Athens Metro Boosts Services Amid Rising Passenger Numbers
Athens' urban rail operator STASY has increased services across its metro and tram networks, recording thousands of additional trips and rising passenger validations in 2026.
- The Athens metro ran more than 5,100 additional services in the first ten months of 2026.
- Line 3, connecting Athens International Airport and Piraeus to the center, recorded the highest increase.
- The Athens tram network saw a 28 percent rise in fare validations between January and October 2026.
For travelers visiting Athens, these network expansions mean more frequent trains and better connectivity between the airport, Piraeus, and downtown. Check updated timetables before heading out.
Public transportation in the Greek capital is seeing enhanced performance as Urban Rail Transport S.A. (STASY) reports a continuous rise in passenger use and a significant increase in scheduled services across the metro and tram networks.
Expanding Services Across Metro Lines
According to official data released by STASY, the metro operated a total of 5,172 additional services across its three lines during the first ten months of 2026 compared to the previous year. Fare validations across the metro and tram systems also rose by 6.14 percent.
Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Giorgos Kotsiras noted that the steady increase confirms the effectiveness of measures aimed at improving daily travel for the hundreds of thousands of citizens and visitors using the rail network.
Line 3 and Line 1 Highlights
Line 3, which links Athens International Airport and Piraeus with the city center, recorded the largest increase with 3,328 additional services. The growth was driven by a redesigned timetable during peak hours and an extra train during the morning rush.
Meanwhile, Line 1 (the historic line between Piraeus and Kifissia) marked its best month in years during October, operating 427 more services than in October 2025. This coincided with the introduction of the line's first newly refurbished train into service.
Tram Network Growth
Passenger use on the Athens tram also saw a sharp increase, with a 28 percent rise in fare validations between January and October 2026. STASY added four additional trams during peak hours starting in September, resulting in 1,278 more services during September and October alone.
STASY CEO Athanasios Kottaras credited the company's staff for the positive results, while transport officials announced plans for further rolling stock and infrastructure upgrades across all lines.
FAQ
Does Athens Metro Line 3 connect the airport to the city center? Yes, Line 3 connects Athens International Airport and Piraeus with the city center, and it recorded the largest rise in additional services this year.
How many extra metro services were added in Athens? Urban Rail Transport S.A. operated more than 5,100 additional services across its three metro lines in the first ten months of 2026.
Are there improvements on the Athens tram network as well? Yes, the tram network recorded a 28 percent rise in fare validations between January and October 2026, alongside added peak-hour services.
