Overview
Athens is the capital of Greece and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. The city centers on the Acropolis, a rocky hill topped with ancient monuments including the Parthenon. Athens International Airport (ATH) sits about 33 km southeast of the city center. The metro, buses, taxis, and suburban railway connect the airport to central districts. Athens has three metro lines, with Line 3 running directly to the airport. A single 90-minute city ticket costs EUR 1.20. The 3-day tourist ticket at EUR 20 includes unlimited city travel plus a round-trip airport journey. Key neighborhoods for visitors include Plaka, Monastiraki, Koukaki, and the Historic Centre. The Acropolis Museum and the archaeological site of the Acropolis are the two most visited attractions.
Getting around
Athens public transport uses an integrated ticket system managed by OASA. The same ticket works on metro, buses, trolleys, and trams. A 90-minute single ticket costs EUR 1.20 full fare and EUR 0.50 reduced. It is valid for all OASA means except airport express buses and the airport section of Metro Line 3. A 24-hour ticket costs EUR 4.10. A 5-day ticket costs EUR 8.20. The 3-day tourist ticket costs EUR 20 and includes unlimited travel plus a round-trip airport transfer by metro or express bus. Metro Line 3 connects the airport with central Athens and Piraeus. Trains run from 06:35 to 23:58 from the airport, with a journey time of about 40 minutes to Syntagma. Airport express bus X95 runs to Syntagma Square 24 hours a day. The fare is EUR 5.50. Official taxis charge a flat fare of EUR 40 daytime (05:00 to 24:00) and EUR 55 nighttime (00:00 to 05:00) between the airport and the city center inner ring.
Where to stay
Plaka sits at the foot of the Acropolis and is the most famous neighborhood for visitors. Its narrow streets, historic landmarks, and shops draw crowds. Monastiraki and Psirri sit nearby and mix commerce with nightlife. Koukaki, next to the Acropolis Museum, has emerged as a fashionable area with cafes and pedestrian walkways. The Historic Centre includes Omonia and areas with modern Greek life. Kolonaki offers upscale boutiques and cafes. Pangrati has leafy squares and a local atmosphere. For travelers heading to the islands, Piraeus port is reachable by Metro Line 1 in about 25 minutes from Monastiraki.
Key attractions
The Acropolis archaeological site is open from 08:00 to 17:00 in winter and 08:00 to 20:00 in summer. Full admission is EUR 30 and reduced is EUR 15. The site is closed on 1 January, Orthodox Easter Sunday, 1 May, and 25-26 December. The Acropolis Museum sits at the foot of the Acropolis. It is open Monday to Thursday 09:00 to 17:00 in winter and 09:00 to 20:00 in summer. Friday hours extend to 22:00. General admission is EUR 20 and reduced is EUR 10. Free entry applies on 6 March, 25 March, 18 May, and 28 October. Other neighborhoods worth visiting include Thissio, Gazi, Keramikos, and the Athens Riviera suburbs of Glyfada and Vouliagmeni.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best ticket for a 3-day visit to Athens?
The 3-day tourist ticket at EUR 20 is the best value for most visitors. It includes unlimited travel on metro, buses, trams, and trolleys for 72 hours, plus a round-trip airport transfer by metro or express bus. Without this pass, a round-trip airport metro costs EUR 18 alone, so the tourist ticket pays for itself quickly.
Which neighborhood is closest to the Acropolis?
Plaka sits directly at the foot of the Acropolis and is the most famous neighborhood for visitors. Koukaki is adjacent to the Acropolis Museum and also very close. Monastiraki is within walking distance and connects to the metro.
Sources
- Oasa.Gr
Locator: Athens public transport ticket prices and conditions. All ticket types and fares listed are quoted from the OASA official prices page.. Verified 2026-08-14.
- Stasy.Gr
Locator: Athens Metro Line 3 timetables and frequency. Route duration and first/last train times are from the STASY official timetables page.. Verified 2026-08-14.
- Thisisathens.Org
Locator: Athens neighborhood descriptions. All neighborhood names and character summaries are from the official Athens Tourism Partnership guide.. Verified 2026-08-14.