Money
Athens costs: transport, meals and hotel fees
For a short Athens stay, compare the €1.20 90-minute fare with the €4.10 24-hour ticket before buying; airport travel has different fares. Use food prices as examples, then check the room total and Greece's separate climate resilience fee for your dates.
Paying in Athens
Greece uses the euro. Major cards are widely accepted, although a smaller business may not take every card network; carry some cash as a fallback. OASA also accepts contactless bank cards or phone wallets for full-fare urban and airport travel. Check the fare shown by the operator before tapping, especially if you need a discounted ticket.
Choose the transport ticket before paying
OASA lists €1.20 for a 90-minute urban ticket and €4.10 for a 24-hour ticket. Four separate 90-minute tickets would cost €4.80, so compare your actual travel window and transfers before choosing. Ordinary urban tickets do not cover the airport metro section or airport express buses.
The €20 three-day tourist ticket includes two airport journeys by metro or express bus. It may suit a short visit with airport transfers, but check its current validity and your return date against OASA's rules before buying.
Meals and optional tips
The City of Athens visitor guide gives indicative starting prices of €2.50 for takeaway coffee, €3 for souvlaki and €30 for a three-course mid-range meal. These are examples, not a quote for the restaurant you choose; check the current menu before ordering.
Tipping is discretionary. The city guide describes 5–15% as common when service is good, not a fixed rule. Decide from the actual bill and service; rounding up is also an option.
Check the final room cost
Greece's climate resilience fee is charged per room or apartment per day. The amount depends on property category and season. Before booking, compare the same dates and guests, ask whether the fee is included in the displayed total or payable at the property, and keep the separate fee receipt.
Use this with
- Athens On A Budget
A budget-to-mid-range Athens guide: where to sleep cheaply but centrally, and where to eat well for little — souvlaki stands, market tavernas, and good-value modern tables.
Sources
- AADE — climate resilience fee FAQ, February 2026 - checked 2026-10-15
- This Is Athens — money and tipping - checked 2026-10-15
- OASA — ticket prices - checked 2026-10-15
Last reviewed October 15, 2026