Railbiking: the most unique activity & tour near Athens, Greece
Are you looking for an unforgettable adventure near Athens, Greece? Do you want to go beyond climbing the Akropolis? Look no further than Railbiking in Greece. The most unique activity & tour near Athens, Greece. This unique outdoor activity is located in Megara, 30-minutes outside of Athens. It is relatively new (since 2 years in 2023) and a one-of-a-kind experience that combines the beauty of the sea and nature with the excitement of exploration and history. It literally is the most unique and fun thing I ever did in the Athens area! In this blog post, we’ll delve into what Railbiking in Greece is and how you can make the most of this thrilling adventure.
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First, check my video about Railbiking in Greece that went extremely viral last spring on both Instagram and Tiktok:
@tzatchickie Is this the most unique activity around Athens?! ⬇️ . We went railbiking at Megara, which is 30 minutes ⏰ from Athens and can be reached by train 🚆 or bus. On the old rail track that was supposed to connect Athens with the Peloponnese, you bike 🚲 14 kilometers while enjoying the best (sea)views 😍 and if you go in the evening, the SUNSET 🌅! A guide joins you who tells you all about the history, the connection with WWII (there are many shelters for soldiers to shoot from on the route) and the connection to mythological stories. Such as the mythological story 📚 of a thief who who was later killed by the well known figure of Theseus on the ‘Kakia Skalia’. . Certainly one of the most unique activities to do around Athens! 😱 more info at @Railbiking Greece & put it on your travel bucket list! . #railbiking #railbikes #athens #greece #railbikingingreece #fyp #travel #traveltiktok #athensgreece #athenstips #athensgreece #travelbucketlist
♬ Bim Bom by João Gilberto - Sonya
What is Railbiking in Greece and why is it so unique?
Railbiking is an outdoor activity where participants ride specially designed bikes along an abandoned railway track, that connected Athens with the Peloponnese peninsula. It was abandoned because newer trains could not fit the tracks, hence a new railway was built not too far away from the old one. The bikes are equipped with a set of wheels that fit perfectly onto the rails, allowing for a smooth and stable ride. It is the only Railbiking track in existence in Greece.
Railbiking is a guided group actvivity, meaning there are maximum about 10-20 people that participate at the same time. Every bike fits 2 people and the bikes are not connected to each other, however you all bike the route together while your guide explains about the history of the area and railway, and some wonderful mythical stories that are set here.
The bikes are equipped with a set of wheels that fit perfectly onto the rails, allowing for a smooth and stable ride. Railbiking is a guided group actvivity, meaning there are maximum about 10-20 people that participate at the same time. Every bike fits 2 people and the bikes are not connected to each other. However, everyone bikes the route together in a – figuratively speaking – ‘train’.
Details about the uniue Athens’ Railbiking tour
- The tour takes around 3 hours.
- You bike a total of 14-16 kilometers, 7-8 kilometers one way and 7-8 kilometers back on the same route. Don’t worry, you see things in a way different perspective when approaching from the other side.
- The fitness level I would describe as easy. With 2 people on the bike, it wasn’t hard at all for us to complete the route.
- Young adults from age 15 and above can join on the tour.
- The route is biked together by everyone who has signed up for the activity (10-20 people), including a guide. There is also the possibility to request a private tour.
- While you are enjoying the views, your guide explains about the history of the area and railway and some wonderful mythical stories that are set here.
- Along the route several (photo) stops are made, and halfway (meaning at the end of the 7-kilometer route) there is some time to stop and rest.
- You need to bring your own drinks and snacks
- I would recommend doing the tour at sunset time to get the most gorgeous sunset views and for it not to be as hot as during the day
- If you are extremely afraid of heights, this tour might not be for you. Even though the old railway tracks are broad and there is more than enough space, you are essentially still near the cliffside and will also be biking over a wooden bridge looking down into a sort of gorge.
- Safety is a top priority when it comes to Railbiking in Greece. The bikes are well-maintained and equipped with safety features like brakes and seatbelts, and the tracks are regularly inspected to ensure they are in good condition.
How to get from Athens to Megara, the starting point of the Railbiking in Greece tour?
As previously stated, the meeting point of the tour with Railbiking in Greece is not inside Athens, but in Megara, a rather industrial area about 40 kilometers away from Athens. Let’s discuss how to best get there.
By Car:
The easiest way to get to Megara is by car. Depending on where you stay in or near Athens, it will be a 30 to 60-minute drive. The meeting point is on a parking lot where you can park your car for free. If you do not want to leave any valuables in your car, you can leave them somewhere secure (of course I am not going to tell the internet where).
By Bus:
- Location: Buses to Megara depart from the Thission Metro Station near the Akropolis in the center Athens. This bus takes you right to the starting point of the route. Ask to get off at the Byzas Stadium in Megara.
- Bus Companies: KTEL is the company that operates routes between Athens and Megara.
- Schedule: The buses generally run quite frequently, but it’s best to check the current schedule on the KTEL website or at the bus terminal.
- Duration: The bus ride usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
- Tickets: You can buy tickets on the bus (cash only), and the cost for a return ticket is around € 10.
By Train:
- Location: Trains (they call it the suburban Railway) from Athens to Megara station depart from the Athens Railway Station (also known as Larissa Station). Not in the very city center, but on walking distance from it or reachable by metro line 2. However when arriving at Megara station, it is still 3 kilometers and thus a 40-minute walk to the meeting point for the tour. So you’d need to take a taxi or do a big walk.
- Schedule: Trains also run frequently (every hour), but it’s advisable to check the current schedule on the website of Hellenic Train or at the railway station.
- Duration: The train journey usually takes around 40 minutes, so if you exclude the walk from the railway station of Megara to the starting point of the tour, this is a faster option.
- Tickets: Tickets can be purchased at the railway station or online through the website of Hellenic Train. A return ticket should be around €6.
Tips:
- Always check the schedule and availability in advance, especially during weekends and holidays when services might be limited.
- Keep some cash on hand as not all buses or train ticket offices may accept card payments (even if they should).
Booking the tour & costs
Where to book the unique activity: Railbiking near Athens
You can easily book your spot for Railbiking online via the website of Railbiking in Greece.
How much does Railbiking in Greece cost?
Prices start at € 30 per person for the day / sunset time tours. There are also special tours at night for the real daredevils that are more expensive, € 40 or € 50.
How to make the most of your unique Railbiking adventure in Megara, near Athens
Book Railbiking in advance to secure your spot
Railbiking in Greece is becoming increasingly popular, so it’s a good idea to book your adventure in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
Dress appropriately
Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for biking. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun (especially if you are doing the tour during the day).
Bring snacks and water
The railbiking route can take a couple of hours to complete, so make sure to bring some snacks and plenty of water to keep you energized and hydrated.
Capture the moment
Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the stunning landscapes and memorable moments along the way.
Conclusion
Railbiking in Greece, in Megara near Athens, offers a unique and thrilling adventure that allows you to explore the beauty of Greece in a whole new way. Its proximity to Athens makes it a perfect half-day trip for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and do something original. Whether you’re an adventure junkie or simply looking for a fun activity to do with your family, Railbiking in Megara is an experience you won’t want to miss. I can wholeheartedly recommend booking it!
Thank you for reading this blog on ”Railbiking: the most unique activity & tour near Athens, Greece”. Enjoy your holiday in Greece! And for more info about Athens, see my Athens E-MAP guide.
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