(ATR) Athens adds a new jewel to its collection of Olympic competed Olympic projects this weekend with the first rail service from the center of the city to Athens International Airport. The travel time for the 40 km trip is about 40 minutes. The fare is eight euros one way, 12 euros for a round trip.
Like a number of big projects, concerns loomed over whether the rail link would be done in time for the Games.
Transport Minister Michael Liapis says Greece has proved otherwise.
?Despite the fact that even a few months ago no one believed that the suburban rail would be completed, despite the serious concerns of the IOC, we did it," he told reporters as the first trains rolled toward the airport.
There were some hiccups in the first hours of the new service but travel was smooth on Saturday, the trains filled more with curious Athenians than airport travelers, taking advantage a fare-free weekend.
At the airport, a gleaming rail station is connected to the airport by moving walkway, making an easy connection to the terminal.
Along with the new airport line, Athens now has tram service to the coast, an overhauled and expanded Metro system and its first set of ring roads, eliminating downtown Athens as the crossroads of the region.
More news alerts from Athens and the Olympics, every day in Around the Rings.com, for subscribers only.
Últimas Noticias
Sinner-Alcaraz, the duel that came to succeed the three phenomenons
Table tennis: Brazil’s Bruna Costa Alexandre will be Olympic and Paralympic in Paris 2024
Rugby 7s: the best player of 2023 would only play the medal match in Paris
Rhonex Kipruto, owner of the world record for the 10000 meters on the road, was suspended for six years
Katie Ledecky spoke about doping Chinese swimmers: “It’s difficult to go to Paris knowing that we’re going to compete with some of these athletes”
