Patras is ~215 km from Athens, about 2 hours 15 min β 2.5 hours by car via the Olympia Odos (tolled). Alternatively, an intercity KTEL bus (~3 hours) or a pre-booked door-to-door private transfer that also covers Athens airport. There's no longer a direct train into the centre.
The AthensβPatras route is one of the busiest in western Greece β the gateway to the port, the Peloponnese and the Ionian. Here's how far it is, how long it takes and which option is worth it.
Athens β Patras: options
| Option | Time | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scoot Transfer | ~2.5 hours | Fixed, in advance | Luggage, airport, door-to-door |
| Car | ~2.5 hours | Fuel + tolls | Flexibility & exploring |
| KTEL bus | ~3 hours | β¬ low | Budget travel |
Scoot Transfer
From Athens or the airport to Patras, with a fixed price and a driver who waits.
Book a transferHow far is Patras from Athens
The distance is about 215 km and the time roughly 2 hours 15 min β 2.5 hours by car, via the Olympia Odos motorway (tolled). It's a comfortable, modern drive along the Gulf of Corinth.
Options: how to get there
By car
The most flexible way: the Olympia Odos with tolls, ~2.5 hours. If you don't have your own, you can rent one β see the rental guide for Patras.
Bus (KTEL)
Regular intercity services connect Athens and Patras in about 3 hours. Cheap, but on a fixed timetable and without door-to-door service.
Pre-booked private transfer
The most comfortable option, especially with luggage, a group or for the airport: your driver picks you up at your door (or Athens airport) and takes you straight to Patras, with a fixed price known in advance. See Scoot Transfer, which covers Athens, the airport & the mainland.
Train?
There's no longer a direct passenger rail link into central Patras; sections are served by a train/bus combination. For certainty and flexibility, a car or a transfer remain the most direct options.
Route variations & indicative prices
The AthensβPatras route is covered in both directions, to and from the city centre, the airport or the port, at a fixed price known before you book:
- Athens Airport β Patras (or reverse): from β¬160
- Patras β Athens (city centre): from β¬160
- Port of Patras β Athens Airport: from β¬160
- Araxos Airport β Athens: from β¬180
See all routes and the exact price at Scoot Transfer.
Which is best?
For freedom and exploring Achaia β a car. For budget β the KTEL bus. For comfort without driving, with luggage or to/from the airport β a pre-booked transfer. Once you arrive, see how to get around Patras.
See also: Patras β Thessaloniki Β· Patras β Kalavryta Β· Kyllini β Athens Β· Aigio β Athens.
Frequently asked questions
About 215 km, i.e. 2 hours 15 min to 2.5 hours by car via the Olympia Odos motorway (tolled).
By intercity KTEL bus (~3 hours) or by a pre-booked door-to-door private transfer, which also covers Athens airport.
There's no direct passenger link into central Patras; sections use a train/bus combination. A car or transfer is more direct.
A pre-booked transfer with a fixed price β especially with luggage, a group or to/from Athens airport.