If you are planning a trip to Athens, there are a few notes you should take -and I do not mean the route to Acropolis or the address of the best taverna!
You need to know the "transportation culture" and the best way to get around. I believe that after 26 years of visiting Athens annually, ... Read review
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Advantages: cheap, easy Disadvantages: too much traffic in the centre 24/7
If you are planning a trip to Athens, there are a few notes you should take -and I do not mean the route to Acropolis or the address of the best taverna!
You need to know the "transportation culture" and the best way to get around. I believe that after 26 years of visiting Athens annually, I am your man when it comes to advice of this nature (or the woman for that matter!)
Your options are: the tram, the bus ... ...good ol'athenean taxis:
-The Tram
Not quite the super-fast "city worms" of Amsterdam, but definitely one of the safest and most pleasant means to travel with, especially during the rush hour. All the trams is service are brand new, as the routes were built only recently for the Athens Olympics of 2004. They are fully air conditioned, very cheap (fares around 1.50 euros max) and provide a gorgeous trip by the coastline ... more
If you are planning a trip to Athens, there are a few notes you should take -and I do not mean the route to Acropolis or the address of the best taverna!
You need to know the "transportation culture" and the best way to get around. I believe that after 26 years of visiting Athens annually, I am your man when it comes to advice of this nature (or the woman for that matter!)
Your options are: the tram, the bus / trolley, the metro and last but not least, the good ol'athenean taxis:
-The Tram Not quite the super-fast "city worms" of Amsterdam, but definitely one of the safest and most pleasant means to travel with, especially during the rush hour. All the trams is service are brand new, as the routes were built only recently for the Athens Olympics of 2004. They are fully air conditioned, very cheap (fares around 1.50 euros max) and provide a gorgeous trip by the coastline -especially around sunset. You can pick them up from "Symtagma" square, outside the Hellenic Parliament, where you can also choose you (limited) routes.
-The bus / trolley (express airport service too) The difference between a bus and a trolley is that the second operates on electricity. They are easy to spot and take you almost everywhere around Athens. They are as cheap as the tram, but beware: you have to buy your tickets beforehand, usually from the kiosks. Also, make sure you know the route you wish to follow, as bus stops do not always provide analytical maps. In any case, you will find your fellow passengers most helpful!
-The metro (airport service too) Or, "the tube" as we know it. Recently built and with short lines of about 16 kilometres, but very efficient, safe and clean. Cheap too but doesn't always take you to the doorstep of your destination. Still, you should check it out: it is cool, fast and impressively decorated with marbles and other materials.
-The Taxi Saved the best for last! The taxis, also known as "the necessary evil" is the mean of transportation you will end up using the most. They are SO cheap, they are everywhere and they take you exactly where you want so you don't need to bother with maps and directions. They are yellow too, which adds a New York edge to the whole experience. You can share them with other people so don't be surprised if a taxi stops to take you carrying other passengers. It is not legal by the way, but who cares on a hot summer day? Just keep track of the price on the taxi's meter and remember what it was when you got in.
And now the downside...
Even though most taxi-drivers are friendly, nice and professional, you are bound to bump on the idiot at some point. Here are 4 tips to keep you (and your pocket) on the safe side: 1. When you enter the taxi,make sure the driver turns his "tariff" or "meter" on. The fare is not negotiable so do not make a deal with the driver who will most likely cheat. 2. Make sure the tariff is set to number " 1 " not number " 2 " in one of the 4 corners of the meter's face. Number 2 indicates charging double the normal rate which applies only when you use a cab after midnight or take the taxi for a trip outside the Athens city limits. (Does not apply to the airport either) 3. There is an additional charge for every suitcase you take with you and that is no more than 0,50 euros each. If the driver insists for more, request the price list he is obliged to carry with him. 4. A ride from the airport to Athens city centre costs between 12-25 euros. NO MORE THAN THAT. 5. Never-ever mention this is your first time in Athens. (You don't want to go asking for it, do ya?)
Ah... I think that was it. You know the basic theory and you can safely move on to practice. And as a bonus, know this: taxi drivers would love to teach you a few greek words too (makes them feel important!) There you go, Greek level 1 for free!
Advantages: cheap, easy to use Disadvantages: does not serve many tourist destinations.
The metro is cheap and easy to use. Tickets are available from machines (all notices in Greek) or from desks (some English spoken). The network connects the city centre with suburbs, which means it goes to residential areas, not tourist attractions. Tourists are likely to use it for a couple of stops in the centre, for travel to Piraeus, or possibly for travel to the railway station. The undergrouund station at Syntagma Square displays some of the ...
Aquila 27.08.2000
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Getting around in Athens
Advantages: cheap, functional, part of the Athens experience Disadvantages: driven by maniacs, many cars unsafe
Taxis are part of the Athens experience. They are very cheap, found absolutely everywhere, and you are bound to use them sooner or later.
In the city centre shared taxis are common, especially if you are going to a major destination. As a tourist you may find this not worth the hassle - or you may find it part of the fun. The airport is well served, and taxis run all through the night and can easily be hailed.
The downside is that the drivers are ...
Aquila 27.08.2000
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Getting around in Athens
Value for Money
Sightseeing
Shopping
Nightlife
Ease of getting around
Similar reviews »
Reviews which might be of interest for "Getting around in Athens"
Advantages: Helpful staff, lovely bedrooms, mini-bus service into the centre Disadvantages: Not much in the local area, expensive, facilities not the best
at the reception or the concierge desk but they will give you a timetable with a map on the downtown area. The bus runs generally every hour and drops off and picks up at the bus-stop by McDonalds (classy!) From here you will be able to walk to all the tourist sites or use public transport. This is also in the heart of the shopping area. You can also use the bus/tram/metro/taxis to get into town and all aroundAthens, the helpful hotel staff will be happy to assist. It's about a 10-minute ride into the centre.
Prices:
The average cost appears to be around £170 per night although if you shop around you can probably get a much cheaper deal.
The bottom line:
A luxurious hotel, not that centrally located but the free mini-bus service is excellent. The facilities aren't great and in general it is quite pricey!
(As an aside, if you want to go to the Irish ...
Advantages: Vibrant, cheap excellent public transport. Famous historic sites. Eating out Disadvantages: Not as 'Greek' as it used to be. Poor air quality. The drivers!
and aspire to live there, but once you've seen one row of 'prestige' shops, United Colours Of Benneton, Lacoste etc. you've seen them all. As with all such places, malls etc, you begin to wonder where the locals actually get to buy anything useful that isn't a fashion item or shoes.
I obviously can't do full justice to a tour guide of Athens as I was only there for four whole days, but even so, we packed a lot in, both via the eyes and mouth, it has to be said!
GETTINGAROUND
Much of Athens' infrastructure got a real shot in the arm from the 2004 Olympics and for a city with such good public transport, it's perplexing to see Athenians clinging to their bloody cars in such huge numbers. The Metro consists of three colour-coded lines and is very easy to navigate. The trains are larger than London's actual deep level 'tube' cars; more ...
BNibbles 30.11.2007 (06.09.2008)
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Athens in general
Advantages: Clearest water, snorkeling great - weather always nice Disadvantages: Dirty! At times too hot
not find AC?s in rental cars or any buildings. Please be very careful about the extreme danger of bush fires there. This summer they had about 100 in the same region. Most of them because of thrown-away cigarettes or trash with glass that you can unfortunately find in almost every street there. This will be one of the issues the Greek government would have to address when educationally preparing their folks for the European Union. Just too much trash there.
How to get there and how to getaround
There are 16 international airports in Greece that serve all major European countries. From and to Athens you find all major carriers flying regularly. Between the mainland and the islands there is a sophisticated ferry network. For a 4 hours trip plan for about 15-25 pounds when you take a car. Without the price may be half. The ferries are ...
