How to Get from Athens to Nafplio

The distance from Athens to the Peloponnesian seaside town of Nafplio is about 85 miles (137 km). The easiest and most comfortable way to get from Athens to Nafplio is by rental car or private transfer. There is also the option of traveling by bus, or by ferry to one of the nearby port towns. This route does not currently have a train connection.

With its unique mix of Venetian and Neo-Classical architecture, Nafplio is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in the Peloponnese. You can explore Napflio and the rest of the peninsula with these twelve-day and fifteen-day itineraries. 

By Private Transfer or Rental Car

Duration: 2 hours, more with stops

Private transfers can be booked to take you from your hotel or from Athens airport directly to Nafplio. If you prefer to self-drive, you can book a rental car from any of the many major rental companies with a presence in Athens.

The route to Nafplio runs along the Saronic Gulf and through the Isthmus of Corinth. The ruins of ancient Corinth, located at the halfway point between Athens and Nafplio, are a worthwhile sightseeing stop. There is also a small archaeological site in nearby Isthmia.

You will have to pay tolls on the way from Athens to Nafplio. Tolls in Greece are generally inexpensive, and are paid in cash to a tollbooth attendant.

By Bus

Duration: 2 hours

KTEL Argolida runs buses from Athens to Nafplio throughout the day. Bus timings are reduced slightly on Sundays and holidays.

The bus leaves from Kifissos Bus Terminal (KTEL Bus Station A). This station is located on a highway in the north-western part of Athens. The closest metro stop is “Agios Antonios” on the red line (M2) of the Athens metro, and you will have to walk about 15 minutes from the metro stop. Kifissos Bus Terminal can also be accessed via city bus 51 from Omonia Square, or by taxi.

Bus tickets can be booked in advance, or purchased at the station.

By Ferry

Duration: 3-5 hours

It is possible to get to Nafplio from Piraeus port by ferry. However, the route is somewhat indirect.

First, you will have to take a ferry from Piraeus to the towns of Ermioni or Porto Heli. You can access Piraeus port from central Athens using line 1 of the Athens Metro, or by rental car or taxi. Ferry tickets can be booked in advance, or purchased from the ticket offices at the port.

Once you arrive, you will need to take a bus to the town of Kranidi, from which you will be able to catch another bus onward to Nafplio.