From Katakolo by Train: Discovering Ancient Olympia During Your Cruise

Few places are as closely associated with sport as Olympia. This is where the ancient Olympic Games were held many centuries ago, which is why a visit to the archaeological site is one of the most interesting excursions for many cruise passengers, especially those with an interest in sports, during a stop in Katakolon.

The best part is that you can easily visit Olympia independently. We decided against booking an expensive shore excursion through the cruise line and also against taking an organised bus transfer. Instead, we travelled by train. Here is everything you need to know for the trip.

From Katakolon to Olympia by Train

The train station in Katakolon is only about a five-minute walk from the cruise port. From the port, simply turn right and walk a few hundred metres north along the main road. You will soon reach the small railway station. The train service is timed to coincide with cruise ship arrivals, making it particularly convenient for cruise passengers.

As of 2026, the train leaves Katakolon at 9:15 am. The journey to Olympia takes around 52 minutes. The return train leaves Olympia at 1:30 pm, arriving back in Katakolon at 2:22 pm. This gives you just over three hours in Olympia, which we found to be the perfect amount of time to explore the archaeological site and museums at a relaxed pace.

There is one important thing to keep in mind: there is no earlier or later train on this route. So, if you plan to take the train back to the cruise port, you absolutely need to be at the station on time.

In 2026, a train ticket costs €5 per person each way. You can buy your ticket online, but this is not necessary. We simply boarded the train, and the conductor came around shortly before or during the journey to sell the tickets. Payment could be made in cash or by card.

As the train is already waiting at the station some time before departure, we recommend arriving a few minutes early. Everyone got a seat on our journey. However, there was only one other smaller cruise ship in port alongside ours, so the situation may be different on busier days. Most passengers seem to use the bus excursions offered by the cruise lines or tour operators, which we personally found a little surprising. Many passengers are probably simply unaware that taking the train is an option.

[[affiliate:box-1]]

Walking to the Ancient Site

From the train station in Olympia, it is about a five- to ten-minute walk to the Archaeological Museum. The actual archaeological site is only a few hundred metres farther on.

We first used the free toilet at the Archaeological Museum and then headed straight to the archaeological site. The ticket office is located just before the entrance. There is a single combined ticket covering the archaeological site, the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games. The regular admission price for adults is €20 (as of 2026). Seniors over 65 pay €10, while EU citizens up to the age of 25 and children can enter for free.

During our visit, chilled 500 ml bottles of water were being sold for €1 near the entrance to the archaeological site. However, just a few metres farther on, on the left-hand side, you can also find free drinking water fountains where you can refill your bottle.

We strongly recommend taking advantage of them. During our visit in mid-September, it was extremely hot across the extensive site. There is very little shade, and you will be walking around for quite some time.

Olympia: Lots of History, but Some Imagination Is Required

The archaeological site is quite large. In many places, not much of the original buildings remains, but it is still fascinating to walk between the ancient walls and ruins and try to imagine what the site must have looked like in the past.

If you have not booked a guide, you can use a free audio guide. It is also available in English. All you need to do is download the HH Guide app. The necessary QR codes can be found on the information boards throughout the site.

One of the highlights for us was the ancient stadium. The approximately 192-metre-long running track can still be entered today. Many visitors take the opportunity to have their picture taken in a starting-block position, while others even run a lap around the historic track. During the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, the shot put competition was held at this historic stadium.

Cooling Off in the Museums

After exploring the archaeological site, a visit to the Archaeological Museum is well worth it. On a hot day in particular, it is a great place to cool down for a while.

The museum contains ancient pottery, statues and numerous other artefacts from Olympia. Many of the exhibits also help give you a better idea of what the site and daily life surrounding the Olympic Games may have looked like in ancient times.

If you still have enough time, you can also visit the Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games. Some of the exhibits are similar to those in the Archaeological Museum, but this museum provides more information about the competitions and how the Olympic Games were conducted in their original form.

Three Hours in Olympia Are Plenty

Thanks to the train schedule, we had a little more than three hours in Olympia and found that this was more than enough time. Of course, it is important not to leave it too late before heading back to the station. When we made our return journey, the train was already waiting and left on time, just as it had on the way there.

The train also arrived back in Katakolon on time at 2:22 pm. As the service is primarily aimed at cruise passengers, it seems that keeping the connection running reliably is a priority. Everything worked smoothly for us.

[[affiliate:box-2]]

Our Verdict on Olympia

A €20 admission fee is certainly not insignificant. Some reviews describe Olympia rather dismissively as a place where there are “just a few stones” to see. That description is not entirely unreasonable – in many places, only the remains of the original buildings are still standing.

Nevertheless, we were glad we visited. There is something special about standing in the place where the history of the Olympic Games began. The site also has a certain mystical atmosphere that is difficult to convey in photographs.

We therefore recommend taking your time and using at least the free audio guide. It gives you a much better understanding of the individual buildings and their history.

For €20 admission plus €10 for the return train journey, we felt that the trip was money well spent. So, if your cruise stops in Katakolon, we definitely recommend putting Olympia on your list of things to see.

And if you are looking for a walking or running route directly from the cruise port before or after your trip to Olympia, you can also find suitable routes on our website.