Located in the northern outskirts of Athens, Acharnes Railway Station (known locally as “ΣΚΑ – Σιδηροδρομικό Κέντρο Αχαρνών”) is more than just a major railway interchange—it’s a gateway to one of Greece’s oldest continuously inhabited areas, the municipality of Acharnes (also called Menidi). This article explores what travellers can expect from the station, the town’s historical depth, and how to access it via Greece’s rail network.
🚆 About Acharnes Railway Station (SKA)
Opened in 2011, Acharnes Railway Station (ΣΚΑ) was designed as the central hub of Greek railways—connecting the Athens–Thessaloniki line, the Athens Suburban Railway (Proastiakos), and other regional services.
Despite its architectural scale and intended role, much of the station’s vast infrastructure is underused, with only a handful of platforms in active service today. However, it remains an important stop on suburban and intercity routes.
Services and Lines:
- Athens Suburban Railway – Line A1 (Piraeus to Kiato):
- Trains run every 1–2 hours.
- Travel time to central Athens (Larissa Station): ~25 minutes.
- Cost: €1.40 (standard suburban fare).
- Line A2 (Piraeus to Athens Airport):
- Connects via a transfer at Athens Central or SKA.
- Cost to the Airport: €9 (standard airport fare).
- InterCity and Regional Trains (limited):
- Some InterCity trains to Thessaloniki stop at Acharnes.
- Ticket prices to Thessaloniki from Acharnes: from €38–€45 depending on class and time of booking.
You can check updated schedules and book tickets at: www.hellenictrain.gr
🏛️ Exploring Acharnes: Ancient Past, Urban Present
Acharnes may seem like a sprawling suburb today, but it is one of Attica’s oldest municipalities, dating back to Classical Greece. It was once one of the demes (districts) of ancient Athens and features heavily in Aristophanes’ play The Acharnians.
Highlights for Visitors:
- Archaeological Museum of Acharnes:
- Displays Mycenaean pottery, Roman-era statues, and local finds from ancient Acharnae.
- Admission: Free or a small fee (under €5).
- The Church of Agios Vlasios:
- A Byzantine-era church in the heart of the town.
- Parnitha Mountain National Park (nearby):
- A natural escape with hiking trails and views over Athens.
- Can be reached via local bus or taxi from Acharnes.
- Local Life:
- Bustling farmer’s markets, traditional bakeries, and tavernas offer an authentic suburban Athenian experience.
- Try koulouri, souvlaki, or spanakopita at local eateries for a budget-friendly taste of Greece.
🗺️ Getting to Acharnes
From Central Athens:
- Take the Suburban Railway (Line A1) from Piraeus or Athens Central Station to Acharnes (SKA).
- Travel time: ~25 mins
- Cost: €1.40
From Athens Airport:
- Board the Suburban Railway (Line A2) and transfer at SKA.
- Total journey: ~45–50 minutes
- Cost: €9
🧳 Practical Tips
- Ticketing: Use rechargeable ATH.ENA cards or buy single-use tickets at machines.
- Station Facilities: Limited despite the large structure; toilets and sheltered platforms are available, but there are few shops or cafes inside the station.
- Nearby Transport: Buses and taxis connect the station to nearby districts like Menidi, Kamatero, and Parnitha.
✍️ Summary
Acharnes Railway Station offers more than just a transfer point for trains—it opens the door to a suburb rich in history and local culture. Whether you’re passing through on your way to Thessaloniki or taking a short suburban journey from Athens, a stop here provides a blend of urban Greek life and ancient legacy at minimal cost.
