Welcome to Athens
Athens is a city known for its openness, vibrant atmosphere, and longstanding tradition of welcoming international guests.
Useful information
- 112 – General European emergency number (police, ambulance, fire). Works from any phone.
- 100 – Police
- 166 – Ambulance / Medical emergency
- 199 – Fire brigade
- 108 – Coast Guard (sea-related emergencies)
Tip: If you’re unsure which service you need, call 112. Operators often speak English.
In November, Athens transitions from autumn toward winter, with mild and generally comfortable conditions.
The weather features a mix of sunny, cooler, and rainy days.
Key Weather Details
- Temperatures: Daytime highs are pleasant (around 18–19°C), but it gets chilly at night, requiring a jacket or sweater.
- Rainfall: November is one of Athens' wetter months, with rain expected on approximately 8–9 days. Showers can be intense but often pass quickly.
- Sunshine: There are about 5 hours of sunshine per day, significantly less than in the summer months.
- Wind: The city may experience some windy days, adding to the chill factor.
It is most common in busy locations such as metro stations, buses, markets, and areas with heavy foot traffic.
Delegates should be mindful of their belongings, keep bags zipped and close to the body, avoid carrying valuables in back pockets, and be cautious of distractions or unsolicited help.
With basic awareness and sensible precautions, moving around the city is generally safe and straightforward.
Credit Card Emergency Service Numbers (Stolen or Lost Cards)
- Visa:toll-free +30 00800116380304
- Mastercard:toll-free +30 0800118870303
- American Express: +30 2103260000
The official currency in Athens and throughout Greece is the Euro (€). Cash and card payments are widely accepted across the city.
- Credit & Debit Cards: Major cards such as Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, and public transport ticket machines. American Express is accepted in some locations but not universally.
- Cash Payments: Small businesses, cafés, kiosks, and taxis may prefer or require cash, so it is advisable to carry some euros.
- ATMs: ATMs are widely available throughout Athens, including at banks, metro stations, shopping areas, and the airport. Foreign cards are generally accepted, though fees may apply depending on your bank.
- Banks: Greek banks typically operate Monday to Friday during standard business hours. ATMs remain accessible outside banking hours.
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Currency Exchange: Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and authorized exchange offices.
Exchange rates at the airport may be less favorable than in the city.
Transportation in Athens
City & Trolley Buses
Athens operates an extensive network of city buses and electric trolleybuses serving central Athens and surrounding districts. They provide wide coverage across the city, including areas not directly accessible by metro.
Routes:
City and trolley buses run throughout Athens, with dense coverage in central areas.
Express bus routes connect Athens International Airport with key city locations and operate 24/7.
Ticket Prices (Approx.):
• Standard Urban Ticket: €1.20 – valid for 90 minutes on buses, trolleybuses, metro, tram, and suburban railway (urban zone)
• Airport Express Bus Ticket: €5.50 (one way)
Service Times:
Most city and trolley bus routes operate from early morning until late evening.
Night buses and airport express routes operate overnight, with reduced frequency.
Practical Notes:
Traffic conditions may affect travel times, particularly during peak hours.
Tickets must be validated upon boarding.
Tip for Delegates: Buses are useful for short distances or locations not served by metro, while airport express buses are a cost-effective option for late-night or early-morning airport travel.
The Athens Metro consists of three lines that provide fast, reliable connections across the city. Stations are clearly signposted in English, and trains run frequently throughout the day.
Line 1 (Green Line):
Connects the port area of Piraeus with northern Athens.
This line serves several central stations and connects with other metro lines.
Note that Line 1 includes older, above-ground sections.
Line 2 (Red Line):
Runs from northwest to southeast Athens, passing through central districts.
It is a modern underground line and is commonly used for access to central business and residential areas.
Line 3 (Blue Line):
Connects western and eastern Athens and provides a direct connection to Athens International Airport.
This line serves major hubs and is the primary metro option for airport transfers.
Interchanges:
Key interchange stations allow easy transfers between lines, enabling efficient cross-city travel.
Tip for Delegates: For most city travel and airport access, Lines 2 and 3 are the most convenient and time-efficient options.
Athens Tram Lines
The Athens Tram serves the southern part of the city, connecting central Athens with coastal districts. It operates at street level and links with metro stations along its route.
Line T6 (Syntagma – Pikrodafni):
Connects the city center area with southern residential districts.
This line is useful for reaching locations south of central Athens and for connections with metro services.
Line T7 (Asklipio Voulas – Agia Triada):
Runs along the coastline, connecting southern suburbs and seaside areas.
It is primarily used for coastal travel rather than central city movement.
Line T3 (Piraeus – Voula):
Connects the port of Piraeus with southern coastal districts.
This line provides access to areas outside the immediate city center.
Connections:
The tram network connects with metro stations, allowing transfers between tram and metro services where required.
Tip for Delegates: The tram is best suited for travel between southern districts or coastal areas, rather than time-critical city center travel.
Suburban Railway (Proastiakos)
The Suburban Railway (Proastiakos) connects central Athens with Athens International Airport and selected regional destinations. It is mainly used for airport transfers and longer-distance travel rather than regular city commuting.
Routes:
The most commonly used route for delegates is the direct connection between Athens city stations and Athens International Airport.
Ticket Prices (Approx.):
• Airport Route: €9.00 (one way)
• Urban Zone Travel: Standard €1.20 ticket (valid for 90 minutes, where applicable)
Service Times:
Trains to and from the airport generally operate from early morning until late evening.
Frequency is typically every 15–30 minutes, depending on the time of day.
Connections:
The suburban railway connects with major metro stations, allowing transfers to the Athens Metro network.
It is mainly used for airport transfers and longer-distance travel rather than daily city movement.
Tip for Delegates: The suburban railway is a reliable option for airport transfers, especially during peak traffic hours, but is less practical for short inner-city trips.Athens uses a unified ticketing system valid across buses, trolleybuses, metro, tram, and suburban railway (within the urban zone).
- Standard Ticket: €1.20 – valid for 90 minutes
- 24-Hour Ticket: €4.10 – unlimited travel for 24 hours
- 5-Day Ticket: €8.20 – unlimited travel for five consecutive days
- Metro to/from Airport: €9.00 (one way)
- Airport Express Bus: €5.50 (one way)
Important: Tickets must be validated before travel. Fines apply for traveling without a valid ticket.
Important to note Prices may vary.Taxis are widely available in Athens and are a convenient option for direct, door-to-door travel, especially when carrying luggage or traveling outside peak public transport hours.
Availability:
Taxis can be hailed on the street, found at designated taxi ranks, or booked via mobile apps.
All licensed taxis in Athens are yellow.
Fares (Approx.):
Fares are regulated and metered. Night rates apply between late evening and early morning.
Additional charges may apply for airport transfers, luggage, or tolls.
Recommended Taxi Apps:
• FREE NOW: Widely used in Athens, allows booking licensed taxis, fare estimates, and card payment.
• Uber: Operates in Athens using licensed taxis (no private ride-sharing); booked via the Uber app.
• Beat: A popular local taxi app (now integrated into FREE NOW) offering reliable service and digital payments.
Payment:
Most taxis accept cash and credit cards, though it is recommended to confirm card payment before starting the trip.
Tip for Delegates: Using a taxi app is the most reliable way to ensure fare transparency, digital receipts, and English-language support.
