Practical Travel Guide
Updated March 2025Route Planner
KTEL Bus Network
Greece's intercity bus network. Search KTEL bus routes connecting cities, towns, and islands with ferry ports.
Airport Transfers
Public Transport
Tickets
Athens: single ticket EUR 1.20 (90 min, all modes), 5-day tourist ticket EUR 9. Airport tickets separate.
ATH.ENA Card — tourist transport card for unlimited rides and discounts.
Learn moreTaxis & Rideshare
BEAT (FREE NOW)
appEUR 5-15 Athens rides
Most popular taxi app in Greece. Hails licensed yellow taxis.
Visit websiteUber
rideshareEUR 5-18 Athens rides
Available in Athens and Thessaloniki. Uses licensed taxi drivers.
Visit websiteYellow Taxis
traditionalEUR 1.29 start + EUR 0.74/km (day)
Iconic yellow cabs. Night tariff (midnight-5am) is double. Insist on the meter.
Visit websiteIntercity Travel
KTEL Buses
KTEL
Extensive network covering mainland Greece. Athens-Thessaloniki 5.5h, Athens-Patras 3h.
Book ticketsHellenic Train
Hellenic Train (TrainOSE)
Athens-Thessaloniki 4h by express. Limited rail network but comfortable trains.
Book ticketsFerries (Blue Star/Hellenic Seaways)
Various
Essential for island hopping. Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini 5-8h, to Mykonos 3-5h.
Book ticketsFlying (Aegean/Olympic Air)
Aegean Airlines
Domestic flights to islands and Thessaloniki. Athens-Santorini 50 min.
Book ticketsWhere to Stay
Athens Backpackers
budgetAthens
EUR 20-45/night
Rooftop bar with Acropolis views, Makrygianni neighborhood
Book on Booking.comHotel Plaka
mid-rangeAthens
EUR 90-160/night
Rooftop terrace facing the Acropolis, historic Plaka district
Book on Booking.comCaveland Hostel
budgetSantorini
EUR 30-70/night
Converted wine cave in Karterados, pool and communal kitchen
Book on Booking.comHotel Lili
mid-rangeSantorini
EUR 80-180/night
Caldera views from Fira, traditional Cycladic architecture
Book on Booking.comLittle Big House
budgetThessaloniki
EUR 20-40/night
Cozy hostel near Aristotelous Square, friendly staff
Book on Booking.comWe may earn a commission from bookings made through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Useful Apps
Transport
Maps & Navigation
Google Maps
Essential for navigating Greek islands and finding ferry ports. Download offline maps for islands.
DownloadTranslation
Google Translate
Camera mode for Greek alphabet signs and menus. Download offline Greek language pack.
DownloadFood & Dining
e-food
Greece's most popular food delivery app. Order from local restaurants on the islands and mainland.
DownloadGetting Around Athens
The Athens Metro is modern, clean, and affordable. Three lines cover the major attractions: Syntagma (Parliament), Monastiraki (Plaka, Acropolis), and Acropolis station. Buy an ATH.ENA card and load it with a 5-day tourist ticket for unlimited travel on metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses. Walking is the best way to explore the compact historic center.
Island Hopping
Greek ferries are the classic way to explore the islands. Book through Ferryhopper to compare schedules and prices across operators. High-speed catamarans (Hellenic Seaways, SeaJets) are faster but more expensive and rougher in windy conditions. Conventional ferries (Blue Star) are steadier and have outdoor decks. Peak season (July-August) ferries sell out — book at least 2 weeks ahead.
Tips
- Athens public transport tickets are very affordable at EUR 1.20 for 90 minutes across all modes
- On islands, ATMs can run out of cash in high season — bring enough euros or pay by card where possible
- Ferries can be cancelled due to strong winds (meltemi) in summer — build flexibility into island-hopping plans
- Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is appreciated
- Siesta is still observed in smaller towns — shops may close between 2pm and 5pm