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Hop on Hop Off Trains Run Through the Historic Center

Ride the Sunshine Express or the Happy Train

 

When the kids have had enough, a trip aboard the Athens Happy Train or the Sunshine Express is sure to bring a smile to their faces – and a rest to just about anyone who is looking for a break from exploring the historic center on foot.  The two similar “trains” that really operate on wheels circle along the pedestrain paths and promenades in the historical center of Athens, offering a relaxing tour of the city center.

 

The “trains” stay pretty much within the historical center, and other than the drive through Syntagma, it is pretty unlikely that these areas will be closed. It is a nice, although silly, way to see the historical center, particularly on a hot day.  On weekdays (MON to FRI):  Departures every hour approximately between 11:30 – 14:30 and 17:00 – 24:00.  On weekends: Every hour between 11:00 and 24:00. 
The trains are a nice way to get a brief overview of the historical center, or to move from one part of the center to another if you don’t want to walk, but don’t expect a comprehensive tour from the driver or the “guide” on board. There is a prerecorded guide which tells you a very little bit about some of the places you will be passing, and which announces the next stop – but it isn’t a full blown tour like a traditional “City Hopper” offers. It is, though, great for young ones, and the young at heart.

The train starts at Agora Square (Market Square) near the Roman Agora. Tickets are 5 euro, and the published rate for children under 10 is 3 euro, although the last time I rode with my nieces did not charge me for the kids.

By Athensguide

How does a little girl from Skokie, Illinois find herself in historical Athens, leading curious explorers through the winding streets of Plaka, down "pezodromos" to hidden ouzeries for tempting mezedhes and homemade barrel wine? The journey began more than twenty years ago, and regardless of whether the wanderlust comes from the spiritual and culture DNA flowing through my veins, or the alignment of the stars on that cold mid-December day this Sagitterian came into the world, I never seem to tire of exploring my adopted homeland of Greece. Here you'll join me as I explore Athens: be it the back streets of Psirri and Gazi, or through the National Gardens and Zappeio where a family of turtles makes their home, or down wide, treelined Imittou Street in Pagrati, which pulses with Athenian life 24 hours a day. And while Athens has stolen my heart, the rest of Greece vies for my curiousity and wanderlust. My two guys (that'd be the Greek God, Vasilis and our Greek dog, Scruffy) and I can often be found settling in for a long weekend in some charming mountain village, or a quaint fishing port on a nearby island, or learning how Greek vitners are producing wines that rival some of Napa Valley's finests productions, or celebrating a panayeri in Epirus or sharing in the festivities as a family of Cretan sheepherders come together to sheer their 1500 sheep in the spring ... And if you happen to find yourself heading to Athens, consider finding yourself a real home for your stay. Living amongst the locals, be it for 3 nights or 3 weeks, will offer you the chance to experience true Athens, beyond the Acropolis. Choose from one of our 5 beautiful penthouse and historical homes, and who knows, I may be leading you down that winding "pezodromo" to our favorite hidden ouzerie!

4 thoughts on “The Athens Happy Trains”
  1. Great article, thanks! We’ll be visiting Athens in December. The Happy Train probably won’t be running on weekdays at that time? Do you know?

    1. One of the two trains may be running during the weekdays, although I’m not sure which. What are your December dates? (The train usually has daily service during the holiday period as well).

  2. I stopped and chatted with the ticket attendant for the Sunshine Express today, and he told me that they plan on running the train everyday throughout the winter. So come to Athens and ride the Sunshine Express this December!

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