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Best Scenic Bus Routes in Athens

March 12th, 2025

Best Scenic Bus Routes in Athens cover

Best Scenic Bus Routes in Athens

See the most picturesque corners of the Greek capital—without leaving your seat.


Athens is more than a concrete sprawl: from coastal vistas to verdant hills, some bus routes double as affordable sightseeing circuits. Whether you’re a photographer chasing sunsets or simply craving a change of pace, these lines offer stunning panoramas and hidden gems.


🌅 1. X96 Coastal Panorama

  • Route: Piraeus Port ↔ Athens International Airport
  • Highlights:
    • Sweeping view of the Saronic Gulf as you leave Piraeus
    • Passes Glyfada’s beachfront cafes and marinas
    • Glimpses of Flisvos Marina’s yachts and seaside promenade
  • Why It’s Scenic:
    • Ocean breezes and low-rise skyline, perfect at golden hour
    • Multiple photo stops—scan the QR code at Flisvos bus shelter for tips on the best lookout points

🌳 2. 755 National Garden Loop

  • Route: Syntagma ↔ Parliament (via National Garden)
  • Highlights:
    • Drives along the perimeter of the National Garden, shaded by plane trees
    • Passes the Zappeion Hall and Temple of Zeus ruins
    • Quiet detour away from busy avenues
  • Why It’s Scenic:
    • Lush greenery in the heart of Athens
    • Ideal mid-afternoon route when the sun filters through leaves

🏛️ 3. 140 Acropolis Ascent

  • Route: Thissio Metro ↔ Acropolis Museum ↔ Makriyanni
  • Highlights:
    • Gradual climb toward the Acropolis, offering framed views of the Parthenon
    • Stops at Dionysiou Areopagitou pedestrian street
    • Architecture timeline from Byzantine churches to modern cafés
  • Why It’s Scenic:
    • Walk off the bus at the Acropolis Museum stop for a closer look
    • Best for architects and history buffs who delight in layered cityscapes

🌄 060 Lycabettus Rise

  • Route: Panepistimiou St. ↔ Lycabettus Hill Funicular
  • Highlights:
    • Wind through Pangrati’s charming streets, past neoclassical homes
    • Arrive at the funicular station for the city’s highest vantage point
  • Why It’s Scenic:
    • Contrasting views: urban grid giving way to hillside greenery
    • Combine with a funicular ride for full panorama

🚴 500 Coastal Cruiser

  • Route: Pedion Areos ↔ Glyfada Beach
  • Highlights:
    • Starts at the tree-lined expanse of Pedion Areos Park
    • Follows Poseidonos Avenue along the eastern shoreline
    • Ends at Glyfada’s sandy shore and beachfront cafes
  • Why It’s Scenic:
    • Mix of parkland, highway, and beachside vistas
    • Perfect for a Sunday afternoon ride—listen for waves as you roll

🌺 224 Arts & Gardens

  • Route: Exarchia ↔ Zappeion ↔ Evangelismos
  • Highlights:
    • Graffiti murals in Exarchia, lush greenery in Pangrati
    • Views of the Panathenaic Stadium’s white marble curve
    • Passes National Gallery and Museum of Cycladic Art
  • Why It’s Scenic:
    • A blend of contemporary street art and classical monuments
    • Great for art lovers seeking contrast between old and new

🌊 550 Sunset Shoreline

  • Route: Syntagma ↔ Piraeus Port (coastal variant via Palaio Faliro)
  • Highlights:
    • Wraps around Faliro Marina, catching the sunset over the water
    • Stops at Alimos Marina for beachfront sunsets and seafood tavernas
  • Why It’s Scenic:
    • Rich orange skies reflected in the sea
    • Popular with photographers—scan QR at Alimos stop for the exact time of “golden minute.”

Tips for Scenic Rides

  • Time It Right: Early morning and late afternoon light accentuates colors.
  • Window Seat: Sit on the sea-side for coastal routes, city-side for urban panoramas.
  • Download Ahead: Use our app to preload route maps and alerts—no buffering while you gaze.

Whether you’re a visitor or a local, these routes turn everyday commutes into memorable journeys. Scan a QR code, hop on, and let Athens reveal itself one bus stop at a time.