Public transport in the city is run by the Athens Urban Transport Organisation (tel: 185; website: www.oasa.gr). The transport system, which was expanded for the Olympic Games, consists of buses, trolleybuses, trams and a metro/electric train service.

Public transport is cheap and extensive but often overcrowded. Tickets are sold at bus terminals and some street kiosks (periptera) and must be validated in orange machines located on-board buses or in the metro station. Failure to produce a validated ticket on request results in a heavy fine. Monthly passes for the entire urban network are available.

Blue-and-white buses run daily - there is also a limited night service on the major routes. The most visited parts of the city are served by several yellow trolleybus routes. In most cases, however, it is preferable to walk.

The original electric train/metro line (Line 1) runs north-south between the suburb of Kifissia and the Piraeus Port. The metro (tel: 210 679 2399; website: www.ametro.gr network was expanded for the 2004 Olympics. Line 2 runs from Agios Antonios to Agios Dimitrios, with its new Acropolis station just a 10-minute walk from the Acropolis Hill, while Line 3 now runs from Egali, passing through Monastiraki and Syntagma to run all the way to Eleftherios Venizelos Airport.

In addition, three tram lines now link the city centre and the coast: one runs from Syntagma to Neo Faliro; one from Syntagma to Glyfada; and the third between Neo Faliro and Glyfada.

A number of companies operate radio cabs in Athens, which can be reserved over the telephone. Reputable companies include Athina 1 (tel: 210 921 2800), Ermis (tel: 210 411 5200), Hellas (tel: 210 645 7000) and Ikaros (tel: 210 515 2800).

Official yellow taxis with red-on-white number plates can also be hailed on the street. When taxis are in heavy demand, it is not unusual to share the ride (but not the fare) with other passengers. Tipping is not customary, although taxi drivers may expect to ‘keep the change' when handed a note. Taxis in Athens are probably cheaper than in any other European capital but unscrupulous drivers may occasionally try to overcharge naïve tourists, so it is wise for travellers to ensure that the meter is switched on and functioning before departure. Extra charges for baggage, trips to the airport and late-night journeys are explained in English on charts inside the taxis.

Despite the government's efforts, the centre of Athens still has a traffic and pollution problem. The traffic-reduction scheme limits the number of motor vehicles from the commercial centre of Athens: cars with registration plates ending in an odd number are allowed in on odd numbered days of the month, while those ending in even numbers are allowed in only on even numbered days. This scheme applies from Monday mornings to Friday afternoons, and cars with foreign number plates are exempt.

Parking is extremely difficult in central Athens, as it is restricted in many streets. Vehicles contravening these regulations may be towed away. Luxury hotels have their own garages, otherwise drivers can try the central but very crowded car park at Kathmonos Square (a 10-minute walk from Syntagma Square). The main car park on the outskirts of the city centre is at the new Olympic Stadium, at Irini. From here it is a 25-minute metro ride into the centre.

For all these reasons, a car is more of a problem than an asset in Athens, although visitors may wish to rent one for a trip out of the city.

Regulations vary between companies; however, in all cases drivers require a valid driving licence. A national driving licence is sufficient for nationals of EU states. Other nationalities should obtain an International Driving Permit. The minimum age for hiring a car ranges from 21 to 25 years.

Most car hire firms have offices in Athens and at the airport. Major providers include Avis (tel: 210 322 4951; website: www.avis.gr), Budget (tel: 210 921 4771; website: www.budget.gr), Europcar (tel: 210 924 8810; website: www.europcar.com) and Hertz (tel: 210 922 0102; website: www.hertz.gr). 

Scooters are a popular means of transport in Athens although riding a bicycle cannot be advised.

Rent Moto, Robertou Gali 1, Makrigiani (tel: 210 923 4939; website: www.motorent.gr), hires out scooters and bicycles. They have a second office in Piraeus.