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| Home - City Guide - Athens - Getting Around | ||
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Getting Around Public Transport Public transport in the city is run by the Organisation for Urban Public Transportation, Metsovou 15 (tel: 185 or (01) 883 6076) is open Monday to Friday 0800-1430. The transport system consists of buses (timetables available on tel: 142), trolley buses, city centre minibuses and a metro/electric train service, which is currently expanding rapidly due to the forthcoming Olympic Games. Public transport is cheap and extensive but often overcrowded, particularly during rush hour. Fares are low; an adult ticket costs Dr120. Tickets are sold at bus terminals and some street kiosks (periptera) and must be validated in orange machines located onboard the buses or in the metro station. Failure to produce a validated ticket on request results in a heavy fine. Monthly passes are available for Dr6000. Blue buses run daily 0500-0030; there is a limited night service on the major routes. Services are often disrupted by traffic jams and strikes. The most visited parts of the city, including the major attractions, are served by several yellow trolley bus routes. In most cases, however, it is preferable to walk. Minibuses 100, 150 and 200 operate in the historic triangle and commercial centre downtown stopping regularly at red signs Monday to Friday 0630-1700 (Tuesday until 2100). Minibus 150, which along Stadiou Street, connecting Omonia Square and Syntagma Square, is free. The other routes charge Dr120. The original electric train/metro line (Line 1) runs north-south between the suburb of Kifissia and the port at Piraeus daily 0500-0015. The metro is undergoing expansion and a new east-west line (Line 3) opened in January 2000, the most important new station being at Syntagma. A new Acropolis station is opening imminently and eventually a line will run all the way to the new airport at Stavros, scheduled to open in 2002. Taxis A number of companies operate radio cabs in Athens, which can be reserved over the phone for a Dr400-600 charge. Official yellow taxis with red-on-white number plates can also be hailed on the street. During rush hour (1300-1500) taxis are in demand, and it is not unusual to share the ride (but not the fare) with other passengers. This practice is safe if not entirely legal. Tipping is not customary although taxi drivers may expect to 'keep the change' when handed a note. Taxis in Athens are probably cheaper than in any other European capital but, occasionally, unscrupulous drivers may try to overcharge naïve tourists so it is wise to ensure that the meter is switched on and functioning before departure. The meter starts at Dr200 and is non-negotiable. Within the city the rate is Dr66 per kilometre, outside the city the rate is Dr130 and there is a minimum charge of Dr500. Extra charges for baggage, journeys to the airport, late-night journeys etc are explained in English on charts inside the taxis. A new transport service in the city is provided by a fleet of MotoTaxis, Despos Sechou 3 (tel: (01) 924 2313); motorbikes that carry passengers. There is a flat rate of Dr500 for each ten minutes of the journey. An additional Dr500 is charged for an appointment and the journey to the airport costs Dr5000. Limousines The Greek Limousine Drivers' Union (tel: (01) 323 3957) provides information on limousine services in Athens. Providers include AAA Royal Prestige (tel: (01) 988 3221), Astra Limousine Service (tel: (01) 923 6755), Limousine Service (tel: (01) 323 4120) and Convecta Travel Agency and Limousine Services, Amalias 46 (tel: (01) 322 5090). Rates are charged at around Dr36,144 per day. Driving in the City Despite the Government's efforts, the centre of Athens still has a traffic and pollution problem. There are times when the streets become completely clogged with traffic and pollution levels are high. The tradition of the afternoon siesta means that in summer, there are four rush hours daily. The latest traffic-reduction scheme bans all motor vehicles from the commercial centre of Athens, defined as the area around Stadiou, Mitropoleos, Athinas, Omonia Square, Syntagma Square and Monastiráki Square. There is, however, limited access for cars to and from hotels and car parks along Nikis-Karageorgi Servias-Voulis-N. Nikodemou streets. The scheme is slowly being extended to create a traffic-free zone in the whole central area. Parking is restricted in many Athens streets and vehicles contravening these regulations may be towed away. Pavements are often blocked by desperate drivers who have been unable to find a parking place. Car Hire Regulations vary from company to company, however, in all cases drivers require a valid driving licence. A national driving licence is sufficient for nationals of EU states, other nationalities should obtain an International Driving Permit. The Motor Insurance Bureau, Xenofontos 10 (tel: (01) 323 0673) provides an advisory service. The minimum age for hiring a car ranges from 21 to 25 years. Most car hire firms have offices in Athens and at the airport. Reservations can be made by contacting the car hire agency direct, or through the Association of Car Rental Enterprises, Syngou 230 (tel: (01) 951 0921; fax: (01) 957 4315). Hire rates for a small car start at around Dr18,000 per day. Scooter & Bicycle Hire Scooters are a popular means of transport in Athens. Rent Moro hires out scooters and bicycles. Their three offices are located at 3rd Sepzevriou 126 (tel: (01) 881 1993), Falirou 5, Maigrigianni (tel: (01) 923 4939; fax: (01) 922 0877) and Flessa 11, Piraeus (tel: (01) 418 6500). Riding a bicycle in Athens is not advised. |
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