Athens Tram Expansion Returns: New Lines Planned to Perama and Patission Street by 2045

The new transport plan by OASA for Athens’ fixed-track network through 2045 includes two new tram lines. This marks the first time a concrete—albeit modest—expansion plan for the tram has been introduced, a mode that is often unfairly compared to the Athens Metro in terms of speed.

The proposed tram lines include an extension from Piraeus to Keratsini and Perama, reviving an older plan that was already part of Athens’ regulatory framework back in 2013. The second line would run along Patission Street, a project that returns after more than a decade since the collapse of the Rethink Athens initiative.

At the same time, the plan also outlines extensions of the suburban railway (Proastiakos) toward Lavrio and Rafina, as well as the under-construction extension toward Elefsina and Megara.

As previously reported, the new OASA plan also introduces—for the first time—a circular metro line connecting Ampelokipoi, Agios Dimitrios, Kallithea, Chaidari, the Athens Central Railway Station, Victoria, and back to Ampelokipoi. In addition, a semi-circular line is planned along the route Aigaleo – Galatsi – Katechaki.

Two “well-known” tram extensions

As mentioned, the tram extensions included in the new plan by OASA revive older proposals. The first—and most important—is the extension from the port of Piraeus to Keratsini and then onward to Perama.

This extension is particularly significant as it serves densely populated areas such as Drapetsona and Keratsini, before continuing along Dimokratias Avenue to reach the Perama ferry terminal.

The line would provide access to key infrastructure and activity hubs, including Drapetsona, the center of Keratsini, the commercial port at Ikonio, the ship-repair zone in Perama, and of course the ferry connection to Salamina.

It is worth noting that in the earlier plan—outlined in Athens’ 2013 regulatory framework—the section between Agios Dionysios and the center of Keratsini was planned to run underground for nearly 3 km. This would have significantly improved travel times between the two areas and, by extension, the connection to Perama.

However, this plan was abandoned in the previous decade, mainly due to objections from the Municipality of Perama, which advocated instead for metro coverage. As a result, the tram extension project was halted.

The second extension also has its own history. The planned route to Egypt Square along Patission Street via Panepistimiou Street was part of an unsuccessful urban intervention during the economic crisis of the previous decade.

The proposed alignment included extending the tram from Syntagma Square to Omonia Square via Panepistimiou Street, and then continuing along Patission Street, terminating at Egypt Square.

The project was called Rethink Athens, and it even included plans to pedestrianize Panepistimiou Street, allowing only tram and bus lines to pass through.

Ultimately, the ambitious plan collapsed in 2014 when the European Commission rejected it, arguing that the route—especially along Panepistimiou—was already adequately served by the Athens Metro.

At the same time, there were also concerns that closing Panepistimiou to general traffic would create more problems than it would solve, shifting congestion onto surrounding central roads. This debate took place during a period when traffic congestion was actually low due to the severe economic crisis, which had significantly reduced vehicle circulation.

Today, this extension appears to be returning with the same alignment, aiming to serve part of the traffic demand along Patission Street.

However, if it is eventually reconsidered, its value would be much greater if it extended beyond Egypt Square to cover the entire length of Patission Street, which currently lacks direct fixed-track transit coverage. Instead, it is only indirectly served by nearby stations such as Victoria Station, Ano Patissia Station, and the future Kypseli Station.

Suburban Railway (Proastiakos) extensions
The plan for Athens’ fixed-track transport network also includes the suburban railway, the Athens Suburban Railway. It features three major extension projects:

Western Attica “industrial” line:

This project involves upgrading and reusing the old railway line from Ano Liosia to Aspropyrgos, continuing to Elefsina and terminating at Megara. It is essentially designed as an “industrial” corridor, serving the growing commercial and logistics activity in Western Attica while also helping reduce road congestion.
The project is currently under construction by METKA, with works progressing. Completion is scheduled for 2027, although delays remain possible due to reactions—mainly from the Municipality of Aspropyrgos.

Extension to Rafina:

This is a major infrastructure project aimed at connecting the port of Rafina with either Pallini or directly with Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos. The budget exceeds €300 million and targets improved connectivity for Eastern Attica.
Two alternative routes are being considered:

A connection from the Pallini suburban station following the Stavros–Rafina transport corridor.

A direct link between Rafina port and the airport.
The project will provide high-quality access to Attica’s second-largest port, improving travel to islands such as Andros, while boosting tourism. Planned stations will also serve local communities and include park-and-ride facilities.

Extension to Lavrio:

This is another major railway project, approximately 31 km long, starting from Koropi and ending at the port of Lavrio, effectively reviving the historic railway of Eastern Attica.
The plan includes main stations in Markopoulo and Lavrio, along with intermediate stops (such as Kalivia Thorikou), connecting the port to Athens in under one hour.
This extension builds on the existing line that currently reaches Koropi and largely follows the old railway alignment. Its goal is to directly link Lavrio port with the suburban railway network, the airport, and Athens.

Overall, the project is expected to upgrade the wider region, improving accessibility and strengthening Lavrio’s role as both a passenger and freight hub.

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