Greece - 13th Oct 2024 - Travel and Accommodation

Info for fans travelling to Athens for Greece v Republic of Ireland June 16^th 21.45 (local time)

Please share with any friends or family travelling.  Please note we have done our level best to ensure the details are accurate but we cannot be held responsible for any errors or changes.  If you believe anything to be incorrect please let us know. 

The game will be played in the OPAP Arena in Athens home ground of AEK Athens.  Fokon 11, Nea Filadelfia 14341 Athens.

Gates will open at 18.45 (3 hours before kickoff)

The stadium is easily reached by public transport .  Buses 703,803,845 & 856 all pass within walking distance of the stadium.  The Perissos metro stop is 12 minutes walk from the stadium.  It is on the green line (M1).   Public transport can get very busy as kickoff approaches so please leave plenty of time for your journey. 

We expect most fans to arrive via Athens airport.  The city centre can be reached by Taxi taking approx. 40 minutes and should cost approx. €40 (day-time) - €55 (night-time).  Cheaper options from the airport include the metro which also takes approx. 40 minutes.  The single fare is €9 or €16 return.  Cheaper fares exist for students and OAPs.  Children under 6 go free.  You must purchase a ticket from the vending machines before boarding the train.  The X95 bus costs €5.50 (€2.70 for U18 & over 65) and takes approx. 60 minutes.  It can take much longer in peak traffic.  Tickets can be purchased in the arrivals office or on board.  The bus stop is outside Arrivals between exit 4 and exit 5. 

The stadium is scheduled to open at 18.45pm.  We encourage all fans to arrive early for the game to avoid delays.  Security checks can take time at football matches in Greece so please allow plenty of time to pass through security.

Irish fans will be located in sectors 45,46,47 & 48.  Please see stadium map.  (i can't seem to attach on the forum but can email to a mod or someone else).  

Some general stadium info

1)     Mobile chargers and battery packs are allowed

2)     Small bags no larger than A4 size are allowed but will be searched.

3)     It is against the law to be in possession of pyro in Greece. 

4)     All flags and banners submitted for approval are approved.

5)     Flags and banners can be hung in the Irish section but will be checked on entry.

6)     There will be no fanzone or area for tickletless fans to watch the game. 

7)     Drinks and snacks will be on sale in the Irish end

8)     Credit cards and cash will be accepted.

9)     Please note no alcohol will be on sale in the Irish end of the stadium.

10)  Fans require their original passport or ID document provided to the ticket office (photocopies or photos are not accepted) and their match ticket to access the stadium.

11)   Please note your match ticket does NOT cover any public transport.  Please buy public transport tickets as normal.

12)  No decision has been made yet as to whether Irish fans will be held back after the game.

A meeting point is being organised for fans who wish to gather before the game.  The Greek police will facilitate transport to the stadium either by charter train or bus.  This is optional but initial discussions with various fan-groups have shown positive interest in this.  More details to follow. 

Please note the emergency number in Greece is 112.

We recommend having a scan of your passport on your phone and in your email in case it gets lost or stolen.  This will aid having replacement travel documents issued. 

The Irish Embassy is located at Leof. Vas. Konstantinou 7, 106 74 Athens, Greece (second floor). The public counter is open from 09:00 - 13:00, Monday to Friday.  

If you require consular assistance the Irish embassy in Athens has an emergency voicemail that is monitored frequently.  Please call +30 210 723 2771

Please note DFA guidelines on Athens

Crime is relatively low in Greece as a whole but pickpocketing is common in central Athens. Always take sensible precautions:

• Be aware that the tourist season attracts an increase in incidents of theft of passports, wallets, handbags etc. - particularly in areas and at events where crowds gather. You should leave valuables in safe custody at your hotel or apartment.
• Be particularly vigilant when using public transport. In Athens, we recommend visitors take extra care of their personal belongings when using buses or the metro; especially when travelling to and from the airport or the port of Piraeus. Don't carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place. Consider wearing your rucksack on your front, and do not leave valuables in accessible pockets.
• Don't carry your passport unless absolutely necessary. Leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home, and consider keeping a photo of important documents on your phone or in your emails.  (Note if you provided your passport details to access the game that it is necessary to carry it to the game)

Personal attacks, including sexual assaults and rape, are infrequent in Greece. However, there is a higher incidence of sexual assault and rape on some Greek Islands. We advise that you do not accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended when in bars or nightclubs. We also recommend that you avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night.

Please remember to behave in a way at all times that reflects the hugely positive image Irish football fans have at home and abroad.