Athens, the historic capital of Greece, offers a rich tapestry of ancient history and modern living. For visitors aiming to discover the city's treasures, mastering the public transport system is essential. This comprehensive guide delves into the various modes of transportation available in Athens, providing insights and updates to help you traverse the city with ease.
The Athens Metro is not only a means of transportation but also a subterranean museum, showcasing Greek artifacts unearthed during its construction. The system comprises three lines: the Green Line (Line 1), the Red Line (Line 2), and the Blue Line (Line 3). The Green Line, the oldest of the three, dates back to 1869 and connects Piraeus with Kifisia. The Red and Blue Lines were added in the 1990s, with the first sections opening in January 2000. Together, they serve a daily ridership of approximately 550,000 passengers with a fleet of 42 trains and 252 cars. The Blue Line extends from the western suburbs through central Athens to the northeastern suburbs and the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, covering a total of 39 km (24 mi). The Red Line connects Aghios Antonios with Aghios Dimitrios over a distance of 11.6 km (7 mi). Ongoing expansions aim to extend these lines further, including a westward extension to Piraeus and southward to the site of the old Hellinikon Airport, which is being transformed into a Metropolitan Park.
The Electric Railway, also known as the ISAP, is the original metro line running from Piraeus to Kifisia. It serves 22 stations along a 25.6 km (15.9 mi) route, with a fleet of 44 trains and 243 cars, accommodating around 600,000 passengers daily. Plans are underway to extend the Green Line to Agios Stefanos, increasing its length to 36 km (22 mi).
The Proastiakos, or Suburban Railway, links the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to Corinth, Larissa Station, and the port of Piraeus. Currently, the network spans 120 km (75 mi) and is expected to reach 281 km (175 mi) with future expansions to Xylokastro and Chalkida.
Athens boasts an extensive bus network with over 300 lines and a fleet of 1,839 buses, including 416 natural gas vehicles, the largest such fleet in Europe. The Electric Buses of the Athens and Piraeus Region (ILPAP) operate 22 lines with a fleet of 366 trolleybuses that can switch to diesel during power outages.
The Athens Tram network consists of 42 trams serving 48 stations with an average daily ridership of 80,000 passengers. The network connects Syntagma Square to the coastal suburbs, with branches to Voula and Neo Faliro. Since its inception in 2004, the tram has been extended and further expansions are planned towards Piraeus and Vouliagmeni.
Taxis are abundant and affordable in Athens. During peak hours, it's common for passengers to share rides if they are heading in the same direction, although this practice is officially discouraged.
The state-of-the-art Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, located 35 km (22 mi) east of central Athens, was named "European Airport of the Year 2004." It was constructed in 51 months at a cost of 2.2 billion Euros and features an express bus service connecting to the metro, as well as direct bus services to Piraeus and the city center.
Athens is the focal point of Greece's national railway system (OSE), with connections to major cities and international destinations. The country's main highways lead to Patras and Thessaloniki, while the Attiki Odos ring road provides easy access around the city. The port of Piraeus is the departure point for ferries to the Aegean islands.
For more detailed information on schedules and routes, you can visit the official Athens Public Transport website. For real-time updates and ticketing information, the Athens Transport app is a valuable resource for travelers.
In summary, Athens' public transportation network is a complex yet efficient system that provides access to the city's historical sites and modern amenities. With ongoing expansions and improvements, it continues to serve as the backbone of urban mobility in the Greek capital.
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