Bus

Greece’s nationwide bus network is extensive, with routes to even the most far-flung villages. A fairly reliable regional bus system (KTEL) is made up of local operators throughout the mainland and on the islands. Buses from Athens travel throughout Greece, with connections through regional hubs to smaller towns and villages. Buses from Athens also serve the islands of Corfu and Kefalnia, via ferry connections. KTEL does not have a centralized website, though most regional operators in the system do, and in English. You'll find a list at www.greeka.com/greece-travel/buses.

Buying Tickets

It's possible to purchase tickets on many of the websites of regional KTEL networks, but it's easiest to purchase your bus tickets in person at the KTEL station or on the bus. Reservations are unnecessary on most routes, especially those with several trips a day. If you are traveling on holiday weekends, it's best to go to the station and buy your ticket a couple of days in advance. To give you a sense of costs and schedules, buses from Athens to Corinth costs €16, run every half hour from 5:30 am to 10:30 pm, and the ride takes about 1 hour (www.ktelkorinthias.gr); to Nafplion, €14.40, with service every 2 hours for the 2-hour trip, often with a change in Corinth (www.ktelargolida.gr); to Patras, €12, with hourly service for the trip of 2½–3 hours ( www.ktelachaias.gr); and to Thessaloniki, €35, with service every 2 hours for the trip of 5 hours and 45 minutes (www.ktelmacedonia.gr).

Catch Your Bus

Athens has three bus stations. KTEL's Terminal A, better known as Kiffisou, is the arrival and departure point for bus lines to northern Greece, including Thessaloniki, and to the Peloponnese destinations of Epidauros, Mycenae, Nafplion, and Corinth. Terminal B, better known as Liossion, serves Evia, most of Thrace, and central Greece, including Delphi. Most KTEL buses to the east Attica coast—including those for Sounion, Marathon, and the ports of Lavrion and Rafina—leave from the KTEL stops grouped around Pedion Areos park and known as Mavrommateon terminal.

The buses, which are punctual, are comfortable and air-conditioned, with upholstered seats and, usually, Wi-Fi. There is just one class of ticket. Board early, because Greeks have a loose attitude about assigned seating, and ownership counts here. Although smoking is forbidden on KTEL buses, the driver will stop every two and a half hours at a roadside establishment for a smoking and refreshment break.

Public Transportation Buses

In Athens, you can buy tickets for urban buses and trams at booths and machines in metro and tram stations. If you are planning on getting around by bus and don't have a pass, carry an extra ticket or two with you, because you may find yourself at a stop some distance from one of these dispensers.