Athens, November 22 – A new timetable for the Athens suburban railway (Proastiakos) was officially implemented today, Saturday, November 22, as announced by rail operator Hellenic Train. The revised schedule introduces several significant changes, primarily aimed at improving services on the busy line connecting Ano Liosia with Athens International Airport, while also drawing criticism from commuter associations.
Expanded Airport Services Now Daily
One of the most notable adjustments in the new timetable is the extension of the Ano Liosia-Kantza service to the airport. This service, previously limited to weekday mornings and afternoons, will now operate daily, significantly increasing direct access to Athens International Airport. Consequently, there will now be four services per hour between Metamorfosi and the airport, a measure designed to alleviate congestion during peak travel periods.
Modified Late-Evening Departures
Several late-evening services have also undergone modifications to better accommodate night travel. The last train from Piraeus to the airport will now depart at 9:43 p.m., an extension of nearly an hour compared to the previous 8:44 p.m. departure. In the reverse direction, the final Airport-Piraeus service is scheduled to leave at 10:32 p.m., a slight delay from the former 10:07 p.m. departure. Furthermore, two new services from the airport to Tavros have been introduced at 11:13 p.m. and 11:32 p.m., providing additional options for late-night passengers.
Transfer Point Shifted for Kiato-Piraeus Route
A major operational change impacts passengers traveling on the Kiato-Piraeus route who connect to the airport line. Under the new timetable, transfers will now occur at Ano Liosia station, rather than the previous interchange point at Kato Acharnai. Passengers will be required to wait at Ano Liosia for their connecting services to the airport.
Commuter Groups Voice Strong Criticism
Despite Hellenic Train promoting the new Proastiakos timetable as a step toward “better serving the passenger public,” improving major station connectivity, and boosting network reliability, the changes have been met with significant criticism from commuter groups. An association representing daily rail users condemned both the substance of the revisions and the manner in which they were announced, citing the two-day notice as insufficient for passengers who rely on fixed schedules.
Elimination of Critical Morning Route
The Suburban Working Passengers Association specifically described the surprise “redesign” as failing to consider the needs of commuters on the busy Kiato-Piraeus line. They highlighted that the new schedule “completely eliminates a critical morning route, leaving hundreds of passengers exposed, with significant professional and personal consequences.” Under the previous timetable, the first three morning departures from Kiato to Piraeus were at 4:56 a.m., 5:56 a.m., and 6:56 a.m. However, the new schedule abolishes the middle service entirely, offering only two services-at 4:39 a.m. and 6:28 a.m.-within that same early-morning window.
The new timetables are available for public viewing on the Hellenic Train website.
