Is it worth it to have a car in Athens?

[rookie]

If I want to live centrally in the city, do you think it's worth having a car with all the related cost of upkeep, parking, etc compared to just relaying on public transportation and taxis? And how big of a problem would parking be?

[mayel]

No, if you're central you can walk most places, and public transport is alright (paired with pretty affordable taxis when needed). Also take into account the 'Athens Ring'.

[Kostas_Karpouzis]

If you live within walking distance from a Metro station (you can check on Google Maps about that), then you're pretty much OK most of the times (excluding strikes and after hours). Taxis are relatively inexpensive in Athens, plus you can use an app such as Taxibeat to locate the closest one and see the driver's reviews before you hail them.

[Giorgos3]

Hi Patrick. If you choose to live centrally yo don't need car.
i could say that a car is a problem.
Unless the place you will stay has private parking, so you can use a car to go to other areas...

[Nick25]

Hi Patrick , while I don't see the reason if you plan to live near or in the city center, if you're planning on living on suburbs you have to know that while owning a 2nd hand car is much cheaper than in other European countries, the price of gas is quite expensive from 1.40€/lt to 1.60/lt. Make note of Mayel's remark on Athens Center (restriction) Ring. You won't be allowed to drive half the days in a month. Also the parking is quite expensive.

[Christine_M]

If you live and move around downtown/center of Athens, I would advise against transportation with a car. Public transportation is faster and there are many different options (bus, subway etc.) in the center. Also, parking in downtown Athens is practically a nightmare, unless you decide to pay for a private parking lot.

[mpirarxos]

only if you want to explore the outer areas of the city, the sea or the mountains. If you want to move only in the centre and suburbs it is not suggested. Traffic and bad driving habits are daily routine

[mpirarxos]

No a car is needed to explore outer areas like the sea or the mountains. Not in the center

[George_Dedoulis1]

If you plan to live down town I wouldn't say it's worth having a car. You can get by riding the subway and the train. Residents who live in the center do get a resident card and there are designated parking spots for residents but I wouldn't rely on that. Those spots get covered by non-residents all the time. On the other hand if you plan regular excursions to the suburbs you can't really rely on public transport apart from the metro and train and those will only get you so far. You should also keep in mind that there are regular strikes and demonstrations that affect public transport and car rides

[teoulas]

No, if you live in the centre, it's not worth having a car. Public transport is pretty good in the centre and parking is a nightmare. I live very close to the centre and I rarely drive my car (once-twice a month). Even then, when I get back, I usually spend a lot of time to find parking space. It depends on the time, however. It's relatively easy to find one early in the day. At night, it's much harder.

[Xenia_Perantonakis-C]

No, you don't need a car, parking is impossible downtown. If you are planing staying downtown, metro and taxi are a good option. Avoid hailing taxis from the street and use taxi apps, where your driver is vetted. Taxi drivers in Athens tend to take the long route when with foreigners so they can charge more.