How to get to Cape Sounion from Athens?

Cape Sounion is a magical place! It’s only 65 kilometers from Athens, so you can easily make a day trip there. But we’re often asked how to get to Cape Sounion? What’s the best way? Cape Sounion can be reached by bus, cab, private driver, organized excursion or car. So it’s up to you to choose according to your desires and your budget.

Here are the various options for getting to Cape Sounion from Athens.

And if you’d like to find out more (history of the area, tavernas and beaches nearby, suggestions for a day’s program), it’s in our article Cape Sounion: Tips and information.

1- Getting to Sounion by public transport: the bus

First of all, from Athens, Cape Sounion can be reached by public transport on the orange KTEL buses. They leave from Egiptou square, pedion aeros (22 mavromateon street). And there are departures every hour or half-hour, depending on the season. The drive takes about 2 hours.

Round-trip tickets cost €12.50 and can be purchased directly on the bus (credit cards not accepted). Find out more here.

The advantage: a cost-effective solution

The drawback: not very practical and the journey is a bit long

There is also a multi-stop tourist bus to Cape Sounion. This is an interesting option.

2- By car: rent a car to get to Cape Sounion

From downtown Athens, 1h15 drive. We recommend taking the coastal road. Admittedly, there are more curves than on the inland route, but the view of the coast is very beautiful. On-site parking is available in the immediate vicinity of the site.

To rent a car, we recommend the RentalCars website. It’s very practical, allowing you to compare offers from different agencies in the blink of an eye.

The advantage: a flexible, independent solution

Disadvantage: no explanations for visiting the site + the constraints associated with renting a vehicle.

3- Getting to Cape Sounion with a private ride with Welcome Pickups

We recommand you to use Welcome PickUps. It’s a company we appreciate for its reliability, quality service and value for money. Here’s the link: Book your Half-day Trip from Athens to Cape Sounion (4 hours). In the destination box, write“Archaeological Site of Sounion“.

It is also possible to hire a driver for the day. This comfort package, also tailor-made, allows you to be picked up from the hotel, visit the center of Athens if you wish, then follow the Athenian Riviera to arrive at Cape Sounion. Reservations and information on Welcome Ride. Price: 325€ / day for up to 4 people. Duration 8 hours.

The advantage: the freedom to visit the site at your own pace, without having to worry about transport.

The drawback: the price, especially if there are only 2 of you (if there are 4, it comes to €80/person). No historical or cultural explanations.

4- A group tour of Cape Sounion

We researched options for a group visit to Sounion in English:

• A half-day excursion (4 hours) from Athens to the beaches of the Athenian Riviera. Price from 47€/person including transport, guided tour in English, tickets to enter the site
• A multi-stop bus excursion (at sunset) with an audioguide in English. Price €35/person including transport, 2-day ticket for the blue multi-stop bus with 4 routes.

The benefits: all-inclusive, comfortable, affordable

Disadvantages: little time on site, depends on the pace of the group

5- An all-comfort private tour of Cape Sounion with Alternative Athens

The Alternative Athens agency, which we love for its quality tours, is offering an idyllic full-day excursion to Cape Sounion and the Athenian Riviera. The program includes a trip to the Flisvos marina, a stop and swim at Vouliagmeni lake, a swim at the beach, dinner with your feet in the water in a traditional taverna, a visit to the Temple of Poseidon, sunset over the sea and then the return to Athens. For more information, click here.

Advantage: a truly exceptional day! The perfect way to see Sounion in ideal conditions.

The downside: the price… more than €200/person (on quotation and depending on the number of people).

6- An excursion with a twist: Sounion and the temple of Thorikos

Another solution that I find very interesting, and which has also been very popular on Get Your Guide, is this 5-hour excursion, departing from Athens (metro station). Leave in a comfortable bus, with an English guide on board (no guided tours of the sites). One of the advantages of this excursion is that it takes you to a little-known place, the temple of Thorikos, then the famous Cape Sounion and the temple of Poseidon. Departure from Athens is around 4.30pm, allowing you to enjoy the sunset at Cape Sounion. Some great photos!

Laure M.

Updated February 14, 2024