Athens Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour
- Duration24 hours
- Daily
- Group
- Fair, honest prices
- Real people, not bots
- Confirm, then pay
- Secure payment
Overview
The Athens hop-on hop-off bus is the easiest way to see the Greek capital at your own pace. From an open-top double-decker you ride past the Acropolis, Plaka, Syntagma Square, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium, getting off wherever you like. The default ticket is valid for 72 hours on all three lines: the Athens Line, the Piraeus Line to the port and the Beach-Riviera Line along the coast. Audio commentary in 13 languages and Wi-Fi are included. It suits families, first-time visitors and cruise passengers.
Highlights
- Open-top double-decker bus with panoramic views
- Default 72-hour ticket on all three lines
- Stops at the Acropolis, Plaka, Syntagma and Monastiraki
- Piraeus Line to the port and Mikrolimano
- Beach-Riviera Line along the Athens coast
- Audio commentary in 13 languages and free Wi-Fi
- Wheelchair-accessible buses
Full Description
The Athens Line: Historic Centre
The Athens Line loops through the historic centre in about 90 minutes, starting from Syntagma Square in front of the Parliament, where you can watch the changing of the Evzones guard. Stops include the Acropolis and Plaka, the Acropolis Museum, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the National Garden.
The route continues past the marble Panathenaic Stadium, venue of the first modern Olympics in 1896, the National Archaeological Museum, Omonia Square and Monastiraki with its flea market. Buses run roughly every 20 to 30 minutes during the day, so hopping off at the Acropolis for a visit and back on later is easy. Attraction tickets are not included.
The Piraeus Line: Port and Harbours
Piraeus, the port of Athens since antiquity, is where ferries leave for the Greek islands and cruise ships dock. The Piraeus Line connects with the Athens Line at the Acropolis stop and takes about 80 minutes, running about once an hour.
Highlights include the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, with its park, library and opera house, the cruise terminals, the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus and the pretty fishing harbour of Mikrolimano, lined with seafood restaurants. It is the best Athens bus tour option for cruise passengers. Mikrolimano is especially pleasant in the late afternoon, when the light softens over the boats.
The Beach-Riviera Line: Athens Coast
The Beach-Riviera Line runs south along the Saronic Gulf, from the city centre past Flisvos marina, Glyfada and the Athens Riviera to Vouliagmeni Lake, a natural thermal lake popular for swimming. The loop takes about 110 minutes, with departures about once an hour.
It is a relaxing way to see the modern seaside side of Athens and to reach sandy beaches without a taxi. In summer, bring a swimsuit and towel and hop off for a swim before catching a later bus back to the centre. Glyfada is also a popular shopping district, with cafés and boutiques close to the stops.
How to Use Your Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket
After booking you receive a voucher, which is exchanged for a printed ticket at a stop or on the bus. Keep the printed ticket with you for your whole journey. The time on your pass starts from the first ride, and the voucher can be used any day within 12 months of the selected date.
The best time to ride is in the morning, when the top deck is cooler and the light is good for photos of the Acropolis. Headphones for the audio guide are provided on board. A 72-hour pass lets you combine the three lines over several days without rushing.
Itinerary
- Syntagma SquareStart of the Athens Line; first departures around 8:30 am.
- Acropolis and PlakaHop off to visit the Acropolis or walk through Plaka.
- Temple of Olympian Zeus and Panathenaic StadiumSee the giant columns and the 1896 Olympic stadium.
- National Archaeological Museum and MonastirakiHop off for Greece's greatest museum or the flea market.
- Piraeus LineChange at the Acropolis stop for the port, Mikrolimano and the Niarchos Foundation.
- Beach-Riviera LineChange at Acropolis/Plaka for the coast and Vouliagmeni Lake.
What's included
- 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass
- Unlimited rides on the Athens Line (about 90 minutes per loop)
- Audio commentary in 13 languages with headphones
- Free Wi-Fi on board
Not included
- Beach-Riviera and Piraeus routes
- Attraction tickets
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Tips
Is this right for you?
Great for
- First-time visitors who want the highlights
Think twice if
- You prefer short outings — this takes 1 days
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Travellers who need a guided tour with a live guide (commentary is by audio)
Meeting point
There is no fixed meeting point: you can start at any stop on the route. Most travellers begin at Syntagma Square (stop 1 of the Athens Line) or at the Acropolis stop. Exchange your voucher with a staff member at the stop or on the bus before boarding. Hotel pickup is not included.
Important information
- Bring your voucher (mobile or printed) and exchange it for a paper ticket before boarding.
- Keep the paper ticket for the whole validity of your pass.
- Attraction entry tickets are not included.
- Pets and smoking are not allowed on the bus.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat for the open top deck.
- Frequencies change by season and traffic.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Athens hop-on hop-off bus ticket cost?
The price depends on the option you choose (24, 48 or 72 hours; one line or all three). The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, for adults and children.
Is hotel pickup included?
No, you board at any stop on the route, such as Syntagma Square or the Acropolis.
How long does the Athens bus tour take?
The Athens Line loop takes about 90 minutes without stopping, the Piraeus Line about 80 minutes and the Beach-Riviera Line about 110 minutes.
Is the hop-on hop-off bus suitable for children?
Yes, it is one of the easiest family activities in Athens. Children aged 5 and under ride free as infants.
What should I bring?
Your voucher, sunscreen, a hat, water and your ID. Headphones for the commentary are provided.
Can I book for today?
Yes, tickets can usually be booked for the same day and used right away after exchanging the voucher.
What is the difference between the options?
The default is a 72-hour ticket for all three lines. There is also a 48-hour ticket for all lines, a 48-hour ticket for the Athens Line only and a 24-hour ticket for the Athens Line only.
Where is the best stop to get off for the Acropolis?
Use the Acropolis/Plaka or Acropolis Museum stops, both a short walk from the entrance.
Does the bus go to Piraeus port?
Yes, the Piraeus Line serves the cruise terminals and the port area, so it is useful for cruise passengers.
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