A simple rule to start with
How long are you in Athens?
- 1 day: check whether a day pass makes sense, especially if you plan several rides.
- 2-5 days: the five-day pass is often the simpler and more economical choice.
- Longer stays: think about an ATH.ENA Card or a mix of five-day and single tickets.
- Airport rides are separate — the standard city products do not automatically cover the airport metro or Suburban Rail.
The main ticket types
€1.20
Standard city ticket for urban journeys, valid for a set time window with transfers.
€4.10
Day pass for multiple rides inside the city. It does not automatically count as an airport ticket.
€8.20
A practical option for a short stay with frequent use. Check the exact validity and coverage before buying.
€9.00
Special ticket for metro or Suburban Rail to or from the airport. The express airport buses may use a different product.
€18.00
Airport return ticket, useful if you already know you will be flying out again within the validity period.
€20.00
A tourist product that may combine city travel and airport use. Read carefully what it includes before choosing it.
Prices do change with OASA decisions. Before you buy, check the machine screen or the official fare list, especially for airport products, reduced tickets and tourist bundles.
Which one makes sense? Examples
- Weekend only in the centre: a few single tickets or a day pass can be enough, depending on how much you plan to walk.
- Three to five days with frequent travel: the five-day pass often simplifies things.
- Three days with airport arrival and departure: compare the tourist product with separate airport and city tickets.
- Longer stays: do not automatically buy a 30-day pass. Compare a mix of five-day and single tickets with an ATH.ENA Card based on your real trips.
Where to buy
Metro station vending machines
The safest choice for most visitors. Machines usually offer foreign-language menus and normally accept cash or cards.
Metro ticket offices
Larger stations often have staffed counters. They help if you are unsure about an airport ticket, a reduced fare or the ATH.ENA Card.
Kiosks
Some kiosks sell tickets, but not all of them do. They are mainly useful if you are away from a station and need a bus ticket.
Digital options
Digital tools change over time. If you use an app or contactless payment, make sure the gate or validator actually confirms the charge.
Contactless EMV at the gate
Contactless payment is expanding across the network. It can be convenient for occasional rides, but for airport products and bundled tickets check carefully what is being charged.
Machines on some buses
Some vehicles have machines or validators with more options. Do not rely on this; buy before you board.
The ATH.ENA Card
The ATH.ENA Card is the rechargeable card for the Athens network. You can load products such as day, five-day or longer-duration tickets, depending on what is currently available. It is useful if you are staying several days or do not want to keep buying paper tickets.
For a simple card or top-up, start at a larger metro station or a staffed counter. If you need a personalised card or a reduced product, documents may be required. Do not leave it for five minutes before departure.
Validation — the bit everyone forgets
Validate every ticket, every time
In the metro, the gate itself acts as validation. On buses, trolleybuses and trams, though, you still need to validate inside the vehicle even if you have already bought the ticket. If you do not, an inspection will treat it as an invalid ride and you may receive a fine.
Inspectors
Inspections happen on the metro, buses, trolleybuses and tram. The inspector checks whether your ticket or card has been validated properly. Fines are many times higher than the value of the ticket, so the safest approach is simple: validate every time and keep the ticket until the journey is over.
Discounts and free travel
- Children: they may qualify for free or reduced travel, depending on age and proof.
- Students: reductions depend on country, age and valid documentation.
- Older passengers: reductions usually require ID or another suitable document.
- Passengers with disabilities: special rules apply and certification may be needed.
- Visitors: if you are not sure you qualify for a reduced product, buy the standard ticket or ask at a staffed counter first.
Practical advice
- At the airport, choose the airport ticket clearly. If you are unsure, ask at the ticket office.
- For several days, think in products rather than in many singles. It saves time at the machines.
- Do not underestimate walking. If you stay in the centre, you may need fewer rides than you expect.
- Keep return or multi-use tickets safe. If you lose the unused part, replacement is not easy.
How to get to Angel Athens (Ioulianou 50)
The nearest station is Victoria on Line 1. From the airport, take Line 3 to Monastiraki and change to Line 1 toward Kifissia for Victoria. That trip needs the airport ticket, and it then covers the transfer within the ticket's time limit.
FAQ
Are tickets cheaper online?
Usually not. Prices are regulated and do not work like airline fares with discounts. The main advantage of digital or contactless options is convenience.
Is there a "tourist card" combo?
There is a tourist-oriented transport product that may combine city travel and airport use, depending on the current fare table. Do not confuse it with the combined archaeological-sites ticket, which is separate. See the combined site ticket guide.
What about the Hop-on Hop-off bus?
That's a separate commercial operation. Not part of OASA. Day passes don't work on it.
Children — what age proof?
A passport is usually the simplest proof of age for visitors. If you want a reduced product, ask before buying so you know whether your documents are enough.
Are there refunds?
For unused single or multi-day products, usually not. For an ATH.ENA Card, recovery depends on the type of card and whether it is registered.
— Kathy
