Ancient Olympia: tickets, opening hours and what to see (2026)
Ticket price, opening hours, what to see on the site and in the museum, how long you need and how to get there from Athens.
- Full ticket €20 (2026), including the site and museums.
- Open 08:00–20:00 in summer, 08:30–15:30 in winter.
- About 3.5 to 4 hours' drive from Athens; better to stay a night nearby.
If you are planning a Peloponnese trip, include Olympia with a night in the area. Arrive at opening time, especially in summer, and check discounts for children in advance.
What is Ancient Olympia?
Ancient Olympia, in the western Peloponnese, is where the Olympic Games were born. It was a great sanctuary of Zeus where the Games were held every four years for more than a thousand years. The archaeological site and its museum are among Greece's most important places, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ancient Olympia tickets and opening hours
| Details (as of 2026) | |
|---|---|
| Full ticket | €20, including the archaeological site and the Olympia museums |
| Summer hours (1 Apr–31 Oct) | 08:00–20:00 |
| Winter hours (1 Nov–31 Mar) | 08:30–15:30 |
| Last entry | 20 minutes before closing |
| Free entry for all | 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October, and every first Sunday from November to March |
There are reductions and exemptions by age and status (for example children and students). Check the current rules on the Greek Ministry of Culture website before you go. The site closes on some Greek holidays.
What to see on the site
- The ancient stadium: you enter through the original stone tunnel and can stand on the starting line where athletes ran about 2,700 years ago. Children love racing here.
- Temple of Zeus: the ruins of the great temple that once held the statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- Temple of Hera: where the Olympic flame is still lit before every Olympics.
- Workshop of Pheidias: where the artist made the statue of Zeus.
- The Philippeion and training buildings: the gymnasium and palaestra where athletes trained.
What to see in the museum
The Archaeological Museum of Olympia is right next to the site, and the ticket includes it. Famous pieces include the Hermes of Praxiteles, the Nike of Paionios and the pediment sculptures of the Temple of Zeus. There is also a museum of the history of the Olympic Games.
How much time do you need?
3 to 4 hours are enough for the site and museum. In summer the site is very hot with little shade, so arrive at opening time with a hat, water and comfortable shoes.
How to get to Ancient Olympia
- From Athens by car: about 3.5 to 4 hours via the toll road to Patras or via Tripoli. That is a long day trip, so it is better to stay a night nearby or include it in a Peloponnese tour. See our car rental guide.
- From Katakolo port: cruise ships call at Katakolo, about half an hour from Olympia, with organised tours.
- Organised tour from Athens: there are long day trips and multi-day Peloponnese tours.
What to combine with Olympia
Olympia fits well into a Peloponnese trip: Nafplio, Mycenae and Epidaurus to the east, and Kalamata and the Messinia beaches to the south.
FAQ
How much is the entrance to Ancient Olympia? A full ticket costs €20 (2026) and includes the archaeological site and the Olympia museums. Some days are free.
What are the opening hours of Ancient Olympia? In summer (April to October) 08:00–20:00, in winter 08:30–15:30. Last entry 20 minutes before closing.
Can you do Olympia as a day trip from Athens? You can, but it is a long day: about 3.5 to 4 hours each way. Staying a night nearby is better.
Is Olympia good for children? Yes, especially the stadium, where you can run on the original track. In summer, come early in the morning because of the heat.
