Transport in Athens: the Metro.

(Photograph of Attiki Metro: www.ametro.gr)

From the Airport to my first house, finding the university, when I finally got round to doing a bit of tourism and even once I had already settled in, there were a lot of questions that I was often hit with. What do I take? How do I get there? How long does it take? Can I walk there? Is there still a trolleybus? Why is the green metro line called "train"? Damn it, is there a strike today!? Could I get a monthly pass? How do I get back at night? All in all these are typical questions, so here are the answers.

There are several ways to get around in Athens, although, as I have mentioned in other posts, it's easy enough to reach many points of interest on foot, especially in the center. Although, as you can imagine, to walk around with ease and security you'll have to venture out and lose yourself more than a couple times, but who knows what you could find on the way!? Also, in the center it's easy to find main roads that lead to the most important areas. On the other hand, If you're looking for a particular shop or cafe you will have to go a bit further.

If you're one of those people who's in a rush, If you don't like walking, If you go out a lot at night or If you have further to go, the main modes of transport are: bus, metro (and train), suburban train, tram and taxi.

TICKETS: PRICES AND INS-AND-OUTS

Before explaining each one separately, lets look at the prices.

They are classified by duration and sometimes according to their destination or If they are on travel-cards.

**I must note that, currently (03/02/2017), there are ongoing changes to prices and operation of payment systems and entry to transport links as electronic cards and mechanical gates are being introduced. I am writing this, therefore, with regard to the latest updates and future plans. If you want to check for any other news, look here:http://www.athenstransport.com/english/.

1. 90 minute:

- Valid on: All modes.

*Exceptions: Express airport buses, the X80 line, the "Airport" metro station and the suburban railway outside of the Piraeus - SKA and Magoula - Koropi zones.

- Standard Price: €1. 40

- Concession: €0. 60

2. 24 hour:

- Valid on: All modes.

*Exceptions: Express airport buses, the "Airport" metro station and the suburban railway outside of the Piraeus - SKA and Magoula - Koropi zones.

- Price: €4. 50 (no concession available)

3. 5 day:

- Valid on: All modes.

*Exceptions: Express airport buses, the X80 line, the "Airport" metro station and the suburban railway outside of the Piraeus - SKA and Magoula - Koropi zones.

- Price: 9 euros (no concession available)

4. Tourist 3 day:

- Valid on: All modes, without exception. (Including return ticket to the airport)

- Price: 22 euros (no concession available)

5. Express Bus (Airport):

- Valid on: One trip direct to the airport.

- Lines: X93, X95, X96, X97

- Standard Price: 6 euros

- Concession: 3 euros

6. "Airport" Station:

- Valid on: The entire blue metro line (Agia Marina - Airport) and the suburban railway.

Standard Price: 10 euros // 18 euros (2 people) // 24 euros (3 people).

- Concession: 5 euros

*Airport Return:

- Price: 18 euros

Tickets are currently still paper and are validated at station entrances and on buses.

You can buy them at metro, train and tram stations and from street kiosks but not from buses! (For those, like me, who are used to buying it from the driver... )

THE METRO

In this beautiful language:

*Metro: το μετρό (to metró)

*Train: το τρένο (to treno)

*Station: o σταθμός (o stathmós)

*Ticket: το εισιτήριο (to isitirio)

There are three lines, two metro lines and one train line.

The map, station list and other information are on this webpage: http://www.athenstransport.com/info/.

- Line 1 (Green): Piraeus - Kifissia

Known as the "Elektriko" (electric train), the majority of the route is above ground. The most important things about this line is that it goes all the way to Port of Piraeus where you can get ferries to the Greek islands. The other end, Kifissia, is at the North of the city and is a classier area with more upmarket shops and venues.

· Operating hours: 5:00 am - 00:30 am every day.

· Frequency: Usually an average of 6 minutes between trains, except out of hours (morning and night).

· Main stations: Thissio, Monastiraki, Omonoia, Victoria, Attiki.

· Connections with blue line: Monastiraki station (center)

· Connections with red line: Omonoia and Attiki stations (center)

· Connections with Suburban railway: Neratziotissa station (North)

· Connections with tram: Neo Faliro station (Coastal)

- Line 2 (Red): Anthoupoli - Elliniko

Its route through the center is useful as it goes via Panepistimio Avenue, connecting various universities; Larissa station, where there is an intercity train station; via Syntagma, on of the most important central squares; and via Acropolis, where most of the touristic locations are found.

· Operating hours: 5:00 am - 00:30 am Sunday - Thursday, 5:00 am - 02:00 am Friday and Saturday.

· Frequency: On average, 4 minutes between trains (except during very early or late hours).

· Main stations: Attiki, Larissa station, Omonoia, Panepistimio, Syntagma, Acropolis.

· Connections with Green line: Omonoia and Attiki stations.

· Connections with blue line: Syntagma station.

· Connections with tram: Neos Kosmos, Sigrou Fix and Syntagma stations.

· Connections with Suburban railway: Larissa station.

- Line 3 (Blue): Agia Marina - Doukissis Plakentias - Airport

Without doubt the most important line, since it goes to the airport as well as passing the main stations in the center.

· Operating hours: 5:00 am - 00:30 am Sunday - Thursday, 5:00 am - 02:00 am Friday and Saturday.

· Frequency: On average, 4 minutes between trains (except during very early or late hours).

· Main stations: Kerameikos, Monastiraki, Syntagma, Megaro Moussikis, Panormou, Airport.

· Connections with Green line: Monastiraki station.

· Connections with Red line: Syntagma station.

· Connections with tram: Syntagma station.

· Connections with Suburban railway: from Doukissis Plakentias to the airport.

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