Athens Guide: Survival guide and tips for visitors
We are born and raised in the historic city of Athens so we would like to share our experience as residents, as well as bird guides for dozens of foreign birders every year. Here are some basic tips for any visitor that is willing to spend a few days in Athens.
Taxi: Most probably, the first you will have to communicate (and negotiate) after stepping out of Athens International Airport is the greek taxi driver, a category on its own. A big lineup of the yellow Athens taxis are outside Gate 3, you cannot miss it.
The regular price for the Airport - Athens center ride is 40€, including your luggage, VAT, airport charge, practically everything.
For late night hours (00:00 until 5pm) the price is 55€.
Everything more than should not be accepted. Calling the police to solve any dissagreement would probably cause you more stress. Here are some suggestions that our visitors found very effective, of how to overcome taxi scams and overcharging:
- Ask your hotel to book a taxi for you. Price is already agreed, the driver is going to be waiting for you at the airport arrivals. Now worries, no overcharging
- Downloap FreeNow App This is a user fiendly taxi app, with driver ratings, live tracking and regular prices. Thousands of local Athenians use it everyday for their transportation in the city. The waiting time if usually less than 5 minutes, anywhere in Athens, 24/7, all year long.
Alternatively, you can use Taxiplon App, a similar taxi app that connects thousands of Athens taxi drivers and user. Their network is smaller, but services are excellent and very professional.
These two applications can be very useful if you want to drive to a birding destination around Athens where there limited access with Metro, such as Tritsis metropolitan park, Lycabettus Hill, Hymettus Mt.
As for more remote areas, out of the city center, such as Schinias National Park, Vravrona Estuary, Mt Parnitha, a taxi should be negotiated and booked a couple of days ahead of your schedules trip.
Getting around: The best and most reliable way of transportation is by far the Athens Metro. There are 3 lines connecting most parts of the city, including Athens International Aiport and Pireaus Port. Ckeck the official Athens Metro Website for lines, timetables, including the Tram
Pick pocketers thrive in Athens Metro, like in any big metropolitan city of the world. Keep your mobile phones on your hands for
Buses are practical especially for the suburbs and neighboorhoods that are not easily reached. However they depend on city traffic (especially buses) so they are not as reliable as the Metro. The network is an endless maze of lines. We insirt to check OASA Telematics for times, stops and lines information
Websites: This is Athens is the official portal of the city of Athens. All information is unbiased, updated everyday and includes all a visitor wants to know. From museums, concerts and outdoor activities to nightlife and day trips around the city, ThisIsAthens has it all.
