The Lycabettus Hill Funicular, known locally as the “Teleferik” (Τελεφερίκ Λυκαβηττού), is a short 210-metres long funicular railway running up Athens’ Lycabettus Hill (also known as Mount Lycabettus).
As compared to a hike up the steep sides of the hill, the Teleferik provides visitors with a quick and easy way to the top of the hill – at an equally steep price.
Where is the Funicular?
The Teleferik runs between two stations – one at the base of the hill, and one at the top of the hill.
Funicular station on Aristippou Street (Οδός Αριστιππου)
The base station is on Aristippou Street, in the northern end of the Kolonaki neighbourhood. The building is a pretty noticeable blocky structure, with the words “TELEFERIK” set in stone across the entrance.
Google Maps coordinates: 37°58’48.7″N 23°44’38.0″E
To get here from Syntagma Square, walk down Vasilissis Sofias Avenue (Λεωφόρος Βασιλίσσης Σοφίας), pass the Benaki Museum on your left, and keep on the left side of the road until you reach the British Embassy on your left. Turn left on to Plutarchou Street (Οδος Πλουταρχου) and just keep walking straight all the way up.
Alternatively, take Line 3 (Blue) of the Athens Metro to Evangelismos (Ευαγγελισμός), walk down asilissis Sofias Avenue (Λεωφόρος Βασιλίσσης Σοφίας) and turn right on to Plutarchou Street, and walk all the way up the street.
Note: The street gets progressively steeper and transforms into a long flight of stairs as you approach Lycabettus Hill on Plutarchou Street. Slow down if you’re not used to climbing hills.
Funicular station at the peak of Lycabettus Hill
The funicular station at the peak of the hill is accessed by a flight of stairs heading downwards from the plaza at the peak.
Buying your tickets
Tickets can be bought at either the base station on Aristippou Street, or at the peak of the hill.
If you’re buying your tickets at the base station, you can get them from the ticket counter.
On the other hand, the station at the peak features an easy to use ticket machine that accepts cash only. Follow the instructions on the machine to buy your ticket.
Ticket prices
| Direction | Ticket Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Return (2-ways) | 10.00 |
| Single | 7.00 |
| Single (3-10 years old Child) | 4.00 |
| Child (until 3 years old) | Free |
Source: Official website of Lycabettus Hill (Funicular info page)
Note: I paid €6.00 for a single ticket down from the peak. There was no indication on the ticket machine if this was a special rate, so just prepare the extra €1.00. Remember also to clarify the Child tickets with staff at the base station as there were no other information available at the peak.
Opening Hours & Frequencies
The Lycabettus Hill funicular runs every 30 minutes.
Opening Hours: 09:00 am – 02:30 am daily.
Is the Teleferik worth it?
To put it simply, the Lycabettus Hill funicular isn’t cheap. Plus, the steepness of the Hill means that the funicular runs entirely in a tunnel. In other words, you are paying a very short ride in the darkness, a bit like an expensive ride in an elevator.
There is much to see from Lycabettus Hill. I strongly recommend hiking up the Hill instead if you can, and saving the funicular for the ride down. If you’re hiking up for the sunset, take note that the funicular is the safest way to head downhill after the sun has gone down. This is because the hiking trail is not lit after dark.
Final Thoughts
The Teleferik is an easy but expensive way to get to the top of the Lycabettus Hill. I recommend hiking up and then taking the funicular down.
External Links
Leave a Reply