How to reach the dolphin research field station in Greece

Reaching the village of Vonitsa is relatively simple. Most participants take a bus from Athens directly to Vonitsa. This takes about 5 hours and is the cheapest way to get there. Those coming by bus from Athens the same day of the rendez-vous, should take the bus that leaves from the Kifisos Central Bus Station at 8.00am and should arrive in Vonitsa around 1.00pm (you have time to eat something at some bar/restaurant before meeting uo with the staff at 3.00pm)

Alternatively, for those with a more flexible schedule:

Departure times from Athens→Vonitsa: 1.00pm, 5.00pm

Departure times Vonitsa→Athens: 6.30am, 8.00am*, 12.00pm, 3.15pm

(*Recommended time considering that project participants will be required to leave the field base by 10.00 on their departure date)

The bus usually stops a couple of times with no announcements and the trip costs approximately 35 Euros. Those planning to head back to Athens on the departure date by the same bus may save money by buying a round-trip ticket (about 55 Euro).

There are Express Airport Bus connections between the airport and the Athens centre on a 24-hour basis. Buses leave the airport terminal every ~30 minutes. To reach the Kifisos Central Bus Station from the airport take the bus route X93 (price: ~5 Euro): Athens Airport – Kifisos Intercity Bus Station. Get off at the last stop (end of journey). This trip takes about 60-90 min depending on the traffic. Alternatively, you may take a taxi (40-50 Euro, 30-50 min drive).

Bus tickets can only be purchased from the little blue and yellow kiosk just outside of the terminal doors. At the airport, take Exit 5 and turn left to buy your ticket at the kiosk. The bus stops are next to it. Bus drivers can also sell the tickets, but this is not always the case.

Please note that if you get caught without a ticket, you will be fined 60 times the amount of the bus ticket. The same penalty applies if you forget to validate your ticket, .

For those staying overnight in Athens, catching a bus from the airport to the center of Athens is easy. Before you leave the terminal make sure to pick up a brochure explaining the various routes and bus numbers. They are free and plentiful at the numerous Plexiglas units.