Delphi: Day Trips and Tours from Athens

A day trip to Delphi from Athens is an absolute must for any traveler wanting to discover the origins of the Earth, according to ancient Greek myths. Sprawling across the slopes of Mount Parnassus, the archaeological site of Delphi keeps watch over the Gulf of Corinth.

Here's all you need to know about planning Delphi day trips from Athens.

Best travel options

Delphi is about 160 kilometers away from Athens, with travel time being about 2.5 to 3 hours each way.

• By car: The quickest way to get to Delphi is by car, taking about 2.5 hours. The final part of the route in the mountains can be challenging due to winding narrow roads.
• By bus: The KTEL buses from the Attiki station take 3 hours, with about 6 services each day.
• By guided tour: Travel by mini bus or car, with hotel transfers and a knowledgeable guide, for a stress-free experience.

Ticket prices for Delphi

Tickets for the Delphi archaeological site cost €12 per person and entry into the museum.

Non-EU visitors aged 6–25 years and senior EU visitors are entitled to a 50% discount, making tickets just €6 each.

EU visitors under the age of 25 can visit for free with a passport or valid ID.

Prices of days tours to Delphi from Athens

Guided Delphi day trips from Athens start at €60 per person and include round-trip transport. Entrance fees and lunch are usually at your own expense.

Private day trips to Delphi from Athens cost from about €110, with an exclusive car and driver.

Multi-day tours from Athens to Delphi start at around €180 for a 2-day trip, €370 for 3-day tours and €500 for 4-day excursions. These trips typically include choice of accommodation, a guide, and most site admissions.

Typical itinerary for day tours to Delphi from Athens

After being picked up from the lobby of your hotel in Athens, it’s time for the adventure to begin.

Travel is by coach or minivan, taking you on a scenic 3-hour journey through the Greek countryside. Rest stops are sometimes included in the town of Levadia.

Once at the archaeological site, you can explore at leisure or take a guided tour. There will be time for lunch too.

On the return journey, you stop at the mountain resort village of Arachova.

Multi-day trips to Delphi typically also visit Epidaurus, Mycenae and Meteora, and include hotel accommodation and guided tours.

Day trips and tours to Delphi from Athens

Guided tour to Delphi from Athens

These shared group excursions to Delphi from Athens are a cost-effective way of exploring this famous site.

Tours last a full day due to the distance traveled, with lunch available as an optional extra.

Our pick: Delphi Guided Day Trip

• Visits: The main archaeological site of Delphi, along with the museum. Includes to explore the Athena Pronaia Sanctuary and optional lunch.
• Price: From €63 to €110 per person, depending on type of guide and lunch.
• Duration: 10 hours

Private day trip to Delphi from Athens

This exclusive Delphi jaunt from Athens is for those who like a bit of privacy and flexibility on their tours.

You will have a car and driver just for your group, with a more personalized experience than on the other trips.

Our pick: Full-Day Private Tour of Delphi

• Visits: The Delphi archeological site, the Temple of Apollo, Delphi Archaeological Museum, Athena Pronaia Sanctuary and more
• Price: From €42.70 to €378.80 (without lunch) or €95.80 to €431.80 (with lunch), depending on group size
• Duration: 8 to 9 hours

2-day tour to Delphi from Athens plus Meteora

Enjoy a more relaxed sightseeing pace on this overnight tour to Delphi and Meteora. You will stay in a comfortable hotel and have the services of an expert guide throughout.

Our pick: 2-day Guided Trip to Delphi and Meteora

• Visits: Delphi archeological site and Sanctuary of Apollo, Monasteries of Meteora and town of Kalambaka
• Includes: Luxury transportation, choice of 3-star or 4-star hotel
• Price: €198 to €235 depending on hotel and group size
• Duration: 2 days

3-day Tour to Delphi, Epidaurus and Mycenae from Athens with Meteora

This fun multi-day tour is a favorite with independent travelers, who want to visit some of Greece’s top sites on the Peloponnese and beyond.

You will get to explore sites such as the ancient theater of Epidaurus, the ruins of at Mycenae, the navel of the world at Delphi and the monasteries of Meteora, with the schedule all planned out for you. Accommodation is included, however meals and tickets to archeological sites are not always covered.

Our pick: 3-Day Classical Greece Tour

• Visits: Ancient ruins of Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi.
• Includes: Luxury transportation, option between standard and luxury hotel
• Price: €375 to €442 for adults or €187.5 to €221 for children, depending on hotel
• Duration: 3 days

4-day trip to Delphi from Athens with Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, & Meteora

See some of Greece’s most revered UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this epic 4-day tour to Delphi from Athens.

You’ll take in the archaeological ruins at Epidaurus and Mycenae, with a stop at Olympia to see where the original Olympic Games were held. Finish up with a visit to the mountain monasteries at Meteora. Accommodation, some meals, and a guide are typically included.

Our pick: 4-Day Classical Greece Tour

• Visits: Ancient ruins of Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora
• Includes: Luxury transportation, option between standard and luxury hotel
• Price: €567 to €678 (adults) and €397 to €453 (children) depending on hotel and group size
• Duration: 4 days

Top highlights in Delphi

Delphi was a sanctuary dedicated to Apollo, and the monuments here have a connection to the god of prophecy and light.

Apollo Temple

The famous oracle of Delphi is the reason for the site’s existence. Pilgrims from across the Mediterranean came to hear prophecies from the god Apollo, which were relayed by the high priestess of his temple.

The Apollo Temple boasts the most prominent position at Delphi, making the panoramas just as breathtaking as the pillars.

The Amphitheater

If views are your thing, you’ll love exploring the amphitheater. Overlooking a valley of olive trees and situated above the temple, this ancient theater has capacity for 5000 people!

Today, traditional plays and cultural performances are held here during the summer.

The Stadium

Perched up on the hillside, the stadium is a highlight of any day trip to Delphi from Athens. Thousands of spectators would gather here to watch the Pythian and Panhellenic Games.

You can still see the tracks and seating areas, making it one of Greece’s best-preserved stadiums.

Athena Pronaia Sanctuary

Get your cameras ready for the Athena Pronaia Sanctuary, with its temples, treasuries, and altars.

Look out for the unusual round Tholos structure too. Made of marble with carved scenes from the War of Titans, the function of the Tholos is a bit of a mystery.

Delphi Museum

This delightful museum is home to several unique artifacts, including a bronze charioteer, a statue of Antinous, and the Naxian Sphinx. It gives an intriguing glimpse into ancient Greek society.

Delphi opening hours

Delphi can be visited throughout the year. The opening times for the archaeological site and museum are from 8.30 AM to 3.30 PM. Last admissions are at 3.10 PM.

The site is closed on some public holidays, including Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Easter Sunday.

Best time to visit Delphi

Summer in Delphi is hot, with temperatures reaching 35˚C. If you want to avoid the heat, consider visiting between March and May, or in September and October for cooler temperatures and great weather.

Beat the crowds by coming first thing in the morning, or later in the afternoon if you can.

Travel tips

• We recommend booking tickets for your day trip to Delphi from Athens in advance of your visit. Tours are popular and places do sell out at peak times.
• Check your excursion details to see if lunch is included. Take some cash with you if it isn’t as there will be opportunities to purchase food along the way.
• Wear footwear suitable for exploring archaeological sites, where the ground will be rough in places.
• Pack water and sunscreen to ward off the heat during the height of summer – there isn’t much shade at Delphi!