Patras, Greece, is an inviting destination that’s accessible by various means of travel. Whether you’re flying, driving, or taking a ferry, here’s how you can make your way to this vibrant city and join us for the ICRA 2025 conference.
Option 1: Fly into Athens International Airport (ATH)
Step 1.1: Fly into Athens International Airport (ATH)
- The most common route for international travelers is to fly into Athens International Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), Greece’s main international airport.
- Average round-trip airfare varies by location and season but typically ranges from €150 to €500 from Europe and €500 to €1,000 from North America.
Step 1.2: From Athens to Patras
After arriving in Athens, you can reach Patras by train, bus, or rental car.
Option 1.2.1: By Train
Proastiakos Railway (Athens – Patras)
- Route: Take the Proastiakos suburban train from Athens Airport to Kiato station, then transfer to a regional train to Patras.
- Tickets: A combined ticket costs about €20 one way.
- Travel Time: Approximately 3 hours in total.
- Tickets Purchase: Tickets are available at the train station or online at TrainOSE.
Option 1.2.2: By Bus
KTEL Express Buses (Athens – Patras)
- Departure Point: Kifissos Bus Terminal (KTEL Kifissos) in Athens.
- How to Get to Kifissos: Take the X93 express bus (€5.50) from Athens Airport to the Kifissos Bus Terminal (about 45 minutes).
- Tickets: Tickets to Patras cost around €20 one way or €35 round trip.
- Frequency: Buses depart every 30 minutes, taking about 2.5 hours.
- Tickets Purchase: Buy tickets online at KTEL Achaias website or directly at the terminal
Option 1.2.3: By Car Rental
- Renting a Car: Car rentals are available at Athens Airport. Average daily rental rates range from €50 to €80.
- Driving Route: Take the Olympia Odos (A8) highway from Athens to Patras. The drive is about 2 hours and 15 minutes (210 km).
- Tolls: Expect to pay around €13 in tolls along the route.
- Parking in Patras: Check with your hotel for parking options as street parking in Patras can be limited.
Option 2: Fly into Araxos Airport (GPA)
Step 2.1: Fly into Araxos Airport (GPA)
Some European travelers may find direct flights to Araxos Airport (GPA), located about 45 km from Patras. This airport has limited seasonal flights primarily from European cities. Check with your airline to see if this option is available.
Step 2.2 From Araxos Airport (GPA) to Patras
- Taxi: A direct taxi ride from Araxos Airport to Patras costs around €50-60 and takes about 45 minutes.
- Shuttle Service: Some airlines or hotels may offer shuttle services from Araxos to Patras. Check in advance for availability.
- Bus: Limited bus services are available from Araxos Airport to Patras, but schedules may vary, especially off-season.
Option 3: Reaching Patras by sea
For travelers coming from Italy, reaching Patras by sea is a scenic and comfortable alternative. Ferries connect several Italian ports with Patras, offering an enjoyable travel experience across the Adriatic Sea.
Step 3.1: Choosing Your Departure Port in Italy
The main ports with ferry services to Patras are:
- Ancona
- Bari
- Brindisi
- Venice (less frequent service, mainly in peak summer season)
Step 3.2: Ferry Companies and Booking
Several ferry companies operate routes from Italy to Patras, including Minoan Lines, Anek Lines, and Superfast Ferries. All these companies offer options for vehicles and passengers.
- Booking: Tickets can be booked online via the ferry company’s website or through travel agencies.
- Pricing: Ticket prices vary depending on season, cabin class, and whether you bring a vehicle. Typical prices for passengers are:
- Deck Seat: €50-100 one way
- Cabin: €100-200 one way
- Vehicle (Car): Additional €50-100
Step 3.3: Ferry Routes and Travel Times
- Ancona to Patras
- Frequency: Daily service (with increased frequency in the summer).
- Travel Time: Approximately 21-24 hours.
- Departure: Usually departs Ancona in the afternoon or evening, arriving in Patras the next afternoon.
- Bari to Patras
- Frequency: Daily or every other day.
- Travel Time: Approximately 15-17 hours.
- Departure: Typically evening departures from Bari, arriving in Patras the next day around noon.
- Brindisi to Patras
- Frequency: 2-3 times per week.
- Travel Time: Approximately 16-18 hours.
- Departure: Evening departures, arriving in Patras the following day.
- Venice to Patras (seasonal, typically in summer)
- Frequency: Limited (check summer schedules).
- Travel Time: Approximately 32-36 hours.
- Departure: Usually departs Venice in the evening and arrives in Patras two days later in the morning.
Step 3.4: Arrival at Patras Port
Upon arrival at the Port of Patras, you have easy access to the city center, local taxis, buses, and rental car services.
- Port to City Center: The port is close to downtown Patras, with taxis and local buses available.
- University of Patras: If attending the conference, you can take a taxi directly to the University (approximately €10-15) or use public transport (buses available from the port area).
Additional Information
- Ferry Amenities: Ferries typically offer a range of amenities, including restaurants, cafes, cabins, lounges, and in some cases, onboard entertainment.
- Seasonal Variability: Ferry schedules are more frequent during the summer months, with additional departures to accommodate tourist demand.
For the latest schedules, ticket prices, and booking details, visit the ferry companies’ websites or check with a travel agent.