The Acropolis in Athens is one of the most important historical monuments in the world, and its visit is an essential part of every journey to Greece. Whether you are arriving by public transport or by car, it is important to plan ahead to make your visit as smooth and pleasant as possible. In this text, you will find out everything you need to know - from transportation and parking, to ticket prices and discounts that can make your visit more affordable.

How to reach the Acropolis in Athens

The Acropolis is located in the very center of Athens, on a high hill that dominates the city’s panorama. The transportation in this part of Athens is well connected, and during hot days, it is recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds and high temperatures.

1. On foot from Syntagma Square: The Acropolis is about a 20-minute walk from Syntagma Square. The walk is very pleasant, as you pass through the central streets of Athens, and along the way, you can enjoy the city’s atmosphere. The direction is simple - head through Ermou street to Plaka (the old Athenian quarter) and continue towards the Acropolis.

2. Metro: The easiest way to reach the Acropolis is by metro.

  • The M2 metro line (red line) will take you directly to the “Acropolis” station and is about a 5-7 minute walk from the complex.
  • The M1 metro line (green line): get off at the “Thiseio” station.
  • The M3 metro line (blue line): get off at the “Monastiraki” station.

The M3 metro line (blue) also connects the Athens International Airport with the Acropolis, so if you are planning to visit directly from the airport, this is the line that will take you there.

3. Tram: Line T6 has stops near the Acropolis.

4. Bus: There are several bus lines that lead near the Acropolis.
Here are some useful bus lines:

  • Bus line X95 connects Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” with the center and the Acropolis: get off at Syntagma Square and then it’s about a 15-minute walk to the Acropolis.
  • Bus line 040 - Piraeus Port - Syntagma Square: from there\, you can walk to the Acropolis.
  • Bus line X80 “Piraeus - Acropolis - Syntagma EXPRESS” operates from April to October (in the summer season) and connects the port of Piraeus with the center and the Acropolis.

5. Trolleybus
Lines: 1, 2, 4, 5, 11, 12, 15.

6. Taxis in Athens: Here are some taxi station numbers you can call:

  • Kosmos Taxis - number 18300
  • Ikaros - +30 210 515 2800
  • Enotita - 18388
  • Hellas - 18180
  • Taxiplon - 2773600
  • In addition to these radio taxi options, there are also apps such as Free Now and Uber.

5. Parking spaces around the Acropolis

  • Free parking can be found in the Koukaki area, but it is always a question, especially in the season, whether there are available spaces.

Paid parking nearby:

  • Metropark Athens: a short distance from the Acropolis, open every day of the week.
  • Kostas Parking: located at Aggelou Vlachou 8, a 10-minute walk from the Acropolis.
  • Parking Siggrou 32: open-air parking, operates every day until 10 pm.

Tickets and discounts for the Acropolis

Tickets can be purchased directly at the ticket offices located at two entrances to the Acropolis, or online in advance on the Greek government’s website HERE.

From 2024, due to an extremely large number of visitors, the time of entry to the Acropolis is time-limited, i.e. when purchasing a ticket, you will be offered entry time options, and you must adhere to that time, i.e. arrive 20-30 minutes earlier than the time indicated on the ticket.

Ticket prices for the Acropolis

There are several options or combinations depending on what you want to visit.

The basic ticket costs 20 euros per person and includes a visit ONLY to the Acropolis and the Dionysus Theatre. From November 1 to March 31, the basic ticket is reduced to 10 euros per person.

The combined ticket, which costs 30 euros per person, includes visits to other sites besides the Acropolis, and you can visit them within 5 days (not necessarily on the same day as the Acropolis). The ticket includes visits to the following sites:

  • Acropolis and slopes,
  • Ancient Agora,
  • Hadrian’s Library,
  • Kerameikos,
  • Aristotle’s School (Lyceum),
  • Olympieion,
  • Roman Agora.

The Acropolis is adapted for people with disabilities and mobility issues. There is a lift that will take them to the Acropolis, and there are wheelchair-accessible paths on the slopes.

Free entry to the Acropolis

There are 21 categories that have free entry, and it is interesting to see how Greece pays attention to all categories of the population (check the list HERE).

For tourists from outside the EU, including the Balkans, the following categories have free access:

  • Children up to 5 years old do not pay (it is mandatory to show the child’s passport).
  • Persons with disabilities (67%) and one companion (with valid proof of disability).
  • Teachers and students during educational visits, from the EU and EEA.
  • Scientists with a license for photography, research, or design.
  • Journalists with a press card.

These categories have free entry to other related locations as well.

50% discount on Acropolis tickets from April 1 to October 31 for:

  • Children and youth aged 6 to 25 from outside the EU, with a passport.
  • Seniors over 65 from Greece or the EU, with an ID card or passport.
  • Teachers and students during educational visits (from countries outside the EU).

From November 1 to March 31, the discount applies to all visitors, as we mentioned, and amounts to 10 euros per person.

Our followers on social media have asked us why there is a difference between EU citizens and non-EU citizens, and the large number of categories that provide discounts is the reason for this. For example:

  • young people up to 25 years old from the EU have free entry (it is mandatory to show an ID).

Online ticket purchase

Online tickets: to avoid queues, you can purchase tickets in advance through the official website of the Greek Ministry of Culture HERE.

The recommendation from the Greek National Tourism Organization is to buy tickets on the official website because there are sites that offer “skip-the-line” entry, which is not possible on-site, as there are timed tickets and entry control, so this is considered a form of fraud.

Visiting hours - Acropolis opening hours

The opening hours vary during summer and winter months.

Summer season - from April 1 to October 31: from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (last entry is at 5:30 pm).

Winter season - from November 1 to March 31: from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (last entry is at 4:30 pm).

Non-working days
The Acropolis is closed on the following dates: January 1, March 25, May 1, Easter Sunday, as well as December 25 and 26.

The most favorable months to visit are from October to April, which helps you avoid the summer heat and large crowds.

Check the opening hours before your visit on the official Acropolis website here.

Recommendations and tips for visiting the Acropolis

  • During the summer season, we recommend planning your visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the strongest sun and large crowds.
  • Clothing and footwear: wear comfortable shoes as the paths are uneven and slippery, and light clothing and a hat are recommended during the summer.
  • Water and refreshments: considering the limited number of shops near the Acropolis, bring a water bottle with you.

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