Getting from Athens to Kalamata

If you are heading to Kalamata from Athens you are making your way to the capital of Messenia and the largest city in the southern Peloponnese. Kalamata has been quietly transforming itself over the past decade into one of the most appealing destinations on the Greek mainland. The waterfront has been renovated, the old town above it has good restaurants and a lively café culture and the surrounding region of Messenia is extraordinary, with the Mani peninsula to the south, the Byzantine ruins of Mystras to the east and some of the finest olive oil in the world produced in the hills around the city. Kalamata olives are famous for good reason and the local food scene reflects a region that takes its produce seriously.

Getting there by air

Both Athens and Kalamata have airports. Aegean Airlines operates daily flights from Athens to Kalamata taking around 50 minutes. The airport is close to the city centre and this is the fastest approach from Athens.

Take the train, bus or drive

The drive from Athens to Kalamata takes around 3 to 3.5 hours via the E65 motorway through Corinth and Tripoli and is a good road through the Peloponnese. The KTEL bus from Athens Kifissos terminal runs several times daily to Kalamata taking around 3.5 to 4 hours. There is no direct train service to Kalamata.

Take the ferry

There is no ferry from Athens to Kalamata. Despite having a port, Kalamata has no regular passenger ferry connections to Piraeus.

Your best option

Fly if time matters. The 50-minute flight is the fastest option and the airport is convenient. If you want the flexibility of a car for exploring the Mani peninsula and the wider Messenia region, drive from Athens or rent a car at Kalamata Airport on arrival. The drive through the Peloponnese via Tripoli is a good one.