Vehicles

1. Αυτοκίνητο

   af-to-KI-ni-to

   Car

   Usage

   The general word, used when renting or when explaining an accident

2. Λεωφορείο

   le-o-fo-RI-o

   Bus

   Usage

   City bus; a stop is «stasi». In Athens the same ticket covers bus and metro

3. ΚΤΕΛ

   KTEL

   Intercity bus (KTEL)

   Usage

   The prefecture bus network — often the only public transport where there is no railway. Athens has two separate terminals, Kifissou and Liosion, so show your destination and check

4. Τρένο

   TRE-no

   Train

   Usage

   The main line is Athens–Thessaloniki; the network is limited, so a KTEL bus is often faster

5. Μετρό

   me-TRO

   Metro

   Usage

   Athens and Thessaloniki have one; Line 3 runs straight to Athens airport

6. Ηλεκτρικός

   i-lek-tri-KOS

   Athens Metro Line 1

   Usage

   Locals still call the green Piraeus–Kifisia line "o ilektrikos". If you ask for the port, you may be directed by this name rather than "Line 1"

7. Προαστιακός

   pro-a-sti-a-KOS

   Suburban railway (Proastiakos)

   Usage

   The suburban rail linking Athens airport with the city and Corinth — less frequent than the metro but usually with a seat

8. Τραμ

   tram

   Tram

   Usage

   Runs from central Athens down the coast towards Glyfada — handy for a beach day

9. Τρόλεϊ

   TRO-le-i

   Trolleybus

   Usage

   Athens' yellow overhead-wire buses; their route numbers are a separate series from the ordinary buses

10. Ταξί

    ta-XI

    Taxi

    Usage

    Yellow in Athens. The airport–city fare is a flat rate, so confirm before you get in

11. Μηχανάκι

    mi-cha-NA-ki

    Scooter / moped

    Usage

    The standard way to get around an island. You need an international licence, and a helmet (κράνος) is required

12. Μηχανή

    mi-cha-NI

    Motorcycle

    Usage

    A bigger machine than a μηχανάκι; the same word also means engine or machine

13. Γουρούνα

    gu-RU-na

    Quad bike / ATV

    Usage

    The colloquial name for the quad bikes at every island rental shop. It literally means "sow", but as a vehicle name it is neutral and understood by everyone

14. Ποδήλατο

    po-DI-la-to

    Bicycle

    Usage

    Easy to rent on flat Kos or along the Athens coast

15. Αεροπλάνο

    a-e-ro-PLA-no

    Airplane

    Usage

    Faster to the islands than a ship, but domestic baggage limits are tight

16. Πλοίο

    PLI-o

    Ship

    Usage

    The general word for the big island boats; the main ports are Piraeus and Rafina

17. Φεριμπότ

    fe-rim-BOT

    Car ferry

    Usage

    The big ferry that takes vehicles — book this if you are taking a rental car to an island

18. Ταχύπλοο

    ta-CHI-plo-o

    High-speed boat

    Usage

    Half the journey time at a higher fare, and the first to be cancelled in rough seas. The windows do not open, so beware if you get seasick

19. Καΐκι

    ka-I-ki

    Kaiki (wooden boat)

    Usage

    The traditional wooden boat; day trips to roadless beaches and islets leave from the harbour on one of these

20. Βάρκα

    VAR-ka

    Small boat

    Usage

    A rowing or small-engine boat — the word you use when renting one at the shore

21. Τελεφερίκ

    te-le-fe-RIK

    Cable car / funicular

    Usage

    Used for Lycabettus Hill in Athens and the line between Santorini's old port and Fira

22. Ασθενοφόρο

    a-sthe-no-FO-ro

    Ambulance

    Usage

    Call 166 or 112. "Kaleste asthenoforo!" means call an ambulance

23. Ενοικίαση αυτοκινήτου

    e-ni-KI-a-si af-to-ki-NI-tu

    Car rental

    Usage

    The wording on rental shop signs, usually alongside "RENT A CAR"

24. Φορτηγό

    for-ti-GO

    Truck

    Usage

    Use it when describing an accident or a hold-up on the road

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