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Discover the best entrance to the Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel perched atop a rocky hill overlooking the city. Dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, it hosts the ruins of several important architectural and historical structures from the classical era, including the Temple of Athena Nike and the Parthenon. Read on to learn about the different Acropolis entrances and how you can access this historical landmark.

Where is the Acropolis of Athens located?

The Acropolis is an ancient citadel constructed in the 5th century BCE. This UNESCO World Heritage site is located in Athens, the capital city of Greece.

Address: Athens 105 58, Greece.

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Getting to the Acropolis of Athens

How many Athens Acropolis entrances are there?

There are two entrances to the Acropolis of Athens – the Main Entrance and the Side Entrance, also known as the Dionysus Theater entrance. The Main Entrance is located at the western end of the Acropolis, while the Side Entrance can be found at the southeastern corner of the site. The two entrances are situated about a 10-minute walk away from each other. All visitors have to purchase a ticket to enter the premises of the archaeological landmark.

How to access the Athens Acropolis entrances

Metro: Both Athens Acropolis entrances can be accessed via Line M2 (red line) from Acropoli, the closest metro station to the landmark. You can also reach the monument from Monastiraki station (Line M3 - blue line) or Thiseio station (Line M1 - green line).

Bus: Both entrances can be accessed from Akropolē bus stop. Bus 230 stops here. The landmark is also reachable via buses 227, 035, 040, 550, 856, A2, and A3.

Tram: The landmark is reachable by tram via the T6 line. Both Acropolis entrances can be accessed by Leoforos Vouliagmenis, the nearest tram station.

Trolleybus: Both Acropolis entrances are accessible by trolleybuses 1, 2, 4, 5, 11, 12, and 15. The closest trolleybus stops are Makrygiannē and Gargaretta.

Car: Both entrances of the Acropolis are accessible by car or taxi. Paid and free parking spots are available at the base of the hill. There are also paid parking areas available at a convenient distance.

​Plan your visit to the Acropolis of Athens

Athens Acropolis entrances | Location and getting there

Acropolis Main Entrance

Acropolis Main Entrance

As the primary Acropolis entrance, this entrance is more popular among visitors to the archaeological site, which means it is usually quite congested.

Where is it? The main Acropolis entrance is located on Rovertou Galli, on the western side of the historical site.

How to reach: Take bus 230 to Akropolē bus stop, where you can get down and walk up to the main Acropolis entrance, about 3 to 4 minutes away.

Last entry: 7.30 PM during the summer months (April to October); 4.30 PM in the winter months (November to March).

Who can enter: All individual visitors and groups. Visitors who purchase a regular Acropolis ticket online can access the site through this entrance.

Average wait time: If you have booked your ticket online in advance, the average wait time at this entrance is around 20 to 30 minutes. Without prior online ticket bookings in the peak season, visitors may have to wait up to 2 hours at this entrance just to buy tickets.

Facilities: Main ticket office, disabled access, restrooms, gift shop, shop selling snacks, beverages, & refreshments, cloakroom for luggage storage.

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Acropolis Side Entrance

Side Entrance (Dionysus Theater entrance)

The Side Entrance (Dionysus Theater entrance) is lesser known than the main Acropolis entrance, and so is relatively less busy and crowded in comparison.

Where is it? The Side Entrance is located on Dionysiou Areopagitou, opposite the entrance to the Acropolis Museum. Visitors can access the site via the south slope of the Acropolis, and see all the structures here first, including the Dionysus Theater, before ascending the hill.

How to reach: Take metro line M2 (Red line) to Acropoli metro station. From here the Acropolis side entrance is just a 2-minute walk away.

Last entry: 7.30 PM during the summer months (April to October); 4.30 PM in the winter months (November to March).

Who can enter: Mainly fast track ticket holders and small group tours.

Average wait time: For those who have purchased fast track tickets online in advance, there is virtually no waiting time at this entrance. Queues to purchase tickets at the site are shorter here than at the main entrance.

Facilities: Ticket office, tourist information booth, restrooms, shop selling snacks, beverages, & refreshments.

Acropolis fast track tickets

Disabled access to the Acropolis of Athens

Wheelchair users and visitors with mobility issues can access the Acropolis of Athens archaeological site via the elevator and chairlift specifically designed and reserved for their use. The elevator is located on the northwest side near the main Acropolis entrance, approximately 300 meters from the archaeological site’s exit.

Upon reaching the top of Acropolis Hill, visitors with limited mobility can explore the site using the two established routes on the north and east sides of the Parthenon – towards the Propylaea or between the Parthenon and the Erechtheion.

Which Athens Acropolis entrance do I choose? 

If you want to avoid the crowds and avoid the long ticket queues at the Acropolis of Athens, book ​fast track entry tickets online in advance and enter the site via the side entrance.

The climb to the top is fairly similar to the one from the main entrance. By taking the side entrance, you can explore monuments and structures like the Dionysus Theater, the Sanctuary of Asclepius, and the Stoa of Eumenes on the way to the main site.

The side entrance is also much less crowded and busy as compared to the main Acropolis entrance, helping you save time, which you can then spend exploring the landmark.

If you wish to purchase a regular Acropolis ticket, you will have to enter the archaeological site via the main entrance.

​Athens Acropolis site map

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Acropolis Parthenon Tickets with Audio Guide

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Acropolis & Parthenon Guided Tours with Entry Tickets

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Combo: Acropolis Parthenon + Acropolis Museum Tickets with Multilingual Audio Guide

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Acropolis & Parthenon Tickets + Temple of Poseidon Sunset Tour from Athens

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Frequently Asked Questions about Athens Acropolis entrances

How many Acropolis entrances are there?

There are two Athens Acropolis entrances – the main entrance located on the western side of the Acropolis, on Rovertou Galli, and the side entrance or the Dionysus Theater entrance, located on the southern side of the site, on Dionysiou Areopagitou.

Which is the main Acropolis entrance?

The main Athens Acropolis entrance is located on the western side of the hill, on Rovertou Galli.

Until what time are the Acropolis entrances open?

The Athens Acropolis entrances are open from 8 AM to 7.30 PM in the summer (April to October), and from 8 AM to 4.30 PM in the winter (November to March).

What is the average wait time at the Acropolis entrances?

The average wait time at the main Acropolis entrance is 20 to 30 minutes if you have purchased your ticket online in advance. There is virtually no waiting time at the side entrance since it is meant mainly for ​fast track Acropolis ticket holders and small group tours.

Which Acropolis entrance do fast track ticket holders use?

We recommend visitors with ​fast track entry tickets to use the side entrance to the Acropolis of Athens. This will help them bypass the ticketing queues and save time.

Which Acropolis entrance is used for guided tours?

Small tour group, including guided tours, access the Acropolis of Athens through the side entrance.

Which Acropolis entrance do wheelchair users and visitors with mobility issues use?

Wheelchair users and visitors with mobility issues can access the Acropolis of Athens using the specially designed elevator located near the main entrance.

Which Acropolis entrance do I use if I have already purchased tickets?

If you have purchased a regular Acropolis ticket online prior to your visit, you can use the main Acropolis entrance. If you have booked ​fast track Acropolis tickets online in advance, you can save time by avoiding the long ticketing queues and get direct access to the security checkpoints.

Which Acropolis entrance should I use if I’m traveling with a group?

If you are part of a group, you can enter the Acropolis of Athens through the main entrance.

Which Athens Acropolis entrance should I choose if I’m visiting during peak hours?

If you’re visiting the Acropolis of Athens during peak hours, you should choose the side entrance located on the southern side of the hill.

How can I avoid waiting in line for a long time at the Acropolis of Athens?

To avoid waiting in line at the Acropolis of Athens, you can purchase ​fast track entry tickets online prior to your visit. You can skip ahead of the long queues and get direct access to the security checkpoint.

What time should I visit the Acropolis of Athens to avoid waiting in line?

The Acropolis of Athens is busiest between 10 AM and 2 PM. It is best to begin your visit at 8 AM, the opening time. Alternatively, you can also visit during the evening hours, after the daytime crowds have lessened.

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