Transportation In and Around Greece

Navigating Athens

Athens is a large and busy city, therefore navigating it using the public transportation network is the best option as great delays can occur if taking a car or a taxi.

The best option when traveling through the city is the Metro that can take you long distances in very short and predictable times. Athens takes pride in the efficiency and cleanliness of its subway as it is truthfully the most efficient means to get from one end of the city to the other. It is also your best option when traveling to and from Athens airport. Athens Metro has 3 different lines, the Blue, the Red and the Green that intersect. You can find a Metro map here

One of the key advantages of opting for city buses is the extensive coverage they offer. Unlike other forms of public transportation that may be limited to specific routes, these buses reach every nook and cranny of the city, providing access to areas that may not be directly served by the metro or tram lines.

Public Transport Tickets

In Athens, you'll find a diverse range of ticket options designed to cater to each traveler's needs. Depending on the length of your study abroad program, pick a transportation card that works best for you. For more info and instructions on where and how to purchase tickets, please visit the OASA website. 

Do have in mind that you need to have bought your ticket prior to boarding your means of transportation as there is no onboard option to purchase a ticket. You also need to always validate the ticket or else you will be fined 60 times its price.

Buses

Using buses, called KTEL, to travel within Greece is a cost-effective way to explore lesser-known towns and major cities such as Thessaloniki, Meteora or Sparta and hiking destinations that are not accessible by train. KTEL is also a convenient way to visit further destinations within Attica - the greater area that consists of Athens and its suburbs.  If you are traveling within Attica you can find information on destinations and timetables here. When using this company you can buy your ticket inside the bus from the driver. 

If your destination is in different parts of Greece, you can visit the KTEL website and find information about each KTEL depending on your destination. Have in mind, though, that in this case you will most likely need to purchase your ticket at the station as often there is no option for online booking or buying the ticket inside the bus. It is best to contact the station by phone to make sure you are clear about the procedure.

Trains

The railway network in Greece is currently undergoing reconstruction, which means you might need to change trains in order to reach your final destination. This being said, trains remain a very good option to travel around Greece. The train station in Athens is called Stathmos Larissis and you can access it via the red line of the Metro. You can visit Hellenic Train’s website for more information on destinations, timetables and tickets. 

Proastiakos is a different train line that connects Athens to nearby cities such as Halkida or Corinth. Information on timetables and tickets can be found here. 

Navigating Greece and Europe

One of the most important things to consider when planning your travel is to book your transportation in advance. This will ensure that you have a guaranteed spot on the train, bus, or plane and will also save you money. 

Depending on your destination, you may have multiple options such as trains, buses, and planes. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that best suits your needs. For example, trains are a great option for short distances as they are often faster than driving and more convenient than flying, while buses are often the cheapest option.

Additionally, consider using apps like Google Maps and other transportation apps, to check options and compare prices, it can save you a lot of time and money.

Finally, before you leave, make sure you have all the necessary documents and tickets, including your passport or ID card, and double-check your itinerary to make sure you don't miss your connection. With these tips and tricks, you'll be able to book your transportation and travel around Europe with ease.

Flights

Exploring Europe through air travel can be a convenient option. To make the booking process easier, it's recommended to use flight search engines like Skyscanner or Kayak.   Additionally, consider booking from budget airlines such as EasyJet, Ryanair, or Vueling, as they offer deeply discounted rates.