Kalamata, the main city of southern Peloponnese and famous for its olives and laid-back seaside charm, is connected to Athens only by bus. Trains used to serve the route in the past, but the railway has been out of operation for over a decade. Fortunately, there are several daily bus departures from Athens. Below, you’ll find all the information you need to plan your bus trip. But if you prefer, you may also book a comfortable private transfer here.
For ideas on what to do once you arrive, have a look at my complete Kalamata travel guide.
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Top Activities in Kalamata
Buses to Kalamata leave from Kifissos Bus Terminal in Athens (location). To get there, take the blue metro line (Line 3) to Elaionas Station. From there, either walk about 1.5 km or transfer to bus 052, which stops directly at the terminal. Several other city buses serve the terminal too, including X93 from Athens Airport.
On weekdays, there are ten buses per day to Kalamata, while fewer run on weekends. Some routes are direct and take approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, while others stop at the Isthmus and Tripoli, taking up to 3 hours and 15 minutes. A one-way ticket costs €24.20, and a return ticket costs €43.00. Tickets can be purchased at the station or online at the bus company’s official website. All buses arrive at the Kalamata KTEL terminal (location), a 15-minute walk from the center.
Buses to Nafplio depart daily from the KTEL Kifissos Bus Terminal (location). The easiest way to get there is by taking the blue metro line to Elaionas Station, then either walking about 1.5 km or transferring to bus 052. Several other city buses also serve the Kifissos Terminal, including the X93 from Athens Airport.
The trip takes just over 2 hours. A one-way ticket costs €14.30, while a return ticket is €26.00. You can purchase tickets at the terminal or online at the bus company’s official website. All buses to Nafplio also stop at Aspropirgos, Elefsina, Megara, Isthmus of Corinth, Spathovouni, Dervenakia, Fichti (Mycynae), Koutsopodi, Argos, Dalamnara, and Ancient Tiryns. In Nafplio, the buses drop you off at the city terminal (location) near the old town.
Here are the timetables for summer 2025. Look here for updated schedules.
Athens to Kalamata Bus Timetable
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
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| 06:15 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 08:00 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 09:30 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 11:00 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 13:00 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 15:00 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 16:30 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 18:00 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 19:30 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 21:30 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Kalamata to Athens Bus Timetable
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:00 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| 06:30 | ✓ | ||||||
| 08:30 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 10:30 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 12:30 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 14:00 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 16:00 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 17:00 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 18:00 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 19:30 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 21:30 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Recommended Accommodations in Kalamata
Splurge: Grand Suites Kalamata — Modern, elegant, and just a few steps from the beach, this upscale hotel offers well-designed suites with balconies, kitchens, and sea views. Ideal for couples or digital nomads looking for luxury and comfort.
Comfort: Elektra Hotel & Spa — A well-established hotel with great facilities including a spa, rooftop pool, and restaurant. Centrally located and consistently praised for comfort, cleanliness, and service.
Save: Alexandrion Hotel — A simple and affordable stay near Kalamata’s beach promenade. Rooms are basic but clean and functional, and the location is convenient for exploring the city on foot.
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