Contactless Payments Available on Athens Public Transport: A New Era for Passengers

Starting from January 15, passengers in Athens will experience a new, more convenient way to travel on public transport with the introduction of the “tap2ride” contactless payment system.

Launched by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and OASA (Athens Urban Transport Organization), this new service will allow commuters to use their debit, credit, and prepaid cards, or even their smartphones, to board buses, trolleys, the metro, and trams.

This development marks a significant step towards simplifying and modernising public transport in Athens, joining other major European cities like Madrid, Milan, and London in offering seamless, contactless travel. The new system will work through bank cards and digital wallets on devices like smartphones and smartwatches.

Since last April, the system has been in a pilot phase on Athens International Airport’s Express Bus routes (X93, X95, X96, X97), where it has gained notable success. Over 90,000 users have already embraced the contactless payment option, and the rate of transactions via bank cards continues to rise.

For passengers, the benefits are clear. They will no longer need to purchase tickets through vending machines or ticket offices, and they won’t have to worry about selecting the right travel product. The system will automatically charge the most economical fare based on the journey, making it particularly useful for tourists and visitors unfamiliar with the Athens transport network.

OASA executives emphasise the importance of this shift in supporting the development of smart cities. “Public urban transport will play a critical role in easing travel and contributing to safer, more efficient transportation systems,” they said. The introduction of contactless payments offers an enhanced experience for both passengers and operators, ensuring faster, safer, and more accessible travel options across Athens.

With the full deployment of this system, passengers can expect more flexibility, convenience, and less hassle in navigating the city’s extensive public transport network. The launch of “tap2ride” is expected to further boost the use of public transport in the Greek capital, fostering a more connected and sustainable urban mobility model.