The distance from Athens to Cape Sounion is about 48 miles (77 km). The most comfortable way to go is by rental car or private transfer, which gives you the option of taking a scenic route along the coast. Otherwise, there is also the option of taking a bus. There is no train service from Athens to Cape Sounion.

Besides being beautiful, Cape Sounion is also an important historic site, being home to a famous Temple of Poseidon. History, food, and culture lovers can truly have it all with this 11-day itinerary that begins in Athens and ends with a sunset over the Saronic Gulf.

By Rental Car or Private Transfer

Duration: 1.5 hours

You can reach Cape Sounion from Athens by booking a private transfer, or by renting from one of the many major rental car companies which operate in the city.

Getting from Athens to Cape Sounion takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes when driving inland along highway A6, which has tolls. You can avoid the tolls and enjoy a view of the sea by taking Athinon Souniou Road instead, but because of the many beaches and resort towns along the coast, there is often a lot of traffic along this road.

If you choose to take the coastal route, expect this to add at least 15 minutes to your journey. Regardless of the route you choose to take, it is advisable to avoid rush hours. Exercise caution when driving in Greece, as drivers sometimes don’t follow road rules.

By Bus

Duration: 1.5 hours

The main long-distance bus company in Greece is called KTEL. KTEL runs regular buses from Athens to Cape Sounion, leaving about once an hour throughout the day.

The bus may take more than 1.5 hours to arrive in Cape Sounion, based on the traffic and how many people are getting on and off the bus in the beach towns along the coast. Buses can be slow during the high tourist season (summer).

The bus to Cape Sounion leaves from one of the the KTEL Attika bus stops on the western side of Pedion Areos Park, collectively known as “Mavromateon Terminal”. There is no bus station, simply a series of bus shelters. If you’re not sure exactly where to wait, ask someone. Mavromateon Terminal can be accessed via taxi, or from Victoria Station on the M1 line (green line) of the Athens Metro.  

Map

Map of How to Get from Athens to Cape Sounion
Map of How to Get from Athens to Cape Sounion