The Ultimate Guide to Athens Bus Routes: Explore the City Like a Local

The Athenian public bus system offers a convenient, affordable, and reliable way to navigate Athens. Whether you’re heading to the Athens city center, Athens International Airport, or the Port of Piraeus, public buses connect you to all major destinations across the city.

Ideal for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the local lifestyle, buses in Athens also pass by key archaeological sites, historical landmarks, and popular tourist attractions. With routes that showcase both modern city life and ancient history, taking the bus is a smart and authentic way to explore Athens like a local.

Trolley 11: The most touristic bus of the city

It starts from Ano Patisia, one of the oldest neighborhood of Athens with some beautiful  neoclassical houses, makes a stop in front of Archaeological Museum of Athens, then pass through Omonoia and Syntagma, the most central squares of the city and heading to the unique Panathinaiko Stadium (Kallimarmaro), and then Mets and Pangrati, the most vibrant neighborhoods to meet  athenian nightlife . If you are travelling on summer, don’t hesitate to get off at the last stop and enjoy some concerts at the open air theater (Vrachon Theater). Bonus  fact:  This is a 24h bus, so you could make this route any time of the day.  

Trolley 3: From Nea Filadelfeia to Neo Psychiko 

It starts its route from Nea Filadelfia, one of the most beautiful areas of Athens and a vibrant square to go out for bar hopping. It passes from Kaniggos square, very close to Exarcheia, the alternative area of Athens and Akadimias, near to Kolonaki, the luxurious part of Athens. It makes also a stop to Byzantine Museum and Athens Concert Hall (Megaro  Mousikis) in Ilisia area, as well Mavili Square for another athenian bar hopping. This is also a bus which serves many major Athenian hospitals like Evangelismos, Alexandra, Erythros Stavros, Ippokratio, Henry Dunant.

Ride Trolley 15: A Local’s Journey Through Koukaki and Petralona in Athens

Catch the bus from Syntagma Square and travel through some of the most charming areas of Athens, including Koukaki, Filopappou Hill, and Petralona, all nestled beneath the iconic Acropolis. This route offers a unique chance to explore local life beyond the typical tourist paths.

We highly recommend stopping in Koukaki for a relaxing coffee or brunch at one of its trendy cafés. As you reach the end of the route in Petralona, head to Troon Street or Merkouri Square to enjoy delicious local Greek cuisine at authentic neighborhood restaurants—far from the crowds and tourist traps.

Bus 500 Kifisia to Pireaus: Cross the city with a bus!

Start your journey from Piraeus Port and travel all the way to Kifissia, one of the most elegant northern suburbs of Athens. This convenient day and night bus route allows you to explore the city at any hour, making it ideal for travelers arriving by ferry or cruise.

Along the way, the bus passes through several of Athens’ most interesting and historic neighborhoods, including Faliro, Moschato, Kallithea (near the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center), Petralona, Omonoia, Patissia, Nea Filadelfia, and Irakleio, where you can connect to the suburban railway. Don’t miss a stop in Marousi for a shopping break at The Mall Athens before arriving at Kifissia’s central square.

While in Kifissia, make sure to visit the iconic Varsos pastry shop, one of the oldest and most beloved patisseries in Athens. For a faster return, consider taking the metro from Kifissia station to avoid city traffic.

Bus A2 to Athens Riviera

Embark on a scenic bus journey starting from Akadimias Street, located in the heart of Athens city center. This route takes you through some of the city’s most dynamic and culturally rich neighborhoods, including Koukaki, the area around the Museum of Modern Art, Kallithea, Kalamaki, and the innovative Ellinikon Experience Park (formerly Athens International Airport). Plan a stop in Glyfada, a vibrant seaside district perfect for shopping, dining, or relaxing in one of its stylish cafés.

During the summer months, continue to the coastal suburb of Voula, home to some of the most popular and accessible beaches in Athens. For a longer seaside escape, hop on bus 122 from Glyfada or Elliniko and ride along the Athens Riviera all the way to Saronida, a scenic coastal town near the legendary Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio.

For more information on Athenian bus routes, schedules, and stops, visit the official website of Athens Public Transport: www.oasa.gr/en.