The train connection between Athens and Patras is one of the main lines of the Greek railway network. However, today one cannot complete this journey without having to transfer to a bus halfway through. In other words, this rail connection can only be completed through a combination of train and bus travel.
Of course, rail construction works which have been taking place the last few years are to be blamed since the railway between Kiato and Patras is being upgraded. For the time being, if you are travelling from Athens to Patras you can use one of the Suburban Railway services that terminate at Kiato and from there you just have to take TRAINOSE’s bus waiting for you outside the train station in order to get to Patras. The bus connection is part of the fare so do not worry about having to pay extra for that. This post provides essential information about what you need to know when travelling on this route, where to buy tickets and what you should expect from this trip.
Athens Railway Station
Also known as Larissa Station, Athens Railway Station is the central railway station of the Greek capital. It is the biggest railway station in Greece and one of the biggest in the Balkans and is currently under renovation.
Opened in 1904, this station serves as a point of reference for many services. These include High speed, InterCity, Regional trains andSuburban Railway services to/from the airport. Piraeus, Chalkida, Agioi Anargyroi and Kiato. You can easily reach the station by bus or by using the Athens Metro (Line 2 to Anthoupoli). Following a major overhaul in 2017, Athens Railway station has now 10 platforms in total. Four of them which are all electrified.
Notably, there is also a new electrified railway line from Athens to Thessaloniki which was put into operation on the 29th of January 2019 and constitutes a flagship project along the country’s main Piraeus-Athens-Thessaloniki rail axis. This project has now provided Greece with a more modern and inter-operable double-electrified railway line.
The train from Athens to Kiato
The Athens Suburban Railway, also known as Proastiakos Athens is a commuter rail service that connects the city of Athens with its metropolitan area and other regions beyond Attica, such as the areas of Boeotia, Euboea and Corinthia. The first Proastiakos train linked Athens Railway Station with Athens International Airport, on time for the 2004 Summer Olympics that were held in Athens. As years went by, the network was expanded to Piraeus, Corinth, Kiato, and since there have been added itineraries towards the cities of Chalkida and Theba, as well. Trains run from approximately 5:00am to midnight daily. There are 45 stations in total.
The train journey takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to Kiato. Departures normally take place from Platform 7. There is no 1st Class on this service. Also, it tends to get quite busy on board but most of the times it gets quieter with each stop the train makes and as you move further outside of Athens. Despite this and the poorly preserved coaches themselves, there is air-conditioning which is always nice especially during the summer months.
The bus from Kiato to Patras
As said earlier, there is no train connection between Kiato and Patras. Therefore, once in Kiato train station, all you have to do is head downstairs where a bus will be waiting for you. The bus is nothing sort of impressive but it does the job. It’s comfortable and free. Now all you need is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes until you are in Patras.
For best views, sit on the right hand side as this route runs along the coast for the most part.
Patras OSE railway station to the port
Most travellers continue their trip by ferry in direction of Italy. To walk from the OSE railway station of Patras to the port, calculate 30 minutes for the two kilometers along the It is a walk of about two kilometers along the esplanade (direction south).
There is also a local bus about every hour. Bus line 18 to the new port. Schedules are available on Patras local transport website astikopatras.gr
How to buy tickets from Athens to Patras
You can buy your tickets directly from TRAINOSE’s website where you can also check the relevant timetable.
Ticket prices
Adult 17 EUR
Children (4-12 years old) 8.50 EUR
Once you buy it, you can download your ticket on your phone and save it on Apple Wallet, for example, to show it to the conductor.
Verdict
Overall, I felt okay with the whole experience. The prices were fine, the train and bus were both on time and had no problems whatsoever. What I didn’t like was the outdated trains. I couldn’t help but think that they could be a bit cleaner as well, especially the windows. Other than that, everything went smoothly and I arrived in Patras ready for my ferry trip to Bari.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to drop us a line on our forum where one of our experts will be happy to assist you with your enquiry.
Thanks so much for reading this trip report! :)
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