Plan Ahead: Major Disruptions Expected
Travelers to Greece and residents in Athens, Thessaloniki, and other major cities are advised to plan ahead. Widespread disruptions are expected on Friday, February 28, during a 24-hour strike marking the second anniversary of the Tempi train crash, which claimed 57 lives. Protests, rallies, and strikes will be held across the country.
Public Transport Disruptions
- Metro, Tram, and Trains: Operating only from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- No Metro Services to Athens International Airport.
- Buses and Trolleys: No services all day.
- Intercity Trains: Canceled for the entire day.
- Ferries: No sailings to Greek islands.
- Flights: Dozens of flights have been canceled as air traffic controllers join the strike. Travelers should contact their airlines for updates.
Metro and Tram Specifics
- Tram Line 6: (Syntagma–Pikrodafni) will terminate at Fix station.
- Syntagma and Panepistimiou Metro stations will be closed for safety reasons, with trains not stopping at these stations.
Metro Line 1 (Kifissia–Piraeus)
- Opens at 9:00 AM. Last trains depart:
- From Kifissia and Piraeus: 4:35 PM
- From Monastiraki: To Kifissia at 4:51 PM / To Piraeus at 4:09 PM
- From Omonia: To Kifissia at 4:54 PM / To Piraeus at 4:07 PM
- From Attiki: To Kifissia at 4:59 PM / To Piraeus at 4:02 PM
Metro Lines 2 & 3
- Open at 9:00 AM. Last train departures:
- From Anthoupoli to Elliniko: 4:46 PM
- From Elliniko to Anthoupoli: 4:43 PM
- From Municipal Theater Piraeus to D. Plakentias: 4:32 PM
- From D. Plakentias to Municipal Theater Piraeus: 4:37 PM
Taxi Services
- The Attica Taxi Union will strike from 6:00 AM on Friday to 6:00 AM on Saturday, March 1.
- Volunteer taxi drivers will offer free transport for those attending the Tempi rallies at designated locations:
- Metaxourgeio Metro Station
- Syggrou-Fix Metro Station
- Victoria Square (ISAP station)
- Megaron Mousikis Metro Station
Additional Service Disruptions
- Schools: Modified schedules or closures as teachers join the strike.
- Hospitals: Emergency staff only, as healthcare professionals and ambulance drivers participate.
- Pharmacies: Closed from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
- Businesses: Trade bodies encourage closures in solidarity.
- Lawyers in Athens: Joining the strike.
Significance of the Tempi Protest & Strike
The Tempi train crash anniversary rally is expected to be one of the largest demonstrations in recent Greek history. Under the slogan “I Have No Oxygen,” families of the victims are demanding justice and accountability, amidst allegations of government cover-ups.
On Thursday, the National Organization for the Investigation of Air and Rail Accidents and Transport Safety (EODASAAM) presented its findings on the crash, adding to the public outcry.