Bus Tickets & Cards: ATH.ENA Demystified
May 28th, 2025
Bus Tickets & Cards: ATH.ENA Demystified
Everything you need to know about ATH.ENA tickets, cards, and how to ride Athens for less.
Navigating Athens’ public transport starts with the right ticket. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a student on a budget, or a tourist exploring for a few days, understanding the ATH.ENA system can save you time, money, and hassle. In this guide, we’ll break down:
- ATH.ENA Ticket vs ATH.ENA Card
- Types of Fare Products
- How to Buy & Reload
- Validation & Transfers
- Discounts & Special Passes
- Troubleshooting & Tips
1. ATH.ENA Ticket vs ATH.ENA Card
-
ATH.ENA Ticket (Paper)
- Single-use cardboard ticket
- Holds up to a 90-minute transfer key
- Sold at kiosks, vending machines, and airport buses
- Price: €1.20
-
ATH.ENA Card (Plastic)
- Reloadable smart-card
- Stores multi-trip passes (24-hr, 3-day, 5-day, 30-day)
- Holds up to €50 balance for pay-as-you-go
- Price: €0.50 deposit (refundable)
💡 Pro Tip: The ATH.ENA Card costs an extra €0.50 up front but quickly pays for itself if you ride more than twice.
2. Types of Fare Products
| Product | Validity | Price (€) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single 90-Minute Ticket | 90 minutes, 1-zone transfer | 1.20 | Quick trips, one-way journeys |
| 24-Hour Pass | Unlimited rides, 24 hours | 4.10 | Day-long sightseeing |
| 3-Day Tourist Pass | Unlimited, 72 hours | 20.00 | Short stays, multiple day excursions |
| 5-Day Pass | Unlimited, 5 calendar days | 8.20 | Budget travelers with extended visits |
| 30-Day Pass | Unlimited, 30 consecutive days | 30.00 | Commuters and students |
3. How to Buy & Reload
- Ticket Machines & Kiosks
- Blue vending machines at Metro stations
- Newsstands and corner kiosks marked with a ticket logo
- ATH.ENA App (iOS & Android)
- Register an account, link your card’s ID number
- Top up with credit/debit card instantly
- Airport & Port
- Onboard vending on X95/X96/X97 buses (contactless only)
- Limited stock; pre-buy at city kiosks to avoid surcharges
📲 Mobile Top-Up Tip: Use the ATH.ENA app to auto-reload when your balance drops below €3.
4. Validation & Transfers
- On Buses & Trolleys:
- Tap your ticket/card on the blue validator near the driver
- Listen for two beeps (valid) or one long beep (error)
- At Metro/Tram Gates:
- Insert paper ticket or tap card on electronic gate
- Keep the same ticket for transfers within 90 minutes
Transfer Rules:
- You can switch between bus, metro, tram, and trolley within 90 minutes on a single Single ticket
- Passes (24-hr, 3-day, etc.) allow unlimited transfers
5. Discounts & Special Passes
- Student & Youth (7–18):
- 50% off on all fare products
- Requires personalized ATH.ENA Card with photo ID
- Seniors (65+):
- Free travel on bus, metro, and tram
- Register at OASA kiosks with ID
- Children Under 6:
- Travel free with an adult validator
- Group & Family Multi-Ride Hacks:
- Share a 24-hr or 3-day pass among two people by scanning consecutively
6. Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
- Lost Card? Report immediately via ATH.ENA app and block remaining balance. Replacement fee: €2.
- Damaged Card? Exchange at any Metro station for a €1 fee.
- Off-Peak Discounts: Use mid-day passes for cheaper peak avoidance—weekday mornings before 10:30 AM and afternoons before 3:00 PM often have lighter traffic and more available seats.
- Future Mobile Ticket: OASA pilots contactless ticketing via NFC on select smartphones—no card needed.
Summary
Mastering Athens’ ATH.ENA system unlocks seamless, cost-effective travel across metro, bus, tram, and trolley networks. From a single 90-minute journey to a month of unlimited rides, choose the fare product that fits your stay and scan your way through the city like a local.
🚍 Ready to ride smarter? Open the ATH.ENA app, top up your card, and start scanning!