Delphi Day Trip from Athens
The most important site in ancient Greece, at your own pace — the ruins, the museum and a long lunch in the village.
- Drive each way
- 2h 30m
- Length of day
- 10–11 hours
- Best for
- History-curious groups, couples, families with kids 8+
- From
- €320 per van
Is a Delphi day trip worth it?
Yes, for most people a Delphi day trip from Athens is worth it. It is the most important site in ancient Greece, and it is close enough to see properly in one day and still sleep in your Athens hotel.
The trade-off is the drive: 2 hours 30 minutes each way, so it is a 10–11 hour day. The site also climbs a steep hillside, which matters if anyone in your group walks slowly.
If you only care about ruins and are on a tight budget, the public bus works. If you want the ruins, the museum and a long lunch in the village without watching the clock, a private trip to Delphi is the easier way.
4 ways to do Delphi from Athens
Public bus (KTEL)
- Approx. cost:
- About €16.50–18 per person, one way
- Total time:
- About 2h 30m–3h each way, from Liosion bus station
- Flexibility:
- Low — fixed departures (08:30, 10:30, 15:00, 18:00; last bus back 18:30)
- Best for:
- Solo travelers and budget trips. The cheapest option.
Rental car
- Approx. cost:
- From about €35–40 a day, plus about €60 fuel and €17 tolls round trip
- Total time:
- About 2h 30m each way, plus parking
- Flexibility:
- High, but someone has to drive mountain roads
- Best for:
- Confident drivers who want to explore further
Group coach tour
- Approx. cost:
- About €80–95 per person, usually incl. guide and entry
- Total time:
- Full day, fixed schedule
- Flexibility:
- Low — 20–45 people on one timetable
- Best for:
- People who want a licensed guide at the site, which these tours usually include
Private mini-van (us)
- Approx. cost:
- From €320 per van
- Total time:
- 10–11 hours door to door
- Flexibility:
- High — your group only, your pace
- Best for:
- Families, small groups, anyone who wants their own pace
Your day, hour by hour
Typical; your driver adjusts to your pace.
7:30
Pickup at your hotel or Airbnb in Athens
10:00
Arrive at Delphi. Start at the Sanctuary of Apollo while it is cooler
12:30
Delphi Archaeological Museum and the Charioteer
13:30
Long lunch in Delphi village, with views down the valley
15:00
Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia and the Tholos, or a coffee stop
15:30
Drive back to Athens
18:00
Drop-off at your hotel
What you'll see
Sanctuary of Apollo
The heart of Delphi. A path climbs past the Athenian Treasury to the Temple of Apollo, where the oracle spoke, then up to the theater and finally the stadium at the top. It is steep, so take it slowly.
Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia
A short walk below the main site. Its round Tholos is the most photographed building at Delphi.
Delphi Archaeological Museum
Finds from the sanctuary, including the bronze Charioteer, one of the best-known statues from ancient Greece.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Delphi is listed by UNESCO. The mountain setting above the olive groves is part of why it was chosen for the oracle.
Practical tips
- Tickets: One ticket covers the site and the museum: €20 (€10 reduced), all year.
- Opening hours: April to October from 08:00, closing at 20:00 in summer and earlier into autumn (18:00 by late October). November to March 08:30–15:30. Last entry 20 minutes before closing. Check before you go, as hours change by season.
- Heat: There is little shade on the hillside. In summer, midday is hot, so we aim to start at the ruins before noon.
- Shoes: Wear good walking shoes. The paths are uneven stone and climb steeply.
- Water: Bring water and a hat. You can refill in the village.
- Closures: Greek sites close on 1 January, 25 March, 1 May, Easter Sunday and 25–26 December, and can close from 12:00 to 17:00 in extreme heat. We check for your date.
Is a private trip right for your group?
2 people
€160
per person
4 people
€80
per person
6 people
€53
per person
8 people
€40
per person
Starting prices; your quote is exact.
Good fit: Families with grandparents, small groups of friends, couples and anyone who wants their own pace. The more of you, the cheaper per person.
Not the best fit: Solo travelers on a tight budget. Take the public bus or a group coach tour — it will cost much less.
Delphi day trip questions
How far is Delphi from Athens?
About 2 hours 30 minutes each way by road, roughly 180 km. With time at the site, plan on a 10–11 hour day.
Is one day enough for Delphi?
Yes. One day gives you 4–5 hours at Delphi: enough for the Sanctuary of Apollo, the museum, the Tholos and lunch. You do not need to stay overnight.
Can we do Delphi and Meteora in one day?
Not realistically. Meteora alone is a 12–13 hour day from Athens. Pick one, or ask us about Meteora as a separate trip.
Is this a guided tour?
No. Your driver speaks English and knows the area, but is not a licensed guide and cannot guide inside the site. You can book a licensed guide in advance, or buy a ticket that comes with a phone audio tour.
How much does a private day trip to Delphi cost?
From €320 per van, not per person. That is about €80 each for 4 people or €40 each for 8. Entrance tickets and lunch are extra. Your quote is exact.
Is Delphi good for kids?
Best for kids 8 and up who can handle a steep walk. Younger kids often enjoy the stadium at the top. Child seats in the van are free on request.
What time is pickup?
Usually 7–8 AM from your hotel or Airbnb, so you reach the ruins before the midday heat. We confirm the exact time with your quote.
What if we need to cancel?
Cancellation is free.
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