A major European city adored by British tourists is set to transform late-night travel with its first-ever 24-hour metro service.
Athens will trial round-the-clock metro operations this Saturday, in a move aimed at expanding public transport and improving safety for those out enjoying the city’s legendary nightlife.
Deputy Transport Minister Konstantinos Kyranakis confirmed that a full-scale test run without passengers was successfully carried out last weekend.
If Saturday’s trial goes smoothly, authorities plan to roll out 24-hour metro service every Saturday from September onwards. Nineteen key bus routes across the Greek capital would also join the overnight schedule, creating a wide-ranging network of safe, reliable late-night options.
Officials hope the change will help cut down on traffic accidents, particularly among young Athenians returning home from bars and clubs in the early hours. The Greek capital’s lively summer scene, popular with British and other international visitors, is known for keeping going until dawn – and demand for safe transport options has been growing steadily.
However, challenges remain. Kyranakis acknowledged ongoing public frustration over poor air conditioning across parts of the metro network.
Out of the system’s 52 trains, 20 do not have working A/C, leaving commuters sweltering on the hottest days.
The minister promised these trains will gradually be pulled from service to undergo upgrades, although he warned this may temporarily affect train frequency on some lines.
The push for a permanent 24-hour weekend service comes as Athens continues to modernise its public transport network, which serves millions of passengers each year.
It could mark a significant shift for the city, where until now the metro has shut down after midnight, leaving revellers and night workers reliant on expensive taxis or infrequent night buses.
As the trial approaches, authorities are urging passengers to share feedback about how the overnight service works in practice. If successful, the move could set a new standard for weekend travel in Athens, making the ancient yet vibrant city even more welcoming for locals and tourists alike.