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.
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.
Athens Metro: The Three Lines in Detail
Athens Metro operates three lines totalling 65+ stations. Each line was developed in a different era and has distinctive characteristics:
Line 1 (Green) — ISAP
The historic line, opened 1869 as a steam railway and electrified in 1904. Runs north-south from Kifisia in north Athens through Marousi, Irini, the Olympic Stadium, Omonia, Monastiraki, Thiseio, and on to Piraeus port. The Green Line is technically a separate company (ISAP) operating under the unified ticket system. 24 stations; 25.6 km; the longest single-line in the network. Distinctive features: many stations are at grade (above-ground) rather than underground; the line passes through some of the most-scenic Athens neighbourhoods. Trains are older (1990s rolling stock); slightly noisier than Lines 2 and 3.
Line 2 (Red) — Metro
Opened 2000 ahead of the 2004 Olympics. Runs north-south from Anthoupoli through Sepolia, Larissa Station (Athens Central Station), Omonia, Syntagma, Akropolis, Sygrou-Fix, Neos Kosmos, and Elliniko. 20 stations; 17.5 km. Connections at Omonia (Line 1) and Syntagma (Line 3). The most-used line by tourists for the Acropolis Metro station (which contains the famous Acropolis Museum artefact display in the underground concourse — worth visiting even if not taking the train).
Line 3 (Blue) — Metro
The longest line, running east-west from Nikaia in Piraeus through Korydallos, Petralona, Monastiraki, Syntagma, Evangelismos, Megaro Mousikis, Katechaki, Doukissis Plakentias, Pallini, Pyrkagia, and on to Athens International Airport. 26 stations; 38 km. The airport connection makes Line 3 essential for visitors. Connections at Monastiraki (Line 1) and Syntagma (Line 2).
Metro Station Art & Archaeology
Several Athens Metro stations doubled as archaeological excavation sites during construction (2000-2004). The most-significant antiquities discovered were preserved in situ within the station concourses, creating one of the world’s most-impressive subway-archaeology integrations:
Syntagma Station: the most-extensive in-station archaeology. A glass-cased cross-section of the excavation shows ancient cemeteries, Byzantine workshops, and the famous “Themistoclean Wall” — a section of the 5th-century-BC defensive wall built by Themistocles after the Persian invasions.
Akropolis Station: displays full-scale replicas of the Parthenon’s metopes and friezes (the originals are in the Acropolis Museum). The concourse functions as an introduction to the site visit.
Monastiraki Station: exposes ancient Greek and Roman cisterns, walls, and the bed of the ancient Eridanos river that ran through the area.
Eleftherios Venizelos (airport): displays artefacts found during the airport’s 1998-2001 construction.
Tickets & Fares: The Complete System
Athens public transport operates on a unified ticket system covering Metro (all three lines), buses, trams, the suburban railway within the urban zone, and the trolleybus network. All tickets are validated at entry; the Greek transport network uses both magnetic-stripe tickets and the reusable Ath.ena Card.
Standard Fares (2026)
Single 90-minute ticket: €1.20. Valid for unlimited transfers within 90 minutes on Metro, bus, tram, suburban railway, and trolleybus (does not include airport line beyond 90-minute limit).
24-hour ticket: €4.10. Unlimited travel for 24 hours from validation (excludes airport).
5-day tourist ticket: €8.20. Unlimited travel for 5 days (excludes airport). The single best value for tourists staying 4-7 days.
3-day tourist ticket with airport: €20. Includes 3 days unlimited travel plus airport Metro both ways.
Airport single ticket: €9 one-way (€16 round-trip).
Children: under 7 free; 7-18 reduced fares (~50% off).
Ath.ena Card (Reloadable)
The Ath.ena Card is the Athens equivalent of London’s Oyster or NYC’s MetroCard. €4.50 for the card itself plus topup credit. The card auto-validates on entry; no need to insert into the ticket gate. For visitors planning 2+ weeks, the Ath.ena Card is more-convenient than buying paper tickets. Buy at any Metro station ticket office.
How to Validate Your Ticket
Standard paper tickets must be validated at the small orange machines at the Metro station entry (before reaching the platform) or on board the bus/tram. Insert the ticket; it stamps the date/time. Validate exactly once per journey; failure to validate is treated the same as no ticket (€72 fine).
Metro Operating Hours
Daily (Sunday-Thursday): 5:30 AM to midnight.
Friday and Saturday: 5:30 AM to 2 AM (Lines 2 and 3 extended weekend service).
Line 1 (Green): same hours as Lines 2/3 except no late-night weekend extension to 2 AM.
Airport service: last train from airport to central Athens 11:30 PM; last train from Syntagma to airport 11 PM.
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.
Accessibility
Athens Metro is among the most-accessible in southern Europe. All Line 2 and Line 3 stations (the newer post-2000 lines) have lifts from street level to platform. Line 1 stations are partially accessible — newer-renovated stations have lifts; some older stations are still stairs-only. Wheelchair access is generally good; some platform-to-train height variation. Visually-impaired support includes tactile platform-edge strips and audio announcements in Greek and English on all trains.
Useful Athens Metro Stations for Tourists
Syntagma (Lines 2 & 3): the central hub. Walking distance to Parliament, the National Garden, Plaka, and the start of Ermou shopping street. The most-impressive in-station archaeology.
Akropolis (Line 2): the closest station to the Acropolis south slope entrance and the Acropolis Museum. Walking distance to Koukaki hotels.
Monastiraki (Lines 1 & 3): the gateway to the Monastiraki Flea Market, Psirri nightlife, Plaka’s western end, and the Ancient Agora.
Thiseio (Line 1): the upper-side of the Ancient Agora. Quieter exit than Monastiraki; walking access to the famous Athens-rooftop-bar district.
Omonia (Lines 1 & 2): the historic central square (recently renovated). Less-charming than Syntagma but useful for central north-Athens connections.
Evangelismos (Line 3): the closest station to Kolonaki, the Cycladic Art Museum, and the Benaki Museum.
Piraeus (Line 1 and Line 3): the port for Greek-island ferries.
Common Metro Mistakes
Not validating the ticket (€72 fine), buying single tickets for multiple days (the 5-day tourist ticket is significantly cheaper), riding without a ticket (regular inspections; €72 fine), using only the Metro and missing the tram and bus connections covered by the same ticket.
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.