Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours

About hop-on hop-off bus tours in Athens

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours in Athens offer an informative and flexible way to experience the city. These tours provide access to numerous iconic sites with the freedom to explore at your own pace.‍Travelers can choose from several reputable bus tour companies offering flexible passes valid for various durations. Most tours offer multilingual audio guides to enhance the experience with historical insights and stories about Athens' landmarks. If you want a full breakdown of the differences check out our dedicated section.

The buses often include amenities like free Wi-Fi and air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable journey. Many operators also provide the option for free cancellation, giving travelers peace of mind when planning their itinerary.

Available Tickets

City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
  • Tickets of your choice to City Sightseeing Bus Tours
  • Multilingual audio guide
  • Free cancellation
★★★★☆ 4.3 (2.9k+ reviews) · GetYourGuide
Sights of Athens Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Sights of Athens Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
  • Tickets of your choice to Sights of Athens Bus Tours
  • Multilingual audio guide
  • Free cancellation
★★★½☆ 3.9 (3.6k+ reviews) · GetYourGuide
Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
  • Tickets of your choice to Big Bus Bus Tours
  • Multilingual audio guide
  • Free cancellation
★★★★☆ 4.1 (960+ reviews) · GetYourGuide
City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off + Acropolis + Museum
City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off + Acropolis + Museum
  • 24 hours City Sightseeing ticket (Athens line)
  • Acropolis and Acropolis Museum tickets
  • Multilingual audio guide
★★★★½ 4.8 (8+ reviews) · GetYourGuide

Hop-on hop-off bus tours explained

City Sightseeing

This operator has two main ticket options, the Athens line (24 or 48 hours) and the All lines (48 or 72 hours which includes the Athens, Beach and Riviera lines). There are family tickets that offer a discounted price for 2 adults + up to 2 children (6-12y). The buses are all wheelchair accessible.

The schedule is as follows:

Summer season (April 01 – October 31):

  • Athens line (Terminal: A1 – Syntagma Sq.) From 08:30 – 20.00 h (Last departure at 18:30)
  • Piraeus line (Interchange: A4 – Acropolis / Parthenon) 11:00 – 18:00 (every 60 minutes)
  • Riviera line (Interchange: A2 – Acropolis/ PLAKA) 09:00 – 17:00 (every 60 minutes)

Sights of Athens

This company offers 2 or 3-day tickets, and they all include the Athens, Beach and Riviera lines. They offer family packages for 2 adults + 3 children (5-12y) and all the buses are accesible by wheelchair

The Athens Line (or Orange Line) goes from the Old Parliament in Syntagma Square to Kotzia Square. The Piraeus Line (or Blue Line) starts from the Port of Piraeus, from both cruise terminals, and is recommended for those looking for a shore excursion. The Glyfada Line (or Yellow Line) will take you through the Riviera and starts at the Planetarium stop of the Blue Line. The Vouliagmeni Line (or Green Line) will take you to the most beautiful beaches in Athens for a relaxing time.

Big Bus Tours

This tour operator offers 4 different types of tickets:

  • Discover Ticket: 48h, Athens Line
  • Essential Ticket: 48h, Athens, Piraeus and Riviera Lines
  • Night Tour: 50-minute panoramic tour with 3 departures daily
  • Explore Ticket: 72h, Athens, Piraeus and Riviera Lines and Night Tour

The Athens Line (Grey Line) runs from 9AM to 4:30PM, the Piraeus Line (Purple Line) from 12:30PM to 4PM and the Riviera Line (Green Line) from 11AM to 3PM. The Night Tour starts at 6PM, 7PM and 8PM each day.

They also offer a family package for 2 adults + 3 children (5-15y) and most buses are wheelchair accessible, but it is recommended to contact their customer service beforehand.

FAQs and tips

What are the main stops included in most Athens hop-on hop-off bus tours?

These tours typically include stops at major attractions such as the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, and the National Archaeological Museum. These stops offer visitors the opportunity to explore key historical landmarks of this vibrant city.

How often do the hop-on hop-off buses come around to each stop in Athens?

Buses generally aim to provide frequent service, often circulating every 15 to 30 minutes. This allows tourists the flexibility to explore at their own pace without long waits and ensures that they can make the most of their day.

Are there different types of tickets available for Athens hop-on hop-off bus tours, and what are their benefits?

Various ticket options are available including single-day, multi-day, and combo tickets. Benefits often include access to multiple routes, additional discounts for certain attractions, and sometimes even free self-guided walking tours, providing a comprehensive experience for any traveler.

Can the hop-on hop-off bus tours in Athens accommodate cruise ship passengers from the terminal?

Yes, these tours often cater to cruise ship passengers by offering stops close to the port. This allows passengers easy access to the tour buses, making it simple for them to explore Athens even with limited time ashore. The line that gets to the cruise terminals is the Piraeus Line, and it has the same name across the different operators.

What are the operating hours for the hop-on hop-off buses in Athens?

The buses generally operate daily from morning until early evening. Specific hours can vary depending on the season and the company, you can check our breakdown above to get a better idea.

Are the buses wheelchair accessible?

Yes, most buses are accessible to wheelchair users, some require to contact their customer service beforehand but others are fully compliant to every need of passengers with impaired mobility.

Latest Articles

New Acropolis Digital Tour Guide Launching in March 2026

New Acropolis Digital Tour Guide Launching in March 2026

A free official Digital Tour Guide for the Acropolis launches in March 2026, offering visitors a modern and accessible way to explore Greece's most iconic archaeological site.

Parthenon Scaffolding Removed: See the Acropolis Restored

Parthenon Scaffolding Removed: See the Acropolis Restored

The Parthenon stands free of scaffolding for the first time in decades. Visit the Acropolis in Athens and see Greece’s landmark fully revealed.

The Acropolis Shut Down Mid‑Day from the 22nd to the 25th of July: A Snapshot of Greece’s Summer Heat

The Acropolis Shut Down Mid‑Day from the 22nd to the 25th of July: A Snapshot of Greece’s Summer Heat

Acropolis closes midday from the 22nd to the 25th of July 2025 due to extreme heat. Discover how to stay cool in Athens and explore top indoor museums and attractions during summer heatwaves.

Tips and tricks to survive the summer heat on the Acropolis Hill

Tips and tricks to survive the summer heat on the Acropolis Hill

Preparing for the summer heat at the Acropolis requires careful planning around timing, hydration, attire, and equipment. With the right strategies and gear, visitors can focus on the remarkable experience, rather than the discomforts of the season.

What you need to know about the Acropolis Summer Prices and the Acropolis Pass

What you need to know about the Acropolis Summer Prices and the Acropolis Pass

The Acropolis Summer prices are effective starting today and the Acropolis Pass is no longer available. Discover everything there is to know about the new tickets to book the best ones for your needs!

Acropolis Tickets for April: Why You Might Need to Book Through Third-Party Vendors

Acropolis Tickets for April: Why You Might Need to Book Through Third-Party Vendors

Official Acropolis tickets for April aren’t available yet, leaving third-party vendors as the only option—at a higher cost. Book early to secure your visit!

Acropolis Summer Prices 2025 effective April 1st

Acropolis Summer Prices 2025 effective April 1st

Starting April 1 2025, Acropolis tickets switch to summer rates: €30 for adults, no reduced option. Book online for a hassle-free visit to this iconic UNESCO site!

New Year's Eve at the Acropolis: A Historic Celebration

New Year's Eve at the Acropolis: A Historic Celebration

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Acropolis with dazzling fireworks, live music, and Greek cuisine. Blend ancient history and modern festivity for an unforgettable night. Plan tickets, respect traditions, and savor Athens' vibrant energy.

New winter ticket prices for the Acropolis

New winter ticket prices for the Acropolis

The new prices for the Acropolis for the 2025 winter season have been released, the reductions have been cancelled.

Can you visit the Acropolis at night?

Can you visit the Acropolis at night?

Find out if it's possible to visit the Acropolis at night and other breathtaking options

Partial closure of the Acropolis 07/23/2024

Partial closure of the Acropolis 07/23/2024

The Acropolis will be partially closed on the 23th of July 2024 due to expected high temperatures.

Athen’s Acropolis in Cinema

Athen’s Acropolis in Cinema

Best Movies Featuring the Acropolis of Athens: Cinematic Journeys Through Ancient History

Acropolis’ New Rules to Curb Overtourism

Acropolis’ New Rules to Curb Overtourism

All you need to know about the Acropolis’ new limit of 20,000 daily visitors plus the new entry system designed to reduce overcrowding and protect the UNESCO site.

History & Architecture of the Erechtheion Temple

History & Architecture of the Erechtheion Temple

Explore the fascinating history and unique architecture of the iconic Erechtheion temple, and uncover the meaning behind its world-renowned Caryatids.

What is the difference between Acropolis and the Parthenon?

What is the difference between Acropolis and the Parthenon?

The acropolis of a city was used in many ways, with regards to ancient time and through references. Because an acropolis was built at the highest part of a city, it served as a form of protection as well as a shelter.

Why and How was the Acropolis built?

Why and How was the Acropolis built?

An acropolis was the settlement of an upper part of an ancient Greek city, especially a citadel, and frequently a hill with precipitous sides, mainly chosen for purposes of defense.