How to get to the Peloponnese: by car, bus, train and plane
Every way to get from Athens to the Peloponnese, how long each takes and which suits which trip.
- By car: about 1 hour to Corinth, 2 hours to Nafplio and 3 to 3.5 hours to Kalamata.
- KTEL buses leave Athens' Kifissos terminal for Nafplio, Sparta and Kalamata.
- The train only goes as far as Kiato near Corinth; Kalamata sometimes has summer flights.
For a multi-stop Peloponnese trip, rent a car in Athens. For a stay in one town, such as Nafplio, the bus is easy and cheap. Check whether there is a flight to Kalamata in your season.
How do you get to the Peloponnese?
The Peloponnese is joined to mainland Greece at the Isthmus of Corinth, about an hour's drive from Athens. Most Israelis fly to Athens and continue by rental car, bus or train. There is also an airport at Kalamata, in the south-west of the peninsula.
From Athens to the Peloponnese by car
A rental car is the most convenient option, because the sites, villages and beaches are spread out.
| Destination | Approximate drive from Athens |
|---|---|
| Corinth (the canal) | about 1 hour |
| Nafplio | about 2 hours |
| Kalamata | about 3 to 3.5 hours |
- The route follows the motorway to Corinth (A8) and continues south on the A7.
- The motorways have tolls. You can pay in cash or by card at the booths.
- Stop at the Corinth Canal and Ancient Corinth on the way.
From Athens to the Peloponnese by bus (KTEL)
KTEL buses leave from the Kifissos terminal (KTEL Kifissos) in north-west Athens several times a day for Nafplio, Sparta, Kalamata, Patras and other towns.
| Destination | Approximate journey time |
|---|---|
| Corinth | about 1.5 hours |
| Nafplio | about 2.5 hours |
| Kalamata | about 4.5 hours |
- Getting to Kifissos terminal: city bus 51 from Omonia Square, or a taxi. You can also take the metro to Agios Antonios and walk about 15 minutes.
- Buy tickets at the station or in advance. In summer and over Greek holidays, book early.
From Athens to the Peloponnese by train
The suburban railway (Hellenic Train) runs from Athens to Kiato, near Corinth, in about 1.5 hours, with departures throughout the day. There is no through train to Patras yet; the last stretch is by connecting bus. Nafplio and Kalamata have no train, so for most destinations the bus or a car is more practical.
Flying to Kalamata
Kalamata airport has seasonal flights from Europe, and in summer sometimes flights from Israel, mainly for the Costa Navarino resort. Current details are in flights from Israel to Kalamata. Out of season, the practical route is to fly to Athens and continue by car.
Which option suits you?
- Touring several places: a rental car. See Peloponnese road trip.
- A stay in one town, such as Nafplio: a KTEL bus is easy and cheap.
- A Costa Navarino holiday: fly to Kalamata if there is a flight that season.
More on the site: Nafplio, Kalamata, Peloponnese weather and renting a car in Greece.
FAQ
How long is the drive from Athens to the Peloponnese? About an hour to the Corinth Canal, the gateway to the Peloponnese. About two hours to Nafplio and 3 to 3.5 hours to Kalamata by car.
Is there a train from Athens to the Peloponnese? There is a suburban train to Kiato, near Corinth, in about 1.5 hours. Nafplio, Sparta and Kalamata have no train, so you take a KTEL bus or drive.
Where does the bus to the Peloponnese leave from? From the KTEL Kifissos terminal in north-west Athens. Get there on bus 51 from Omonia or by taxi.
Can you fly directly from Israel to the Peloponnese? Sometimes in summer there are flights to Kalamata. The rest of the year you fly to Athens and continue by car or bus.
