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.

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.

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.