The Ath.ena Card
The Ath.ena Card is OASA's contactless electronic card for all modes of public transportation. Find out how to get one, how to check your balance, and how to recharge it.
What is the Ath.ena card?
The Ath.ena Card It is the reusable contactless OASA card. You tap it on the blue readers at the subway gates (and inside buses, trolleys, and trams), and the correct fare is deducted. There is also a paper ticket Ath.ena Ticket for occasional use.
The card comes in two forms: anonymous (free, valid with one-way tickets for up to 5 days) and personified (with name/photo; can also be loaded with monthly and annual passes and discounted fare entitlements).
Getting a Card
Where can you get an Ath.ena card?
- In the ticket offices and the vending machines at its subway stations.
- In the Service Centers OASA for the personalized card (with ID and photo).
- The anonymous card It is available free of charge and is ready to use right away.
- Management and online services via the athenacard.gr and the implementation.
The anonymous The Ath.ena card is free. The personified It requires a personalized card and gives you access to reduced fares and balance protection in case of loss.
Check Balance
How to Check Your Card Balance
There are several quick ways to see how many tickets or how much credit you have left:
Card Top-Up
How to load your Ath.ena card
Purchase tickets (90-minute, one-day, 5-day) or an unlimited pass:
Tip: Load your card before you travel. If you don't have a valid ticket, the gates won't open.
Ath.ena Ticket or Ath.ena Card?
Ath.ena Ticket (paper)
Rechargeable paper ticket for occasional use. Ideal for visitors and infrequent travel — can be loaded with one-way tickets valid for up to 5 days.
Ath.ena Card (plastic)
Durable contactless card. The personalized version can be loaded with monthly/annual passes (starting at €27) and reduced-fare entitlements—making it the best value for daily commuters.
Frequently Asked Questions
On the subway, tap your card on the entry gates. On buses, trolleys, and trams, validate your ticket when you board. Keep your ticket until the end of your trip in case of an inspection.
If you do not have a valid ticket or sufficient balance, the gates will not open. Top up your card at a machine or ticket kiosk before your trip.
The Ath.ena card can be reused for years. The personalized card protects your balance and purchases in case of loss or replacement.
You can manage and recharge the card using the Ath.ena Card (NFC) app. The rollout of contactless payments using bank cards is proceeding gradually.
For your personalized card, please visit the OASA Service Centers to manage your balance and products.