Where Is Corinth?
Corinth is located at the northeastern tipPelop in mainland Greece,80 kilometers (50 miles) west of Athens.
However, it’s important to note that the ruins of Anci (the archaeol8 kilometers (5 miles) southwest of modern CArchea Korinthos.
This distinction is key when planning your trip — especially if you’re arriving by train or bus — as you’ll need to arrange additional t (like a ta
The ruins are nestled at the foot of the Acroc, the ancie
How To Get To Ancient Corinth From Athens
• Join a Guided Tour
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to visit Ancient Corinth from Athens is by booking a guided tour. It’s perfect if you want to avoid the hassle of public transport and get historical insights along the way.
Companies like GetYourGuide offer well-organized half-day tours from Athens to Corinth by comfortable bus, often with a licensed English-speaking guide. Alternatively, you can opt for a full-day tour that includes Corinth and nearby highlights like Nafplio or Mycenae — ideal for history lovers who want to see more of the Peloponnese in one trip.
We’ve used GetYourGuide for several tours around the world and have always had great experiences — highly recommended!
How To Get To Ancient Corinth From Athens
• By Train
Taking the train from Athens to Corinth is a convenient and comfortable option. Trains depart every 2 hours from Athens Larissa Station (📍view on map) and the journey takes about 1 hour.
You can easily buy tickets at the station, and the train ride offers nice countryside views along the way.
Once you arrive at Corinth Railway Station, you’ll need to take a 10-minute taxi ride to reach the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth. Taxis are readily available at the station and also at the ruins for your return trip.
• By Bus
Another reliable option is to take the KTEL intercity bus from Athens Kifisou Bus Station (📍view on map) to Isthmus Station near the famous Corinth Canal (📍view on map). Buses run hourly, and the journey takes about 1 hour.
You can check schedules and book tickets directly on the KTEL website. Once at Isthmus, you’ll be about 15 minutes by taxi from Ancient Corinth. Bonus: the canal is only a 100-meter walk from the station, so you can easily visit it before or after your ruins tour.
What To See At Ancient Corinth
• Temple of Apollo
One of the most iconic landmarks in Ancient Corinth is the Temple of Apollo, dating back to around 560 BC. Although only seven Doric columns remain standing today, they’re incredibly photogenic and offer a powerful glimpse into ancient Greek architecture.
What makes this site especially stunning is the backdrop of Acrocorinth Mountain, giving it a majestic setting similar to the Acropolis in Athens, but with far fewer crowds.
Unlike the Acropolis—often packed with visitors and under restoration—Ancient Corinth remains peaceful and uncrowded, making it easier to explore and enjoy the ruins at your own pace. It’s a great alternative for travelers looking for a more serene experience of ancient Greece.
What To See At Ancient Corinth (Continued)
• Fountain of Peirene
The Fountain of Peirene was one of the main water sources of Ancient Corinth, dating back to as early as 500 BC. According to Greek mythology, it was created by the tears of the nymph Peirene, mourning her lost son.
Although the fountain no longer flows like it once did, you can still admire the marble chambers and arched stonework, which hint at its former elegance. It’s a peaceful and atmospheric stop among the ruins.
• The Judgement Seat (Bema)
This is a significant site for Biblical and Christian history. The Judgement Seat, or Bema, is the very place where the Apostle Paul was brought before Gallio, the Roman Proconsul of Achaia, as mentioned in the Book of Acts (18:12–16).
Gallio famously dismissed the charges against Paul, stating it was a matter of Jewish law and outside his authority. Today, visitors can stand in front of this historic stone platform, which still bears a sign explaining its Biblical significance.
• Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth
Located on-site, the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth is a compact but well-curated museum housing statues, mosaics, inscriptions, pottery, and daily life artifacts from the region.
The exhibits date from Prehistoric to Roman times, and there are English-language signs throughout the museum to guide independent travelers. It’s a perfect way to wrap up your visit with deeper context and insight into the history of Corinth.
How Long To Stay At Ancient Corinth
For most visitors, 2 to 3 hours is enough time to explore the Ancient Corinth ruins and the museum at a relaxed pace. That includes time to see the Temple of Apollo, Fountain of Peirene, Judgement Seat, and the archaeological exhibits.
If you’re visiting Corinth from Athens, you’ll want to plan for at least a half-day trip to account for travel time to and from the site, whether you’re taking a train, bus, or guided tour.
However, if you’d like to explore more of the Corinth area, such as the Corinth Canal, Acrocorinth fortress, or nearby beaches and viewpoints, then it’s worth turning your visit into a full day trip. These additional sites offer some of the best historical and scenic highlights in the Peloponnese region.
Other Things To Do In Corinth, Greece
If you have extra time after visiting the Ancient Corinth ruins, here are some top-rated attractions and activities near Corinth that are well worth checking out:
🏰 Acrocorinth Fortress
This massive ancient fortress sits high on a hill above Ancient Corinth and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and sea. It’s just a 5-minute drive from the ruins, but give yourself 1–2 hours to explore the site fully. The terrain is rugged and steep, so wear good shoes, bring water, and don’t forget a hat for shade.
🏖️ Paralia Kalamia Beach
Located in modern Corinth, this is the town’s main beach — a relaxing pebble coastline with umbrellas, chairs, and a nice promenade. It’s about 3 kilometers from the train station, making it a 30-minute walk or a short taxi ride.
🌉 Corinth Canal
This impressive canal slices through the Isthmus of Corinth and was dug in the late 1800s to connect the Aegean and Ionian Seas. It’s 8 kilometers east of Corinth, and you’ll pass it on the way from Athens. Stop for amazing photo opportunities from the pedestrian bridge above!
⚓ Cenchreae Port (Kechries)
This small archaeological site was the eastern port of ancient Corinth, mentioned in the Bible (Acts 18:18) when the Apostle Paul departed after fulfilling a vow. There’s not much left of the port today, but it’s a peaceful and scenic coastal stop with historical value.
⛪ Moni Agias Triadas Monastery
Located 8 kilometers south of Corinth, this quiet and picturesque monastery offers beautiful views, traditional architecture, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for a short visit or photo stop.
🐟 Paralia Loutra Oraias Elenis
This is another charming beach town about 15 kilometers southeast of Corinth, where you can relax, swim, and enjoy fresh seafood at a beachfront taverna. It’s a great spot to unwind if you’re doing a full-day trip to the Corinth area.
More Travel Guides for Greece
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this guide to visiting Ancient Corinth on a day trip from Athens, be sure to check out our other detailed travel guides to Greece’s most iconic destinations. From Athens’ historic landmarks to the stunning islands and hidden gems, we’ve got all the tips you need for an unforgettable trip!
- Location of Corinth: Corinth is situated at the northeastern tip of the Peloponnese in mainland Greece, 80 kilometers west of Athens, with the ancient ruins located 8 kilometers southwest of the modern town.
