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Getting Around
Public Transport
Public transport in the city is run by the Athens Urban Transport Organisation (tel: 185). The transport system consists of buses, trolley buses, city-centre minibuses and a metro/electric train service, which is currently being expanded rapidly, due to the forthcoming Olympic Games.
Public transport is cheap and extensive but often overcrowded, particularly during the siesta rush hour of 1300-1500. Fares are low – a bus ticket costs €0.45 and a metro ticket €0.70. 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 for the entire urban network are available for €35.
Blue buses run daily 0500-2430 – 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, stopping regularly at red signs Monday to Friday 0630-1700 (Tuesday until 2100). Minibus 150, which runs along the street Stadiou, connecting Omonia Square and Syntagma Square, is free. The other routes charge €0.45 like normal buses.
The original electric train/metro line (Line 1) runs north–south between the suburb of Kifissia and the port at Piraeus daily 0500-2415. The metro (website: www.ametro.gr) is undergoing an expansion. Line 2 now brings sightseers within a ten-minute walk of the upper city with its new Acropolis station, while the new east–west line (Line 3) runs from Syntagma to Ethniki Amyna and should be extended all the way to Eleftherios Venizelos airport by 2004.
Taxis
A number of companies operate radio cabs in Athens, which can be reserved over the phone for a €2 charge. Reputable companies include Athina 1 (tel: 210 921 7942), Ermis (tel: 210 411 5200), Hellas (tel: 210 645 7000) and Ikaros (tel: 210 515 2800). Official yellow taxis with red-on-white number plates can also be hailed on the street. During the siesta rush hour of 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 unscrupulous drivers may occasionally try to overcharge naďve tourists, so it is wise for travellers to ensure that the meter is switched on and functioning before departure. The meter starts at €0.74 and is non-negotiable. Within the city the rate is €0.24 per kilometre, outside the city the rate is €0.40 and there is a minimum charge of €1.50. Extra charges for baggage, trips to the airport and late-night journeys are explained in English on charts inside the taxis.
Limousines
The Greek Limousine Drivers’ Union (tel: 210 323 3957) provides information on limousine services in Athens. Providers include Astra Limousine Service (tel: 210 923 6755), Limousine Service (tel: 210 323 4120) and Convecta Travel Agency and Limousine Services, Amalias 46 (tel: 210 322 5090). Rates start at around €270 for an eight-hour hire period.
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 daily rush hours but the busiest is 1300-1500 when people are going to and from home, offices, shops, schools during the siesta. The other busy periods are 0800-0900, 1700-1800 and 2000-2100. 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 the streets Nikis–Karageorgi Servias–Voulis and N. Nikodemou. The scheme is slowly being extended to create a traffic-free zone in the whole central area.
Parking is extremely difficult in central Athens, being restricted in many streets. Vehicles contravening these regulations may be towed away. Pavements are often blocked by desperate drivers who have been unable to find a parking place. Luxury hotels have their own garages, otherwise drivers can try the central but very crowded car park at Kathmonos Square (a ten-minute walk from Syntagma Square). The main parking lot on the outskirts of the city centre is at the new Olympic Stadium, at Irini. From here it is a 25-minute metro ride into the centre.
For all these reasons, driving in Athens cannot really be recommended to visitors. A car is more of a problem than an asset in Athens, although visitors may wish to rent a car for a trip out of the city.
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 minimum age for hiring a car ranges from 21 to 25 years.
Most car hire firms have offices in Athens and at the airport. Major providers include Avis (tel: 210 322 4951; website: www.avis.gr), Budget (tel: 210 349 8800; website: www.budget.gr), Europcar (tel: 210 924 8810; website: www.europcar.com) and Hertz (tel: 210 922 0102; website: www.hertz.gr). Hire rates for a small car start at around €50 per day.
Scooter & Bicycle Hire
Scooters are a popular means of transport in Athens. Riding a bicycle in Athens, however, cannot be not advised. Rent Moto, Robertou Gali 1, Makrigiani (tel: 210 923 4939; fax: 210 923 4885; website: www.motorent.gr), hires out scooters and bicycles. They have a second office in Piraeus. Rates for scooter hire start at €20 for 24 hours (plus a credit card deposit).
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General
