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
- Network
- KTEL operates comprehensive intercity network covering all of Greece
- Athens delphi
- €17, 3 hours
- Athens nafplio
- €14, 2.5 hours
- Athens meteora
- €30, 5 hours
- Booking
- Online at KTEL website or at bus stations
- Tips
- Comfortable coaches with A/C. Book ahead for popular routes in summer.
Flights
Routes: Athens connects to all major islands - 35-60 minute flights
Cost: €50-150 depending on season and advance booking
- Airlines
- Aegean, Olympic Air, Sky Express
- Tips
- Often faster than ferries but check baggage fees. Book early for island routes in summer.
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