve: Metro runs until 3 AM.
Olympic / international football matches: extended service.
Athens Marathon (November): several stations have crowd-control measures; arrive early.
Major concerts at OAKA Olympic Stadium: Line 1 trains add post-event service.
Metro Safety & Pickpocketing Reality
The Athens Metro is generally safe at all hours. The single practical concern is pickpocketing — Line 3 (the airport line) and Line 2 between Syntagma and Omonia at peak commuting times are the highest-risk areas. Practical mitigation: keep wallets in front pockets; use crossbody bags worn across the body (not over a shoulder); be alert in crowded carriages; never put bags down between your feet (use lap or shoulder).
Late-night travel (11 PM-2 AM Friday/Saturday): the Metro remains safe but cars get less-populated. Solo travellers may prefer the front-of-train carriage where the driver is visible. Most Athens neighbourhoods served by the Metro are safe at all hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Athens metro cost?
€1.20 single 90-minute ticket on Lines 1, 2, and 3 (excluding airport). €4.10 day pass. €9 single airport ticket (Line 3 to/from airport). €20 for the 3-day tourist ticket including airport round trip.
What are the Athens metro operating hours?
Daily 5:30 AM to midnight Sunday-Thursday. Lines 2 and 3 extend to 2 AM on Friday and Saturday.
Can I use contactless cards on the Athens metro?
Yes. Tap any contactless credit/debit card or smartphone (Apple Pay, Google Pay) at the yellow readers. €1.20 per 90-minute journey; daily cap of €4.10.
How do I get to the Acropolis by metro?
Take Line 2 (red) to Akropoli station. The Acropolis south entrance is 5 minutes’ walk uphill; the Acropolis Museum is immediately at the station exit.
How many lines does the Athens metro have?
Three lines: Line 1 (green, Kifissia to Piraeus), Line 2 (red, Anthoupoli to Elliniko), and Line 3 (blue, Athens Airport to Piraeus via central Athens).
Is the Athens metro safe?
Yes. Modern, well-lit, and heavily used by Athenians at all hours. Pickpocketing exists on busy trains (particularly Lines 1 and 3); standard urban precautions apply.
How do I get from Athens airport to the city by metro?
Take Line 3 (blue) from Athens International Airport station to Syntagma (33 minutes) or Monastiraki (40 minutes). €9 single ticket; €16 return.
Plan the Rest of Your Athens Trip
For more transport content, see our pillar guide to Getting Around Athens, our airport transport guide, and our things to do guide. The Athens bus and tram guide, taxis and ride-sharing guide, walking guide, ferry guide, and Piraeus port guide are also in this cluster.