Greece offers a captivating blend of ancient history, stunning islands, and Mediterranean culture. From the iconic Acropolis in Athens to the whitewashed villages of Santorini, this sun-soaked destination combines archaeological wonders with pristine beaches and world-class cuisine.
- Public
- Athens has a good integrated metro, bus, and tram network (all on the same €1.40 ticket). Islands rely on KTEL buses which are affordable but infrequent. Ferries are the essential inter-island transport.
- Taxi
- Available throughout Greece via Beat, Uber (Athens/Thessaloniki only), and street hailing. Athens taxis have fixed rates (€38 to centre from airport). Scams can occur - insist on meter.
- Rental
- Car hire is recommended for exploring the Peloponnese, Crete, and Rhodes where public transport is sparse. Scooters popular on small islands but responsible for many tourist accidents.
- Walking
- Athens historic centre (Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma) is very walkable. Islands vary - Santorini's caldera path and Mykonos Town are excellent on foot; larger islands require transport.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Metro Line 3 to Syntagma - €10, 40 minutes
- Shuttle
- Express Bus X95 to Syntagma - €6, 60 minutes
- Bus
- Taxi flat rate to center - €38 day / €54 night
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
{'athens': 'Extensive network covering all areas - €1.40 per ride, same ticket valid for metro/tram', 'thessaloniki': 'Good city coverage - €1 per ride, €2 for 24-hour pass', 'islands': 'Main towns connected by KTEL buses - €2-8 depending on distance, infrequent schedules', 'tips': 'Buy tickets at kiosks before boarding. Limited evening and Sunday service on islands.'}
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, tram, ferries
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- €3.50 (day) / €6 (night midnight-5am)
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Flights
Routes: Athens connects to all major islands - 35-60 minute flights
Cost: €50-150 depending on season and advance booking
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos
From centre: 33 km
Options: Metro Line 3 to Syntagma - €10, 40 minutes; Express Bus X95 to Syntagma - €6, 60 minutes; Taxi flat rate to center - €38 day / €54 night; Airport shuttle services - €18-25 per person
Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia
From centre: 15 km
Options: Bus 78 to city center - €2, 45 minutes; Taxi to center - €20-25, 20 minutes; Airport shuttle - €10-15 per person
Heraklion Airport Nikos Kazantzakis
From centre: 5 km
Options: Bus to city center - €1.50, 15 minutes; Taxi to center - €12-15, 10 minutes; Car rental on-site from €25/day
Rhodes International Airport Diagoras
From centre: 16 km
Options: Bus to Rhodes Town - €2.50, 30 minutes; Taxi to Rhodes Town - €25-30, 25 minutes; Hotel shuttles available at most resorts
Santorini Airport
From centre: 6 km to Fira
Options: Bus to Fira - €2, 15 minutes (limited schedule); Taxi to Fira - €15-20, 10 minutes; Pre-booked transfers - €20-30, most reliable option
Mykonos Airport
From centre: 4 km
Options: Bus to Mykonos Town - €2, 10 minutes (infrequent); Taxi to town - €15-20, 10 minutes; Hotel shuttles - often included with booking
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Beat (FREE NOW)
Greece's most popular ride-hailing app, works in Athens and Thessaloniki with more drivers than Uber. Fixed prices, English interface.
Ferryhopper
Best app and website for booking Greek ferry tickets with English interface, real-time availability, and e-tickets accepted at all ports.
OASA Telematics
Official Athens bus and metro live tracking app, shows real-time positions of all Athens city buses - essential for navigating the bus network.
Trainose
Official Greek Railways booking app for intercity trains, including the Athens-Thessaloniki route and Peloponnese services.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Book ferry tickets online at Ferryhopper.com or Direct Ferries at least 2 weeks ahead for popular July-August routes between Athens (Piraeus), Santorini, and Mykonos
The Athens metro runs to the airport (€10, 40 minutes) - far cheaper and more reliable than taxis for airport transfers
On islands, scooter hire seems tempting but Greek statistics show tourists represent a disproportionate share of motorbike accident casualties - use quad bikes (safer) or hire a car
Use the Beat app (Greek Uber equivalent) in Athens and Thessaloniki for transparent pricing and to avoid taxi overcharging
Athens bus/metro tickets must be validated in the yellow validator before boarding - inspectors do check and fines are €60