Delphi is a very important site in ancient Greek history. It is best known as the former home of the famous Oracle of Delphi. Modern Delphi offers a fabulous museum and archaeological site where you can see the ruins of the ancient city, including the Temple of Apollo and the Sanctuary of Athena Pronoia.

Most people visit Delphi as a day trip or weekend trip from Athens. You can also access Delphi from other cities in Greece, including Patras and Thessaloniki. History buffs will love exploring Delphi and the highlights of Athens with this 7-day itinerary. 

From Athens

Duration: 2-3 hours

Private transfers can be booked to take you from Athens to Delphi. Or, if you prefer to self-drive, you have the option of renting a car from one of the many major rental companies in Athens. Note that Delphi is located in the mountains, so some roads are steep.

There is also the option of taking the bus. Greece’s main bus company, KTEL, sends buses from Athens to Delphi several times a day. The buses leave from KTEL’s Bus Terminal B (Liosion Terminal), located near the “Agios Nikolaos” metro stop. 

From Patras

Duration: 2 hours

If you are coming from the Peloponnese, Delphi can be accessed easily via the city of Patras.

The drive from Patras with a rental car or private transfer is quick, taking just two hours. The road to Delphi runs along the coast, offering scenic views of the Gulf of Corinth. Keep in mind that this route includes tolls; these are generally inexpensive and should be paid in cash to a tollbooth attendant.

You can also take a bus from Patras to Delphi. The operator is KTEL Fokidas. Buses are infrequent, running only twice a day; be sure to arrive at the station early, so you don’t miss your bus. Tickets can be booked in advance.  

From Thessaloniki

Duration: 5 hours

Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city. If you are driving from Thessaloniki to Athens, Delphi makes a good stop along the way.

By rental car or private transfer, the journey from Thessaloniki to Delphi will take four or five hours. Note that you will have to pay tolls.

Between Thessaloniki and Delphi, there are some interesting places to stop off for sightseeing. One is Mount Olympus—you have the option of either climbing the mountain or visiting an important archaeological site at its base, located near the village of Dion. Another possible stop is the town of Vergina, home to an ancient Macedonian burial site and the tomb of Alexander the Great’s father.

KTEL Fokidas operates a bus from Thessaloniki to Delphi. However, this leaves only once daily, in the afternoon. If you choose to take this route, you will have to stay overnight in Delphi.