Getting from Athens to Thessaloniki is fairly simple. Buses to Thessaloniki depart from a variety of places in Athens, most notably the stations of Omonia or Metaxourgio and Kifissos.
Use Gopili to find and book the cheapest train tickets. It’s fast, free and transparent. The distance between the two cities is 502km, which equates to around 55 minutes’ flight time.
Trains
Train travel is a popular way for travelers to get from Athens to Thessaloniki. Train tickets from Athens to Thessaloniki start at $10 (EUR9) and are generally cheaper when booked in advance. Buses are another option, although the journey will take longer and can be more tiring. Buses can also be more expensive than trains depending on where you buy your ticket and when you travel, so make sure to book in advance.
Taking the train is also the most environmentally friendly option for getting from Thessaloniki to Athens, as it uses significantly less fuel than flying or driving a private car. The trains are also spacious and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and luggage space. They are also equipped with modern safety features to ensure the highest level of comfort and security for all passengers. The train service is operated by Greek Railways, and there are dozens of daily departures between the two cities.
The train service is a great option for anyone who is interested in exploring the countryside on their trip from Athens to Thessaloniki. The trains offer stunning views of the Greek landscape and provide a more relaxing experience than traveling by bus or car. The trains have air conditioning and are equipped with bathrooms, so you can feel comfortable while enjoying the scenery.
A train is also a great option for those who want to see more of Greece in a short amount of time. The trip from Athens to Thessaloniki takes about four hours, and the train stops at various places along the way so that you can explore more of the country. The train is operated by Greek Railways, and the schedule can vary during the summer and holiday seasons.
In the wake of a devastating train accident that killed 18 people, many travelers have been wondering how to travel from Athens to Thessaloniki safely. While there are still some restrictions in place, the government is working hard to restore full operation of the train network as quickly as possible. The government is also implementing stricter safety measures to prevent future accidents.
Buses
The quickest and most direct route between Thessaloniki and Athens is to take a flight. Multiple flights run each day, year-round. Prices vary by season, though, so booking ahead is recommended to get the best deals.
If you’d prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, traveling by bus is a budget-friendly and relaxing way to see Greece. Long-distance buses are quite affordable in Greece, and tickets start at just 25 euro. The bus also offers a more flexible schedule than the train and can be convenient if you’re combining your journey with a ferry trip to the islands.
Whether you’re traveling to Athens from Thessaloniki or vice versa, it’s important to know the departure times for each bus so that you can plan your travel accordingly. Most coaches operate on a set schedule, but if you’re traveling during holidays or weekends, schedules may be more limited. Buses are often late due to traffic and weather conditions, so it’s essential to have a plan B in case your journey is disrupted.
Buses typically make stops en route for 10-30 minute breaks to allow passengers to use bathrooms, stock up on snacks and drinks and give the drivers and attendants a break from driving. Premium buses often have onboard toilets and a second driver for added comfort.
On the train, you’ll enjoy the views of the gorgeous Greek countryside, including steel viaducts south of Larissa and the mountainous landscape of Mount Olympus, the mythological home of the Greek gods and goddesses. Relax as you listen to your favorite tunes or read a book, and let the world pass you by as you travel through a region that has been a cradle of culture for thousands of years.
You’ll find two bus terminals in Thessaloniki, including the KTEL Makedonia central station on Monastiriou Street and the more conveniently located Kifisso (or Kifisso) Bus Terminal A on Mavromattaion Street just west of Pedion tou Areos Park. If you’re planning on taking the bus, it’s a good idea to book your ticket online in advance to secure your seat and to save money.
Taxis
If you don’t have time to wait for a bus or just prefer your own space in your own vehicle, taxis are the perfect way to travel from Thessaloniki to Athens. While they may not be as cheap as a bus, they are far quicker. Traveling by taxi also allows you to tailor your trip and stop along the way for shopping, eating, or sightseeing.
Taxi fares are set by the state of Greece and are calculated based on your distance traveled and your time of day. This means that during the night, a trip from Thessaloniki to Athens will cost more than a ride taken during the day. This is due to the fact that during the night, traffic is much slower and there are extra charges for driving on the highways.
When booking a taxi, always ask about the rates and fees in advance. In most cases, the driver will have a computerized system that will provide you with an estimated price based on your destination, which includes the standard tax rate, any additional fees and the total distance of the journey. You should also ask your driver if they accept credit cards. If they do, you should bring your credit card with you so that you can pay the driver upon arrival.
Another tip to keep in mind is that not all taxi drivers speak English, so if you want to be sure that your driver can communicate with you, you should request an English-speaking driver in advance. You should also inform them if you have any special requirements, such as a child seat or a car with no perfume.
Outside the airport there are several bus services that will take you to the center of Athens. You can check departure times on the screens at the airport. The buses are fairly reliable, and there are a lot of them so you shouldn’t have to worry about waiting for one. The trip takes about 6 hours and costs 35 euro one-way. It is best to book your ticket in advance online.
Rental Cars
Thessaloniki is a major hub for the Greek rail system, making it easy to explore this northern capital with ease. However, if you’re looking for more freedom and flexibility during your trip, renting a car is definitely the way to go. Whether you’re traveling alone or with a group of friends, this option will give you the freedom to plan your itinerary at your own pace and visit all the city’s top attractions.
To rent a car in Greece, you must have a minimum age of 21 years old (depending on the category of car). Additionally, you’ll need to show your driver’s license that has been held for one year, as well as a credit card. If you’re traveling from outside of the EU, a valid passport and an International Driving Permit may also be required to obtain your car rental.
There are several companies that offer rentals at Thessaloniki Airport, including Avis, Budget, Thrifty, and Sixt. These suppliers have their service desks located inside the arrival area. Once you’ve picked up your vehicle, you can drive to the city center in less than half an hour.
While driving in Thessaloniki, keep in mind that the roads can get crowded during the morning and evening rush hours. Additionally, the speed limits on freeways can be quite different from those found on urban streets. Finally, it’s important to note that you’ll need to have your seatbelt fastened at all times.
If you’re interested in learning more about Greece’s rich history, you can easily access several museums and archaeological sites with a car rental in Thessaloniki. A few notable examples include the White Tower, which is a prominent landmark in the city’s center and the National Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. You can also head to the nearby Kesariani Mountains, which are a popular spot for hiking during cooler months.
A car rental from Thessaloniki can also help you reach some of the country’s famous islands. With a short ferry ride from Piraeus, you can enjoy the beaches of Aegina, Poros and Hydra. During your stay in Thessaloniki, you can even take a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora, where six Eastern Orthodox monasteries are built on rock pillars.
