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Local Transport
Athens
Local Transport
Athens significantly expanded its public transport infrastructure prior to the Olympic Games in 2004 and it is now very easy to travel around the city. The public transport network is comprised of buses, trolleybuses, trams, a metro and a suburban train line.
BUS & TROLLEYBUS
Buses and trolleybuses connect most parts of the city and are particularly useful for getting to the airport and embassies outside the city centre. However fewer travellers rely on the bus now that the metro has been expanded.
Tickets must be purchased from newspaper kiosks before getting on the bus and validated on board. The standard fare is €0.45. Alternatively a ticket costing €0.70 lets you travel for 90 minutes on buses, trolley buses and trams and a €1 ticket gives you 90 minutes travel on any form of transport.
TRAM
Athens' modern trams (website http://linuxweb.internet.gr/tramsa/html/en/index.php) connect the city centre to the seaside suburbs of Glyfada, Helliniko and Moschato. Tickets cost €0.40 or €0.70 for 90 minutes travel on buses, trolley buses and trams or €1 for 90 minutes travel on any form of transport.
METRO
The metro (website www.ametro.gr) is the best way to get around Athens. Metro tickets cost €0.70. Alternatively a €1 ticket gives you 90 minutes travel on any form of transport.
The antiquated line 1 runs from Kifissia north of the city centre to Pireaus and constituted the entire system until 2001. Lines 2 and 3 are more modern and are useful for getting to the train stations as well as some museums and embassies.
SUBURBAN TRAINS
Athens' new suburban train system (website www.proastiakos.gr/en/index.asp) connects Larrissa Station with the new airport with stops in the northern, western and southwestern suburbs. Trains run every 15 to 30 minutes and tickets cost between €0.70 and €6. Day and weekly passes can be used on suburban trains between Athens and Plakentias.
TRAVEL PASSES
Day passes that allow unlimited travel on the metro, buses and trolley buses cost €2.90 and monthly passes cost €35.
