After months of saving and predicting monthly expenses abroad, I failed miserably at budgeting out money for one thing—transportation. It is one of those things that is easy to forget in the shuffle as you meticulously calculate how much you’ll be spending on clothes, food, souvenirs, flights, and the other “fun” stuff. However, I discovered very quickly that transportation to these shops, supermarkets, and airports adds up faster than I thought. So, after spending two months in Athens as a college student abroad (and on a budget!) I have devised a list of the most popular means of transport here and the pros and cons of each…
Here in Athens, these words are synonymous, both referring to the very cheap and efficient underground network of lines that can take you pretty much anywhere within an hour of the city, and maybe even farther. Living in a neighborhood about 25 minutes northeast of the center of the city, I have turned to the metro many times to get me downtown for a cheap price. It takes no more than 15 minutes to walk to your local metro stop, which are easily found on any maps app, and once there, the machines are easy to use. The alternative I usually opt for is the 24-hour pass for 4.50 euros since this allows me to have unlimited access to the stations for an entire day, ideal for sightseeing and traveling for things of a tourist-y nature. The other tickets range from 0.90 euros to 10 euros, and can get you anywhere from 5 minutes away to all the way to the airport, which is usually a 25 minute drive. This mode of transport is most popular among locals as well, with lots of commuters, teens, and business people using it on a daily basis. It runs as early as 5:30 AM and the last train leaves at 12:30 AM. Definitely the way to go if you are interested in saving money and exploring all day!
Probably the other most popular mode of public transport, it is heavily used by locals and is extremely affordable. The bus stops are clearly marked on street signs, and buses always have their line number and destination lit up brightly on the front of the bus. Many times, it is convenient because the buses have you pay once you have already boarded, rather than requiring you to purchase tickets ahead of time and find a location to purchase them from. This is also a great alternative for heading downtown for the day, getting to the airport (on the x95), or for getting to school in the morning. The fares are always very reasonable in price, but the one downside to the bus is that it is often unpredictable as far as arrival time and it waits for NO ONE. This is the way to go for those on a strict budget.
For people who prefer private transportation services or are in need of transport right from their current location, there is always Uber. This has been a reliable mode for me as I return home from a night on the town with friends or don’t want to waste time walking to the metro if I need to get to the airport on time. My friends and I will split the fare, making the trip still very reasonably priced in the end. However, Greece has a popular app called Taxi Beat, not found in the U.S., and it works just like the Uber or Lyft apps, except that it summons a taxi rather than a driver in their personal car. Taxi Beat is great for shorter rides of a couple miles or so, and usually ends up being lower in price than Ubers. Since school is a 20 minute uphill walk in the mornings, I often grab a Taxi to get there, only spending a maximum of 3.50 euros to get there. Taxis are the best alternative for short travels and getting somewhere when experiencing a time crunch. I have also enjoyed many interesting conversations with local taxi drivers who barely speak English! The taxis usually have Wi-Fi available and are always willing to help with suitcases or luggage. Unlike Uber, they accept cash or coins, and are very appreciative of tips. Taxi Beat is probably my favorite way to get around since it is cheap, convenient, and fun!
As far as longer distances are concerned, ferries are one viable option that are frequently used since Greece is a nation full of islands. For travel to some of the most common island destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, Karpathos, and others, ferries are very affordable (ranging from 30-80 euros round trip depending on where you sit on the boat). This is a fun way to see some beautiful mountains, waters, and horizons on the way to your destination. The length ranges from 2-8 hours, but is very manageable due to the ability to walk around deck and the option to get a bed, table, more comfortable seats, and the offerings of snacks and drinks. In addition to ferries, airfare can be extremely cheap if you go through certain airlines. The college student staple has become RyanAir, an airline known for its cheap prices. For trips within Greece and Europe in general, this is the best option because it is only around 60-70 euros for a round trip. That being said, there are certainly no extra frills, but there is always the option to pay for extra benefits like priority boarding, extra bags, seat selection, meals during the flight, and other things. RyanAir has been my saving grace as I travel from country to country throughout the semester and I have never had a negative experience with it!
Coming from one college student to another, I hope this article has helped anyone who intends to travel to Athens in the future. The city has so much to offer, and the transportation options make it easy to explore and experience some unforgettable things.
