Athens and Beyond: A Guide To Public Transport In Greece

Greece is a captivating destination that beckons travelers from around the world to explore its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. At the heart of the Greek travel experience lies an extensive public transportation network that connects the mainland and its myriad of islands. From the iconic yellow taxis of Athens to the scenic train routes and efficient ferry services, navigating Greece has never been easier.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into the various modes of public transportation available, empowering you to plan an unforgettable journey across this enchanting country.

Buses are the most common and widespread form of public transportation in Greece. They serve both urban and intercity routes, connecting major cities, towns, and villages.

KTEL buses offer a practical and budget-friendly way to explore Greece. The acronym KTEL stands for "Joint Association of Bus Operators," representing a network of private local bus companies.

Due to the decentralized nature of KTEL operations, there's no single, comprehensive platform for all bus information. To plan your KTEL journeys, you'll likely need to use online search engines like Google.

KTEL buses serve key destinations throughout Greece, departing primarily from two Athens stations: Kifissos and Liosion. Both are accessible by bus X93 from the airport, though taking a taxi from your hotel might be more convenient.

Located in Patisia, Liosion is near the Agios Nikolaos metro station. Buses depart from Liosion to Central Greece. (Fokida, Fthiotida, Viotia, Magnisia, Pieria, Evia, Evritania, Karditsa, Larissa, and Trikala)

Kifissos is located on the outskirts of Athens, near Sepolia and Eleonas metro stations. Buses depart to:

• Peloponnese: Achaia, Argolida, Arcadia, Ilia, Corinth, Laconia, and Messinia.
• Ionian Islands: Zakynthos, Corfu, Kefalonia, and Lefkada.
• Western and Northern Greece: Thessaloniki, Ioannina, Kavala, and Chalkidiki.

For international travelers visiting these regions, flying directly to local airports might be more convenient.

Ticket prices for public transportation vary depending on whether your journey is within the cities, to suburban areas, or to other cities in Greece.

• Intra-City: Tickets cost €1.10 ($1.21) or €1.80 ($1.98), depending on your destination.
• Suburban: Tickets range from €1.60 ($1.76) to €8 ($8.83).
• Intercity: Travel to Athens, Thessaloniki, or Larissa by intercity bus.

• One-Way: Tickets are valid for a one-way journey.
• Purchase Before Boarding: Purchase tickets before boarding the bus to avoid higher prices.
• On-Board Purchase (Urban): Buy tickets on the bus, but at a higher price than the regular fare.
• Sales Points: Tickets are available at central bus stations, vending machines, and kiosks.

For unlimited travel within the city, consider purchasing a €5 day ticket.

Traveling by train in Greece offers a safe and budget-friendly way to explore the country. Greece's extensive railway network spans approximately 2,500 kilometers, covering much of the mainland. Regular routes connect various cities and towns, transporting passengers, luggage, and vehicles.

Trains include high-quality Intercity types (express and regular) and regular trains (high-speed). As you travel, admire the historic architecture of the old train stations, many built in the late 19th century.

Greece's railway network passes through many areas of natural beauty, offering unique views that can only be fully appreciated by train.

In addition to regular routes, Greece offers special excursion trains, including conventional and museum steam-powered trains. These routes provide a unique experience, allowing you to explore the country's stunning interior.

• Diakopto - Kalavryta (Peloponnese)
• Pilio (Thessaly)
• Nestos (Eastern Macedonia)
• Suburban Railway (Proastiakos)

These routes include a direct connection of Athens - Athens “Eleftherios Venizelos” International Airport, with seven stops along the way.

• Athens - City of Corinth (84 km west of Athens - 7 intermediate stations)
• Corinth - Kiato (24 km)
• Corinth - Athens "Eleftherios Venizelos" International Airport (11 intermediate stations)

Ferries are the primary mode of transportation for exploring Greece's countless islands. Operated by various private companies, ferries connect the islands to each other and to certain mainland ports.

Three major ports serve Athens: Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio. From these ports, you can reach:

• Cyclades: Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos
• Dodecanese: Rhodes, Kos
• Northern Aegean: Lesvos, Ikaria, Chios
• Saronic: Hydra, Aegina, Spetses

Additionally, ferries from Piraeus travel to Chania and Heraklion on Crete.

For most foreign visitors, flying directly to an island is often more convenient than taking a ferry, especially if time is limited. However, if you plan to island-hop extensively, ferries are essential. For example, the Mykonos-Santorini route is much easier by ferry than by flight.

• Ionian Islands (Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia): Access from Patras, Kyllini, and Igoumenitsa.
• Sporades Islands (Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos): Access from mainland ports.

Consider flying to an island with an international airport and then using ferries to explore nearby islands. For example, the journey between Kefalonia and Ithaca takes only 20 minutes by ferry, and Skopelos is just 30 minutes from Skiathos.

Utilize online platforms like Ferryhopper and Ferries in Greece to simplify your Greek island-hopping adventure. These user-friendly websites allow you to:

• compare routes and schedules
• compare ferry operators
• book tickets online

While buses, trains, and ferries offer excellent public transportation options, they might not be the most comfortable or convenient for everyone. Taxis, on the other hand, provide a more direct and door-to-door service, although they are a significantly more expensive choice.

• Minimum Fare: €4 ($4.41)
• Per Kilometer:
  • Single Rate (Daytime): €0.90 ($1.00)
  • Double Rate (Nighttime: 00:00 to 05:00): €1.25 ($1.38)
• Additional Charges:
  • Luggage fees
  • Waiting time fees
  • Pre-arranged pick-up fees

For instance, a taxi ride from Athens Airport to the city center can cost up to €50 ($55.21). For a smooth and reliable taxi experience, consider using mobile apps like Free Now. These apps allow you to pre-book your taxi, choose your driver, and even pay online.

While Athens taxis are known for their vibrant yellow color, taxi colors vary across different Greek cities. So, don't be surprised if you see a dark blue taxi in Thessaloniki or other colors elsewhere!

Greece's stunning landscapes offer a dream driving experience. Renting a car allows you to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems. However, it's important to consider a few things before hitting the road:

• Driving Habits: Greek driving customs can be different from what you're used to. Be aware of practices like overtaking on bends, aggressive lane changes, and less frequent use of turn signals.
• Experience Level: If you're unfamiliar with these habits or uncomfortable navigating narrow streets (especially in central Athens or on islands), renting a car might not be the best option.
• Logistics: Ensure your driver's license is valid in Greece. Better yet, you should get a foreign driver’s license online to be more secure. Meanwhile, EU insurance is valid within the EU, but visitors from outside might need additional coverage.

Consider all factors to decide if renting a car aligns with your comfort level and travel style.

Here’s how you can make your public transportation a breeze when traveling in Greece:

• Book Early: Ferry and bus tickets sell out quickly, especially during the summer months. Book your travel in advance to secure your seats and avoid any last-minute stress.
• Double-Check Timetables: Bus and ferry schedules can change depending on the season, so always confirm them before your trip to avoid any unexpected delays.
• Validate Tickets: Always validate your ticket before boarding buses, trains, or the Athens metro to avoid any fines.
• Be Flexible: Allow some extra buffer time in your travel plans. Public transportation schedules in Greece can sometimes be flexible, especially during the peak season.
• Athens Transport Pass: If you plan to spend a significant amount of time in Athens, consider purchasing an integrated transport pass for unlimited travel on the Metro, buses, and trams. You can find more information on the Official Athens Guide: https://www.thisisathens.org/getting-around/public-transportation-metro-bus-tram.

By following these tips and understanding the various modes of public transportation available in Greece, you can explore the country efficiently and enjoy your journey to the fullest.

Greece's public transportation system is a testament to the country's commitment to accessibility and connectivity. Whether you choose to hop on a KTEL bus, glide through the islands by ferry, or experience the scenic train routes, each mode of travel offers a unique window into Greece's remarkable diversity.

By understanding the nuances of the system and planning ahead, you can seamlessly weave together an itinerary that allows you to immerse yourself in the country's timeless beauty and captivating spirit. So pack your bags, grab your tickets, and let Greece's efficient and versatile transport network be your guide to an unforgettable adventure.