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Athens to Nafplio: Bus, Car or Day Trip, and What to See

How to get from Athens to Nafplio: KTEL bus from Kifissos (about 2.5 hours, about €15–19), driving in under two hours, day trip or overnight, plus Mycenae and Epidaurus nearby.

By the iLoveGreece editorial team · Last reviewed 2026-10 · 1 source listed below

Quick answer

Nafplio is about 2–2.5 hours from Athens. KTEL Argolida buses leave from the Kifissos terminal, roughly hourly in summer, for about €15–19; by car it's about 1h45–2h30 on the motorway via Corinth. There's no train. It makes a good day trip, but one night lets you add Mycenae or the Epidaurus theatre, each about 30–40 minutes away.

How to get there

Athens → Nafplio (about 140 km)
OptionTimePrice
KTEL Argolida bus from Kifissos2–2.5 hAbout €15–19
Hire car (A8 via Corinth)1h45–2h30Car plus tolls
Private transfer1h45–2h30About €120–240
TrainNo serviceTrains only reach Corinth

What to see in Nafplio

  • The old town's Venetian lanes and Syntagma Square, the first capital of modern Greece.
  • Palamidi fortress: 999 steps up (or drive), with views over the Argolic Gulf.
  • Bourtzi, the little castle on an island in the harbour.
  • Arvanitia promenade, a flat walk around the headland to the beach.

Nearby

  • Mycenae: the Lion Gate and royal tombs, about 30 minutes by car.
  • Epidaurus: the ancient theatre famous for its acoustics, about 40 minutes.
  • Ancient Corinth and the Corinth Canal, on the way from Athens.

Day trip or overnight?

  • Day trip: enough for the old town and Palamidi.
  • One or two nights: add Mycenae and Epidaurus, and see the old town in the evening when the day visitors have left.
  • In summer, old-town parking fills by late morning.

FAQ

How long is the bus from Athens to Nafplio?

About 2–2.5 hours from the Kifissos bus terminal, roughly hourly in summer.

Is there a train from Athens to Nafplio?

No. Suburban trains only go as far as Corinth; take the bus or drive.

Is Nafplio worth a day trip?

Yes, but staying a night lets you add Mycenae and Epidaurus and enjoy the old town after the day trippers leave.

How far is Mycenae from Nafplio?

About 30 minutes by car; Epidaurus is about 40 minutes.

Nafplio guide →What to see in Greece →KTEL buses and terminals →

Sources

Related guides

Updated 2026-10. General planning guidance. Check with operators and local authorities.