Since the opening of the metro in January 2000 and the subsequent openings of Eleftherios Venizelos Airport in 2001, the suburban railway and the tram in 2004, the city has seen a significant reduction of time between distances and much of the main roads alleviated from heavy traffic jams.

The regular €1.20 (“integrated”) ticket lets you travel on any means of transport — metro, suburban trains, trams, trolleybuses, buses — with unlimited transfers anywhere within Athens (except the metro airport line east of Doukissis Plakentias and the airport buses) for 90 minutes, and you can also get a €4.50 ticket valid for 24 hours, a €9 weekly (5-day) ticket or a €22 tourist (3-day) ticket that also includes one Metro ride to the airport and one from the airport.

Tickets can be topped up using touchscreen terminals at most/major stations and stops, such terminals can also issue refund of unused deposit.

Terminals are designed to accept contactless card payment, but in many cases this is not functional. Always validate your ticket before entering any form of public transport.