Journey from Athens International Airport to the Peloponnese - Isthmus, (Corinth), Tripolis, Kalamata, Pylos, Methoni
Athens International Airport to the Peloponnese - by suburban rail or metro
From the airport I've always taken the bus or Metro to Athens, but in March 2010 I took the Suburban rail link straight from the airport to Corinth, by-passing Athens. The journey takes approximately one and a half hours, is smooth and pleasant and costs only €8.00 (€10.00 if you go on to Kiato). You may need to change at Ano Liosa, but on the outward journey the wait was less than half an hour and on my return journey was only a couple of minutes - enough time to cross to the other platform. The metro/rail terminus is light and well equiped with TV, snacks, a newsagent and modern toilet facilities and makes a pleasant waiting area between flight arrival or departure and rail links.
I stopped overnight at Corinth (Korinthos), taking the local bus (€1.00) from the new Korinthos rail station into town. Alternatively, take a taxi the few kilometres to the KTEL Isthmos bus terminal where you will find modern conveniences and buses to all parts of the Peloponnese.
There is a bus from Corinth town to Isthmus about once an hour (The Korinthos-Loutraki bus from the terminus by the old railway station in the town) but it may be easier to take a taxi .
Athens International Airport to Peloponnese - by bus via Athens
Airport buses provide convenient cheap travel to the bus station for the Peloponnese (E96) and also to Syntagma Square in the centre of Athens(E95). Buses leave the airport at frequent intervals. You could also take a taxi or hire a car.
KTEL runs bus services in Greece and there are regular buses from it's depot at Kiffisia, on the outskirts of Athens. KTEL does not appear to publish timetables online which it is a pity because it would attract more cutomers. There is a phone enquiry service but it it costs more than normal calls! Timetables are posted at the Bus stations and you may be able to obtain a paper copy. We provide links to useful information sites but please check exact details at the bus stations before you travel.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and seats are allocated at the time of purchase so your seat number will be printed on your ticket. Buses are modern, comfortable and may have toilets on board. Services leave for Kalamata about once an hour, the journey via Tripolis, takes approximately four and a half hours and includes a break for snacks and drinks.
An Express, non-stop, service is also available and takes about three and a half hours. Look out for the Corinth canal which you will cross on your journey and which effectively makes the Peloponnesian Peninsula an island.
Journey from Kalamata to Methoni via Messini and Pylos
A new bus station, with much improved facilities, has been built at Kalamata. It is still some distance from the Centre of kalamata, but there are one or two stops in the city, unless you take the express!
If you are taking a bus that goes right through to Methoni, the break at kalamata will be short. I sometimes prefer to take the express from Athens to kalamata and then have a longer break, including a meal or short walk, taking a local bus to complete the journey. You can buy refreshments and souvenirs at the Bus station.
Kalamata is the capital of the Messinia region and has a large hospital and the main government buildings. Local buses to Pylos are fairly regular and some go on to Methoni or other local villages. From Pylos you can take a taxi on to Methoni for around €10.00.
The bus journey from Athens right through to Methoni takes about 6 hours but the rate of development of the motorway is now so fast that the journey will be much shorter by 2010-11. It is a beautiful journey with an opportunity to admire the mountainous scenery, villages and the flowers. It is exciting to observe the considerable effort being made to complete the motorway network across the Peloponnese. Buses are inexpensive and comfortable. (Approx €27 for the entire journey)
Light Railways
In 1997 I took the light railway which runs from Olympia to Pyrgos. There is also a
light rail link between Kalamata and Messini. Unfortunately there are still too few trains on the main
routes of the Peloponnese, but if you have time to spare, they are even cheaper than buses!
Easy Travel
People seem to love carrying luggage on holiday!It's worth taking less and experiencing the joy and freedom from stress of travelling light. Most travel destinations aren't far from shops so why not buy a few items once you arrive and and support the local economy of the place you're visiting? In Methoni, new shops including smart boutiques and souvenir shops have recently opened so Pylos is not the only source of souvenirs and fashion items.