Transport and Driving in Greece

Transport and driving in Greece is fairly easy to navigate. The country has a developed and fairly comprehensive transport infrastructure that continues to improve, especially in major cities such as Athens.

Buses and trains are popular ways to get around within cities, while ferries are often used to move between islands. Driving is also an option, while many of Greece’s cities are also very walkable.

Public transport in Greece

Trains

Greece’s mainland railway network is operated by Organismós Sidherodhrómon Elládhos (OSE). You can take advantage of regional railway lines linking most of the country and the urban rail networks in some larger cities. The majority of the rail network is efficient, and expats shouldn’t have too many problems.

Travelling by train is slower than using express service buses, but it is also cheaper. You can find train schedules online or on station schedule boards; there are two classes on the trains. First-class tickets are naturally pricier and typically include a meal on certain routes.

Metro

The country’s oldest operational subway system is the Athens Metro, which runs along three lines and links the city centre to the surrounding suburbs and the Athens International Airport. A fourth line is currently under construction and is set to open in 2026.

The metro operates from 5.30am to 12.30am, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. All stations offer wheelchair access, with elevators and ramps available.

The recently opened Thessaloniki metro system is the country’s first fully automated and driverless metro system. It runs underground exclusively and has improved public transport efficiency in Greece’s second-largest city.

Trams

The Athens Tram is the only public tram network in Greece. It began as a horse-drawn tramway in the 19th century and has developed into a reliable and convenient modern system that runs from early in the morning to late at night. The tram has two lines covering 12 miles (19km) and serving 60 stations, with stops in coastal suburbs like Piraeus and Palaio Faliro.

Buses

Buses are the primary form of public transport on land in Greece. A network that connects large cities like Athens and Thessaloniki to small villages allows expats to explore Greece with relative ease. Most of the mainland is linked to Athens or, alternatively, Thessaloniki. Islands such as Corfu can also be accessed by bus from the Greek capital.

The national network is operated by a group of private operators known as the Kratikó Tamío Ellinikón Leoforíon (KTEL). Greek buses are most often modern, safe and affordable, and prices for tickets are fixed for different routes.

While buses are reliable most of the time, as with other modes of transport, they may face delays and cancellations due to sporadic strikes, especially in Athens and Thessaloniki. We recommend arriving early to catch a bus since it may run off schedule.

Ferries

Greece’s ferry services are a popular mode of transport. From June to September, ferry services are very frequent, while only limited services are offered from March to May. It can be difficult to get around using the ferry between December and February, as very few routes remain operational. During this period, it’s usually preferable to go by plane if you need to get to one of Greece’s outlying islands.

Useful links

• OSE
• STASY
• Thessaloniki Metro
• KTEL

Taxis in Greece

Taxis vary in colour depending on the city they are in. In Athens, taxis are yellow, and those in Thessaloniki are blue and white. Each taxi is fitted with a meter, and you should ensure that the driver has switched it on before embarking on your journey.

There are additional charges when you call a taxi, as the meter starts running from the time the driver starts driving to you. Popular ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft are technically not operational in Greece due to taxi regulations. Despite this, it is possible to use the Uber app to request and pay for a local taxi.

Useful links

• Aegean Taxi
• Uber
• Taxiplon

Driving in Greece

In Greece, cars drive on the right-hand side of the road. Driving in Greece can be a harrowing experience – the country is infamous for having some of the worst drivers in Europe. That said, the roads in Greece are generally well maintained, and many regional roads that used to be dirt tracks have been tarred over the last few years.

Driving is a good way to explore some of Greece’s more remote areas. Expats may, however, want to consider public transport if they aren’t prepared to become masters of defensive driving. Another option may be using a motorcycle for its manoeuvrability, although this too should be done with caution.

Holders of driving licences from EU countries or Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein are in luck: they can drive with their current driving licence until it expires. If you are from the US, Australia, Canada, South Africa, South Korea and Japan, you must convert their licences after 185 days. Expats whose home countries are not signatories to the Vienna Convention will have to apply for a new licence.

To apply for a Greek driver’s licence, you’ll need to be a resident of Greece and the city you’re applying in for at least six months. You must also provide a medical certificate from a GP and an ophthalmologist, proof of address, and a Greek tax identification number.

You’ll also need to pass theoretical and practical driving tests. Expats will be delighted to know that you can take the theoretical test in several languages, including English.

Useful links

• Ministry of Infrastructure and Transportation

Air travel in Greece

With numerous international airports and a good domestic network, flying is an easy and convenient way to travel. Various Greek islands and cities on the mainland are all very accessible via plane. Island flights are typically more expensive than taking a ferry and can be difficult to find during peak tourist seasons.

The biggest domestic flight airlines in the country are Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines. There are also smaller operators like Sky Express and Ryanair.

Useful links

• Olympic Air
• Aegean Airlines
• Sky Express
• Ryanair