Athens by Bus and Tram

Athens and its suburbs are covered by a good network of buses, with express buses running between central Athens and major neighborhoods, including nearby beaches.

During the day, buses tend to run every 15-30 minutes, with reduced service at night and on weekends. Buses run from about 5 am to midnight.

Main bus stations are at Akadimias and Sina and at Kaningos Square. Bus and trolley tickets cost EUR 1.

The ticket is valid for a duration of 90 minutes and can be used for all modes of public transport (including bus, trolley, tram, metro, and suburban trains).

Remember to validate the ticket (insert it in the ticket machine on the platform or on the train or bus to get it stamped with the date) once when you begin your journey.

Day passes for EUR 3, weekly passes for EUR 10, and monthly passes for all means of transport for EUR 35 (EUR 15 for buses, trolleys, and trams only) are sold at special booths at the main terminals.

Passes are not valid for travel to the airport or on the E22 Saronida Express.

Maps of bus routes (in Greek) are available at terminal booths or from EOT. The Web site of the Organization for Urban Public Transportation (OASA) has a helpful English-language section.

Orange-and-white KTEL buses provide efficient service throughout the Attica basin.

Most buses to the east Attica coast, including those for Sounion (EUR 5.20 for inland route and EUR 5.70 on coastal road) and Marathon (EUR 3.40), leave from the KTEL terminal.

A tram link between downtown Athens and the coastal suburbs features two main lines.

Line A runs from Syntagma to Glyfada; Line B traces the shoreline from Glyfada to the Peace & Friendship Stadium on the outskirts of Piraeus.

Single tickets cost EUR 1 and are sold at machines on the tram platforms.

City tram (www.tramsa.gr.)

KTEL Buses - Attica (Aigyptou Sq. at corner of Mavromateon and Leoforos Alexandras near Pedion Areos park, Pedion Areos, Athens, 10682. 210/880-8082 departure info for Marathon and Sounion; 210/880-80117 departure info for Marathon and Sounion. www.ktelattikis.org.)

Organization for Urban Public Transportation (Metsovou 15, Exarchia, Athens, 10682. 210/820-0999 or 210/883-6076. www.oasa.gr.)