Athens Metro Line 2: four-station extension to Glyfada and Elliniko gains ground

The proposed route would begin at the current Elliniko terminal station, initially head towards Ano Glyfada, continue towards the city centre and ultimately extend into the major redevelopment of the former Athens airport, terminating near the Integrated Resort and Casino (IRC).

According to information published by Powergame, this option is currently emerging as the preferred solution among the alternatives under consideration. However, as Christos Fafoutis, CEO of Elliniko Metro, clarified during the Technical Chamber of Greece’s (TEE) Green Deal Greece 2026 conference, the final alignment has not yet been determined.

Proposed Route and Station Locations

The initial plan envisaged extending Metro Line 2 from its current terminus at Elliniko towards Glyfada, through an approximately 4.5-kilometre underground section featuring three new stations.

The preliminary locations identified for the stations were Makedonias Square in Ano Glyfada, the intersection of Vouliagmenis Avenue and Grigoriou Lambraki Avenue, and Agios Konstantinos Square in the commercial centre of Glyfada.

The development of the major investment project at the former airport site prompted a reassessment of the proposed alignment, in order to ensure that the new urban development would also have access to the Metro network.

Against this background, two alternative routes were examined. The first, which now appears to be the leading option, provides for four stations along a single branch. The line would initially head towards Ano Glyfada, then turn back towards Vouliagmenis Avenue, approach Agios Konstantinos Square and subsequently enter the Elliniko redevelopment site, terminating near the IRC.

The second alternative envisaged the reverse route, with the Metro line initially entering the former airport site and serving a station near the IRC before continuing towards the city centre and Ano Glyfada.

The selection of a single alignment would avoid the construction of a separate branch serving the Elliniko investment, while providing access to both the existing areas of Glyfada and the new urban development.

Challenges in Connecting the Metro to the Elliniko Development

A key outstanding technical issue concerns the way in which the extension will enter the redevelopment site.

Coordination between the Metro construction works and Lamda Development’s construction programme is a critical factor, as the new infrastructure will need to be integrated into an area where major construction projects are already underway. This requirement has contributed to the reassessment of the initial approach and the examination of alternative alignments.

The extension is particularly important given the additional passenger traffic expected to result from the development of residential properties, offices, retail facilities, hotels and leisure destinations at Elliniko.

Extension of the Elliniko Tram Depot Completed

Meanwhile, the extension of the Elliniko Tram Depot has been completed. The €10.9 million project was financed through European funding allocated by the Attica Region under the Attica 2021–2027 programme.

Implemented by the TERNA–THEMELI joint venture, the project includes a new covered structure providing 22 additional parking spaces, ensuring covered accommodation for all 59 trams in the fleet. It also includes two new inspection and maintenance pits, as well as an upgraded depot management system.

According to Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas, the investment strengthens operational management and tram availability. The completion of the project represents a parallel intervention in the modernisation of fixed-track public transport infrastructure in the southern suburbs, an area where Vouliagmenis and Poseidonos avenues are already experiencing significant traffic congestion.

At a Different Stage from the Metro Line 2 Extension to Ilion

Despite its importance for the southern suburbs, the proposed extension towards Glyfada remains at an early planning stage.

More advanced is the extension of Metro Line 2 from Anthoupoli to Ilion, which предусматри approximately four kilometres of new underground railway infrastructure and three stations, located in Palatiani, Ilion and Agios Nikolaos.

Significant stages of the environmental permitting process for this project have been completed, while securing the necessary funding remains a prerequisite for advancing the tender process.

According to recent statements by Christos Fafoutis, following environmental approvals, the next step will be a cost-benefit analysis, which is essential for pursuing the necessary funding.

This situation highlights the broader challenges facing Athens’ Metro expansion programme. Even projects with advanced studies and permitting procedures do not necessarily have secured financing.