Nafplio, the elegant seafront town of the Peloponnese and former capital of Greece, is easily reached from Athens by direct bus. Several buses travel daily between the two cities, and the journey takes just over two hours. Below is everything you need to know about the bus trip.
While it’s entirely possible to visit Nafplio and return to Athens on a day trip using public transport, if that’s your intention, it’s generally wiser to join an organized tour instead. For just a few extra euros, you’ll travel more comfortably and get to see additional sites in the area along the way.
For some inspiration on what to do in Nafplio and the surroundings, take a look at these stories from two of my private tours in the area:
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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 is the timetable for summer 2025:
Athens to Nafplio Bus Timetable
| Time | Mon–Fri | Saturday | Sunday & Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06:00 | ✓ | ||
| 07:30 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 08:00 | ✓ | ||
| 08:30 | ✓ | ||
| 09:30 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 11:00 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 12:30 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 14:00 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 15:30 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 17:30 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 18:30 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 19:30 | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 20:00 | ✓ | ||
| 21:30 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Nafplio to Athens Bus Timetable
| Time | Monday | Tue–Fri | Saturday | Sunday & Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:00 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| 06:30 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 08:00 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 09:30 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 11:00 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 12:00 | ✓ | |||
| 12:30 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 14:00 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 15:30 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 16:30 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| 17:00 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| 18:30 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 20:30 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Recommended Accommodations in Nafplio
Splurge: LuxPool Villa — A stunning private villa with a swimming pool, modern design, and space for groups or families. Offers mountain and sea views in a peaceful setting just outside the city.
Comfort: Naus Hotel — A stylish, newly built hotel with comfortable rooms, sea views, and a convenient location close to the port and town center. Great value with modern touches.
Save: Asimoni Hotel — A small, charming budget hotel in the heart of the old town. Clean and quiet with a lovely terrace and kind service, ideal for solo travelers and couples.
Explore more options on the map below, or check out my in-depth guide to accommodation in Nafplio.
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