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The Athens coastal tram (lines T6 and T7) is the easiest way to reach the closest beaches to central Athens, on a €1.20 ticket. Take T6 from Syntagma and you can be at Edem (Palaio Faliro) in about half an hour; change to T7 at Pikrodafni for Alimos, Kalamaki, Glyfada and Voula, as far as the Asklipieio Voulas terminus. This is the complete Athens tram beaches guide for 2026 with every tram-accessible beach, what to expect at each, and the route map for the easiest beach day from the city centre.
The Athens Coastal Tram
The Athens tram network has two lines, and both reach the coast:
T6 (Syntagma to Pikrodafni): the line from the centre. Runs from central Syntagma down to the coast, past Edem, and ends at Pikrodafni, where you change to T7 for the beaches further south. The single most useful Athens tram for beach access.
T7 (Piraeus to Asklipieio Voulas): the coastal line, running along the Athens Riviera from Akti Posidonos in Piraeus through Faliro, Alimos, Kalamaki and Glyfada to Voula. Useful for moving between coastal beaches without going back to Syntagma.
Tickets €1.20 single (90-minute integrated ticket valid on Metro, bus, and tram). Since 7 September 2026, T6 runs every 7.5-8 minutes at peak times, and T7 about every 10 minutes between Asklipieio Voulas and SEF. Both lines run all night on Saturdays; for other days, check first and last trams on STASY’s timetable.
For broader context, see our Athens Riviera Beaches pillar, our public transport guide, and our getting around Athens guide.
The Best Athens Tram-Accessible Beaches
1. Edem Beach (Palaio Faliro)
Tram stop: Edem. Travel time: about half an hour on T6 from Syntagma; allow up to an hour door to door. The closest free public beach to central Athens. Long sandy beach with palm-tree-lined promenade, beach showers, lifeguards, and small cafe/restaurant strip. The water is clean and clear; the entry is shallow and family-friendly. This is the easiest single beach day from central Athens by tram. FREE.
2. Akti Tou Iliou (Alimos Beach)
Tram stop: Alimos / Akti tou Iliou. Travel time: about 40 minutes from Syntagma, changing from T6 to T7 at Pikrodafni. Akti tou Iliou is an organised, paid beach: admission is charged, sunbeds cost extra, and inside you get showers, restrooms, bars, a water park, and canoe and pedal-boat rentals. Family-friendly with shallow sandy entry and the most extensive amenities of any tram-accessible beach.
3. Kalamaki Beach
Tram stop: Kalamaki. Route: T6 from Syntagma, then T7 from Pikrodafni; the journey time depends on the connection. Free public beach with simpler facilities. Less crowded than Alimos and Edem on weekends. Good for sunset photography with views of the Saronic Gulf.
4. Glyfada Beaches
Tram stops: Glyfada. Travel time: allow 45-55 minutes from Syntagma to Asteras Glyfada (T6, then T7 from Pikrodafni). A major commercial beach suburb on the Athens Riviera, 16 km from the Acropolis. Mix of free public sections, the Asteria Glyfadas organised beach (in 2026 a daily umbrella set for two costs €60 on weekdays and €90 at weekends and holidays from June to September, or €50 and €70 in May and October), and the upscale Balux Beach Club. The Glyfada town centre has elite shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. See our dedicated Glyfada guide.
5. Voula Beach (Akti Voulas)
Tram stop: Voula. Travel time: about an hour from Syntagma, changing from T6 to T7 at Pikrodafni. Upmarket beach suburb just before Vouliagmeni. The Voula municipal organised beach (Akti Voulas A) is a paid beach, so check the day’s entry and sun-lounger prices at the gate; Voula Beach B is the more local family option. Clear water and good infrastructure.
6. Asklipieio Voulas (Tram Terminus)
Tram terminus: Asklipieio. Route: T6 from Syntagma, then T7 from Pikrodafni to the end of the line. The southernmost tram stop, just before Vouliagmeni. For Lake Vouliagmeni, the bus is a separate trip: metro Line 2 to Argyroupoli, then bus 122 to the Limni stop. The Asklipieio terminus is the furthest you can go directly by tram.
Beach-by-Beach Comparison
Easiest tram day from Syntagma: Edem (half an hour on T6; free).
Best organised beach for amenities: Akti tou Iliou in Alimos (paid entry; showers, restrooms, bars and a water park; sunbeds extra).
Best for families: Alimos (Akti tou Iliou’s water park, shallow entry, lifeguards).
Best for full town experience: Glyfada (shopping, restaurants, nightlife).
Best for the upmarket experience: Voula or Glyfada Balux.
Closest to Lake Vouliagmeni: Asklipieio terminus, though the lake itself is a metro and bus trip (Line 2 to Argyroupoli, then bus 122).
How to Use the Athens Tram
Buy your ticket before boarding, or tap a bank card: Ticket machines at every stop accept coins, notes, and credit cards. €1.20 single (90-minute integrated). A contactless Visa or Mastercard, or a phone, tapped on the validator as you board pays the same €1.20, with no ticket needed. Validate the ticket at the blue validators when you board (single tickets only; reloadable Ath.ena cards validate automatically).
Choose your platform: the Syntagma tram station is on Vasilissis Amalias Avenue. Southbound trams (toward the beaches) leave from the platform on the seaward side.
Tram frequency: at peak times, roughly every 8-10 minutes; quieter hours have longer gaps, so check stasy.gr.
Last tram back to Syntagma: depends on the stop and direction from Sunday to Friday; on Saturday nights T6 and T7 run all night. Check the latest schedules at stasy.gr or the Athens transport app.
Tram Beach Day: Sample Itineraries
Half-Day Quick Beach Trip (Edem)
9:30 AM: leave Syntagma on tram T6. 10 AM: arrive Edem. 10 AM-1 PM: swim and relax on the free beach. 1 PM: lunch at one of the Edem promenade cafes. 2:30 PM: return tram to Syntagma. 3 PM: back in the centre. Transport: €2.40 for two single tickets, plus lunch.
Full Day at Alimos
10 AM: tram from Syntagma (T6, then T7 from Pikrodafni). 10:40 AM: arrive Alimos. 10:40 AM-2 PM: beach time at Akti tou Iliou (sunbed €6 on weekdays, €8 at weekends and holidays, on top of admission). 2 PM: lunch at the Akti tou Iliou beach restaurant. 3-5 PM: more swimming and beach time. 5 PM: explore the Alimos marina. 6 PM: return tram. Transport: €2.40 for two single tickets; admission, sunbed and lunch on top.
Full Day at Glyfada
10 AM: tram from Syntagma (T6, then T7 from Pikrodafni). 10:45 AM: arrive Glyfada. 11 AM-3 PM: morning at Balux Beach Club. 3 PM: lunch at a Glyfada Marina seafood restaurant. 4:30-6:30 PM: shopping on Metaxa Street. 8:30 PM: dinner at one of the marina restaurants. 11 PM: return tram or taxi.
Beach + Lake Combo (Metro + Bus)
10 AM: metro Line 2 from Syntagma to Argyroupoli, then bus 122 to Limni Vouliagmenis; allow for traffic and the wait for the bus. Late morning to 2 PM: Lake Vouliagmeni (check the current entry price on lakevouliagmeni.gr). 2 PM: lunch at the Lake restaurant. 3-5 PM: continue to Vouliagmeni public beaches or Limanakia (free rocky coves). 6 PM: return bus 122 + metro.
Tram vs. Other Athens Beach Transport
Tram Advantages
Cheap: €1.20 buys a 90-minute ticket. No traffic delays. Direct from central Syntagma. Frequent service. Scenic coastal route after the Faliro section. No buses to navigate: T6 goes straight to Edem, and one change to T7 at Pikrodafni covers the beaches further south.
Tram Disadvantages
Doesn’t reach Vouliagmeni or Cape Sounion directly. Can be crowded on summer weekend mornings outbound and late afternoons inbound.
When to Choose Other Transport
Bus: for Vouliagmeni and Cape Sounion (no tram access).
Taxi/Uber: for the fastest door-to-door; for groups; for late-night returns after the tram stops running.
Rental car: for full Athens Riviera exploration including Cape Sounion.
What to Bring on a Tram Beach Day
Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water bottle, cash plus card (most beach restaurants accept cards but small cafes prefer cash), light cover-up for the tram journey back, comfortable walking shoes (some tram stops are a walk from the actual beach), and a small bag for valuables (ask about lockers at the organised beaches).
Best Time of Year for Athens Tram Beaches
Best months: May-June and September-October.
Summer peak (July-August): water and air at maximum warmth; the most crowded period. Arrive early for organised beach loungers (by 10 AM).
Winter (November-April): the beaches are quiet. The sea stays above 20°C until late November, then cools through the winter. The tram still runs; some beach cafes close November-March.
Tram Schedule Tips
Download the OASA app or check the live schedule at stasy.gr for current tram times. Trams run about every 8-10 minutes at peak times, less often outside them. The tram is slower than the Metro and bus due to the road sharing in the Faliro and Glyfada town sections; don’t expect Metro-speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What beaches can I reach by Athens tram?
Edem (Palaio Faliro), about half an hour on T6 from Syntagma. Beyond Pikrodafni, change to T7 for Alimos (about 40 minutes to Akti tou Iliou), Kalamaki, Glyfada (allow 45-55 minutes to Asteras Glyfada), Voula (about an hour) and Asklipieio Voulas. For Vouliagmeni, take metro Line 2 to Argyroupoli, then bus 122 to the Limni stop.
How much does the Athens tram cost?
€1.20 single ticket (90-minute integrated, valid on Metro, bus, and tram with transfers). 24-hour ticket €4.10. 5-day ticket €8.20. Children under 6 free.
What is the closest beach to central Athens by tram?
Edem Beach in Palaio Faliro, about half an hour from Syntagma on tram T6 (allow up to an hour door to door). Free public beach with sandy entry, palm-lined promenade, beach showers, and a small cafe strip. The easiest single beach day from central Athens.
How long does the tram take from Syntagma to Glyfada?
Take T6 to Pikrodafni and change to T7 towards Asklipieio Voulas; allow 45-55 minutes from Syntagma to Asteras Glyfada. Glyfada has several T7 stops, so the walk depends on which part of the beach or town you want.
Are the Athens tram beaches good?
Yes. Edem, Alimos, Glyfada, and Voula all have Blue Flag status some years. Expect busier weekends in July-August.
Can I get to Lake Vouliagmeni by tram?
Not by tram alone. Take Metro Line 2 to Argyroupoli, then bus 122 towards Saronida and get off at Limni Vouliagmenis; allow for traffic and the wait for the bus.
What time does the Athens tram stop running?
It depends on the day. On Saturday nights T6 and T7 run all night; on other nights the last trams vary by stop and direction, so check stasy.gr for current schedules. After the tram stops, take a taxi or Uber back to central Athens.
The New Athens Trams
New Alstom Citadis X05 trams entered passenger service in December 2021, adding to the existing fleet rather than replacing it. The new trams feature:
Capacity: up to 294 passengers per tram.
Real-time information displays: next-stop announcements in Greek and English.
Tram Lines T6 and T7: Map & Highlights
From Syntagma, T6 runs down to the coast and ends at Pikrodafni; change there to T7 for the beaches south to Asklipieio Voulas. Syntagma to Edem takes about 30 minutes, and Syntagma to Voula about an hour. The stops worth knowing, area by area:
City Section
Syntagma (start): the central Athens terminus; transfer to Metro Lines 2 and 3.
Zappeio: the National Garden and Zappeion park area.
Fix: the Koukaki hotel and restaurant district.
SNFCC (Stavros Niarchos Park): the Renzo Piano cultural centre with the Greek National Opera and the National Library. Free entry to the park and grounds, open 06:00-00:00 daily.
Faliro Section
Faliro: the Faliro Olympic Stadium area; some Olympic-era facilities still operational.
Trocadero: the Trocadero indoor shopping mall and entertainment complex.
Edem: the closest free public beach to central Athens.
Coastal Section
Alimos: the Akti tou Iliou family-friendly organised beach with a water park.
Kalamaki: quieter free beach section.
Helleniko (formerly Hellinikon): the former airport site; major redevelopment underway.
Glyfada: the major Athens Riviera town.
Southern Section
Voula: upmarket family beach suburb.
Asklipieio Voulas: the southern terminus of T7.
The Tram Ticketing System
The tram uses the same unified ticket as Metro and bus:
Single 90-minute ticket: €1.20.
24-hour ticket: €4.10.
5-day ticket: €8.20 (unlimited urban tram, bus and Metro travel for 120 hours; not valid on airport express buses, X80 or the Koropi-Airport metro section).
Ath.ena Card: reloadable card for longer stays; ask at the ticket office about any fee for the card itself.
Validation: validate paper tickets at the blue validators when you board; the Ath.ena Card automatically validates at the door. Travelling without a valid ticket means a €100 fine (€50 for reduced-fare passengers).
Beach Day Tram Logistics
The standard beach day from central Athens:
10 AM: tram from Syntagma toward Glyfada or Voula, changing at Pikrodafni. The 5-day ticket covers the trams and the rest of the urban network, but not airport express buses, X80 or the Koropi-Airport metro section.
10:30-11 AM: arrive at chosen beach stop.
11 AM-3 PM: beach time.
3 PM: lunch at a beach restaurant.
4-6 PM: more beach time or walk along the coastal promenade.
6:30 PM: tram back to central Athens.
Total transport cost: €2.40 for two 90-minute singles, there and back; nothing extra if you hold a 5-day ticket (€8.20).
Tram Operating Hours & Frequency
Daily: first and last departures vary by stop and direction; check STASY’s timetable.
Saturday night: T6 and T7 run all night, which makes the Glyfada nightlife return easy.
Peak frequency: since September 2026, T6 runs every 7 minutes 30 seconds in the morning peak and every 8 minutes 10 seconds in the afternoon peak; T7 between Asklipieio Voulas and SEF averages 9 minutes 50 seconds from 06:00 to 10:00 and 14:30 to 18:30.
Off-peak frequency: less frequent; the stasy.gr timetable gives the gaps by time of day.
Tram Beach Comparison
Edem (cheapest day): free beach; 30 minutes or so on T6 from Syntagma; minimal facilities.
Alimos (water park): Akti tou Iliou’s water park; admission and sunbeds charged separately.
Glyfada: public beaches and organised seaside venues, plus shopping and restaurants; T6 from Syntagma, then T7.
Voula (upmarket): organised Voula A beach with beach bars; about an hour from Syntagma.
What to Pack for a Tram Beach Day
Essentials: swimwear (worn under), towel, sunscreen, water bottle.
Tram-specific: small day backpack (the trams have limited luggage space), light cover-up for the tram back.
Beach-day extras: snorkel mask if planning rocky areas (Kavouri, near Glyfada), water shoes, light reading.
Food: snacks for the journey; beach restaurants are available but more expensive than central Athens.
Tram Stop Walking Distances
From the tram stop to the actual beach varies:
Edem: a short walk.
Glyfada: several T7 stops serve the town, so the walk to Asteria or Balux depends on which one you use.
Late-Night Tram Strategy
For visitors at Glyfada nightlife wanting to return to central Athens:
Sunday to Friday: last trams vary by stop and direction, so check stasy.gr before a late night out. Saturday: T6 and T7 run all night.
After tram closure: taxi or Uber/Bolt from Glyfada to central Athens.
Night bus 040: runs 24 hours a day between Piraeus and Syntagma Square; check the timetable for night departures.
The Tram & the Athens Riviera Real-Estate Boom
The tram has become a selling point on the Athens Riviera: new apartment developments specifically market “tram proximity” as a key feature.
Tram Day-Trip Itineraries
Tram Beach Sampler (1 day): Syntagma → Edem (1 hour) → Alimos (1 hour) → Glyfada (lunch + 2-3 hours) → tram back. No extra fare if you hold a 5-day ticket (€8.20); budget separately for food and snacks.
Glyfada Full Day (1 day): Syntagma → Glyfada beach (morning) → Glyfada Marina lunch → Glyfada shopping → tram or taxi back.
Edem Family Half-Day (1/2 day): Syntagma → Edem (free beach) → Edem promenade lunch → tram back. €1.20 each way, plus lunch.
SNFCC: Why It’s Worth a Tram Stop
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC tram stop) is one of the most-impressive cultural complexes in Greece. Designed by Renzo Piano (the Pompidou Centre architect), the complex includes:
The Greek National Library: the modern national library, with a free public study area.
The Greek National Opera: the opera house; check the current programme on the opera’s own site.
The Stavros Niarchos Park: 21 hectares of public park, one of the largest green areas in Athens.
The SNFCC Bookshop: excellent Greek and international book selection.
The Foundation’s Cultural Programming: year-round free events, lectures, exhibitions.
Worth a 2-3 hour visit; combine with the tram beach day.
Plan the Rest of Your Athens Trip
For more beach content, see our pillar guide to Athens Riviera Beaches, our Glyfada Beach guide, our Vouliagmeni guide, our public transport guide, our getting around guide, and our things to do guide.