Which stations are affected by the Metro Line 3 closures?
The stations of Eleonas, Kerameikos, and Monastiraki will be closed to passengers during the scheduled maintenance periods. These closures are a direct result of necessary track replacement works occurring on the segment between Eleonas and Monastiraki. To ensure safety and allow technical teams to work, these three specific stations will stop operating at 21:40, which is two and a half hours earlier than their standard nightly closing time.
The service disruption is not continuous but is scheduled in two distinct phases to allow for organized maintenance. Commuters should note the following windows of impact:
- Phase 1: From Sunday, September 27, through Thursday, October 1, 2026.
- Phase 2: From Sunday, October 4, through Thursday, October 8, 2026.
During these periods, Metro Line 3 trains will continue to operate but will be restricted to specific segments. Service will run between the Dimotiko Theatro – Egaleo section and the Syntagma – Dimotiko Plakentias – Airport section. This means that while the central and airport corridors remain functional, the specific link through the affected stations will be severed during the nightly maintenance windows.
What are the modified train departure times?
The departure times for the final trains of the evening have been adjusted to accommodate the 21:40 station closures. Passengers must plan their journeys carefully to avoid being stranded, as the last trains from the affected stations depart shortly before the maintenance window begins. The timing is precise, with some final departures occurring only minutes before the 21:40 cutoff.
Final departures toward Dimotiko Plakentias
For those traveling toward the Dimotiko Plakentias direction, the final departures from key stations are scheduled as follows:
- Dimotiko Theatro: 21:20
- Egaleo: 21:34
- Eleonas: 21:36
- Kerameikos: 21:39
- Monastiraki: 21:41
Final departures toward Dimotiko Theatro
Conversely, passengers heading toward the Dimotiko Theatro direction should note these final departure times:
- Dimotiko Plakentias: 21:30
- Syntagma: 21:49
- Monastiraki: 21:51
- Kerameikos: 21:53
- Eleonas: 21:56
The airport service is also impacted. The final trains from Dimotiko Theatro to the Airport depart at 21:06, while the final train from the Airport to Dimotiko Theatro departs at 21:10. Once technical works commence at 21:40, airport-bound trains will originate from Syntagma, and airport-bound trains will terminate their journey at Syntagma. This change ensures that the airport link remains operational even while the central segment undergoes maintenance.
Airport service schedule during maintenance
Following the 21:40 maintenance start, the specific departure times for airport-related services are:
- From Syntagma to Airport: 22:02, 22:38, and 23:14.
- From Airport to Syntagma: 21:46, 22:22, 22:58, and 23:34.
How does the X24 replacement bus line work?
OASA has deployed the temporary X24 bus line to bridge the gap created by the closure of the Eleonas, Kerameikos, and Monastiraki stations. This service operates from Sunday to Thursday, specifically between 21:40 and the official end of Metro operations. The X24 line is designed to connect the Egaleo station with the Syntagma station, passing through all the stations that are temporarily closed to metro traffic, providing a vital link for those unable to use the rail service.
The bus route follows a structured path to ensure maximum coverage for displaced commuters. Below is the detailed breakdown of the stops for both directions of travel.
Route details: Syntagma to Egaleo
When traveling from the city center toward the western suburbs, the X24 bus follows this sequence:
- Syntagma: Existing stop on Vasilissis Amalias Street.
- Omonia: Existing stop on Panepistimiou Street.
- Monastiraki (to Egaleo): Existing stop on Ermou Street.
- Kerameikos: Existing stop on Iera Odos (Sidera stop).
- Eleonas: Existing stop on Iera Odos (Amakostasio Dimou).
- Egaleo (Drop-off): Existing stop on Iera Odos (Estavromenos).
Route details: Egaleo to Syntagma
When traveling from the western suburbs toward the city center, the route includes several temporary stops to ensure accessibility:
- Egaleo: Temporary stop on Dimarcheiou Street.
- Eleonas: Existing stop on Iera Odos (Amakostasio).
- Kerameikos: Existing stop on Iera Odos (Sidera).
- Monastiraki (to Syntagma): Temporary stop on Ermou Street.
- Omonia: Existing stop on Stadio Street.
- Syntagma: Existing stop on Vasilissis Amalias Street.
Why are these infrastructure works necessary?
The modifications to the Athens Metro Line 3 schedule are required to facilitate essential track replacement works. Maintaining the integrity of the rail infrastructure is critical for the long-term safety and efficiency of the metropolitan transit network. By performing these replacements during nighttime hours, the transit authority aims to minimize the overall disruption to daytime passenger volumes, although the evening service is significantly impacted for these two specific phases.
Such technical interventions are standard for high-traffic rail networks to prevent more extensive emergency repairs in the future. The current works focus specifically on the section between Eleonas and Monastiraki, a high-density area of the Line 3 network. The two-phase approach—occurring in late September and early October—allows for concentrated work periods while providing a short break in the schedule before the final phase of maintenance begins.
FAQ: Athens Metro Line 3 Schedule Changes
Which specific stations are closing during the works?
The stations of Eleonas, Kerameikos, and Monastiraki are the only ones closing during the maintenance period. These closures occur because the track replacement works are localized to the segment connecting these specific stations. All other Line 3 stations remain operational according to their standard schedules.
What time do the affected stations close?
The affected stations (Eleonas, Kerameikos, and Monastiraki) will close at 21:40. This is 150 minutes earlier than their usual closing time. Passengers are advised to reach these stations well before 21:40 to ensure they can complete their journeys before the technical works begin.
Is there a replacement service for the closed stations?
Yes, OASA has implemented the temporary X24 bus line. This service runs from Sunday to Thursday between 21:40 and the end of Metro service. It connects Syntagma and Egaleo, passing through the closed stations to ensure commuters can still travel through the affected area.
How will the airport service be affected?
Airport services will be modified after 21:40. Trains heading to the airport will start from Syntagma instead of their usual starting points, and trains coming from the airport will terminate at Syntagma. Specific departure times for these modified services are provided in the official schedule.
When will these changes end?
The changes occur in two phases. The first phase runs from September 27 to October 1, 2026. After a brief interval, the second phase runs from October 4 to October 8, 2026. Regular service is expected to resume following the completion of these two periods.
Key takeaways
- Three Metro Line 3 stations (Eleonas, Kerameikos, Monastiraki) close at 21:40 during works.
- Closures occur in two phases: Sept 27–Oct 1 and Oct 4–Oct 8, 2026.
- A temporary X24 bus line will connect Syntagma and Egaleo during the closures.
- Airport-bound trains will operate between Syntagma and the Airport after 21:40.
Conclusion
The planned track replacement works on Athens Metro Line 3 represent a necessary step in maintaining the city's vital transport infrastructure. While the early closure of the Eleonas, Kerameikos, and Monastiraki stations at 21:40 will cause temporary inconvenience, the introduction of the X24 replacement bus line provides a structured alternative for commuters. Passengers traveling toward or from the airport should pay close attention to the modified departure times from Syntagma. By adhering to the two-phase schedule throughout late September and early October, the transit authority aims to complete these essential safety upgrades with minimal long-term disruption to the metropolitan area.
