Public transportation users in Athens can now use the Greek capital city’s new tap2ride service to pay for their fares with their contactless bank card, smartphone, or smartwatch. The latest news about Athens contactless payments for public transportation you can find out below.

The contactless payment system works across the entire Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA) transportation network, including on buses, trolley buses, metro, and trams.

The service has been in pilot testing since April 2024 on the express bus lines that serve Athens International Airport.

“Since the launch of the pilot application, more than 90,000 users have used the service and the average transaction rate is 9% of all transactions carried out on Express vehicles,” OASA reports.

“The implementation of Tap & Pay across the entire network is another step in the evolutionary path of Attica’s public urban transport,” OASA CEO George Spiliopoulos explains.

“Based on the strategic transportation plan, we are moving with steady steps and targeted interventions towards the vision that public transport will be the first choice for the transportation of residents and visitors, contributing decisively to sustainable urban mobility with smart, green transportation and rationalization of traffic.”

Key Features of the New System:

1. Seamless Entry: Users can tap their contactless payment method directly at station gates or onboard vehicles, eliminating the need to purchase physical tickets or reload travel cards.
2. Compatibility: The system supports major payment providers, including Visa, Mastercard, and digital wallets like Google Pay and Apple Pay.
3. Time Efficiency: By reducing queues at ticket counters and machines, the initiative aims to make public transport usage faster and more user-friendly.

Benefits for Tourists:

• Ease of Travel: Tourists can now explore Athens without needing to navigate complex ticketing systems or carry cash.
• Cost Transparency: Real-time payment ensures clarity on transport costs, eliminating surprises from insufficient balances or hidden fees.

Broader Implications of Athens contactless payments for public transportation

This move aligns Athens with other major European cities embracing digital transformation in urban mobility. By integrating modern payment technologies, the city reinforces its commitment to sustainable and accessible transport solutions.

Whether you’re commuting to work or exploring Athens’ historical landmarks, this new payment method makes public transport more accessible than ever before.