Private car transfer from Athens to Delphi

A car trip from Athens to Delphi

Greece is the cradle of European culture, where mythical tales and ancient traditions combine with contrasting landscapes and Mediterranean cuisine. The drive from Athens to Delphi will take you along the southern tips of its peninsula and showcase why 35 million annual tourists flock to its sun-drenched shores and countryside littered with Greek ruins.

Admittedly, zigging and zagging your way from the chaotic lanes of the capital's cauldron of energy will be challenging yet thrilling. But the scenic views of rugged hills and leafy fields will quickly reward you for your patience.

About halfway in, the terrain shifts to expose rock formations and winding roads weaving through the natural wonders formed in the valleys below. The remote and unspoiled mountainous road will fill you with a sense of adventure and leave you feeling trapped in the past.

Due to the soaring peaks and towering olive trees, Deplhi will abruptly appear in the distance. Depending on your mode of transport, you'll depart at the bus station or the front door of your hotel. To help you uncover how you can travel on either option, we created this in-depth guide to traveling from Athens to Delphi in 2024.

About Delphi

The drive from Athens to Delphi will connect you from the nation's bustling capital to the ancient world. This traditional town, surrounded by ancient ruins, is home to less than 3,000 residents. Therefore, many visitors are surprised by the warm welcome they receive when visiting.

<show-more> People recognize Delphi for its remote setting in the Phocis region along the southern coastline on the map of Greece. But its proximity to its ancient Greek city, only about a mile east, draws in the thousands of annual visitors today.

Ancient Delphi

The Greeks considered Delphi the center of the world after its foundation around 2,900 years ago. Legends have it that Zeus, the god of thunder and sky, released two eagles, one to the east and one to the west. After the meeting over modern-day Delphi, they believed this to be the planet's epicenter.

Oracles and politics were vital in establishing Delphi as a leading city in the Greek empire. Even after its kingdom fell, Delphi remained a cog in the wheel of the flourishing Roman army. They admired their counterpart's ideology and the setting of Delphi so much that they continued to preserve its temples and expanded the town throughout their history.

Delphi Today

Delphi still has close ties to its archaeological site, bearing the same name. However, the modern hilltop town of Delphi is more than a plot of land littered with ancient ruins. It's home to idyllic streets lined by traditional tavernas, boutique guesthouses, and vibrant bars you wouldn't expect to be so uplifting.

One thing that hasn't changed since the Greeks is the surrounding natural beauty. Walking down the steep stairways throughout the town will make you feel like you're plunging 200 feet (656 m) into the earth below. But if you're brave enough to stand by the cliffside, you can admire the Pleistos River Valley's unspoiled beauty.

• Language: Greek
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Climate: Mediterranean
• Time zone: GMT+2
• Plug types: C and F </show-more> ## Athens to Delphi: travel tips

When driving from Athens to Delphi, you'll venture into the heart of Greece's remote countryside. We included insider tips below to ensure everything runs smoothly on this once-in-a-lifetime journey. <show-more> ### Travel early

Athens consistently ranks among the top 10 most traffic-congested cities in continental Europe. Also, the drive from Athens to Delphi takes over 2 hours. So, if you want to explore en route, beat the midday crowds, and avoid the capital rush hour traffic, remember to book a service with an early departure.

Survive the scorching heat

Greece receives over 250 days of sunshine annually, with peak summer temperatures reaching 97° F (36° C). Pack a light bag with essentials, such as sunscreen, sunhats, and plenty of water, for a safe and enjoyable voyage. Also, double-check that your desired mode of transport has air conditioning before spending your cash.

Rediscover the ages

The Greeks are one of the world's oldest and most advanced civilizations. Endless historical relics and temples litter the road from Athens to Delphi, so don't forget to select a mode of transport that stops at stations en route. Otherwise, you'll miss the Archaeological Museum of Eleusis, Hosios Loukas Monastery, or the Springs of Kryas in Livadeia, one of Europe's best spa towns. </show-more> ## How to get from Athens to Delphi

Getting from Athens to Delphi requires driving 115 miles back in time. Since public transportation options are limited, traveling on this route requires some planning and organization.

<show-more> ### Buses from Athens to Delphi

Buses are by far the most popular way locals and tourists travel from Athens to Delphi. It's also the most affordable option, ideal when traveling on a budget.

KTEL Fokidas operates 4-6 daily coaches from Athens Liosion Station to Delphi Bus Station. You can purchase a ticket through their website or at the ticket counter at the terminal.

Services are punctual, but not all buses have wifi, restrooms, or air conditioning. However, you'll stop at a cafe with facilities around 45-50 minutes into the drive.

• Cheapest bus ticket price: $16 (€15)
• Average bus ticket price: $21 (€19)
• Quickest bus duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
• Longest bus duration: 3 hours
• First bus departure: 8:30 AM
• Last bus departure: 6 PM

Tours from Athens to Delphi

A guided tour is the most straightforward way to do a day trip from Athens to Delhi. Schedules and sightseeing times are often set in stone, perfect if you want to go with the flow but not if you want to create a unique adventure.

Several coaches depart from Leof. Vasilisis Amalias will collect you at 8:30 AM, or a private tour guide will collect you at your hotel. Sessions vary depending on the season and group size. But they usually last between 9 and 10 hours. The cost is between $80 and $150 (€88-€166) for the round trip.

Daytrip from Athens to Delphi

Daytrip is the best way to travel from Athens to Delphi if you prioritize speed and comfort. Our private door-to-door service can transfer you between the cities in only 2 hours and 10 minutes. You'll also cruise in a sanitized vehicle with modern conveniences like reliable seats and air conditioning.

But Daytrip isn't a guided tour that abides by timetables. Our optional sightseeing packages allow you to design a sightseeing tour en route. You can sample traditional Greek cuisine at the hilltop town of Arachova before educating yourself at the Archaeological Museum of Thebes, and finally, as a reward for such a busy journey, a dip in the Springs of Kryas.

• Cost of seats: from $47 (€42)
• English-speaking driver
• Clean, sanitized car
• Equipped for pets, kids, or those with limited mobility
• 24/7 customer service
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departing </show-more> ## Things to do when you get to Delphi

Delphi is a UNESCO city. Despite having a population of under 3,000 residents, the region has many more attractions. So, you'll have a full itinerary after your Athens to Delphi transfer.

<show-more> ### Educate yourself at the Delphi Archaeological Museum

Adjacent to the archaeological site, the Delphi Archaeological Museum houses a remarkable collection of artifacts discovered during excavations. Visit this gallery before you explore the ancient ruins to get an insight into the setting.

The museum offers an overview of Delphi's history, displaying statues and other relics. Highlights include the Charioteer of Delphi, a well-preserved bronze statue, and the Sphinx of Naxos, an impressive marble statue that once guarded the Sanctuary of Apollo.

Step back in time at The Archaeological Site of Delphi

The Archaeological Site of Delphi is the crown jewel of the area. As you wander through this ancient sanctuary, you'll encounter the Temple of Apollo, where the Oracle delivered her prophecies.

The temple, partially in ruins, remains an awe-inspiring structure with the iconic Doric columns. But don't miss the Treasury of the Athenians, the Sacred Way, and the ancient theater, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley.

Hike up to Corycian Cave

For nature lovers and adventurers, hiking the ancient footpath to the Corycian Cave is a rewarding experience. The trail, starting from Delphi, takes you through pine forests and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The Corycian Cave, dedicated to the god Pan and the Muses, is steeped in mythology and was used for religious rites in antiquity. The craggy cave's mystical atmosphere adds a sense of adventure to your visit.

Visit the Ancient Stadium of Delphi

The ancient stadium of Delphi sits above the archeological site, where the Pythian Games, similar to the Olympic Games, were held. This stadium is one of the best preserved in Greece, with its colossal stone blocks still in place.

Walking through the stadium, you can imagine the excitement of the ancient athletic contests. You can also almost feel the vibrant atmosphere of these pan-Hellenic games, which were held in honor of Apollo. </show-more> ## When is the best time to visit Delphi?

The shoulder months are the best time to travel from Athens to Delphi. Due to Greece's Mediterranean climate, temperatures can reach 97° F (36° C). This makes exploring ancient temples, spending time outdoors, or venturing off the tourist map overwhelming.

During the spring, the lush greenery and blooming wildflowers add to the landscape's beauty, while early autumn offers clear skies and a pleasant atmosphere. Additionally, these seasons see fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months, allowing for a more peaceful experience.

Finding a guesthouse in Delphi is cheaper and easier in the shoulder months. Prices peak during the summer, and since Delphi is a small town, many guest houses are full. Overall, you'll save money and have a more enjoyable experience visiting from April to May and September to October.