# Public transport in Athens

Public transport in Athens comprises a bus network, various rail systems, funiculars, and maritime services to serve the more than 4 million inhabitants of the city spread over an area of 2928 km$^2$.

## Rail transport
### Metro

The Athens Metro is operated by Stasy S.A (Statheres Sygkoinonies S.A) which is a subsidiary company of OASA (Athens urban transport organisation) and provides public transport throughout the Athens Urban Area. While its main purpose is transport, it also houses Greek artifacts found during construction of the system. The Athens Metro has an operating staff of 387 and runs three metro lines; namely the Line 1 (Green), Line 2 (Red) and line 3 (Blue) lines, of which the first was constructed in 1869, and the other two largely during the 1990s, with the initial sections opened in January 2000. The line 1 for the most part runs at ground level and the other two (lines 2,3) routes run entirely underground (except the Doukisis Plakentias-Airport section) and a fleet of 42 trains consisting of 252 cars operate within the network, with a daily occupancy of 1,353,000 passengers.

#### Line 1

Line 1 (the Green Line) serves 24 stations, and forms the oldest line of the Athens metro network. Runs from Piraeus station to Kifissia station and covers a distance of 25.6-kilometre (15.9 mi). There are also transfer connections with the Blue (line 3) at Monastiraki and Piraeus station and with Red (line 2) at Omonia and Attiki stations.

#### Line 2

Line 2 (the Red Line) runs from Anthoupoli station to Elliniko station with a total number of stations being 20 and covers a distance of 17.5 km (10.9 mi).[116] The line connects the western suburbs of Athens with the southeast suburbs, passing through the center of Athens. The Red line has transfer connections with the Green (line 1) at Attiki and Omonia Square stations. There are also transfer connections with the Blue (line 3) at the Syntagma Square station and with the Tram at Syntagma Square, Syngrou-Fix station and Neos Kosmos station. There is a planned expansion of this line from Anthoupoli to Ilion, and the estimated completion date is 2028.

#### Line 3

Line 3 (the Blue Line) runs from the western suburbs, namely the Dimotiko Theatro metro station, through the central Monastiraki and Syntagma stations to Doukissis Plakentias avenue in the northeastern suburb of Halandri, covering a distance of 23 stations and 16 km (10 mi), then ascending to ground level and reaching Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport with a total of 27 stations, using the Suburban Railway infrastructure and extending its length to 39 km (24 mi). The spring 2007 extension from Monastiraki westwards, to Egaleo, connected some of the main night life hubs of the city, namely the ones of Gazi (Kerameikos station) with Psirri (Monastiraki station) and the city centre (Syntagma station). The line extension westwards towards Piraeus was completed in 2022.

### Suburban Railway (Proastiakos)

The Athens Suburban Railway, referred to as the Proastiakos, connects Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to the city of Aigio, 170 km (106 mi) west of Athens, and Larissa station, the city's central rail station, with the port of Piraeus and Chalkida. The length of Athens's commuter rail network extends to 120 km (75 mi), and is expected to stretch to 281 km (175 mi) by 2010. The Suburban Railway will be extended to Patras.

### Tram

Stasy operates a fleet of 60 vehicles, 35 'Ansaldobreda Sirio' and 25 'Alstom Citadis 305', which serve 60 stations, employ 345 people with an average daily occupancy of 65,000 passengers. The tram network spans a total length of 27 km (17 mi) and covers ten Athenian suburbs. The network runs from Syntagma Square to the southwestern suburb of Pireus, where the line splits in two branches; the first runs along the coastline toward the southern suburb of Voula, while the other heads towards the port of Piraeus. The network covers the majority of the Athens coastline. There are plans to extend the tram network into the Ellinikon development area.

### Railways and ferry connections

Athens is the hub of the country's national railway system (OSE), connecting the capital with major cities across Greece and abroad (Istanbul, Sofia and Bucharest). Due to low demand and financial difficulties, all international rail services were suspended indefinitely in 2011. The Port of Piraeus connects Athens to the numerous Greek islands of the Aegean Sea, with ferries departing, while also serving the cruise ships that arrive.

## Road transport
### Bus transport

OSY (Greek: ΟΣΥ) (Odikes SYgkinonies), or Road Transport, is the main operator of the bus network in Athens. It was created in 2011 after the merger of ETHEL and ILPAP, the two previous bus operators in Athens. As of 2017, its network consists of about 322 bus lines which span the Athens Metropolitan Area. As of 2020 has an operating staff of 4,669, and a fleet of 1,897 buses. Of those 1,897 buses, 301 run on compressed natural gas and 286 are electric buses (trolleybuses). All of the 286 trolleybuses are equipped to enable them to run on diesel in case of power failure.
Intercity and regional bus links are provided by KTEL from two InterCity Bus Terminals, Kifissos Bus Terminal A and Liosion Bus Terminal B, both located in the center-western part of the city. International bus links are provided by various private transport companies.
The daytime bus network in the city run between the hours of 05:00 – 00:00 generally. OSY has two bus routes which operate on a 24-hour basis; the 11 and 040. Most routes depart on a 30-60 minute frequency Mon-Sun. It also runs three intermunicipal night lines (which operate after midnight); X14, 500 and 790. The Athens Transport Authority also operates four 24-hour express bus-lines from Athens International Airport to different parts of the city. The X95 links to the city centre, the X93 links to Kifissos and Liosion bus stations, the X96 links to the Port of Piraeus and the X97 links to Elliniko metro station. As of 2021 the fare on these services was 5.50 euro per person.

#### Bus depots in Athens

There are 8 bus depots in the Athens greater area.
| Depot | Area | Coordinates | Notes |
| Acharnes | Acharnes | 38°06′14″N 23°45′29″E﻿ / ﻿38.10389°N 23.75806°E﻿ / 38.10389; 23.75806 | Opened in 2020. Operated by Sygoinonies A.E. |
| Agios Dimitrios | Agios Dimitrios | 37°55′56″N 23°43′04″E﻿ / ﻿37.93222°N 23.71778°E﻿ / 37.93222; 23.71778 |
| Ano Liosia | Ano Liosia | 38°05′39″N 23°41′41″E﻿ / ﻿38.09417°N 23.69472°E﻿ / 38.09417; 23.69472 |
| Anthousa | Anthousa | 38°00′41″N 23°52′11″E﻿ / ﻿38.01139°N 23.86972°E﻿ / 38.01139; 23.86972 |
| Attiki | Attiki | 37°59′51″N 23°43′22″E﻿ / ﻿37.99750°N 23.72278°E﻿ / 37.99750; 23.72278 | Originally trolleybus depot. Also used for buses since 2024. |
| Elliniko | Elliniko | 37°54′01″N 23°44′29″E﻿ / ﻿37.90028°N 23.74139°E﻿ / 37.90028; 23.74139 | The depot was closed in 2018 |
| Gazi | Kerameikos | 38°03′17″N 23°44′34″E﻿ / ﻿38.05472°N 23.74278°E﻿ / 38.05472; 23.74278 | Trolleybus depot. Closed in 2014 |
| Koropi | Koropi | 37°52′52″N 23°52′48″E﻿ / ﻿37.88111°N 23.88000°E﻿ / 37.88111; 23.88000 | Opened in 2024. Operated by Sygoinonies A.E. |
| Nea Filadelfeia | Nea Filadelfeia | 38°03′17″N 23°44′34″E﻿ / ﻿38.05472°N 23.74278°E﻿ / 38.05472; 23.74278 | Trolleybus depot |
| Neo Faliro | Piraeus | 37°56′42″N 23°39′37″E﻿ / ﻿37.94500°N 23.66028°E﻿ / 37.94500; 23.66028 | Trolleybus depot. Closed |
| Petrou Ralli | Rouf | 37°58′36″N 23°41′25″E﻿ / ﻿37.97667°N 23.69028°E﻿ / 37.97667; 23.69028 |
| Rentis | Agios Ioannis Rentis | 37°58′15″N 23°40′10″E﻿ / ﻿37.97083°N 23.66944°E﻿ / 37.97083; 23.66944 |
| Rouf | Rouf | 37°58′43″N 23°41′26″E﻿ / ﻿37.97861°N 23.69056°E﻿ / 37.97861; 23.69056 | Trolleybus depot. Built in 2011. |
| Votanikos | Votanikos | 37°58′49″N 23°42′17″E﻿ / ﻿37.98028°N 23.70472°E﻿ / 37.98028; 23.70472 |

#### Athens bus rolling stock
##### New buses

| Bus model | Number | Entered service | Retired | License plates | Depot(s) | Type | Country |
| Menarini Citymood 12 CNG | 200 | 2025 | | | | Single-decker natural gas | Italy |
| Iveco Urbanway 18 CNG | 100 | 26 Feb 2025 | Active | | Anthousa | Single-decker natural gas articulated | France |
| Yutong E9 | 100 | 3 Feb 2025 | Active | ΧΡΑ 6001-ΧΡΑ 6100 | | Single-decker electric midibus | China |
| Temsa MD9 | 8 | 2024 | Active | ZNΜ 3931-ZNΜ 3938 | Koropi Acharnes | Single-decker midibus | Turkey |
| MΑΝ Lion's City 18C | 30 | 2024 | Active | | Koropi | Single-decker articulated | Germany |
| MΑΝ Lion's City 12C | 130 | 2024 | Active | | Koropi Acharnes | Single-decker | Germany |
| Yutong E12 | 140 | 17 May 2024 | Active | ZNK 9801-ZNK 9940 | Rentis Agios Dimitrios Petrou Ralli Attiki Anthousa | Single-decker electric | China |
| Unvi Urbis 2.5 DD | 4 | 2011 | 2011 | ΥΝN 9947-ΥΝN 9950 | Elliniko | Double-decker | Spain |
| Irisbus Citelis GNV | 200 | 24 Jan 2011 | Αctive | ΥΝP 9001-ΥΝP 9200 | Ano Liosia | Single-decker natural gas | France |
| Solaris Urbino ΙΙΙ 18 | 100 | 2009 | Αctive | ΥΝΝ 9821-ΥΝΝ 9920 | Petrou Ralli | Single-decker articulated | Poland |
| Solaris Urbino ΙΙΙ 8,6 | 220 | 14 Feb 2009 | Αctive | ΥΝΝ 9601-ΥΝΝ 9820 | Votanikos Elliniko | Single-decker midibus | Poland |
| Irisbus Agora GNV | 133 | 2005 | 31 Jan 2025 | ΥΝΕ 9861-ΥΝΕ 9993 | Anthousa | Single-decker natural gas | France |
| Irisbus Agora S | 283 | 2004 | Active | ZKZ 9701-ZKZ 9983 | Rentis | Single-decker | France |
| Neoplan N6216 | 91 | 2003-2004 | Active | 8001-8091 | Nea Filadelfeia | Single-decker trolleybus | Germany |
| Neoplan N6221 | 51 | 2003-2004 | Active | 9001-9051 | Nea Filadelfeia | Single-decker articulated trolleybus | Germany |
| ELVO C99.405N | 20 | 2001-2002 | Active | YMI 1730-YMI 1749 | Petrou Ralli | Single-decker | Greece |
| Renault Agora CNG | 295 | 2001 | 2020 | ZZP 8701-ZZP 8995 | Anthousa Ano Liosia | Single-decker natural gas | France |
| ELVO C97.405N | 190 | 2000-2001 | Active | YMI 1540-YMI 1729 | Votanikos Petrou Ralli | Single-decker | Greece |
| Van Hool A300T | 112 | 1999-2000 | Active | 7001-7112 | Rouf Attiki | Single-decker trolleybus | Belgium |
| Neoplan N6014 | 112 | 1999-2000 | Active | 6001-6112 | Rouf Neo Faliro Gazi | Single-decker trolleybus | Germany |
| ELVO C97.N4007 | 200 | 1998-2001 | 7 Mar 2025 | YMI 1220-YMI 1419 | Votanikos Anthousa Rentis | Single-decker midibus | Greece |
| ELVO C97.405GN | 220 | 1998-2000 | Active | YMI 1000-YMI 1219 | Petrou Ralli Anthousa Elliniko | Single-decker articulated | Greece |
| Saracakis "Athina" | 120 | 1999 | Active | ΥΜΙ 1420-ΥΜΙ 1539 | Petrou Ralli | Single-decker articulated | Greece |
| ELVO C93.405N "Vergina" | 53 | 1994-1996 | 2009 | ΥΕΜ 4709-ΥΕΜ 4745 YKP 9093-YKP 9108 | Elliniko Agios Dimitrios | Single-decker | Greece |
| Den Oudsten Alliance City B90 | 71 | 1994 | 2010 | YEM 4822-YEM 4892 | Agios Dimitrios | Single-decker | Netherlands |
| Van Hool A300 | 111 | 1994 | 2010 | YEM 4893-YEM 5003 | Votanikos | Single-decker | Belgium |
| Neoplan N4016 | 95 | 1994 | 2009 | YEΚ 5192-YEΚ 5210 YEΜ 4746-YEΜ 4821 | Votanikos | Single-decker | Germany |
| Mercedes-Benz O405N | 299 | 1993-1994 | 29 Dec 2023 | YEH 7401-YEH 7460 YEK 5101-YEK 5191 YEK 5211-YEK 5350 YEM 4701-YEM 4708 | Elliniko Votanikos Agios Dimitrios Anthousa | Single-decker | Germany |
| Van Hool A507 | 33 | 1991 | 29 Dec 2013 | YBΡ 6801-YBP 6833 | Votanikos | Single-decker minibus | Belgium |
| Steyr Hellas 260.22 | 145 | 1984 | 2004 | YAE 2301-YAE 2445 | Elliniko | Single-decker | Greece |
| Magirus-Deutz M230E120 | 300 | 1982 | Circa 2000 | YN 6501-YN 6700 YY 9701-YY 9800 | Votanikos Petrou Ralli | Single-decker | Germany |
| Leyland Olympian | 20 | 1982 | 1994 | YAY 1805 YAY 2418-YAY 2421 YAY 2547 YAY 5262-YAY 5263 YAY 5267-YAY 5278 | Votanikos | Double-decker | United Kingdom |
| Saracakis SB756 "Deinosauros" | 100 | 1981 | 2005 | YN 6901-YN 7000 | Votanikos | Single-decker articulated | Greece |
| Atlas Balkancar | 200 | 1981 | 1994 | YN 6701-YN 6900 | Elliniko Agios Dimitrios Ano Liosia | Single-decker | Bulgaria |
| Ikarus 260.22 | 902 | 1978-1983 | Circa 2000 | OZ 7001-OZ 7300 YZ 4101-YZ 4300 YN 6301-YN 6500 HE 2001-HE 2202 | Elliniko Votanikos Rentis | Single-decker | Hungary |
| ZiU-9 | 357 | 1977-1991 | 2004 | | Gazi Attiki Neo Faliro | Single-decker trolleybus | Soviet Union |

##### Second-hand buses (2021-2025)

| Bus model | Number | License Plates | Depot | Type | Country |
| Mercedes-Benz O530 Citaro | 76 | XEK 6001-XEK 6004 XEK 6006-XEK 6017 XEK 6089-XEK 6134 XEK 6139-XEK 6142 XEK 6154-XEK 6155 XEK 6158-XEK 6175 | Votanikos | Single-decker | Germany |
| Irisbus Crossway | 66 | XEK 6024 XEK 6228-XEK 6292 | Anthoussa | Single-decker | France |
| Volvo 7700 | 53 | XEK 6030-XEK 6073 XEK 6080-XEK 6088 | Agios Dimitrios | Single-decker | Sweden |
| Solaris Urbino III 18 | 32 | XEK 6015 XEK 6020 XEK 6022 XEK 6176-XEK 6191 XEK 6197-XEK 6204 XEK 6209 XEK 6219-XEK 6222 | Petrou Ralli | Single-decker articulated | Poland |
| MAN A21 Lion's City | 30 | XEK 6005 XEK 6008-XEK 6014 XEK 6135-XEK 6138 XEK 6143-XEK 6153 XEK 6156-XEK 6157 | Votanikos | Single-decker | Germany |
| Solaris Urbino III 12 | 12 | XEK 6016-XEK 6019 XEK 6021 XEK 6023 XEK 6223-XEK 6227 XEK 6293 | Petrou Ralli | Single-decker | Poland |
| Mercedes-Benz O530G Citaro | 11 | XEK 6192-XEK 6196 XEK 6206-XEK 6208 XEK 6213-XEK 6215 | Petrou Ralli | Single-decker articulated | Germany |
| MAN A23 Lion's City | 7 | XEK 6205 XEK 6210-XEK 6212 XEK 6216-XEK 6218 | Petrou Ralli | Single-decker articulated | Germany |
| Volvo 8700 | 6 | XEK 6074-XEK 6079 | Agios Dimitrios | Single-decker | Sweden |

## Athens public transportation statistics

The average amount of time people spend commuting with public transit in Athens, for example to and from work, on a weekday is 71 min. 16% of public transit riders, ride for more than 2 hours every day. The average amount of time people wait at a stop or station for public transit is 18 min, while 34% of riders wait for over 20 minutes on average every day. The average distance people usually ride in a single trip with public transit is 6.8 km, while 13% travel for over 12 km in a single direction.