Can you do a day trip to Corinth from Athens?
Quick Answer
Yes, Corinth is one of the most accessible day trips from Athens and is equally manageable as a half-day. It is 85km from central Athens and takes approximately 1.5 hours by intercity train (about EUR9) or KTEL bus from Kifissou terminal. Entry to the ancient site and museum is EUR8.
Ancient Corinth was one of the most powerful city-states in the ancient world and the ruins -- including the remarkably preserved Temple of Apollo and the Bema where St Paul preached -- are genuinely fascinating, while the Corinth Canal nearby is a striking feat of 19th-century engineering.
How to Get There
The intercity train from Athens (Larissa Station, Metro Line 2) to Corinth takes around 1.5 hours and costs approximately EUR9. Services run several times daily. KTEL buses also run from the Kifissou terminal (Peristeri, accessible by bus from Omonia) and take a similar time at a comparable cost. By car the journey takes 1 hour via the A8 motorway. Note that Ancient Corinth village (where the ruins are) is 5km from modern Korinth city -- a local taxi from the station costs about EUR8.
What to See
The ancient site of Corinth includes the 6th-century BC Temple of Apollo -- one of the oldest standing Greek temples -- the Roman Agora, the Bema (the platform where St Paul was brought before the Roman proconsul Gallio as described in Acts 18), and the Fountain of Peirene. The on-site Archaeological Museum houses excellent sculptural finds. The Corinth Canal, 4km from the ancient site, is a dramatic 6km-long canal cut through rock 79 metres deep -- worth a stop for 30 minutes to watch ships pass through.
How Long Do You Need
The ancient site and museum take about 2 hours to visit properly. Adding the Corinth Canal stop and travel time makes for a comfortable half-day from Athens, or a relaxed full day if you include lunch in the village and explore at your own pace. The compact nature of the site makes it ideal for travellers who want a taste of ancient Greece without committing to a full day trip further afield.
Best Time to Go
Corinth is a year-round destination but spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions. Unlike more famous sites, Corinth rarely gets overwhelmingly crowded -- even summer visits are manageable. Aim for morning arrival to have the ancient site largely to yourself before any tour groups arrive. The site has minimal shade so bring a hat and water for summer visits.
Skip the queue at the Acropolis
Book skip-the-line tickets or guided tours — instant confirmation, free cancellation.
Check availability & prices →