01 KTEL buses: KTEL is a network of regional intercity bus operators connecting Athens with destinations across Greece.
02 Main stations: Most long-distance services use either Kifissos Bus Station or Liosion Bus Station.
03 Tickets & schedules: Timetables and ticket sales are usually managed by the regional KTEL operator serving your destination.
04 Popular routes: Buses connect Athens with Delphi, Nafplio, Thessaloniki, Patras and many other destinations.
05 Planning tip: Always confirm your departure station and current timetable before travelling.
Athens has an extensive intercity bus network for travelers heading beyond the capital. These services are different from the local OASA buses used for transport within Athens. Long-distance routes are mainly operated by regional KTEL bus companies, and services depart from different terminals depending on the destination.
Athens Intercity Bus Stations
Athens does not have one single central coach terminal serving every destination. The two main stations are Kifissos and Liosion, so checking the correct departure point is an important part of planning your journey.
Kifissos Bus Station
Kifissos Bus Station, sometimes referred to as Terminal A, is one of Athens’ main intercity bus hubs.
A number of important KTEL routes use Kifissos, including services towards destinations in the Peloponnese and other parts of Greece. Routes such as Athens to Nafplio use Kifissos, while KTEL Thessalonikis also operates Athens–Thessaloniki services from the station.
Because routes are managed by individual KTEL companies, always confirm your exact departure point with the operator before travelling.
Liosion Bus Station
Liosion Bus Station, also known as Terminal B, serves a number of routes towards Central Greece and other regional destinations.
Travelers visiting places such as Delphi commonly use services operated by the relevant regional KTEL company. As station assignments and schedules can change, check the operator’s current timetable before heading to the terminal.
How KTEL Buses Work
- KTEL is not a single nationwide bus company. Instead, Greece has a network of regional intercity bus operators, with different companies managing routes to different parts of the country.
- For example, journeys between Athens and Nafplio are operated by KTEL Argolidas. Other destinations have their own regional operators.
- This means there is no single booking system covering every KTEL route in Greece. When planning your journey, identify the operator serving your destination and check its official website for the latest timetable and ticket information.
Athens Bus Tickets and Timetables
KTEL bus tickets can usually be purchased from ticket offices at the relevant bus station. Many regional operators also provide online booking, although availability varies by route and company.
For current Athens bus schedules and timetables, the regional KTEL operator should be your main source.
Schedules can change seasonally, so avoid relying only on older travel blogs or screenshots of previous timetables.
If you plan to travel during weekends, holidays or the busy summer season, checking your journey in advance is especially useful.
Athens Public Transport Card
The KTEL intercity network uses its own ticketing system and is separate from Athens urban public transport.
For sightseeing and everyday travel within Athens, a public transport ticket or pass can be more convenient. Athens urban transport covers the metro, tram, buses and trolleybuses, with separate products also available for airport journeys. OASA publishes the current ticket and pass options.
For a complete explanation of local fares, metro lines and buses, see our Athens Public Transport Guide.
How to Reach the Bus Stations
- Neither Kifissos nor Liosion is directly served by a metro station, so travelers commonly combine local public transport with a short connection or use a taxi.
- For Kifissos Bus Station, OASA lists bus 051 from Omonia and bus 052 connecting the station with Eleonas Metro Station. (OASA)
- If you are travelling with luggage or have a tight connection, a taxi may be easier. See our Athens Taxi Guide for airport fares, taxi apps and practical tips.
Popular Bus Trips from Athens
Intercity buses are a practical way to reach many destinations outside Athens. Always check the current KTEL operator, departure station and timetable before travelling.
🏛️
Delphi KTEL Fokidas operates services between Athens and Delphi. Check the current timetable before planning a day trip.🏰
Nafplio KTEL Argolidas operates Athens–Nafplio services, with departures using Kifissos Bus Station.🌆
Thessaloniki Intercity coach services connect Athens with Thessaloniki, including routes operated by KTEL Thessalonikis.⚓
Patras KTEL Achaias operates services between Athens and Patras. Check the current departure point before travelling.🏺
Corinth KTEL services connect Athens with Corinth and other destinations across the Peloponnese.⛰️
Meteora Bus journeys towards Meteora commonly involve the Trikala or Kalambaka area. Check the latest KTEL Trikalon connections before travelling.Practical Bus Travel Tips
- Check the station: Confirm whether your service departs from Kifissos, Liosion or another current departure point.
- Find the correct KTEL operator: Search for the regional company serving your destination and use its official timetable.
- Allow enough time: Give yourself time to find the correct ticket office and departure bay.
- Check return services: This is particularly important if you are planning a day trip from Athens.
- Recheck schedules: Seasonal and temporary timetable changes are common, so verify your journey shortly before travelling.
Prefer Athens Public Transport?
This guide covers intercity KTEL buses, not the local buses, metro and tram used to get around Athens itself.
For local routes, tickets, airport connections and transport passes, see our Athens Public Transport Guide.
FAQ
What is the main bus station in Athens?
Athens has two major intercity bus stations, Kifissos and Liosion. The correct station depends on your destination and KTEL operator.
KTEL is a network of regional companies operating intercity bus services across Greece.
Where do KTEL buses leave from in Athens?
Many routes depart from Kifissos or Liosion Bus Station, but departure points vary by operator. Always check the current timetable before travelling.
Can I buy KTEL bus tickets online?
Many KTEL companies offer online ticket sales, but availability varies. Some routes may still require purchasing tickets directly from the operator or station.
How do I get from Athens to Delphi by bus?
KTEL Fokidas operates services between Athens and Delphi. Check the current KTEL Fokidas schedule and departure point before travelling.
How do I get from Athens to Nafplio by bus?
KTEL Argolidas operates buses between Athens and Nafplio, with Athens services using Kifissos Bus Station. (KTEL Argolida)
Is there a direct bus from Athens to Meteora?
Connections can vary. Bus journeys towards Meteora commonly involve the Trikala/Kalambaka area, so check the latest KTEL Trikalon schedule before planning the trip.
How early should I arrive at the bus station?
There is no universal rule for every KTEL operator. Arrive with enough time to find the correct ticket office and departure bay, particularly if you still need to buy a ticket.
