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> Greece

Easter exodus in full swing – Increased traffic on roads, ports, and intercity buses

The Easter holiday exodus from Attica to the countryside continues at a rapid pace, as thousands of citizens depart to celebrate Holy Week and the Resurrection

Newsroom April 17 06:33

According to Attica Traffic Police, congestion is reported on Athens Avenue from Palataki to the Aspropyrgos refineries, as well as on Schistos Avenue toward Skaramangas.

Significant delays are also observed on the northbound Kifissos Avenue, while low speeds are recorded on Attiki Odos, especially on the Ymittos Ring Road heading toward Elefsina.

In contrast, traffic is moving with increased flow but no major problems on the Athens–Corinth and Athens–Lamia National Highways.

As of 2 p.m. on Holy Thursday, 30,635 vehicles had passed through the Elefsina tolls and 23,807 through the Afidnes tolls. From 6 a.m. Holy Wednesday to 6 a.m. Holy Thursday, 48,268 vehicles traveled toward Corinth and 37,576 toward Lamia — higher figures than the same period last year.

Between Friday, April 11, and Holy Wednesday, a total of 381,901 vehicles have left Attica.

Traffic Restrictions:
A ban on trucks over 3.5 tons is in effect today from 15:00 to 22:00 and on Good Friday from 06:00 to 16:00 on outbound lanes of national roads.

Surge in Passenger Traffic at Ports

The port of Piraeus is packed with travelers, with bookings indicating 22,190 passengers are sailing today. According to port authority data for Thursday, April 17, 2025, a total of 39 ferry departures are scheduled from Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio, with a combined 34,833 passengers.

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  • Piraeus: 20 routes, 22,190 passengers heading to the Cyclades, Crete, Dodecanese, and the Saronic Gulf.
  • Rafina: 10 routes serving mainly the Cyclades and South Evia, with 9,800 passengers and 4 additional routes to Marmari.
  • Lavrio: 9 routes to nearby islands like Kea and Kythnos, with 2,843 passengers.

Passenger traffic is expected to peak on Good Friday, and authorities recommend travelers arrive early due to the high turnout. Weather conditions remain favorable for safe sailings.

Intercity Buses at Full Capacity

A similar picture is seen at the Kifisos and Liosion intercity bus terminals, where buses are running at full capacity. According to ERT, 200 regular routes are being operated, with an additional 160 special routes added to meet increased demand.

The Panhellenic Federation of Intercity Bus Operators (KTEL) reports a 20% increase in passenger traffic compared to Holy Week in 2023 — a reflection of people’s strong desire to celebrate Easter away from the city.

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