Train Travel in Peloponnese

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Train Travel

As of this writing, extensive track work is being done on the Peloponnesian line, with a goal of significantly improving service between Athens and Patras.

Northern Peloponnese

Traveling by train from Athens to some places in the Northern Peloponnese is sometimes convenient and is relatively inexpensive. Trains from Athens depart from the Peloponnissos station; take Bus 057, which leaves every 10 minutes from Panepistimiou, or take Line 2 of the metro to the Larissa station, which is adjacent to the Peloponnissos station.

Trains run from Athens to Corinth, and then the route splits; you can go south to Argos and Nafplion or west along the coast to Patras and then south to Pyrgos and Kalamata. Alternatively you can go directly through the Peloponnese to Kalamata via Tripoli. On the western route the train stops at Kiato, Xylokastro, Diakofto (where a narrow-gauge branch line heads inland to Kalavrita), and Aigion, before arriving in Patras. In summer the trains between Patras and Athens can be crowded with young people arriving from or leaving for Italy on ferries from Patras. Branch lines leave the main line at Kavasila for Loutra Killinis and at Pyrgos for Olympia. If you know you are returning by train, buy a round-trip ticket (good for a month); there is a substantial discount.

There are five departures daily from Athens to Nemea-Mykines-Argos-Nafplion; the trip to Nafplion takes 3 to 5 hours. Thirteen trains run daily from Athens to Corinth, a 2-hour trip; the reliable, more expensive InterCity express takes 1 1/2 hours. Eight trains leave Athens daily for Patras, a trip of 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours; the InterCity express is 4 hours. A line running along the west coast connects Kalamata with Patras (6 hours). Going to Olympia by train from Athens isn't worth the trouble; the trip takes almost 8 hours, with a change at Pyrgos.

Southern Peloponnese

Train travel into the area is slower and much more limited than bus travel. Buy tickets before you leave; prices shoot up 50% when purchased on board. If you're traveling during a national holiday, when many Athenians head to the Peloponnese, it's worth paying extra for first class to ensure a seat, especially in no-smoking compartments. Train food is dismal, so stock up for long trips.

Trains run from Athens to Kalamata five times daily with stops in Corinth, Mycenae, and Tripoli, not to be confused with those traveling a second, longer route to Kalamata via Patras. In Athens, the Greek National Railway (OSE) offices are the most convenient if you're staying near Platia Syntagma (Constitution Square); otherwise purchase your ticket before departure at the Peloponnissos station. You can reach the station by Bus 057, which leaves every 10 minutes from Panepistimiou, or take Line 2 of the metro to the Larissa station, which is adjacent to the Peloponnissos station.

Information

Greek National Railway (OSE) offices (Fillelinon 17, Athens. 210/323-6747. Sina 6. 210/362-4402). Kalamata station (Sidirodromikou Stathmou. 27210/23904). Peloponnissos station (Karilou 1, Athens. 210/522-4302). Tripoli station (Grigoris Lambraki at Xeniou Dios. 2710/222402).