Cape Sounion, home to the iconic Temple of Poseidon perched above the Aegean, is one of the easiest and most popular coastal escapes from Athens. The bus ride is straightforward, runs year-round, and follows the scenic seaside route along the Athenian Riviera. You can comfortably visit on a half-day trip, though sunset at the temple is easily reason enough to linger longer. Below you’ll find all the practical details on getting there by public transport.
While it’s very easy to visit Sounion by public transport, an organized tour can be a convenient alternative. These usually offer more comfortable transport, hotel pickup, and timing that aligns well with sunset at the Temple of Poseidon. You can browse group tour options if you prefer a ready-made schedule, or choose a private transfer for the same convenience without the group setting.
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Buses to Sounio (paraliakos/coastal route) depart from Egypt Square, in front of the main entrance of Pedion tou Areos Park in central Athens. Here’s the exact location of the bus stop. You can reach it in a 5 minute walk via Victoria metro station, or by hopping on any bus or trolley that stops around Alexandras Avenue. The ticket is issued on board and costs €12.50 for a round trip.
The journey time varies depending on traffic but usually sits between 90 minutes and 2 hours. All coastal-route services terminate directly at Sounion, a short uphill walk from the entrance to the Temple of Poseidon archaeological site.
Bus times change by season. In low season (roughly October–May) the coastal route usually runs only a couple of times per day, while in summer (June–September) the timetable expands to several departures. The tables below reflect the latest schedule available at the time of writing. For current times, refer to the bus company’s official website.
Bus Timetable: Athens ↔ Sounion
| Season | Athens → Sounion | Sounion → Athens |
|---|---|---|
| Winter |
10:30 15:00 |
13:45 18:00 |
| Summer |
07:05 08:05 10:05 11:30 13:05 14:05 15:30 |
08:00 10:00 11:00 13:00 14:00 16:00 17:30 19:00 |
Recommended Accommodations near Cape Sounion
A few well-located places to stay if you want to spend a night or two at Sounion and enjoy the area’s quiet beaches:
- Swim on a Private Beach — A standalone waterfront stay with direct beach access. Good fit if you want maximum privacy and a quiet base close to the coastal road.
- Legrena Beach Villa — A modern, well-equipped villa near Legrena Beach. Works for couples or small groups who want more space and an easy hop to Sounio.
- Kasfikis Apartments — Straightforward apartments in Legrena, offering simple rooms, balconies, and quick access to the main road toward the temple.
Explore more accommodation options in Sounion and beyond:
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