The best way to see what Athens has to offer while on your trip is by hop-on hop-off bus. With the ease of transportation at your fingertips, you save time and money while taking in the major highlights of the city.

Hop-on hop-off bus tours in Athens provide several different itineraries and plenty of options to explore at your own leisure. What are the best hop-on hop-off Athens bus tours? What are their prices?

Here's everything you need to know about hop-on hop-off bus tours, some of the most remarkable sightseeing tours in Athens.

What are the best hop-on hop-off Athens bus tours? What are their prices?

1. City Sightseeing

City Sightseeing is considered the world leader in open-top bus tours, located in over 130 cities across the globe. With their strong presence, you can’t go wrong with these bright red double-deckers.

Purchasing tickets for this hop-on hop-off bus tour of Athens is simple, and the company offers several ways to immerse yourself in the Grecian culture while on your trip. There are multiple route options available, with a reliable operating schedule you can count on.

Route

There are three hop-on hop-off Athens routes to choose from with City Sightseeing, although two are only available between the months of April and October.

Athens Route: The Athens route hits all the major landmarks in the city, including crowd favorites like the Acropolis, Parthenon and Temple of Olympian Zeus. You’ll also have the opportunity to catch several museums, libraries and gardens on the way.

Piraeus Route: If you want to visit the central port of Athens while on your hop-on hop-off bus ride, make sure to choose the Piraeus route. On this tour, you’ll see the colorful harbor town and visit areas like the Archaeological Museum and Eugenides Planetarium.

The Piraeus route only operates in the warm months and will close from fall until early spring.

Beach/Riviera Route: The Beach/Riviera route stops by several beach hotspots and luxury hotels along the way. You’ll have the opportunity to check out both the Melina Mercouri and Stavros Niarchos foundations on your journey. The Beach route is also closed during colder months.

Timetable

City Sightseeing tours run every day between 8:30 AM and 6:30 PM, depending on the route you choose. Buses depart every 20 minutes to an hour, and the tour can begin and end at any stop of your choice.

Tours including the Piraeus route run only between 12:15 PM and 6:15 PM, whereas those on the Beach/Riviera route depart only six times a day between 9:30 AM and 6 PM.

Tickets

There are four options to buy tickets for hop-on hop-off buses in Athens. Each includes a 48-hour access ticket with stops at all the major sights. All trips also feature an audio guide available in 13 different languages.

Iconic Ticket: The iconic ticket is a two-day pass that includes only the Athens line. Tickets cost €20 for an adult and €8 for a child (aged 6 - 14).
Essential Ticket: This 2-day tour includes not only the Athens line, but also the Piraeus route for those hoping to check out the ancient port. Adult tickets are €30 and children €10.
Value Ticket: The value ticket can also be used over a 2-day period, but forgoes the Piraeus trip for a ride on the Beach/Riviera line. The Athens route is also included in the price, €25 for adults and €10 for children.
Supreme Ticket: The supreme ticket is the best way to see all of Athens and the surrounding areas. This pass stretches for three days and includes all three lines. You can purchase this hop-on hop-off bus tour for €30 for adults and €10 for children.

2. Athens Open Tour

Athens Open Tour is the first Greek hop-on hop-off bus company and is impossible to miss with vibrant yellow double-decker buses. These tours hit the major landmarks, but also stop at bustling shopping centers and beaches along the way.

Route

This hop-on hop-off bus tour also includes three routes: Athens, Piraeus and the Riviera/beaches.

Timetable

The Athens route takes around 90 minutes, the Piraeus caps at about 60 minutes and the Riviera two hours.

Tickets

If you’d like to take the hop-on hop-off bus tour of just Athens, you’ll pay around €15 per adult and €10 per child. However, if you’d like to explore all three lines, you can expect to pay closer to €20. Multiple days on the Athens Open Tour is also an option for an added fee.

3. Sights of Athens

Sights of Athens offers not only routes to Athens, Piraeus and the Riviera/beaches, but also a ride on the Piraeus fun train. On this exciting excursion, you’ll experience all the shops and restaurants of the port city by way of a jolly blue locomotive.

Route

The classic hop-on hop-off bus route hits 20 major sights and landmarks of the ancient city of Athens, while the Piraeus and Beach routes lead you to the water to enjoy crystal clear coastlines and marinas.

The fourth route, the Piraeus fun train, gives you the opportunity to grab a closer look at the beauty of the port of Athens. Here you’ll chug along while taking in the lively scenery, cafés and restaurants.

Timetable

Each route can take somewhere between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on if you opt for the train ride in Piraeus.

Tickets

Tickets for the Sights of Athens tour range between €20 and €50 per adult, and €10 and €40 per child, depending on which routes you choose. The Piraeus fun train costs only €5 and is well worth the extra money.

How do hop-on hop-off bus tours in Athens work? What is included?

The best part of embarking on a hop-on hop-off bus in Athens is that you’ll have the freedom to choose when and where you begin your tour. To start, head to whichever bus stop is easiest for you to access, and present your ticket.

From there, you’ll be able to get off at any stops along the way or ride to your leisure. Buses will depart every 20 to 60 minutes, depending on which line you choose, but you’ll be provided with a schedule to make planning simple.

Although you’ll be asked to provide a date for your tour when booking, you’ll have an entire year to redeem, leaving leeway for plan changes. Arriving at your bus stop 15 minutes before departure is a great way to secure the best seats for your ride.

Once onboard, you’ll be provided with an audio guide to give you insight into the area while on your journey. Free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning are also available on most charters. Some Sight of Athens tours will automatically include a ride on the Piraeus fun train, while many City Sightseeing also feature tickets to the Acropolis Museum.

Are there any combined tickets including hop-on hop-off bus tours?

If you’re looking to cruise along the Mediterranean coast during your Athens adventure, opt for an Athens combo ticket for a full-day cruise and 2-day hop-on hop-off bus tour. On this 3-day jaunt, you’ll take an 11-hour ride to the Saronic Islands before finishing your expedition on land with the double-decker bus.

Another popular bus trip add-on is the Cape Sounion sunset tour, available when booking with Sights of Athens. Here you’ll watch the pristine sunset next to the Temple of Poseidon while on your 2-day journey.

Some bus excursion tickets will also include entry to the Acropolis Museum, so if this is on the top of your sightseeing list, prepare ahead of time.

What are the other sightseeing tours in Athens?

Travel tips

Pre-book your hop-on hop-off bus tour before your Athens trip to ensure your tickets are secured.
Making a route plan before boarding is a great way to be prepared for your journey. Bus stops are easy to locate across Athens.
Opt for a seat on the top deck to catch the best views of the city, but make sure to pack sunscreen and a hat.
Most museums and attractions are not included in the ticket price unless otherwise stated. Plan your bookings ahead of time for ease in your travels.

Hop on Hop off Bus Tours in Athens