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!
Enjoy the ride.
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