Exploring Athens is an experience like no other. From ancient wonders to lively neighbourhoods and seaside escapes, the Greek capital is easy to enjoy once you know your way around. With a range of affordable and efficient transport options, the best way to get around Athens depends on your pace, preferences, and plans.

Located just a few minutes’ walk from Metaxourgeio Metro Station, Candia Hotel Athens makes discovering the city both effortless and budget-friendly. For tips on your arrival route, check our guide on How to Get from Athens Airport to City Center.

Best Way to Get Around Athens: Transport Options

Choose between three major public transport options: Metro, Buses and Trams connect visitors to all areas of Athens. Important note, on Saturdays, buses, trams and metro operate 24/7.

Getting Around Athens by Metro

Fast, affordable, and easy to navigate, the Athens Metro is the most efficient way to explore the city. It consists of three main lines:

• Blue Line (Line 3) – connects the airport to central Athens.
• Red Line (Line 2) – runs through major areas such as Acropolis and Syntagma.
• Green Line (Line 1) – the historic overground line linking Piraeus Port with northern suburbs.

A single ticket costs €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes across metro, bus, and tram routes. Trains operate from approximately 5:30 a.m. to midnight, with clear signage in English and Greek.

Guests staying at Candia Hotel Athens are just a 4-minute walk (or 1-minute drive) from Metaxourgeio Station, offering direct connections to the city’s highlights including Monastiraki, Acropolis, and Syntagma.

Travel Tip: Purchase an Ath.ena Card for 24-hour or 3-day unlimited travel, including airport rides.

Buses and Trams: Budget-Friendly Public Transport in Athens

For routes not served by the metro, Athens offers a vast bus and tram network that reaches every corner of the city. Get your information for connections throughout Athens city here. The X-lines connect key hubs like the Airport (X95), while trams link the center to the Athens Riviera — perfect for a scenic seaside ride.

The same €1.20 ticket (or Ath.ena Card) covers all these modes within 90 minutes, making it one of the best-value transport systems in Europe. Buses operate frequently, and digital boards at major stops display arrival times.

Travel Tip: The tram is a great option for families and visitors who prefer a calmer, scenic way to travel.

Taxis and Ride Apps in Athens

Taxis are plentiful and convenient, especially late at night or when travelling with luggage. The base fare starts around €3.50, with additional charges per kilometre. Expect to pay €5–€15 for short city rides and €40–€55 for airport transfers.

Ride apps like Beat and Uber operate locally, offering easy booking and transparent pricing. While pricier than public transport, taxis are ideal for comfort and door-to-door convenience.

Walking and Exploring on Foot

Some of the best ways to get around Athens don’t involve transport at all. Many landmarks are located within comfortable walking distance of each other. Wander through Plaka, Monastiraki, or Syntagma, where pedestrian streets reveal neoclassical buildings, artisan shops, and traditional cafés.

Staying at Candia Hotel Athens means you’re close enough to walk to neighbourhood tavernas and easily reach the metro when you’re ready to go further.

A Convenient Base – Candia Hotel Athens

After a day of exploring, returning to a comfortable and connected base makes all the difference. Candia Hotel Athens combines convenience and value, just steps from Metaxourgeio Metro Station, ensuring easy access to every part of the city.

When it’s time to unwind, guests can relax on the hotel’s Athens Rooftop Acropolis view. The rooftop bar is open from May to September, while access to the terrace, and its spectacular views, is available year-round.

Moving Around Athens Made Easy

The best way to get around Athens really depends on how you like to travel. Take the metro for speed, hop on a bus or tram for scenic routes, stroll through pedestrian streets for authentic discoveries, or hail a taxi when convenience calls.

Whichever way you explore, Candia Hotel Athens places you right at the heart of it all — with the city’s transport network just moments from your door.