Athens Metro has two central stations: Syntagma, served by Lines 2 and 3, and Monastiraki, an interchange between Lines 1 and 3.
- Syntagma: Lines 2 and 3, with connections to tram lines T6 and T7.
- Monastiraki: interchange between Metro Lines 1 and 3.
- Airport connection: Line 3 serves the Airport, Syntagma, Monastiraki and Piraeus.
- Plan ahead: check current timetables and ticket information with OASA and STASY.
Which central station is useful for your route?
Syntagma is useful for Line 2 and Line 3 journeys, while Monastiraki gives you a connection between Lines 1 and 3. Line 3 links Dimotiko Theatro with the Airport and serves Piraeus, Monastiraki and Syntagma.
Choose based on the line and destination you need rather than treating the two stations as interchangeable: Syntagma also connects with tram lines T6 and T7.
Syntagma station sits near Syntagma Square, the National Garden, Ermou Street, Plaka, the Acropolis, Athens Cathedral and Kolonaki. Monastiraki is another central interchange, and its station opened on 17 May 1895.
Finding Syntagma station
Syntagma station has entrances and exits at Amalias/National Garden, Panepistimiou/Megali Vretania and two locations in Syntagma Square.
Once you reach the square, look for the entrance that best fits your approach. The station serves Lines 2 and 3, so check the direction shown for your train before boarding. Syntagma station is about a seven-minute walk from Hermes Hotel; Hermes Hotel can be a base for using these metro lines.
Using Monastiraki as a connection
Monastiraki is the central interchange between Metro Lines 1 and 3. Line 3 runs through the station on its route between Dimotiko Theatro and the Airport, with Piraeus and Syntagma among its other stops.
If you need to change lines here, confirm that the train you board is going in your intended direction. Line 3 serves both the Airport and Piraeus, so the destination shown matters.
Tickets, validation and travel planning
- Ticket
- office hours and train schedules can affect your plan
OASA’s 30-day product allows unlimited travel on buses, including Airport Express buses, trolleybuses, tram, Metro Lines 1, 2 and 3 to the Airport, and the Suburban Railway section Magoula–Piraeus–Koropi. It is valid for 30 consecutive 24-hour periods from first validation.
OASA also states that if you validate four tickets from a ticket pack in one day, no additional fare is charged for the rest of that day’s travel.
STASY lists the Syntagma Lines 2 and 3 ticket office as open 06:00–24:00 Monday to Friday. At Monastiraki, the Lines 2 and 3 ticket office is open 09:40–24:00, though hours may be modified.
Before you travel, check the official sites: use OASA for fares and ticket products, and STASY for station and timetable information. Ticket-office hours and train schedules can affect your plan.
Airport and port connections to check
Line 3 is the Metro connection to check for trips involving the Airport or Piraeus. It serves both destinations as well as Monastiraki and Syntagma, and planning your journey from Athens Airport to central Athens includes checking the different first and last departures for Airport-bound trains.
The first Airport-bound departures are 05:31 from Piraeus, 05:51 from Monastiraki and 05:53 from Syntagma. The last Airport-bound departures are 22:55 from Piraeus, 23:15 from Monastiraki and 23:18 from Syntagma. The Syntagma station listing gives 23:16 as the last Line 3 train toward the Airport, so confirm the current schedule with STASY before setting out.
If you’re heading to the port for a ferry, the Aegina day-trip ferry guide can help with that part of the journey.
Metro Lines 2 and 3 have 24-hour service every Saturday, excluding routes to and from the Airport. If you’re building a day around central sights, allow time to explore on foot as well.
FAQs
Does Monastiraki connect to the Airport?
Yes. Monastiraki is on Line 3, which serves the Airport. Check the current Airport-bound timetable before travelling.
Does the Athens Metro run all night?
Lines 2 and 3 have 24-hour service every Saturday, but this excludes routes to and from the Airport.
Which lines serve Syntagma?
Syntagma is served by Metro Lines 2 and 3 and connects with tram lines T6 and T7.