Tap2Ride: Athens Public Transport Rolls Out Digital Ticketing System

Athens public transport is ushering in a new digital era this week with the introduction of its innovative “tap2ride” ticketing system.

Starting mid-January, passengers using buses, trolleys, trams, and the metro will be able to purchase tickets digitally via bank cards and digital wallets on smartphones and smartwatches.

According to the Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA), this system provides an alternative to the existing ATH.ENA Ticket and ATH.ENA Card. Passengers can now enjoy the convenience of using credit, debit, or prepaid cards, as well as smart mobile applications, for seamless travel around the Greek capital.

The “tap2ride” system was initially tested on a pilot basis since April 2024 on the express bus lines (Χ93, Χ95, Χ96, Χ97) serving Athens International Airport. During the trial, it was used by approximately 90,000 passengers, accounting for 9 percent of all transactions on these routes.

With its city-wide rollout, Athens joins the ranks of other European cities like Madrid, Milan, and London in adopting advanced digital ticketing technology. This development aims to enhance the ease, safety, and comfort of public transportation, encouraging increased use of buses, the metro, and other services.

The “tap and pay” system offers numerous benefits for passengers, particularly those unfamiliar with Athens’ public transport network, such as tourists and visitors from other cities. The system automatically calculates and charges the most affordable fare based on the passenger’s journey, eliminating the need to choose from multiple ticket options.

By embracing this digital transformation, Athens is taking a significant step toward modernizing its public transport services, making travel more accessible and user-friendly for residents and visitors alike.