Patras is connected by fast ferry-boats to Italy, specifically to Bari, Brindisi, Ancona and Venetia. The travel time from Ancona is 18-20 hours.

Patras is serviced by the Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”. Patras can be reached from Athens using public transport by train or bus. Traveling by bus is faster and is recommended. The train and bus station in Patras are located near the city center by the harbor. It is recommended to hire a taxi to get from the bus or train station to the hotel.

Alternatively one can rent a car or hire a taxi. Car rentals can be made at the airport. The highway connection Athens and Patras accessed easily via the Attica Odos, a three-lane motorway constituting the Athens City Ring Road.
Taking a taxi directly from the airport to Patras in only recommended for groups of 2-3 persons. The price is agreed in advance with the taxi driver and should not exceed € 150.

Patras is the capital city of the Prefecture of Achaia and of the Region of Western Greece. It is located in the NW Peloponesse and has a population of a quarter of a million. Patras is a major harbor and it functions as the main gateway for Greece to Italy and Western Europe.
With over 50 sailings to Italy per week nearly all the trade between Greece and the rest of the EU goes through Patras. It is a dynamic and attractive city in which to live day-to-day life of modern Greece, where archaeological sites are blended harmoniously with the contemporary and lively rhythms.
The city's history goes back to prehistoric times and the Mycenaean civilization. The city was created with the union of three agricultural districts (Aroe, Anthia and Messatis) and was named after Patreas, leader of the Achaians who settled in the area during the 12th century BC.
In the 3rd century BC the Achaians formed the famous Achaian Confederation, which brought the city to prominence. During the Roman times the city flourished, as it won the favor of many Roman emperors and became a cosmopolitan centre.
In the 1st century AD Saint Andrew lived, taught and was martyred in the city and since then he is considered to be its Patron Saint. During the 19th and 20th century, Patras became an important commercial and industrial centre and the main trade centre between Greece and Western Europe.

Today the city of Patras is an important cultural centre. The surrounding region is an important agricultural area for Greece with extensive production of citrus fruit, potatoes and watermelons. The area is also well known for its vineyards with outstanding wines being produced here.
The internationally known Achaia-Clauss wine company is based just outside Patras. The city offers a wide variety of cultural and sports opportunities. It is centrally located and provides easy access to some of the most important historical sites of the ancient world. To the south, just over an hour's drive away lies Olympia, the place where the ancient Olympic Games took place.
Across the waters of the Corinthian gulf lies Delphi where the Pythia, the prophetess, delivered her oracles in the ancient world. The nearest international airport is located in Athens, which is connected to Patras via frequent express coach and train services (2.5-3 hours).

Approximately 8 km outside the city of Patras, in the area of Rion, is located the University of Patras which is the third Higher Educational Institution in the country in terms of student number, academic departments and personnel.