This guide covers everything from navigating the acropolis metro connections to finding the right acropolis station (Σταθμός Ακρόπολης) for your visit.
Athens’ metro system is your best ally for reaching the Acropolis. The network consists of three color-coded lines that connect the city’s main points of interest. The entire system operates under an integrated ticketing scheme called ATH.ENA, which means one ticket works across metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses.
The metro runs from approximately 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM on weekdays, and on Fridays and Saturdays, Lines 2 and 3 extend service until 2:00 AM, perfect if you’re planning a late evening in the city.
The Athens International Airport (Αεροδρόμιο Αθηνών) connects to the city center via the Blue Line (M3). Your journey requires one transfer at Syntagma (Σύνταγμα).
Here’s your route: board the M3 Blue Line at the airport station (follow the clearly marked “Metro” signs from arrivals). Stay on until Syntagma, which takes about 40 minutes. At Syntagma station, transfer to the Red Line (M2) heading toward Elliniko. Exit at the very next stop, Acropoli.
Total journey time: approximately 60 minutes
Cost: €9.00 for a single airport ticket (€16.00 for round trip, valid 30 days)
IMPORTANT. The airport ticket is special. Don’t try using a regular €1.20 ticket for this journey. The system will let you enter at the airport station, but you’ll face a €72 fine when inspectors check your ticket at the exit in the city center. Always purchase the specific “Airport Ticket” from the machines before boarding.
From Syntagma Square (Πλατεία Συντάγματος). This is refreshingly simple. Take the Red Line (M2) toward Elliniko and exit at the next station, Acropoli. The metro ride takes just 5 minutes. Alternatively, it’s a pleasant 20-25 minute walk if you prefer to explore on foot.
You can also take the subway from the port of Piraeus (Λιμάνι Πειραιά). Take the Green Line (M1) from Piraeus station directly to Monastiraki. The journey takes 20-30 minutes depending on wait times.
At Monastiraki, you have two choices. The recommended option? Exit the station and walk 10-15 minutes through the enchanting Plaka neighborhood to the Acropolis entrance. The cobblestone streets and neoclassical architecture make this approach memorable. If you’d rather skip the uphill walk, stay underground. Transfer from the Green Line to the Blue Line (M3) for one stop to Syntagma, then switch to the Red Line (M2) for one final stop to Acropoli.
Your ticket cost depends on your travel needs. Here’s a clear breakdown of your main options:
| Ticket Type | Price | Validity | Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Ticket | €1.20 | 90 minutes | All public transport (metro, bus, tram) within Athens urban area. Does NOT include airport journeys | Single trips or short visits with one transfer |
| 24-Hour Pass | €4.10 | 24 hours | Unlimited travel on all public transport. Does NOT include airport journeys | One full day of intensive sightseeing |
| 5-Day Pass | €8.20 | 5 days (120 hours) | Unlimited travel on all public transport. Does NOT include airport or X80 bus | Multi-day stays focused on city exploration |
| 3-Day Tourist Ticket | €20.00 | 3 days (72 hours) | Unlimited city travel PLUS one round-trip to/from the airport (metro or express bus) | Short stays including airport transfers |
| Airport Single | €9.00 | 90 minutes | One journey to/from airport plus transfers within the city | One-way airport transfer |
| Airport Round-Trip | €16.00 | 30 days | Two journeys (round-trip) to/from airport | Return airport transfers within a month |
The 24-hour pass becomes worth it after just four single journeys (4 × €1.20 = €4.80). For a full day of temple-hopping, museum visits, and neighborhood exploration, it’s your best bet.
The 3-day tourist ticket deserves special attention. At €20, it includes airport transfers worth €16 on their own, meaning you’re essentially getting three days of unlimited city travel for just €4 extra. If your itinerary matches this timeframe and you’re flying in and out of Athens, this is exceptional value.
Buy tickets at the multilingual vending machines in any metro station. They accept both cash and cards. Remember that you must validate your ticket at the turnstiles when entering metro stations, and again when exiting. For buses and trams, validate immediately upon boarding using the blue electronic validators.
Beyond the metro, Athens operates a suburban railway system called Proastiakos (Προαστιακός), run by Hellenic Train. However, Proastiakos does not have a station at the Acropolis. If you’re arriving from the airport or Piraeus port and want the experience of a suburban train (more spacious, above-ground views), you can use Proastiakos for the main leg of your journey, then transfer to metro for the final approach.
The takeaway? Use Proastiakos if you value the commuter train experience or are coming from regional destinations. Otherwise, the metro’s directness, frequency, and simplicity make it the superior choice for reaching the Acropolis.
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