Which Athens Metro Line 3 stations are affected by the closures?
The stations directly impacted by the current maintenance schedule are Eleonas, Kerameikos, and Monastiraki. These stations will cease operations significantly earlier than usual to facilitate the replacement of railway tracks in the Eleonas–Monastiraki sector. According to official transit updates, the early closure will take place at 21:40 daily until Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Because these stations are central to the Line 3 network, commuters must adjust their evening travel plans. The work is part of a broader infrastructure upgrade aimed at ensuring the long-term reliability and safety of the track system in this specific segment of the Athens Metro network. The technical works are concentrated on the section between Eleonas and Monastiraki, necessitating these early shutdowns to allow maintenance teams to operate safely during the night.
Impacted Station Summary
The following stations will experience early shutdowns:
- Eleonas: Closes at 21:40.
- Kerameikos: Closes at 21:40.
- Monastiraki: Closes at 21:40.
Travelers should note that while these stations are closed, the rest of the Line 3 network remains operational, albeit with modified routing during the late-night hours. The disruption is localized to the specific segment where the track replacement is occurring, meaning service continues on the other branches of the line.
How has the train service routing been modified?
During the maintenance windows, Line 3 train movement is restricted to two primary operational segments. The network effectively splits to allow work to proceed in the central zone while maintaining service on the outer branches. The active service areas are between the Dimotiko Theatro – Egaleo section and the Syntagma – D. Plakentias – Airport section.
This means that while the central link between Eleonas and Monastiraki is interrupted, passengers can still travel within the northern and western portions of the line. However, transfers and through-travel between these two operational zones will require the use of alternative transport methods provided by OASA. The split ensures that the majority of the line remains functional, even though the central connection is severed for the duration of the nightly works.
What are the specific last train departure times?
To ensure all passengers are cleared before the 21:40 closure, a series of specific last-call departures has been established. These times vary depending on the direction of travel and the starting station. Commuters are advised to check these specific windows to avoid being stranded at a closed station. The schedule is strictly timed to allow the technical teams to begin their work promptly at 21:40.
Departures toward D. Plakentias
For passengers heading toward the northern part of the line, the final departures from the affected area are scheduled as follows:
- From Dimotiko Theatro: 21:20
- From Egaleo: 21:34
- From Eleonas: 21:36
- From Kerameikos: 21:39
- From Monastiraki: 21:41
Departures toward Dimotiko Theatro
For those traveling in the opposite direction, the final departures are:
- From D. Plakentias: 21:30
- From Syntagma: 21:49
- From Monastiraki: 21:51
- From Kerameikos: 21:53
- From Eleonas: 21:56
How is the airport connection affected?
The service connecting central Athens to the International Airport has undergone significant routing changes during the nightly maintenance period. Because the central section of Line 3 is closed, trains can no longer run through the entire line from the western suburbs to the airport. This creates a gap in the direct through-service that passengers normally rely on.
After the technical works begin at 21:40, all trains heading toward the airport will originate from Syntagma station. Conversely, all trains arriving from the airport will terminate their journey at Syntagma. This creates a necessary transfer point for anyone traveling from the western part of the city to the airport or vice versa. Travelers must account for this change in routing when planning trips to or from the airport during the evening hours.
Airport Service Timetable
The following schedules apply for the modified airport service:
| Direction | Departure/Arrival Station | Scheduled Times |
|---|---|---|
| To Airport | From Syntagma | 22:02, 22:38, 23:14 |
| To Syntagma | From Airport | 21:46, 22:22, 22:58, 23:34 |
Additionally, the final standard departures from the western end of the line toward the airport are at 21:06 from Dimotiko Theatro, and 21:10 from the Airport toward Dimotiko Theatro. Passengers should be aware that after these specific times, the service pattern shifts to the Syntagma-centric model described above.
What alternative transport is available for commuters?
To assist passengers during the disruption, OASA has deployed a temporary replacement bus service, designated as Line X24. This service is specifically designed to bridge the gap created by the station closures, providing a continuous link between the disconnected parts of the metro network.
The X24 bus route operates from Sunday to Thursday, starting at 21:40 and continuing until the standard end of metro service. The route runs between Syntagma Metro Station and Egaleo Metro Station, passing through all the stations that are currently closed due to the track replacement works. This ensures that the connection between the western and central parts of the city is maintained via road transport.
X24 Bus Service Details
The primary function of the X24 is to ensure that passengers can still navigate the central corridor of Line 3. By passing through the closed stations, it maintains a level of connectivity that prevents total isolation for residents in the Eleonas, Kerameikos, and Monastiraki areas during the late-night hours. While the bus service provides a necessary link, passengers should allow for extra travel time compared to the standard metro service.
Frequently asked questions
Which stations are closed during the night?
The Eleonas, Kerameikos, and Monastiraki stations are the only ones experiencing early closures. These stations shut down at 21:40 every night until September 24, 2026, to allow for essential track replacement works to be carried out safely by technical teams.
How can I get from Syntagma to the Airport after 21:40?
After 21:40, you must take the modified airport service departing from Syntagma. The scheduled departures from Syntagma to the Airport are at 22:02, 22:38, and 23:14. This service replaces the standard through-running trains that normally traverse the entire Line 3 network.
Is there a bus service to replace the Metro?
Yes, OASA has implemented the X24 replacement bus line. This service runs from Sunday to Thursday, starting at 21:40, and connects Syntagma Metro Station with Egaleo Metro Station, passing through all the stations that are temporarily closed due to the maintenance works.
When will the normal Metro schedule resume?
The modified schedule and early station closures are expected to conclude on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Following this date, the Eleonas, Kerameikos, and Monastiraki stations should return to their standard operating hours, and the full Line 3 service should be restored.
Will the entire Line 3 be closed?
No, the entire line is not closed. Only the section between Eleonas and Monastiraki is affected by the early closures. Service continues to operate in the western segment (Dimotiko Theatro to Egaleo) and the northern/central segment (Syntagma to the Airport) with modified timings.
