The Athens Metro Railway is an efficient and convenient mode of public transportation for locals and tourists alike. It connects various parts of the city and provides easy access to popular tourist attractions such as the Acropolis and the National Archaeological Museum. To make the most of your journey on the Athens Metro, it’s important to understand the ticketing system, fare chart, route map, and timings. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the Athens Metro Ticket, covering everything you need to know to plan your journey, including the fare chart, pass options, route, stations, zone, fare card, and timings.
Timing: Athens Metro operates from early morning until late at night, with operating hours varying depending on the day of the week. On weekdays, trains start running from around 5:30 AM until midnight. On weekends and public holidays, trains operate from around 6:30 AM until midnight.
Ticket price
Ticket price for Athens Metro Fare starts from € 1.20 ( US$ 1.30), Book tickets on official website. Check more information.
Different types of tickets
The following tickets are valid for the city’s public buses, trolleybuses, metro, tram and commuter trains during a given time:
- 90-minute ticket: € 1.20 (US$ 1.30)
- 24-hour ticket: € 4.10 (US$ 4.50)
- 5-day ticket: € 8.20 (US$ 8.90)
- 3-day tourist ticket (includes return transport from the airport): € 22 (US$ 23.90)
- Seniors over 65 years old, teenagers under 18 years old, university students under 25 years old can purchase reduced fare tickets. For example, the 90-minute ticket costs € 0.50 (US$ 0.50).
Children aged less than 7 years old can travel for free on all the means of transport.
Ticket portal
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Navigating the Athens Metro Ticket System
How to Purchase an Athens Metro Ticket
Athens Metro tickets can be purchased at any metro station from automatic ticket machines or the ticket booth. It is essential to keep the ticket with you at all times as you will need it to enter and exit the metro system.
Types of Athens Metro Tickets Available
There are several types of Athens Metro tickets available, including single tickets, daily tickets, and multiple-day tickets. Single tickets can be used for one metro journey only, whereas daily and multiple-day tickets can be used for unlimited journeys within a specific time frame.
Validity and Expiration of Athens Metro Tickets
Athens Metro tickets are valid for 90 minutes from the time of validation. You can use any metro line and transfer as many times as you like within the 90 minutes. Make sure to validate your ticket at the start of your journey to avoid any penalties.
Fare Chart and Pass Options
Athens Metro Fare Chart
Athens Metro fares vary depending on the distance you are traveling. The fare chart is available at every station, and you can also find it on the official Athens Metro website.
Athens Metro Pass Options
The Athens Metro offers several pass options for visitors, including the Athens CityPass and the Athens TravelCard. These passes include unlimited use of public transportation, discounts on attractions and tours, and free entry to some museums.
How to Choose the Right Athens Metro Pass
Choosing the right Athens Metro pass depends on your travel needs and preferences. If you are only visiting for a few days and plan to use public transportation frequently, the Athens TravelCard might be the best option. However, if you want to take advantage of more discounts and free entries, the Athens CityPass might be a better choice.
Metro Route and Stations
The Athens Metro has three lines: Line 1 (green), Line 2 (red), and Line 3 (blue). Line 1 connects the port of Piraeus with the city center, Line 2 connects the west and the east of Athens, and Line 3 connects the southwest with the northeast.
Major Athens Metro Stations and Interchanges
Some of the most important Athens Metro stations include Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Acropolis. These stations are located in the heart of Athens and provide easy access to major attractions such as the Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum, and the National Archaeological Museum.
Popular Attractions Near Athens Metro Stations
The Athens Metro provides convenient access to several popular attractions. For example, the Syntagma Station is close to the Greek Parliament and the National Garden. The Acropolis Station is near the Acropolis Museum and the ancient Parthenon. Other notable attractions near Athens Metro stations include the Omonia Square, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Technopolis City of Athens.
Athens Metro Line 4: Stations and Route Map
Line 4 is planned to be a fully automated, driverless line that will run from Alsos Veikou in the east to Galatsi in the west. The line will span a total of 30 km, and will have 28 stations. The line will also connect to Lines 2 and 3, providing seamless transfer options.
Stations on Line 4
Some of the stations on Line 4 include Alsos Veikou, Kaisariani, Katehaki, Evangelismos, Syntagma, Omonia, Ano Patisia, and Galatsi.
Route Map of Line 4
The route of Line 4 will run from the eastern suburb of Alsos Veikou to the western suburb of Galatsi, covering 28 stations and a distance of 30 km.
Athens Metro Line 5: Stations and Route Map
Line 5 will be an extension of Line 2, running from Elliniko to Agios Dimitrios. The line will have a total length of 7.6 km and will include six new stations. It will provide easy access to popular destinations like the Tae Kwon Do Stadium, the Metropolitan Expo, and the Athens Riviera coastline.
Stations on Line 5
Some of the stations on Line 5 include Elliniko, Argyroupoli, Alimos, Ilioupoli, and Agios Dimitrios.
Route Map of Line 5
Line 5 will connect Elliniko in the south to Agios Dimitrios in the north, spanning 7.6 km and featuring six new stations.
Upcoming Stations on Existing Lines: Line 2 and 3 Extensions
Line 2 will be extended from its current terminus at Elliniko to Haidari, while Line 3 will be extended from Aghia Marina to Piraeus. These extensions will improve connectivity to important neighborhoods and landmarks in the region.
Stations on Line 2 and 3 Extensions
Some of the stations on Line 2 extension include Argyroupoli, Korydallos, and Haidari. On Line 3 extension, stations include Dimotiko Theatro, Nikaia, and Piraeus.
Route Map of Line 2 and 3 Extensions
The extensions to Line 2 and 3 will greatly improve transit services across Athens. The extended Line 2 will run from Elliniko to Haidari while the extended Line 3 will run from Aghia Marina to Piraeus. With the extension of both lines, Athens Metro commuters can expect a quicker and more comfortable commute.
Understanding Zones
Athens Metro is divided into three fare zones – Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3. Zone 1 covers the central Athens area, while Zone 2 and Zone 3 cover the outer areas of the city.
Athens Metro Zone Map
To see which zone your desired station is in, check the Athens Metro zone map that is displayed inside every train and station. The map also shows the boundaries of each zone and the stations that mark those boundaries.
Fare Calculation Based on Zones
The fare for Athens Metro travel depends on the zones that your journey passes through. The more zones you pass through, the higher the fare. To calculate the fare for your journey, check the Athens Metro fare chart which is available on the Athens Metro website or displayed at each station.
Benefits of Using a Fare Card for Athens Metro
A fare card or ticket is essential for traveling on Athens Metro. A fare card is a rechargeable smartcard that can be used to pay for travel on both the Athens Metro and the bus network in Athens.
Advantages of Using a Fare Card
Using a fare card to travel on Athens Metro has several advantages. Firstly, it is more convenient than purchasing a ticket each time you travel. Secondly, it is more cost-effective as it offers discounted fares compared to purchasing a single ticket each time.
How to Purchase and Use a Fare Card
To purchase a fare card, visit any Athens Metro station or authorized vendor. You can also purchase a fare card online or through a mobile app. Once you have a fare card, you can use it to tap in and tap out of the trains and buses. To use the fare card, simply hold it against the card reader at the entrance and exit of the station or bus.
FAQ
What are the new lines that are being added to the Athens Metro network?
The two new lines added to the Athens Metro network are Line 4 and Line 5. Line 4 is a 13.5 km underground line that will cross Athens from Galatsi to Goudi, connecting with Line 2, Line 3, and Line 5. Line 5 is a 20 km line that will connect the suburban areas northeast of Athens with the city center, running from Ethniki Amyna to Nea Elvetia.
When will the Athens Metro expansion project be completed?
The Athens Metro expansion project is expected to be completed in 2023. However, due to unforeseen circumstances like weather conditions, the construction timeline may be delayed.
How will the Athens Metro expansion impact commuting in the city?
With the addition of two new lines and the extension of existing lines, the Athens Metro expansion is expected to greatly reduce traffic congestion in the city and provide commuters with a more comfortable and convenient means of transportation. The expansion is also expected to improve connectivity between Athens’ suburban areas and the city center.
What is the future of Athens Metro expansion beyond 2023?
The Athens Metro expansion is a continuous project that is expected to keep addressing the city’s growing transport needs beyond 2023. Athens authorities are considering the construction of additional lines and extensions to existing ones, with plans to further modernize and expand the city’s public transport network.
