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Delphi Day Trip from Athens: Bus, Tour or Car, Tickets and Is It Worth It?

How to visit Delphi from Athens: KTEL bus from Liosion terminal (about 2.5–3 hours), tours and driving, the €20 ticket, what to see and how long to spend.

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

Quick answer

Yes, Delphi works well as a day trip from Athens: it's about 2.5–3 hours each way. KTEL buses leave from the Liosion terminal (Terminal B) five or six times a day and cost about €15–20 each way; tours and a hire car are the alternatives. The ticket for the site and museum costs €20, and EU citizens under 25 and non-EU visitors under 18 get in free.

How to get there

Athens → Delphi (about 180–195 km)
OptionTimePriceGood to know
KTEL bus2.5–3 hAbout €15–20 each wayFrom Liosion terminal, 260 Liosion St; 5–6 a day; arrive early in summer
Day tourAbout 10 hVariesOften adds Arachova; guide included
Hire car2.5 hCar plus tollsFreedom to stop at Arachova and Hosios Loukas
Private transfer2.5–3 hAbout €150–200 one wayDoor to door

Tickets

  • €20 for the archaeological site and museum (2026).
  • Free for EU citizens under 25 and non-EU visitors under 18; bring ID.
  • Free for everyone on the national free days, including the first and third Sunday of each month from November to March.

What to see

  • The Sanctuary of Apollo: the Sacred Way, the Athenian Treasury, the Temple of Apollo and the theatre.
  • The stadium at the top, one of the best preserved in Greece (a steep climb).
  • The Tholos at the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, the most photographed ruin, a short walk downhill.
  • The museum, home of the bronze Charioteer.
  • Allow 3–4 hours in total.

Tips

  • Take the first bus out and one of the last back; check return times the day before.
  • Wear proper shoes: the site is steep with uneven stone paths.
  • In winter it's often cold and windy at Delphi (about 570 m up); bring a layer.

FAQ

Is Delphi worth a day trip from Athens?

Yes. The setting on Mount Parnassus is spectacular and the site plus museum fill 3–4 hours, which fits a long day trip.

How long is the bus from Athens to Delphi?

About 2.5–3 hours from the Liosion bus terminal, five or six times a day.

How much is the Delphi ticket?

€20 for the site and museum. EU citizens under 25 and non-EU visitors under 18 get in free.

Can I combine Delphi and Meteora?

Yes, but not in one day. Many tours do Delphi and Meteora over two days with a night in Kalambaka.

What to see in Greece →Athens to Meteora →How many days in Athens →

Sources

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