Athens boasts a reliable and efficient public transport system, with the metro being a cornerstone for both residents and tourists. Understanding the Athens Metro is key to easily exploring this historical city and its surrounding areas. This guide will walk you through the essentials of the Athens Metro, focusing on its three main lines and how they can help you navigate the city.
Exploring Athens via the Metro Lines
The Athens Metro consists of three distinct lines, each identified by a number and color, serving different parts of the city and beyond.
Line 1 (Green Line): Piraeus to Kifissia – The Historical Route
The Green Line, also known as ISAP, is the oldest metro line in Athens, stretching from Piraeus port in the southwest to Kifissia in the northeast, directly through the city center. While the trains and stations reflect its history, they are well-maintained and equipped with modern ticketing systems. The Piraeus station itself is a historical landmark, reminiscent of Milan’s central station, dating back to 1929. Recent upgrades include the addition of newer trains to improve service.
Operating hours for Line 1 are extensive, starting at 05:00 and running until 00:30 daily from terminal stations. It’s important to note that the last trains completing the full route depart at 00:15 from both Piraeus and Kifissia. Later trains, until 00:30, operate only as far as Omonia station in both directions.
Key stations along Line 1 that are particularly useful for visitors include:
- Piraeus: The major port of Athens, serving ferries to the Greek islands.
- Thiseio: Close to ancient sites and offering scenic views of the Acropolis.
- Monastiraki: A bustling hub known for its flea market and access to historical areas.
- Omonia: A central station connecting to other metro lines and city buses.
Line 2 (Red Line): Anthoupoli to Elliniko – Connecting North and South
The Red Line runs from Anthoupoli in the north to Elliniko in the south, reaching the site of the former Athens airport, currently undergoing a massive urban redevelopment. This redevelopment project promises to transform Elliniko into a major attraction with hotels, a marina, parks, shopping centers, and more, making it a future destination point accessible by the Red Line.
Line 2 starts operating at 05:00 every day. Weekday and Sunday services run until approximately midnight, with the last trains leaving Elliniko at 00:04 and Anthoupoli at 00:08. On Fridays and Saturdays, service is extended, with last trains departing Elliniko at 01:11 and Anthoupoli at 01:14.
Key stations on the Red Line of interest to visitors include:
- Omonia: Interchange with the Green Line.
- Syntagma: The central square of Athens, connecting to the Blue Line and the tram, and in close proximity to major attractions and hotels.
- Akropolis: Directly serving the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum.
- Syngrou/Fix: Near the Acropolis Museum and the nightlife district of Koukaki.
Line 3 (Blue Line): Piraeus Municipal Theater to Athens Airport – Access to the Airport
The Blue Line is the newest and perhaps most crucial line for tourists, providing direct access from Piraeus to Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”. Starting from the Piraeus Municipal Theater, it passes through the port of Piraeus, central Athens, and continues to the airport in the east.
While a detailed timetable for the newly extended sections is still forthcoming, the general schedule remains consistent. First trains start at 05:30 daily. For the core section between Nikea and Doukissis Plakentias (before the airport extension), the last trains depart at 00:05 from Nikea and 00:02 from Doukissis Plakentias on weekdays and Sundays, and at 01:11 and 01:09 on Fridays and Saturdays respectively. Trains to and from the airport have slightly different hours, with the first train to the airport from Nikea departing at 06:01, and the first and last trains from the airport at 06:32 and 23:32.
Important stations on the Blue Line are:
- Piraeus Municipal Theater: Serving the cultural hub of Piraeus.
- Piraeus Port: Connecting ferries and the Green Line.
- Monastiraki: Interchange with the Green Line.
- Syntagma: Interchange with the Red Line and access to central Athens.
- Doukissis Plakentias: Interchange with the Suburban Railway, for connections beyond the city, and the point where metro trains share tracks to the airport.
- Airport Eleftherios Venizelos: Direct access to Athens International Airport.
- Kerameikos: Vibrant area known for its nightlife and restaurants.
Accessibility on the Athens Metro
The Athens Metro system is committed to accessibility for all passengers. All metro stations are equipped with ramps and elevators to facilitate access for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues.
On Lines 2 and 3, the first and last cars of each train are designed with wheelchair access. Line 1 also provides wheelchair access in the first car. However, passengers using stations Ag. Nikolaos, Omonia, or Monastiraki on Line 1 should be aware that a portable ramp is required due to a wider gap between the train and platform. Station guards at these locations are available to assist with setting up the ramp. It is advisable to inform the station master of your needs before boarding or alighting at these stations to ensure assistance is readily available.
Furthermore, station staff are trained to assist passengers with vision impairment, ensuring a more inclusive travel experience across the Athens Metro network.
Conclusion
The Athens Metro is an integral part of the city’s public transport, offering an efficient and accessible way to explore Athens and its surrounding areas. With three lines connecting key locations, from the port of Piraeus to Athens International Airport, navigating Athens via the metro is a straightforward and convenient option for all visitors. Understanding the routes and accessibility features will enhance your travel experience in this historic city.
