Home › Routes › Athens to Nafplio
How to get from Athens to Nafplio
The quickest way is to drive, about 1 h 45 to 2 h on toll motorways via the Corinth Canal. Without a car, KTEL Argolidas buses from Athens' Kifissos bus station take about 2 h 15 to 2 h 30 and cost about €15. There is no passenger train.
Best option: Bus. Direct KTEL buses run through the day, cost little and drop you at the edge of Nafplio's old town, so a car is only worth it if you plan to tour the Argolida.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus KTEL Argolidas buses from Athens Kifissos (KTEL Kifissou) bus station to Nafplio bus station, usually via Corinth and Argos | about 2 h 15 – 2 h 30 | roughly every 1–2 hours, fewer on Sundays and in winter | about €14–16 one way | Tickets at the station or online; take city bus X93 or a taxi to reach Kifissos from central Athens or the airport. Check current timetables. |
| car Olympia Odos motorway (A8) to Corinth, then the Moreas motorway (A7) and the road via Argos to Nafplio | about 1 h 45 – 2 h | fuel plus about €10–15 in tolls | Stop at the Corinth Canal on the way. Leave the car in the large free car park by the port; the old town lanes are narrow. | |
| taxi Private taxi or pre-booked transfer from Athens city centre or Athens airport | about 2 h | on demand | about €150–200 per car | Agree the fare in advance; useful for groups with luggage. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
Open the route in Google Maps →
Book the trip
Partner links: TonyPlan may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips
- There is no passenger train: the old Corinth–Argos–Nafplio line has been out of service for years.
- Buses leave from Kifissos bus station, not from Syntagma or the airport, so allow 30–45 minutes to get there.
- By car, combine the trip with the Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth or Mycenae.
- Climbing the Palamidi fortress steps is best done early in the morning in summer.
Common questions
Is there a train from Athens to Nafplio?
No. The railway line through Corinth, Argos and Nafplio has had no passenger service for years. The suburban railway (Proastiakos) goes from Athens to Kiato and to Corinth station, but from there you would still need a bus or taxi. The direct KTEL Argolidas bus from Kifissos station is simpler and usually just as fast.
Can I do Athens to Nafplio as a day trip?
Yes, but it is a long day: about two hours each way by car or bus. With a car you can add the Corinth Canal or Mycenae. By bus, take a morning departure and check the time of the last return bus, which can be early in the evening outside summer. Staying one night lets you see the old town after the day visitors leave.
What is the cheapest way to get from Athens to Nafplio?
The KTEL Argolidas bus, at about €15 one way, is the cheapest option. Add the cost of getting to Kifissos bus station, either the X93 bus or a short taxi ride from central Athens. Driving alone costs more once fuel and roughly €10–15 in motorway tolls each way are added.
Do I need to book the bus ahead?
Usually no, outside busy periods: you can buy tickets at Kifissos station shortly before departure. On summer Fridays, Sundays and Greek holidays such as Easter and mid-August, buses can fill up, so buying a ticket a day or two in advance is sensible. Check current timetables, as winter schedules are reduced.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.