Transport options from Katakolon to Olympia?

We are visiting Katakolon late May on MSC Poesia and I’m trying to work out our transport options for visiting Olympia.

We don’t want to use a rental car but we also don’t want to pay for a shore excursion through the cruise line, it seems ridiculously expensive. I read mixed reviews of the train. Are there taxis waiting to meet each cruise ship that we can use – do we negotiate a fee with the driver at the dock, they drive us out there and wait while we explore and bring us back? Or do they take us one way and we can rely on other taxis being available when we are ready to return?

What other options do we have (there are 4 of us, 2 adults and 2 children)?

Many thanks

Lou

When we were there last September we rented a car from Avis for about $75eu, all in. It was a straight forward drive with one road to and from Olympia.

It would of been cheaper for us to use the "tour bus" transportation offered outside the port gate. As there was only 2 of us it was apparently only $15eu per person, transfer only.

With 4 people, you may want to reconsider renting a car as there was hardly anyone on the road. it was one of the easiest DIY we have done in any port or vacation city.

When we got to Olympia there were about a half dozen taxis waiting for their passengers so I assume that you may have to negotiate a return trip.

Others may chime in with more information but that's all I remember.

walk out the port, past the shops and bars in the small town and 5 minutes later by the park/beach is a train.

The bus mentioned by lamchops is the Katakolon Express.

Price (transportation only) is now €20 pp - still best value for two, but limited to a 4-hour trip which gives I guess around 2hrs 30+ at Olympia.

https://www.katakolon-express.com/katakolontours.htm

JB :)

We have a Avis car reservation for our upcoming stop. Ship and taxi would cost more plus the express bus is time limited. 45 euro for a car and ability to potentially see other things such as a winery or beach is also a plus.

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The bus mentioned by lamchops is the Katakolon Express.

Price (transportation only) is now €20 pp - still best value for two, but limited to a 4-hour trip which gives I guess around 2hrs 30+ at Olympia.

https://www.katakolon-express.com/katakolontours.htm

 

JB :)

JB, thanks so much for the above website. We just booked an excursion in Santorini and Athens. Perfect timing.<3

We were in Katalo yesterday.

There are many taxis available at the port entrance. Also small buses.

Also in Katakolo yesterday.

The train is not running at the moment with no indication when it will start again.

As mentioned there were plenty of taxis, but no idea of the cost.

Loads of people advertising a return trip on coaches to Olympia. All the same price at €10 return. The trip is 30 minutes each way and they give you 2 hours 15 minutes in Olympia. Ignore the hawkers saying the bus is leaving now. They leave around 10 to 10.15 when they have enough customers. The pickup time is a hard limit. The coach arrives at the scheduled time, everyone gets on, it drives off. No counting, so if you are not there, tough.

These unofficial coaches don't stop in the Olympia car park, but two minutes walk away in the main street. It is a 10 minute walk down a gentle hill to the archeological site.

2 hours 15 minutes is just about the right amount of time if you don't hang around. 30 minutes to and from the site and buying tickets. One hour(ish) on the archeological site and 45 minutes walking to the museum and around it.

The train is fine...if it is running. As to the bus, it also has issues. When we were in Katakolon last year (Prinsendam) a few of our onboard friends decided to take that local bus. Since there were only a few folks waiting for the bus...the operator simply cancelled the bus...which stranded our friends in town. This would be less likely to happen in you are on a larger ship...but its possible. Probably the best idea was one of our passenger had brought his bicycle on the cruise and rode all the way to Olympia. For us, a rental car is the easiest (and about the least expensive) way to go to Olympia...and it also allowed us to explore a winery and a beach area. There are a couple of rental car outfits right in town (within a 5 min walk of the pier) and prices were pretty reasonable.

There are some local taxis (first come first serve) that will happily take a few folks to Olympia...but they are not cheap. Keep in mind you would have to pay them for many hours since you would need them to wait (or return) since you cannot depend on finding a taxi at Olympia.

Hank

It may be worthwhile to approach a local travel company, We had a very good experience last year with The Travel Insiders They offer a number of options and the greatest flexibility re timing.

Probably the best idea was one of our passenger had brought his bicycle on the cruise and rode all the way to Olympia.

 

Hank

Hi, Hank,

What sort of a bike?

Harley? :D

Honda? :D

Kawasaki? :D

Like you, we rented a car.

Cheap, easy, flexible :)

JB :)

What is there to see in Olympia besides the ruyins.?

The bus mentioned by lamchops is the Katakolon Express.

Price (transportation only) is now €20 pp - still best value for two, but limited to a 4-hour trip which gives I guess around 2hrs 30+ at Olympia.

https://www.katakolon-express.com/katakolontours.htm

 

JB :)

Where does the bus drop you off in Olympia?? we want to see the town been there already

We just took a bus 3.00 euro pp round trip to Olympia and back. 20 min ride 2 hours in Olympia . ticket to Olympia 12 euro pp

Hi Goldenbonny,

Where did you get the public bus to Olympia? We like to mix with the locals so would enjoy taking the bus.

Have been there a few years ago so don't have to spend a long time at Olympia.

We just took a bus 3.00 euro pp round trip to Olympia and back. 20 min ride 2 hours in Olympia . ticket to Olympia 12 euro pp

Can you give more details for this? Where is the pick up, who operates this? How frequent the service? Where it drops off in Olympia?

Can you give more details for this? Where is the pick up, who operates this? How frequent the service? Where it drops off in Olympia?

Just walk to port and you will see lots of sighs $3-$5 euro round trip to Olympia. I believe its once a day service so just go ASAP book your ticket and wait 20 -30 min till they fill the bus. they drop you 5 min walk from Olympia and give you 2 hours there.

Hi Goldenbonny,

 

Where did you get the public bus to Olympia? We like to mix with the locals so would enjoy taking the bus.

Have been there a few years ago so don't have to spend a long time at Olympia.

Its not public bus its some private tour busses.

Thank you,. Sounds similar to what we did last time but I think it was about 10 euro return on the private bus.

The bus mentioned by lamchops is the Katakolon Express.

Price (transportation only) is now €20 pp - still best value for two, but limited to a 4-hour trip which gives I guess around 2hrs 30+ at Olympia.

https://www.katakolon-express.com/katakolontours.htm

 

JB :)

Thanks for this website will come in handy on our Musica 4/2018