‌

Acropolis entrance | A detailed guide on how to access the Acropolis of Athens

How many Athens Acropolis entrances are there?

There are two entrances to the Acropolis of Athens – the Main Entrance and the Side Entrance, also known as the Dionysus Theater entrance.

The Main Entrance is located at the western end of the Acropolis, while the Side Entrance can be found at the southeastern corner of the site. The two entrances are situated about a 10-minute walk away from each other. All visitors have to purchase a ticket to enter the premises of the archaeological landmark.

Which entrance should you use at the Acropolis of Athens

  • Shortest queues (most days): Southeast entrance near the Theatre of Dionysus
  • Skip-the-line/timed tickets: Southeast entrance near the Theatre of Dionysus
  • Guided tours meet here: Main entrance (Western Gate via Propylaea)
  • Wheelchair access: Main entrance, which offers a step-free route and elevator access to the top

​Choose the best Acropolis entrance

Visitors exploring the Propylaea entrance during the Acropolis of Athens afternoon walking tour.

How to access the Athens Acropolis entrances

  • Metro: Both Athens Acropolis entrances can be accessed via Line M2 (red line) from Acropoli, the closest metro station to the landmark. You can also reach the monument from Monastiraki station (Line M3 - blue line) or Thiseio station (Line M1 - green line).
  • Bus: Both entrances can be accessed from Akropolē bus stop. Bus 230 stops here. The landmark is also reachable via buses 227, 035, 040, 550, 856, A2, and A3.
  • Tram: The landmark is reachable by tram via the T6 line. Both Acropolis entrances can be accessed by Leoforos Vouliagmenis, the nearest tram station.
  • Trolleybus: Both Acropolis entrances are accessible by trolleybuses 1, 2, 4, 5, 11, 12, and 15. The closest trolleybus stops are Makrygiannē and Gargaretta.
  • Car: Both entrances of the Acropolis are accessible by car or taxi. Paid and free parking spots are available at the base of the hill. There are also paid parking areas available at a convenient distance.

​Plan your visit to the Acropolis of Athens >

Which Acropolis entrance is best for you

Visitors exploring the Propylaea at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.

Main Entrance (Propylaea Gate)

  • Location: End of Theorias Street
  • How to spot: Large stone gate near the Acropolis parking area | Find on Google maps
  • Best for: Guided tours, wheelchair users, and first-time visitors
  • Timings: Same as Acropolis site hours
  • Crowds & waits: Peak: ~25–40 min | Shoulder: ~10–15 min
  • Accessibility: Step-free with elevator access
  • Parking/drop-off: Closest at Rovertou Galli Street
  • Highlights nearby: Propylaea Gate, Parthenon, and panoramic city views
  • Pro tip: Arrive early morning to avoid the tour group rush
  • Using this gate? Book Acropolis & Parthenon Guided Tours with Entry Tickets
Theatre and Sanctuary of Dionysus in Athens with cityscape and mountains in the background.

Southeast Entrance (Theatre of Dionysus Gate)

  • Location: Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, near Acropolis Museum
  • How to spot: Beside the Theatre of Dionysus | Find on Google maps
  • Best for: Skip-the-line and timed entry tickets
  • Timings: Same as Acropolis site hours
  • Crowds & waits: Peak: ~15–25 min | Shoulder: ~5–10 min
  • Accessibility: Not step-free, moderate uphill climb
  • Parking/drop-off: Street-side near Acropolis Museum
  • Highlights nearby: Theatre of Dionysus, Odeon of Herodes Atticus
  • Pro tip: Start here for a gradual climb and fewer queues
  • Using this gate? Book Acropolis Parthenon + Acropolis Museum Tickets

Disabled access to the Acropolis of Athens

Wheelchair users and visitors with mobility issues can access the Acropolis of Athens archaeological site via the elevator and chairlift specifically designed and reserved for their use. The elevator is located on the northwest side near the main Acropolis entrance, approximately 300 meters from the archaeological site’s exit.

Upon reaching the top of Acropolis Hill, visitors with limited mobility can explore the site using the two established routes on the north and east sides of the Parthenon – towards the Propylaea or between the Parthenon and the Erechtheion.

Before you enter: Security checks, bags & re-entry rules

Propylaea entrance with ancient columns at the Acropolis, Athens.
  • Security at the Acropolis is strict but efficient. All visitors pass through airport-style scanners, and large backpacks or luggage are not permitted beyond the gates.
  • Small bags are allowed after screening. Lockers for oversized items are available near both entrances at no extra cost.
  • Prohibited items include sharp objects, tripods, and drones.
  • Photography is allowed after security checks, but no flash or tripods inside restricted areas.
  • Re-entry isn’t permitted, so plan your visit and rest breaks accordingly before exiting.

Navigation between Acropolis entrances

To move between the Main Entrance (Propylaea side) and the Southeast Entrance (Theatre of Dionysus side), follow the pedestrian path along Dionysiou Areopagitou Street. The walk takes around 10–15 minutes, gently uphill toward the Acropolis hill. Along the way, you’ll pass landmarks like the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Acropolis Museum, making it a scenic and well-marked route for visitors.

Brief history of Acropolis of Athens entrances

Propylaea entrance of Acropolis with ancient columns in Athens, Greece.

In ancient times, the Acropolis of Athens had a single grand entrance, the Propylaea, built in the 5th century BCE as a monumental gateway to the sacred hill. Over centuries, as the site evolved under Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influence, smaller access paths emerged for pilgrims and guards. Today, the Acropolis has two official entrances, the Main Entrance via the Propylaea and the Southeast Entrance near the Theatre of Dionysus, for better visitor flow and accessibility.

Interesting Acropolis of Athens Facts

Frequently asked questions about Athens Acropolis entrances

How many Acropolis entrances are there?

There are two Athens Acropolis entrances – the main entrance located on the western side of the Acropolis, on Rovertou Galli, and the side entrance or the Dionysus Theater entrance, located on the southern side of the site, on Dionysiou Areopagitou.

Which is the main Acropolis entrance?

The main Athens Acropolis entrance is located on the western side of the hill, on Rovertou Galli.

Until what time are the Acropolis entrances open?

The Athens Acropolis entrances are open from 8 AM to 7.30 PM in the summer (April to October), and from 8 AM to 4.30 PM in the winter (November to March).

What is the average wait time at the Acropolis entrances?

The average wait time at the main Acropolis entrance is 20 to 30 minutes if you have purchased your ticket online in advance. There is virtually no waiting time at the side entrance since it is meant mainly for fast track Acropolis ticket holders and small group tours.

Which Acropolis entrance do fast track ticket holders use?

We recommend visitors with fast track entry tickets to use the side entrance to the Acropolis of Athens. This will help them bypass the ticketing queues and save time.

Which Acropolis entrance is used for guided tours?

Small tour group, including guided tours, access the Acropolis of Athens through the side entrance.

Which Acropolis entrance do wheelchair users and visitors with mobility issues use?

Wheelchair users and visitors with mobility issues can access the Acropolis of Athens using the specially designed elevator located near the main entrance.

Which Acropolis entrance do I use if I have already purchased tickets?

If you have purchased a regular Acropolis ticket online prior to your visit, you can use the main Acropolis entrance. If you have booked fast track Acropolis tickets online in advance, you can save time by avoiding the long ticketing queues and get direct access to the security checkpoints.

Which Acropolis entrance should I use if I’m traveling with a group?

If you are part of a group, you can enter the Acropolis of Athens through the main entrance.

Which Athens Acropolis entrance should I choose if I’m visiting during peak hours?

If you’re visiting the Acropolis of Athens during peak hours, you should choose the side entrance located on the southern side of the hill.

How can I avoid waiting in line for a long time at the Acropolis of Athens?

To avoid waiting in line at the Acropolis of Athens, you can purchase fast track entry tickets online prior to your visit. You can skip ahead of the long queues and get direct access to the security checkpoint.

What time should I visit the Acropolis of Athens to avoid waiting in line?

The Acropolis of Athens is busiest between 10 AM and 2 PM. It is best to begin your visit at 8 AM, the opening time. Alternatively, you can also visit during the evening hours, after the daytime crowds have lessened.

More Reads

about acropolis

About the Acropolis of Athens

plan your visit acropolis

Plan Your Visit to the Acropolis

acropolis guided tours

Acropolis Guided Tours