Athens Metro Accessibility

Overview

The Athens Metro has three lines serving the city center, suburbs, and airport. Lines 2 and 3 are among the most accessible metro systems in Europe, built from scratch for the 2004 Olympics with universal design. Line 1 is the oldest urban rail line in Athens, and while it has elevators at all stations, accessibility quality varies.

Line 2 (Red Line) and Line 3 (Blue Line)

Fully Accessible

Lines 2 and 3 were built for the 2004 Olympics and designed to modern EU accessibility standards. Every station features:

• Elevators connecting all levels (street to platform)
• Tactile paving for visually impaired travelers
• Level boarding with minimal platform gap
• Wide turnstiles with accessible gates for wheelchair users
• Audio announcements in Greek and English
• Accessible restrooms at all stations
• Emergency phones at ticket and platform levels
• Braille writing on elevator floor buttons
• Intercom with Station Master in elevator cabins

These two lines cover the most important tourist areas: Syntagma, Acropolis, Monastiraki, Evangelismos, and the airport (Line 3).

Key Accessible Stations

• Syntagma (Lines 2 and 3): Central Athens hub. Elevators, accessible restrooms, interchange between lines.
• Acropolis (Line 2): Nearest station to the Acropolis Museum and the pedestrian walkway. Elevator access.
• Monastiraki (Lines 1 and 3): Interchange station. Use the Line 3 side for the most accessible route.
• Evangelismos (Line 3): Near Kolonaki and the Benaki Museum. Elevator access.
• Airport (Line 3): Full accessibility for arriving and departing travelers.

Line 1 (Green Line / ISAP)

Variable Accessibility

Line 1 is the oldest line, originally built in 1869. It has been progressively retrofitted with accessibility features. All stations reportedly have elevators, but quality and ease of access vary significantly.

Key Line 1 considerations:

• Platform gap: Line 1 uses older rolling stock with a noticeable gap between the platform and the train. This is a real barrier for wheelchair users.
• Monastiraki interchange: If you need to reach Line 1 destinations, consider riding Line 3 to Monastiraki and transferring. The interchange is accessible via the Line 3 facilities.
• Piraeus station: The southern terminus, connecting to the port for island ferries. The station has been renovated but verify elevator availability.

Fares and Tickets

• Single ticket: EUR 1.20 (valid for 90 minutes across Metro, buses, tram, and trolleybuses)
• 24-hour ticket: EUR 4.10
• 5-day tourist ticket: EUR 8.20
• Airport Metro ticket: EUR 9 one way (separate from standard tickets)

Tickets are purchased from machines at stations or from staffed ticket booths. The machines have accessible interfaces.

Persons with disabilities holding Greek/EU disability certification may qualify for free travel. See our Disability Discounts guide.

Tips

• Download the STASY mobile app for real-time information and elevator status
• If an elevator is broken at your destination station, the next station on the same line is usually within walking distance (500 to 800 meters)
• The Metro runs from approximately 5:30am to midnight. After midnight, taxis or the night bus network are your options.
• Rush hours (7:30-9:30am and 5:00-8:00pm) mean crowded trains. If possible, travel outside peak hours for more space.
• Station staff can provide assistance. Press the intercom button at any elevator or accessible gate.