Athens is a treasure trove of ancient wonders, but the historical riches extend beyond the city limits. Thankfully, many fascinating archaeological sites are easily accessible using Athens’ extensive public bus network. This guide provides essential information on key bus routes, updated travel times, and practical tips to help you plan your day trips to these incredible destinations.

Why Choose the Bus for Your Day Trips?

Choosing the bus for your out-of-Athens adventures offers several advantages:

• Affordable: Buses are significantly cheaper than taxis or organized tours.
• Authentic Experience: Travel alongside locals and get a glimpse of everyday Athenian life.
• Flexibility: Set your own pace and explore at your leisure.
• Scenic Routes: Some routes offer scenic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Important Notes about the Athens Bus System:

Before you embark on your bus journey, here are some essential things to know about the Athens bus system:

• Tickets: Purchase tickets from designated kiosks (often located near bus stops) or from ticket machines inside metro stations. A single ticket costs €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes on all modes of transport (bus, metro, tram). Daily (€4.10) and 5-day (€8.20) tickets are also available.
• Validation: Validate your ticket using the orange machines inside the bus as soon as you board.
• Information: Bus schedules and routes can be found on the OASA website (www.oasa.gr) or through the OASA Telematics app (available for iOS and Android). Google Maps is also quite reliable for navigating the bus system.
• KTEL Buses: Some of the sites mentioned below are served by KTEL buses, a network of regional buses that connect Athens with other cities and towns. KTEL buses have different stations and ticketing systems than the urban buses. You can find more information on the KTEL Attikis website (www.ktelattikis.gr).
• Rush Hour: Be aware that buses can get very crowded during peak hours.

Key Bus Routes to Ancient Sites Near Athens:

1. Sounion (Temple of Poseidon):

• Site Description: Perched dramatically on a clifftop overlooking the Aegean Sea, the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion is a breathtaking sight, especially at sunset.
• Bus Route: Take a KTEL Attikis bus. Buses depart from Pedion tou Areos at 10:30 and 14:45. Return buses from Sounion to Athens depart at 13:45 and 17:45.
  • Local Knowledge: Take the bus that goes to Sounio via the coast, to enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery on the “Athenian Riviera.” You can also board it at other points along the way (Sygrou-Fix, for example).
• Approximate Travel Time: About 1.5-2 hours each way.
• Cost: Around €6.90 each way.
• Tip: Combine your visit with a swim at a nearby beach for a full-day excursion. Check the sunset time and plan your trip accordingly to catch the magical sunset at the temple.

2. Marathon (Archaeological Site & Museum):

• Site Description: The site of the famous Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE. Visit the Marathon Tomb, a burial mound for the Athenian soldiers, and the Archaeological Museum of Marathon. You can also visit the Marathon Run Museum.
• Bus Route: Take the 310 or 314 bus from Doukisis Plakentias metro station. Buses depart approximately every hour. You can also take a KTEL Attikis bus from the Nomismatokopion terminal.
• Approximate Travel Time: About 1 hour each way.
• Cost: Around €4 each way.
• Tip: Combine your visit with a stop at the beautiful Schinias beach for a relaxing afternoon.

3. Eleusis (Eleusinian Mysteries):

• Site Description: Home to the ancient Eleusinian Mysteries, a major religious festival dedicated to the goddess Demeter. Explore the archaeological site and the museum.
• Bus Route: Take bus 845 from Piraeus or bus 876 from Agia Marina metro station. You can also take a KTEL Attikis bus from Thissio; they depart approximately every hour. 
• Approximate Travel Time: About 45 minutes – 1 hour each way.
• Cost: Around €1.60 each way (urban buses) or around €2.40 (KTEL).
• Tip: Check the opening hours of the archaeological site and museum in advance.

4. Amphiareion (Oropos):

• Site Description: Visit the sanctuary dedicated to the hero Amphiaraos, where people came to be healed through dream incubation.
• Bus Route: Take a KTEL Attikis bus from the Mavromateon terminal, near Pedion tou Areos. Buses leave approximately every one to two hours, starting around 5:30 AM.
• Approximate Travel Time: About 1.5 hours each way.
• Cost: Around €5 each way.
• Tip: The archaeological site of Amphiareion is relatively small but very peaceful.

5. Vravron/Brauron (Temple of Artemis):

• Site Description: Explore the ancient sanctuary of Artemis, featuring the remains of a temple, a sacred spring, and a museum.
• Bus Route: Take the 304 bus from Nomismatokopio metro station, or a KTEL Attikis bus. Buses depart approximately every hour.
• Approximate Travel Time: About 1 hour each way.
• Cost: Around €3 each way.
• Tip: Combine your visit with a visit to the nearby town of Markopoulo.

6. Rhamnous:

• Site Description: This is one of Attica’s best-preserved ancient demoi. It features two temples, dedicated to Nemesis and Themis.
• Bus Route: KTEL buses to this area are infrequent. The best way is to travel to Marahon and continue  is by taxi (approximately a 20-minute taxi ride). 
• Approximate Travel Time: About 1 hour by bus each way to Marathon, about 15 minutes by taxi from Marathon.
• Cost: Around €6 each way by bus, around €20-€25 by taxi from Marathon.
• Tip: This site is ideal for those who enjoy walking, as it is quite big.

Planning Your Bus Trip: Essential Tips

• Check Schedules: Bus schedules can change. Always check the OASA website or app or the KTEL Attikis website for up-to-date information on departure times and routes.
• Allow Plenty of Time: Factor in travel time to and from the bus stop, as well as potential delays.
• Carry Cash: Have small denominations of euros for purchasing tickets.
• Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially during the summer months.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking at the archaeological sites.

Embark on Your Athenian Bus Adventure

Exploring ancient sites near Athens by bus is an affordable, convenient, and rewarding experience. By utilizing the city’s public transportation system, you can venture beyond the well-trodden tourist paths, discover hidden historical gems, and enjoy a more authentic glimpse of Greek life. So, grab your bus ticket, pack your sense of adventure, and prepare to journey back in time to the fascinating world of ancient Greece!