If you're planning on taking the bus in Athens, it's useful to know that you can't buy a ticket on board. Instead, you'll need to purchase a rechargeable ticket from a machine that looks like an ATM, which you can find at metro and tram stations. These are called ATH.ENA TICKETs and can be topped up. You can also use your card or smartphone for contactless payment on Airport Express Bus Lines, validating your card at the blue machine when you board.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Where to buy tickets | Ticket counters, automatic ticket machines (ATMs) in metro and tram stations |
Ticket type | Rechargeable smart tickets, rechargeable smart cards |
Ticket names | ATH.ENA TICKET, ATH.ENA CARD |
Payment methods | Cash, card, Apple Pay, Google Pay |
Ticket validation | Hold ticket in front of blue validation machine on the bus |
What You'll Learn
Buy rechargeable tickets from machines in metro and tram stations
If you're planning on taking the bus in Athens, you'll need to purchase a ticket or pass. One option is to buy a rechargeable ticket, which you can do from machines in metro and tram stations. Here's a step-by-step guide to buying and using rechargeable tickets:
Buying Rechargeable Tickets from Metro and Tram Stations
Rechargeable tickets are a convenient and flexible way to pay for bus rides in Athens. Here's how you can purchase and use them:
- Locating Ticket Machines: Start by finding the nearest metro or tram station with an Automatic Ticket Vending Machine. These machines are available at most STASY metro stations (lines 1, 2, and 3) and many tramway stations. You can identify these machines by looking for the Athens Transport logo.
- Language Selection: When you approach the ticket machine, look for the British flag on the screen. Tap it to change the language to English if it isn't already.
- Purchasing a Rechargeable Ticket: On the machine's screen, look for the option "Buy Travel Product." Tap this option to initiate the purchase of a new Ath.ena Ticket. You will then be able to choose the fare that suits your needs. The 90-minute single ticket, for example, costs €1.20, or €0.50 for those eligible for discounted tickets.
- Payment Options: Proceed to make your payment. At metro station vending machines, you can use cash or a bank card. However, at tram station vending machines, payment can only be made using a bank card. Insert your payment method of choice and follow the instructions on the screen to complete your purchase.
- Collecting Your Ticket: Once you've made your purchase, remember to collect your ticket from the dispensing slot. Your new rechargeable ticket will be ready to use!
Using Your Rechargeable Ticket for Bus Travel
Now that you have your rechargeable ticket, you can use it to board buses in Athens:
- Validation Upon Boarding: When you board the bus, look for the onboard ticket readers. Validate your rechargeable ticket by touching it to the reader. This step is crucial, as passengers who fail to validate their tickets can be fined €72 (or €36 for those eligible for discounted tickets).
- No Validation When Exiting: When exiting the bus, you don't need to validate your ticket again. As long as your ticket is still valid, you won't be overcharged.
- Recharging Your Ticket: When the balance on your rechargeable ticket runs low, you can easily top it up. Return to a ticket machine at any metro or tram station and look for the "Card Info" option. This will allow you to add more funds to your ticket using the same payment methods mentioned above.
By following these steps, you'll be able to navigate Athens by bus using a rechargeable ticket efficiently and affordably.
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Validate your card at the blue machine when boarding
When taking a bus in Athens, you will need to either purchase a single ticket, a daily ticket, a 3-day tourist ticket, or a 90-minute single ticket. These can be bought at automatic vending machines at metro and tramway stations, by vendors at some bus stops, or in some stores and kiosks. If you are arriving by plane, you can also buy tickets at the area of the Express Bus departures at Athens airport.
Once you have your ticket, you will need to validate it when boarding the bus. Look out for a blue machine on the bus and insert your ticket. Validation is only done when boarding, and failure to do so can result in a fine of €72 (or €36 for discounted tickets).
The 90-minute single ticket is the most affordable option for the public transport system, costing €1.20, or €0.50 for those eligible for discounted tickets. This ticket can be used on buses, trolley-buses, trams, metro lines 1, 2 and 3 (to Koropi Station), and the Suburban Railway. However, it cannot be used for the Airport Express bus lines, the X80 bus line, or the part of metro line 3 running from Koropi to the airport.
If you plan on using public transport multiple times during your stay, you may want to consider purchasing a reloadable plastic pass. These can be reloaded at the automatic vending machines or at staffed ticket counters, and they offer a more convenient way to pay for your bus fare in Athens.
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Buy tickets from ticket counters
If you want to buy bus tickets in Athens, one option is to purchase them from ticket counters. Ticket counters are available at most metro stations, including the airport, and at two tram stops. You can also buy tickets from some bus stops, though the list of these is currently only available in Greek. Ticket counters are also available at the Athens airport in the Express Bus departures area.
At ticket counters, you can buy single tickets, ticket packs, and reloadable plastic passes. You can also purchase a 90-minute single ticket for €1.20, or €0.50 if you're eligible for a discounted ticket. This ticket is ideal if you're only planning one trip that will take less than 90 minutes. It can be used on buses, trolleybuses, trams, and some metro and suburban railway lines.
If you're a frequent user of public transport in Athens, you might want to consider getting an Ath.ena Card. This is a reloadable smart card that you can use instead of paper tickets. You can issue a personalized Ath.ena Card at specific Athens transport ticket offices, including most metro stations and the bus ticket offices at the airport and Syntagma Square. If you're a resident of Greece, you can also apply for a card online and have it mailed to a Greek address. To issue a card, you'll need to provide your passport or Greek ID card and AMKA document.
You can recharge your Ath.ena Card at ticket counters and ticket machines. Credit cards are accepted at all ticket offices and machines, and you can use cash at ticket counters. It's important to remember to validate your ticket when travelling. On buses and trams, you can do this using onboard ticket readers when you board.
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Use the ATH.ENA TICKET or ATH.ENA CARD
The ATH.ENA Card is available in two types: the personalised card, which bears the photo and data of its holder, and the anonymous card, which does not contain any personal data. The personalised card is intended for regular public transport users and those who are entitled to discounted or free transportation. The anonymous card is intended for those who do not use public transport regularly but would rather use a plastic card than a paper ticket.
You can issue a personalised ATH.ENA Card at specific Athens transport ticket offices, including most open metro stations and the bus ticket offices in the airport and at Syntagma Square. If you are a resident of Greece, you can also issue a personalised card online and have it mailed to a Greek address. To issue a card for the first time, you will need your passport (or, if you are a Greek citizen, your Greek ID card and an AMKA document).
The anonymous ATH.ENA Card can only be issued at ticket offices. You don't need to show any documents to get one. You can buy an ATH.ENA Ticket online, as long as you are already a registered user of an ATH.ENA Card. In this case, you will receive a code that you can use to issue your ticket at a ticket machine. You can recharge an ATH.ENA Ticket at all Athens transport ticket offices and on automatic ticket machines.
To use your ATH.ENA Ticket or ATH.ENA Card, you can use the blue card readers in buses, trolleybuses and the tram. Place your ticket or card close to the 'contact point' under the screen. A sound and message on the screen (green colour) will let you know that your ticket or card is valid. You can also see the time or tickets remaining on your card.
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Contactless payment methods are accepted on Airport Express Bus Lines
Athens has introduced a new contactless payment system for its Airport Express bus lines, which is great news for travellers wanting a smooth journey into the city. The 'Tap & Pay' system is currently being piloted on the Athens International Airport (AIA) Express bus lines (X93, X95, X96, and X97). This means passengers can now use digital wallets as well as debit, credit, or prepaid cards to board these buses. It's a simple tap-and-go process, with the system reading cards or digital wallets and charging the correct fare directly.
This new system offers a more seamless travel experience, eliminating the need to purchase tickets from vending machines or vendors and removing the hassle of searching for ticket sales points. It also means no more fumbling for cash or worrying about having the exact change. Passengers can board the bus quickly and be on their way, with the fare conveniently charged to their card at the end of the day.
The 'Tap & Pay' system is a welcome upgrade to Athens' public transport services, bringing it in line with other European cities such as Madrid, Milan, and London. It is expected to increase revenue and improve services for citizens. The Greek Transport Ministry has also announced that by the end of 2024, the system will expand to all OASA public transport in Athens, including the metro, electric buses, trams, and trolleybuses.
So, if you're travelling on the AIA Express bus lines, you can take advantage of this new contactless payment option. Simply tap your card or device and go! It's a convenient and safe way to pay, simplifying your journey and removing the stress of navigating ticket purchases in a new city.
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Frequently asked questions
You can pay for the bus in Athens by purchasing a reloadable smart ticket or a reloadable smart card, called the ATH.ENA TICKET and ATH.ENA CARD respectively. You can buy these at ticket counters or automatic ticket machines, which can be found at metro and tram stations.
No, you cannot pay for the bus in Athens in cash. You must buy a ticket or card from a ticket machine or counter before getting on the bus.
Yes, you can use a physical or virtual card (such as Apple Pay or Google Pay) to pay for the Airport Express Bus in Athens.