The Hellenic Institute of Transport is part of the Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH) which is a non-profit organization that directly reports to the General Secretariat for Research and Technology (GSRT), of the Greek Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, Sport and Culture.

HIT's main objective is the conduct and support of applied research activities in the field of transportation in Greece. More specifically on issues relating to organization, operation, planning and development of infrastructure, and standardization, economic analysis, management, vehicle technology, and impact assessment of land, maritime, air, and multimodal transport services. Also training and education activities in related fields, dissemination of research activities and the Representation of Greece, in Transport Research and other relevant scientific fora abroad.