Getting Around Greece: Transport Guide for Travellers

Getting around Greece is easiest with a mix of airport transfers, public transport in big cities, inter-city buses or ferries, and occasional taxis or ride-hailing apps, all backed up by reliable mobile data. In 2026, expect fair prices overall, but book ahead in peak summer.

If you’re planning a first trip, think of Greek transport in layers: airport transfer + city transport + inter-city links + island ferries + optional car rental. For airport transfers, budget €35–€45 for taxis to central Athens (2026 fixed fare) and from €9–€12 per person for metro or express buses. Public transport in Athens and Thessaloniki is cheap and fairly reliable, while smaller towns and islands depend more on buses, taxis, and rental vehicles.

According to the Hellenic Statistical Authority, Greece welcomed over 32 million international arrivals in 2023, and numbers continued to grow in 2024–2025, especially during June–September, when ferries and buses sell out days in advance. That means a bit of planning goes a long way for your Greece transport guide.

Using an eSIM from Hello helps you arrive connected, order rides, check live ferry delays, and navigate on foot without hunting for Wi‑Fi. With live-updated eSIM pricing and plans starting from 5GB, you can set up Hello before departure, land in Greece, and start moving immediately—no local SIM queues needed.

Airport transfers in Greece are straightforward, with metro, express buses, taxis, and private transfers connecting major airports to city centers at clear, posted prices. For most travelers in 2026, the best value is usually the metro or bus, with taxis for late-night arrivals.

Athens International Airport (ATH) is the main gateway. The blue line metro runs from the airport to Syntagma and Monastiraki every 30 minutes; a single airport ticket costs about €9 one-way or €16 return in 2026, according to Athens Transport. Express buses (X95 to Syntagma, X96 to Piraeus port) run 24/7 and cost roughly €5.50 per person.

Taxis from ATH to central Athens charge a fixed fare: around €40 in the daytime and about €55 at night and on public holidays (2026 official tariff). The ride takes 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. Pre-booked private transfers typically start around €45–€60 for two passengers, often worthwhile if you have heavy luggage or arrive after midnight.

At Thessaloniki Airport (SKG), bus line 01X to the city center costs about €2 and takes 40–50 minutes, while taxis run €20–€25. On popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos, public buses link airports to main towns for roughly €2–€3.50, but frequencies drop at night, making taxis or hotel-arranged shuttles (often €25–€40 per ride) the practical choice.

To compare at a glance:

Airport/Route	Public Transport (2026)	Taxi/Private (2026)
Athens ATH–Center	Metro €9; Bus ~€5.50	Taxi €40–€55; Private €45+
Athens ATH–Piraeus Port	Bus X96 ~€5.50	Taxi €50–€65
Thessaloniki SKG–Center	Bus ~€2	Taxi €20–€25
Santorini Airport–Fira	Bus €2–€3.50	Taxi/Transfer €25–€40

Having mobile data via a Hello eSIM makes it much easier to follow live bus timetables, contact your driver, or share your location with your accommodation if you get delayed.

Greece’s public transport is most developed in Athens and Thessaloniki, with metros, buses, and trams offering cheap and efficient travel if you understand the ticket options and peak-hour crowds. For most visitors, a 3-day tourist pass in Athens is the simplest, all-inclusive choice.

In Athens, the transport network (metro, tram, buses, and suburban rail within the urban zone) is integrated under OASA. A standard 90‑minute ticket costs about €1.20 in 2026 and allows transfers across modes within that time window. There’s also a 24‑hour ticket around €4.10 and a 5‑day ticket near €8.20, which are excellent value if you’re moving around a lot, according to Athens Transport.

For short stays, the Athens Tourist Ticket (sometimes branded as a 3‑day pass) includes unlimited rides on most public transport plus a round-trip to the airport by metro or express bus. Pricing has typically been in the €20–€25 range in recent years; always double-check on the official OASA or city website for the latest 2026 figures.

Thessaloniki relies mainly on buses operated by OASTH. A single ticket costs roughly €0.90–€1.30 depending on zones, with day passes considered good value for heavy use. On many islands and in mid-size towns like Heraklion or Chania (Crete), public buses run between main towns and beaches, often every 20–60 minutes in summer and less frequently off-season.

To ride smoothly:

• Validate your ticket as soon as you board or enter metro gates.
• Expect busy carriages in Athens around 8:00–9:30 and 17:00–19:00.
• Keep small change or a contactless card; many ticket machines accept both.

Navigation apps and live route planning work best with mobile data, so arriving with a Hello eSIM already active means you can quickly check routes, avoid long walks in the heat, and confidently use Greece public transport from day one.

Taxis are widely available in Greek cities and islands, and while classic ride-hailing apps operate in a limited way, local taxi apps are increasingly common. In 2026, you’ll need mobile data to make the most of these services, especially for late-night trips and port or airport pickups.

In Athens and Thessaloniki, official yellow taxis use meters with regulated starting fares and per‑kilometer rates. A typical trip within central Athens might cost €4–€8, while longer rides to suburbs range €10–€20. Night surcharges apply after midnight and on holidays. On islands like Mykonos or Santorini, taxis are fewer and often more expensive—short rides can still run €15–€25 in peak season.

Uber operates in Athens but usually in collaboration with licensed taxi drivers rather than private cars, so you’ll often see regular taxis arriving when you book via the app. Local apps like Beat (formerly Taxibeat) are popular among residents for hailing and paying for taxis. These services depend on GPS and data; a stable connection via a Hello eSIM prevents missed pickups and incorrect locations.

Rideshare etiquette is relaxed but practical: sit in the back, wear your seatbelt, and confirm the estimated fare in the app or check the meter is running. Tipping is not mandatory; rounding up to the nearest euro or adding 5–10% for excellent service is appreciated but not expected.

Since Greece welcomed over 18 million air passengers through Athens alone in 2023, according to state airport operator figures, taxi lines at peak times can be long. Using apps to pre‑book or track incoming cabs helps you avoid queues and gives you a clearer idea of pricing before you hop in.

Inter‑city travel in Greece relies mainly on long-distance buses and ferries, with trains playing a smaller role outside the Athens–Thessaloniki corridor. For most travelers in 2026, KTEL buses and island ferries will be the backbone of your getting around Greece plan.

KTEL buses are region-based companies that collectively cover almost the entire mainland and many large islands. Athens to Nafplio, for example, takes about 2.5 hours and costs around €15–€18 one-way, while Athens to Delphi is roughly 3 hours and €15–€20. These buses are generally comfortable and air-conditioned; booking ahead online is recommended in July–August.

Trains, operated by Hellenic Train, connect Athens with Thessaloniki and a few other cities. The flagship Athens–Thessaloniki route takes around 4 hours on faster services, with fares typically €25–€45 each way depending on class and timing. After infrastructure upgrades and safety reviews in recent years, timetables can still fluctuate, so check schedules close to travel.

For island-hopping, ferries are essential. From Piraeus to Santorini on a high-speed ferry, expect 4.5–5 hours and €70–€110 in 2026 high season, while slower conventional ferries cost around €40–€60 but take 7–8 hours. Popular short hops like Naxos–Paros or Mykonos–Tinos often cost €20–€40 and run several times per day in summer, fewer in shoulder seasons.

Comparison snapshot:

Route (2026)	Mode	Time	Typical One‑Way Fare
Athens–Nafplio	KTEL bus	~2.5 hours	€15–€18
Athens–Thessaloniki	Train	~4 hours	€25–€45
Athens Piraeus–Santorini	Ferry	4.5–8 hours	€40–€110

Because many inter‑city routes sell out in peak months and schedules change with weather, having always-on data from a Hello eSIM lets you check delays, rebook tickets, and navigate from ports and stations to your accommodation without stress.

Renting a car in Greece gives you maximum freedom to explore beaches, mountain villages, and archaeological sites, but it comes with narrow roads, tight parking, and strict rules. In 2026, book early, read the fine print, and understand when you need an International Driving Permit.

Car rental prices vary by season and location. On the mainland outside peak dates, small cars often start around €25–€40 per day in April–May or October, rising to €50–€80 per day in July–August, according to major rental platforms. On popular islands like Santorini or Mykonos, expect higher prices and stricter minimum rental periods in high season.

Greece drives on the right-hand side, with speed limits generally 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120–130 km/h on motorways. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers, and blood-alcohol limits are stricter than in some countries (0.05% for most drivers, with even lower limits for new drivers). Police checks are common on busy routes and near holiday hotspots.

Many travelers from outside the EU/EEA are advised or required to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home license. The official guidance has evolved over recent years, so check your country’s embassy and the Greek Ministry of Transport’s latest regulations ahead of 2026 trips.

Practical tips:

• Reserve automatic cars early; manuals are far more common.
• Beware of gravel roads and unpaved tracks on islands—insurance often excludes damage there.
• In old towns (Chania, Rhodes, central Athens), park on the outskirts and walk in.

Using navigation apps with offline backup is smart, but real-time traffic and rerouting still rely on mobile data, where a Hello eSIM keeps your maps and directions working even in unfamiliar rural areas.

Most travellers get around Greece using a mix of public transport in big cities, ferries and KTEL buses between regions, and occasional taxis or rental cars for flexibility. In 2026, this blended approach still offers the best balance of cost, convenience, and time across mainland and islands.

Is public transport in Greece good for tourists?
Yes—especially in Athens, where the metro, tram, and buses form a dense network with cheap tickets (from about €1.20 for 90 minutes). Thessaloniki has reliable buses, and many islands run seasonal bus routes connecting ports, beaches, and main towns. Outside major areas, services thin out, so always check local timetables.

How much should I budget for transport per day?
For a typical city day in 2026, many visitors spend €5–€10 per person on public transport and €5–€15 on occasional taxis. On travel days between cities or islands, your budget jumps to €20–€80 depending on trains, buses, or ferries. According to the Bank of Greece, transport is one of the smaller components of overall tourist spending compared with accommodation and food.

Do I need to book ferries and long-distance buses in advance?
In July–August and on popular routes (Athens–Santorini, Mykonos–Naxos, Athens–Thessaloniki), yes—book at least a few days ahead, more if you’re traveling on weekends. Outside peak season, last-minute tickets are usually fine, but checking availability online with mobile data is still wise.

Is it safe to travel at night?
Main inter-city routes and major ferry lines are generally safe, though night driving on rural roads (especially on islands) can be challenging due to poor lighting and sharp bends. In cities, stick to well-lit areas and official taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps.

How can the Hello app help with getting around Greece?
The Hello app combines eSIM connectivity, trip planning, and expense tracking so you can keep all your transport costs organized. With AI receipt scanning, multi-currency tracking, and expense splitting, you can easily split ferry tickets, taxi rides, or car rentals with friends, while your Hello eSIM keeps navigation and ride-hailing apps online throughout your trip.