Miss London? This bus ride might be for you:
This high-contrast red double-decker bus stands out, but if you've enjoyed riding similar sightseeing buses in other major European cities, you'll feel right at home on this one.
Plan carefully - tickets are good for 24 hours:
With a little advance planning, you can use the bus for the better part of two days sightseeing, using it in the afternoon on Day One and in the morning on Day Two. Since it goes to most of the major attractions in Athens, and you can hop on and hop off at the different stops whenever you want (provided seats are available), it can be a pleasant way of getting around Athens.
Book ahead with minimal risk:
If you order advance tickets directly from the company, they can be used on the date you choose when you order. But if you don't use them on that day, they are still valid for any 24-period during the following three months.
The Big Red Bus:
CitySightseeing operates these buses throughout Europe in over 80 cities. The Athens route lasts about 90 minutes if you don't get off at any of the stops; most visitors will get on and off the bus several times during the course of a full sightseeing day in Athens. You're provided with pre-recorded information delivered via headsets in your choice of 9 languages.
Since the Athens 400 Tourist Bus no longer runs, this is a good substitute, offering easy access to the monuments for a decent price, especially if you time it right as mentioned above.
Price:
Adults - 20 Euros if booked directly with the company. Resellers add about 7 Euros to the base price, but it can be convenient to book direct ahead of time.
Children 4 and under ride free. Kids 5-15 are 8 Euros.
Access to the top deck is not handicapped-friendly and may be a challenge for those using a cane or who may have difficulty with steep steps.
The buses run every half-hour from 9am. In summer, they run until just after 6pm. In winter, the last bus is at 5pm.
Website: CitySightseeing - Athens.
