Traveling from Athens to the Peloponnese offers an opportunity to experience the rich history and stunning landscapes of Greece. The Peloponnese is a large peninsula, connected to the mainland by the Isthmus of Corinth, and it’s known for its ancient sites, such as Olympia, Mycenae, and the theater of Epidaurus.
Whether you’re looking to explore historic ruins, relax on beautiful beaches, or savor the local cuisine, knowing how to get from Athens to Peloponnese is essential.
Several transportation options are available for your journey including bus, train and hiring a car. There are also ferries and seasonal flights. Each mode of transportation presents its own set of experiences. Your choice depends on how you wish to begin your exploration of the Peloponnese’s treasures.
Let’s explore how to get from Athens to Peloponnese, including costs, time and difficulty.
How Far is Peloponnese from Athens?
The Peloponnese region is a 2 to 3-hour drive from Athens, depending on your specific destination within the region. The journey covers a distance of approximately 120 km (75 miles) to its northern border.
If taking a bus from Athens to Kalamata, expect the route to be around 120 km with a travel duration of roughly 3 hours and 15 minutes. Buses to this part of the Peloponnese operate frequently, providing a convenient and cost effective option.
Table: Modes of Transport from Athens to Peloponnese
| Mode of Transport | Distance | Travel Time | Cost |
| Car | 75 miles (120km) | 2 hours | From €20-35 per day car hire + fuel or electric costs |
| Bus | 75 miles (120km) | 3 hours 15 minutes | €20-25 |
| Ferry | 43-53 miles (69-85km) | From 1 hour 20 minutes up to 3+ hours | €20+ (prices depend on seasonality) |
| Seasonal Flights | 121 miles (195km) | 55 minutes (direct) | €120+ |
| Train | 43 miles to Corinth, then approximately 20 miles to Kalavryta
(approx 101km in total) |
Athens to Corinth 1 hour Tourist train approximately 70 minutes |
€9 + seasonal tourist train pricing |
note: Distances and travel times can vary based on the exact starting and ending points.
How to Get from Athens to Peloponnese
Traveling from Athens to the Peloponnese offers a variety of options, whether you prefer the ease of a bus, the comfort of a car, the scenic route by train, or the novelty of a ferry. Each mode of transportation provides a unique experience tailored to your travel preferences.
Travel by Bus
Taking a bus is a cost-effective and popular choice to reach the Peloponnese. Buses to the Peloponnese typically depart from the Kifissos KTEL Station in Athens.
The KTEL Messinias bus will take you to Kalamata and other destinations within the region, with the trip lasting approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Prices and schedules can vary, so it’s best to check the latest information before you plan your trip.
Travel by Car
If you prefer independence and flexibility, driving might be the best option for you. It takes approximately 2 hours to drive from Athens to the Peloponnese.
This gives you the freedom to explore the picturesque countryside and make stops along the way. The peninsula is accessible via a well-maintained network of roads, and hiring a car allows you to explore the Peloponnese at your leisure.
Travel by Train
The option to travel by train from Athens to Peloponnese exists, though it may require a combination of the suburban railway and other regional train services (which may only operate on weekends).
If you want to get from Athens to Peloponnese via train, you need to:
- Take the suburban railway train from Athens to Kiato
- Change trains at Kiato and travel to Patra.
- To get to Kalavryta, you’ll need to take the tourist cog train which operates weekends and holidays only.
While it can be a slower option, the train offers scenic views of the Greek landscape that you might otherwise miss.
Travel by Ferry
To get from Athens to the Peloponnese via ferry, start from the Piraeus port. This is around 28 miles from Athens airport and takes around 40-50 minutes by car.
Piraeus Port is a major maritime hub serving as the primary gateway for sea travel to various destinations, including the Peloponnese. Once at Piraeus, travelers can board a ferry bound for either Ermioni or Porto Cheli, which are smaller, coastal towns located on the eastern side of the Peloponnese peninsula.
Upon arrival at the port of Ermioni or Porto Cheli, you have the option to continue your journey to Nafplion, a picturesque seaport town renowned for its historical significance and beauty.
The route from Piraeus to Ermioni by ferry is around 86 kilometers (53 miles), and from Piraeus to Porto Cheli is approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles). These distances are approximate and can vary depending on the specific ferry route taken.
For conventional ferries, the journey from Piraeus to Ermioni typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. The trip to Porto Cheli can take a similar amount of time, although high speed ferries are sometimes available, cutting down the travel time to 1 hour 20 minutes.
Flights to Kalamata
You can fly directly from Athens to Kalamata during the Summer season. A direct flight takes approximately 55 minutes (flying time) and costs around 125 Euros (depending on baggage and time of day).
The Peloponnese region of Greece is served by two main airports:
- Kalamata International Airport (KLX), serving the city of Kalamata and the surrounding areas, particularly during the summer months when charter flights are more frequent.
- Araxos Airport (GPA) also known as Agamemnon Airport, which serves the city of Patras and the western part of the Peloponnese.
These airports mainly handle seasonal international flights and domestic flights within Greece.
The best option is to fly into Athens and then proceed to the Peloponnese by other means of transportation, such as car or bus. This is often the most straightforward way to reach the region.
The convenience of renting a car or taking a private transfer can outweigh the indirect journey when considering the limited flight schedules to the Peloponnese’s smaller airports.
Understanding the Geography
Navigating from Athens to the Peloponnese involves an understanding of the region’s key geographical features. Your journey will likely begin in Athens, the capital of Greece, from where you will traverse to the historic Peloponnese Peninsula.
Key Locations
Athens Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos Airport): This is your likely entry point into Athens, located to the east of the city center. If you’re arriving by air and heading to the Peloponnese, expect to travel westward towards your destination.
Piraeus Port: Situated to the southwest of Athens’ city center, it is the chief port for ferries and other sea vessels to many islands and, indirectly, to the Peloponnese via sea routes.
Important Landmarks
Isthmus of Corinth: This narrow land bridge connecting the Peloponnese Peninsula with the mainland of Greece is an essential transit point. The Isthmus is home to the Corinth Canal, which slices through the land to link the Saronic Gulf to the west with the Aegean Sea to the east.
Ancient Corinth: Near the Isthmus of Corinth, this ancient city offers historical insights and significant archaeological sites, such as the Temple of Apollo and the Acrocorinth.
In your journey from Athens to the Peloponnese, you’ll skirt along or cross over these geographic landmarks, each with its own historical and cultural significance.
How to Get Around Peloponnese
Exploring the Peloponnese region offers various transportation options to suit your preferences, whether you’re looking for convenience, budget-friendly choices, or a more personalized travel experience.
Public Transport
Public buses connect Athens to major towns in the Peloponnese, making it a reliable and economical choice for your travel. Services depart from Kifissos KTEL Station in Athens and cover routes to key locations such as Kalamata, Patras, and Sparti. For more detailed scheduling and fare information, check the KTEL bus services.
Hiring a Car
For those preferring the freedom of self-navigation, renting a car can be an excellent way to explore the Peloponnese. With a car, you can control your itinerary, make spontaneous stops, and visit more secluded sites. Major rental agencies are available at Athens airport and within the city. Ensure you have a valid driver’s license and be informed about local driving regulations.
Taxi Services and Private Drivers
There are several taxi services that operate throughout the Peloponnese region, including:
If you are traveling in a group, Radiotaxi offers a minivan for up to 9 passengers.
Private transfers offer a stress-free mode of transportation, providing comfort and personalized service. You can book a private driver for a customized tour of Peloponnese’s historical landmarks or scenic countryside.
Although this option is more costly than public transport, it affords a level of convenience and flexibility that might be worth the extra expense for some travelers.
Conclusion
The Peloponnese region is a delight to visit during any season. Whether you are planning to ski in Winter, or explore the Corinthian Sea during the warmer months, there is something for everyone.
Our luxury, self contained accommodation at Pelagia offers a fantastic base for exploring the Peloponnese region and the many historical sites it offers.
Now that you know how to get from Athens to Peloponnese, it’s time to start planning your itinerary. Take a look at our suggested five, seven and ten day itineraries below. We look forward to welcoming you to Pelagia soon.
