Cost of Commuting in Athens and Thessaloniki: A Complete Guide for expats and workers

Athens offers one of the most extensive transport networks in southeastern Europe. The city’s backbone is the metro system, with three lines connecting central districts with suburbs, the port of Piraeus, and the airport. Complementing the metro are tram lines that run toward the coast, buses and trolleybuses covering every neighborhood, and sections of suburban rail that serve commuters traveling into the city from further afield. The unified ATH.ENA ticketing system makes transfers between these modes seamless, which helps keep commuting straightforward.

 

A standard single ticket in Athens costs €1.20 and allows unlimited travel for ninety minutes across the metro, tram, buses, trolleys, and suburban rail within the urban zone. For those who plan to travel multiple times in a day, the city offers short-term passes. A 24-hour ticket costs €4.10 and provides unlimited rides across all urban modes, while a five-day pass is available for €8.20, making it an economical option for frequent visitors or workers who don’t yet need a monthly pass. Tourists also benefit from a three-day ticket that costs €20 and includes two airport transfers, appealing to short-term residents or business travelers.

 

Airport travel is priced separately. A single trip on the metro from the airport into central Athens costs €9, or €16 for a return ticket, making it one of the pricier parts of the system. Alternatively, express airport buses, such as the X95 to Syntagma, offer a more budget-friendly option at €5.50. For daily commuters, the best choice is the monthly ATH.ENA pass, which costs €27 for unlimited urban travel across all modes. There is also a €45 version that includes airport routes, and an annual pass option for long-term savings.

Thessaloniki’s transport landscape has changed dramatically with the opening of the metro in November 2024. The system is modern and driverless, currently serving thirteen stations on its initial line. While coverage is still limited, it provides a fast, clean, and affordable alternative to the city’s buses. Expansion plans are already underway, but for now, OASTH buses remain the primary mode of transport for most residents.

 

A single journey on the metro costs just €0.60, making it one of the cheapest options in Europe for underground travel. Commuters can also buy a 10+1 bundle for €5.80, which effectively lowers the price per trip. For unlimited travel over a day, the metro offers a €2.50 day pass, while frequent riders can take advantage of a monthly pass priced at €16. Reduced fares apply for students and seniors, making the metro accessible to a broad range of people.

 

OASTH buses complement the metro by covering neighborhoods not yet served by rail. Single bus tickets range between €0.60 and €0.90 depending on type, with airport routes like the X1 priced higher at €2. Monthly bus passes cost €27, and while they are slightly more expensive than the metro, they remain essential for commuters who live beyond the metro’s current reach. Importantly, the bus and metro systems are not yet fully integrated, so passengers often need separate tickets or passes if they use both.

 

Thessaloniki’s biggest advantage, however, lies in its geography. The city center is compact and easily walkable, particularly along the flat seafront. For many residents and students living near Aristotelous Square or the university campus, commuting costs can be negligible if they simply walk to work or class.

Taxis remain a convenient option in both Athens and Thessaloniki, especially for late-night journeys or when carrying luggage. Compared to northern Europe, fares are relatively low. In Athens, the minimum charge for a taxi ride within the city is generally around €4, with per-kilometer rates adding a few euros depending on distance. Thessaloniki is slightly cheaper due to its shorter average travel distances. Night rides and holiday travel typically come with surcharges of 20–25%.

 

Ride-hailing apps add transparency and convenience. Freenow is the most widely used in Athens, allowing passengers to see estimated fares before confirming. Uber also operates, though only with licensed professional drivers rather than private cars. In Thessaloniki, taxis can also be hailed through local apps, which provide digital payments and fare estimates. While taxis are far more expensive than public transport, they can be cost-effective for groups splitting the fare or for those who value speed and convenience over savings.

Despite the availability of public transport, many residents of Athens and Thessaloniki still rely on their cars for commuting. However, the costs are considerable. Greece’s petrol prices are consistently among the higher brackets in Europe, averaging between €1.60 and €1.80 per liter in mid-2025. For a daily commuter driving twenty kilometers each way, monthly fuel expenses can easily exceed €120.

 

Parking is another significant challenge, particularly in central Athens. Paid parking zones operate in most central districts, with garages charging anywhere between €60 and €120 per month depending on location. Thessaloniki, while smaller, faces similar issues, as its dense city center leaves little room for free parking. Many drivers rely on private garages, which adds to monthly costs.

 

Long-distance commuters also need to factor in motorway tolls. Driving between Athens and nearby towns like Corinth or Chalkida involves toll charges of several euros per trip. Maintenance, insurance, and taxes further inflate the overall cost of car commuting, which can easily reach €150 to €300 per month for regular city drivers.

Not all commuting in Greece’s major cities needs to rely on cars or public transport. Alternative mobility options are gradually expanding, offering sustainable and often cheaper ways to get around.

 

Cycling is slowly gaining popularity, especially in Thessaloniki where the seafront promenade provides a long, flat cycling path. In Athens, cycling infrastructure is more fragmented, but areas like the Athens Riviera and inner neighborhoods have seen growth in bike culture. Bike-sharing services exist in both cities, though they are not as widespread as in northern Europe.

 

E-scooters have become another option, with several sharing companies operating in both Athens and Thessaloniki. Costs are usually around €0.15 to €0.25 per minute, making them useful for short hops but too expensive for daily commuting. Regulations require users to ride responsibly and avoid sidewalks, though enforcement varies.

 

Walking remains one of the most practical methods of commuting , particularly in central Thessaloniki. The city’s compact design allows many residents to live within easy walking distance of workplaces, shops, and schools. Athens also offers walkable districts, such as Plaka, Koukaki, Pangrati, and parts of Marousi, though distances in the capital are generally larger and often require a mix of walking and public transport.

When comparing commuting in Athens and Thessaloniki, the two cities reveal distinct patterns. Athens boasts a far more comprehensive transport network, with multiple metro lines, trams, buses, and rail services. This breadth comes at a modestly higher cost, with the monthly €27 pass being the standard for frequent commuters. Airport travel is significantly pricier in Athens, though this mostly affects international travelers rather than daily commuters.

 

Thessaloniki, on the other hand, offers much cheaper fares, with a metro single ticket priced at just €0.60 and monthly passes at €16. However, the limited reach of the metro means that many commuters still rely on buses, where monthly costs rise to €27, aligning with Athens. The city’s compact size, however, levels the playing field: many residents of Thessaloniki, especially younger people, can save money simply by walking.

 

Hypothetically, a commuter in Athens who uses public transport daily will spend about €27 per month, compared to €16 for someone who lives and works along Thessaloniki’s metro corridor. Adding occasional taxis raises monthly expenses by €50–60 in both cities. For car commuters, costs skyrocket to €150–300 depending on fuel consumption, parking, and tolls.

By European standards, commuting in both Athens and Thessaloniki remains relatively affordable. Athens boasts a comprehensive network and fast airport options, while Thessaloniki offers cheaper fares, a newly opened Metro, and a compact city center that invites walking more often than not. 

 

With thoughtful route choices, monthly passes, and a few budget-sensitive habits, you can master commuting in Greece smartly and comfortably.

 

So, are you ready to take the leap and start living and working in Greece?

 

You can begin by checking out the cost of living in Greece, how much the average salary is, or even this guide to accommodation in Athens and Thessaloniki.

 

Or, better yet, submit your CV and start looking for your ideal job today!