How To Get From Rome To Athens (& Athens To Rome)

If you’re planning a Rome–Athens trip soon, the fastest and simplest option is usually a nonstop flight (roughly 2 hours in the air). Still, you can also do it as a ferry-based journey via southern Italy or turn it into a multi-country road trip.

I’ve traveled widely around Europe and the Balkans, and I focus on the details that most often affect real itineraries: which Rome airport your flight actually uses on your date, how seasonal ferry schedules shift travel time, and which Italian train tickets do (and don’t) require validation.

Below is a practical breakdown of the main routes, realistic time ranges, and the booking constraints that matter right now.

Athens and Rome are two of Europe’s most historically rich capitals, and they are easy to combine into one trip.

In this article, you can find some general information about both cities, the best routes connecting them, and alternative ways to go from Rome to Athens according to your travel style, budget, and preferences.

Rome At A Glance For First-Timers

The capital of Italy, Rome, is unquestionably one of the most famous European destinations. Home to unforgettable sights, such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Tiber River, the city offers a unique variety of places to see and discover.

Landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and  Piazza Navona are among the most visited sites in the country. Rome is a city with beautiful fountains and lush gardens, first-class cuisine, imposing museums, and quaint Roman neighborhoods where you can catch a glimpse of the most authentic Italian panoramas.

Athens At A Glance For First-Timers

Greece’s cosmopolitan capital, Athens, is an eclectic European capital that combines ancient archaeological sites, chaotic traffic, and unexpected street art. Hosting the magnificent Acropolis, with unique temples such as the Parthenon and Erechtheion, Athens is a must-see destination for those interested in the past of Western civilization.

Home to an exhilarating nightlife, including pubs, discos, and tavernas, travelers can also find a more relaxing atmosphere in the bohemian Athens neighborhoods of Plaka and Anafiotika, or enjoy some quality shopping along the streets of Kolonaki.

How To Travel From Rome To Athens

Below, we will cover how to travel between Rome and Athens, and, of course, from Athens to Rome!

Rome To Athens Flights

Rome is about 1,091 kilometers (678 miles) from Athens. A trip that can be easily covered with a direct flight that typically takes about 1 hour 55 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes.

If you would like to fly from Rome to Athens, most nonstop flights depart from Fiumicino (FCO), and some dates also offer flights from Ciampino (CIA. Flights land at Athens International Airport (ATH), about 35 km from central Athens.

Typically, there are around 40–50 nonstop flights per week, and weekend and holiday schedules can vary significantly in summer.

It is always a great idea to start planning at least 4 months before your trip to cover every detail and secure the best rates.

The main full-service airlines on this route are ITA Airways and Aegean Airlines, with fares that vary widely by season, baggage, and booking timing.

Nonstop flights are commonly operated by ITA Airways, Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, and Sky Express, while other airlines may appear seasonally or on connecting routes depending on dates.

Prices can range widely, from occasional flash-sale fares to prices similar to fthoseof ufull-servicecarriers, especially in peak periods or near departure.

So it is always a question of hunting for the perfect price at the right time and playing with various factors to get the best fee on the market.

If you’re looking for the quickest means of transportation from Italy to Greece, flying is the way to go.

Nonstop routes and departure airports can change by season and airline, so always double-check whether your specific date is flying from FCO, CIA, or both.

If you’re flying on a tight schedule, check whether your flight is truly nonstop (not “direct”), and confirm the departure airport code on your booking (FCO vs. CIA), as this can vary by airline and season.

Rome To Athens By Train, Ferry, And Bus

Although not as convenient as flying, but in terms of ticket prices and travel times, it is also possible to travel to Athens by road… or almost!

This option includes changing from train to ferry and from the ferry to bus along the way. Prices can rise significantly, and the time spent traveling often seems endless.

Trenitalia Frecce services (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Frecciabianca) use reserved seating and are commonly booked online, in apps, at stations, or at ticket offices; Frecce tickets do not require validation, while validation rules may apply to some regional tickets depending on the ticket type.

From Rome, you can travel by train to several ferry ports with routes to Greece, and then take a ferry across the Adriatic/Ionian Sea.

Common ferry departures for Greece include ports such as Bari, Ancona, and Brindisi, with routes typically arriving in Igoumenitsa, Patras, and (seasonally) Corfu, depending on operator and dates.

The trip should then continue by train or bus until you reach Athens.

The whole itinerary could take anywhere from 20 to 36 hours (or more), and it is virtually impossible to do it for a price lower than the ones offered by airlines (both low-cost and regular).

Italo (Italotreno) is a private high-speed rail operator in Italy running on the national high-speed network.

Italo serves dozens of cities and stations across Italy, including the popular Rome–Venice route. Italo features four classes of service with free Wi-Fi.

An exciting feature is that the company also offers an integrated train-bus service that takes passengers from the main train stations to other Italian cities, which could be handy if looking to reach different port destinations on the Ionian coast.

For example, trains from Rome to Bari Centrale can take around 4 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes, with fares varying widely by date and ticket type.

Add to that the time and cost of the ferry crossing to Patras, which typically takes 16–17.5 hours and costs around €65+, depending on the season and cabin/deck choice.

Once in Patras, you can either rent a car and drive to Athens (about 2.5 to 3 hours) or continue by bus.

The Patras–Athens bus ride typically takes 3.5 hours, with tickets around €18–€23, and services are frequent (often at least hourly) and operated by KTEL Achaia.

The route Rome–Bari–Patras–Athens commonly takes around 24–26 hours in motion (not counting layovers), and total costs vary widely by season, ticket type, and cabin choice.

Although you can get from Italy to Greece by ferry, flights are usually the most comfortable and convenient option for traveling from Rome to Athens, and they’re often the cheapest once you factor in total travel time.

One of the faster ferry options is Rome–Bari–Igoumenitsa–Athens: the ferry typically takes 8.5–12 hours, and onward travel from Igoumenitsa to Athens is around 6.5–8 hours by road; total costs vary widely by season and vehicle/passenger choices.

If you’d like to travel from Athens to Rome by train/ferry, you can follow the same steps in reverse, noting that there is no direct international train between Greece and Italy.

Driving From Rome To Athens By Car

Probably the longest route from Rome to Athens is by car. However, it can be the most rewarding experience if you plan several exploration routes along the way and take the time to discover the landscapes and geographies of the countries you will see as you go.

There are two main routes from Rome to Ancona or Brindisi by car. One option is to drive along the Adriatic coast via cities such as Pescara, Foggia, or Bari, and board a ferry from ports such as Bari or Brindisi to Greece.

Alternatively, it is possible to drive from Rome toward southern Italy viaa major highway, stopping in places such as Naples, Avellino, or Altamura.

The trip from Rome to Bari by car can last from 4 to 6 hours. To the cost of petrol, add the tolls along the way.

An alternative is to drive northbound from Rome, passing through cities such as Florence, Bologna, Venice, and Trieste, then cross Slovenia, Croatia, and North Macedonia to reach Greece. Once there, don’t miss a stop in cities such as Thessaloniki, Katerini, Larissa, or Volos.

 

Depending on the route (ferry-based or overland), the total distance and time vary significantly, and most itineraries take at least 2 days when you include ferry schedules, rest breaks, and overnight stops.

Along the way, you will discover beautiful Italian and Greek cities and towns, and other lesser-known European destinations.

Driving from Rome to Athens is significantly longer, both in distance and time, than flying or taking trains and a ferry from Italy. It is, however, a memorable option if you want to turn the journey into a multi-stop trip.

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Rome To Athens FAQs

What is the fastest way to get from Rome to Athens?

A nonstop flight is usually the fastest option, with typical flight times around 1 hour 55 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes, plus time for airports and transfers.

How far is Rome from Athens?

The flight distance is about 1,091 km (678 miles), and the driving distance varies widely depending on whether you take a ferry-based route or go overland through multiple countries.

Do nonstop flights from Rome to Athens fly from Fiumicino or Ciampino?

Most nonstop flights are from Rome Fiumicino (FCO), but some dates may also offer departures from Rome Ciampino (CIA), depending on airline and season.

Which airlines commonly fly nonstop from Rome to Athens?

Nonstop flights are commonly operated by ITA Airways, Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, and Sky Express, with other airlines more likely to appear seasonally or on connecting itineraries.

How early should I book flights between Rome and Athens?

Prices change constantly, but the biggest swings usually happen around peak summer and school-holiday periods, and fares tend to rise closer to departure on popular dates.

Can I travel from Rome to Athens only by train?

No. There is no direct international train from Italy to Greece across the sea, so train-based travel requires combining Italian trains with an Italy–Greece ferry and then onward transport in Greece.

What is the most common train-and-ferry route from Rome to Athens?

A common route is Rome to Bari by train, then a ferry from Bari to Patras, followed by bus or train onward to Athens, but exact ports and sailing schedules vary by season.

How long does the ferry from Italy to Greece take?

It depends on the route and operator. Bari–Igoumenitsa is typically 8.5–12 hours, while Bari–Patras is 16–17.5 hours, with seasonal variation.

How long is the bus from Patras to Athens, and how much does it cost?

The Patras–Athens bus typically takes 3-3.5 hours, with tickets often in the €18–€23 range, and departures are usually frequent.

Do I need to validate Trenitalia high-speed tickets?

Frecce high-speed tickets are reserved-seat tickets and do not require validation. Still, validation rules can apply to some regional tickets depending on the ticket type and how it was issued.

Is driving from Rome to Athens realistic?

Yes, but it’s a multi-day trip for most travelers once you factor in ferry schedules, border crossings, rest breaks, and overnight stops, and the best route depends on whether you use a ferry or drive overland.

What are the main ferry arrival ports in Greece from Italy?

Common arrival ports include Igoumenitsa and Patras, with some seasonal routes also serving Corfu, depending on the operator and departure port in Italy.

Where does the Rome–Athens trip arrive in Athens?

Flights arrive at Athens International Airport (ATH), about 35 km from central Athens, and you can continue into the city by metro, bus, taxi, or pre-booked transfer.

So, tell us, how will you get from Rome to Athens? Will you take flights from Rome to Greece? Or perhaps opt for the longer route and take trains and ferries from Italy to Greece?