How to Get from Thessaloniki to Athens: Train, Bus, Flight, Ferry & Car (2026 Guide)

Travellers can reach Athens from Thessaloniki by train (5h 9m, from €18), bus (5h 45m, from €14), plane (50 min, from €50), ferry (17–27h, from €94), or private car (5h 32m, 469 km via A1/E75) – see the full comparison table below.

Written by the Potos Car Rentals Travel Team | Last updated: May 2026

Potos Car Rentals has operated in Northern Greece for over 20 years, with seven branch offices across Thassos, Thessaloniki, and Kavala Airport. Our team regularly travels the Thessaloniki–Athens route and has tested every major transport option – including Hellenic Train, KTEL, Aegean flights, and Blue Star Ferries – to help you plan your journey with confidence.

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Quick Comparison: Thessaloniki to Athens by All Transport Modes

The fastest way from Thessaloniki to Athens is flying (50 min); the cheapest direct option is the bus (from €14) or train (from €18). Below is the full comparison.

Transport Mode	Duration	Price (one-way)	Operator	Frequency	Best For
Train	5h 9m	€18–35	Hellenic Train	4× daily	Best value + scenic comfort
Plane	50 min	€50–100	Aegean / Olympic Air / Sky Express	~9× daily	Fastest
Bus	5h 45m	€14–50	KTEL Thessalonikis / FlixBus	Every 1–3h	Cheapest
Ferry	17–27h	€94–600	Blue Star Ferries	2× weekly	Vehicle transport / scenic sea journey
Car rental	5h 32m	€50–100/day + €20–30 tolls	Potos Car Rentals + others	Flexible	Side-trips (Meteora, Delphi)
Taxi	5h	€300–400	Local providers	On demand	Door-to-door, groups of 3–4

Prices and schedules last verified May 2026. Transport fares and timetables change seasonally – always confirm current prices at official operator websites: hellenictrain.gr, ktelthes.gr, aegeanair.com, bluestarferries.com.

Thessaloniki to Athens by Train

Hellenic Train (formerly TrainOSE) operates direct Intercity (IC) trains from Thessaloniki Central Station to Athens (Larissa Station) 4 times daily, with a journey time of 5 hours 9 minutes and tickets from €18–35 in second class.

Hellenic Train Schedule and Tickets

The Intercity service runs the full route Thessaloniki–Larissa–Domokos–Athens (Larissa Station). Trains depart Thessaloniki Central Station (in the Monastiriou area) and arrive at Athens Larissa Station, which connects directly to the Athens Metro (Line 2 – red line) for transfers to Syntagma, Acropolis, or Piraeus. Second-class tickets start at €18, while first-class and Premium seats range from €30 to €35.

Where to Buy Train Tickets

Tickets can be booked online at hellenictrain.gr, at the station ticket office, or via authorised travel agents. Booking 7–14 days in advance secures the lowest fares. The train suits travellers who want to avoid airport queues, transport luggage without weight limits, and enjoy scenic views of the Greek countryside through the Vale of Tempe and Thessaly plain.

Thessaloniki to Athens by Plane

Flights from Thessaloniki (SKG) to Athens (ATH) take 50 minutes direct and cost from €50–100 one-way, with around 9 daily departures operated by Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Sky Express, and Ryanair. Flying is the fastest mode by a wide margin.

Airports and Check-in Logistics

Departures leave from Thessaloniki International Airport “Macedonia” (SKG), 16 km southeast of the city centre – accessible by taxi (€20–25) or bus line 78 (€2). Arrivals land at Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” (ATH), 33 km east of central Athens; the metro Line 3 (blue line) reaches Syntagma in about 40 minutes for €9. Add at least 90 minutes for check-in, security, and airport transfers – meaning the door-to-door time is closer to 3.5 hours, not 50 minutes.

The aerial route bypasses the winding mountain roads of Central Greece. Air travel suits business trips or short city breaks where time is the deciding factor; it is less suited to travellers carrying large luggage or wanting to stop in Larissa, Lamia, or Thebes en route.

Thessaloniki to Athens by Bus

KTEL Thessalonikis and FlixBus run direct buses from Thessaloniki Monastiriou station to Athens Kifisou terminal every 1–3 hours, with a journey time of 5 hours 45 minutes and tickets from €14–50 one-way.

KTEL Monastiriou Station – How to Get There

KTEL Thessalonikis buses depart from Thessaloniki Monastiriou station (Monastiriou 28, 54627 Thessaloniki), in walking distance of the city’s main railway station. Athens-bound buses arrive at the KTEL Athens Kifisou terminal on Leoforou Kifisou – a 20-minute taxi or city bus ride from central Athens. Buy tickets at the station counter or online at ktelthes.gr.

FlixBus and Night Bus Options

FlixBus runs several daily departures on the same route, including overnight services that arrive in Athens around dawn – useful for travellers who want to avoid losing a day of sightseeing. FlixBus coaches typically include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and reclining seats. Booking on flixbus.com in advance often secures fares of €14–25, making this the cheapest direct option between the two cities.

The intercity buses follow the E75 national highway through Central Greece, with rest stops in Larissa and Lamia – passengers can see rural villages, farmland, and mountains that air travellers miss.

Thessaloniki to Athens by Ferry

Blue Star Ferries operates an overnight ferry from Thessaloniki port to Piraeus (Athens’ main seaport) twice weekly, typically Saturday and Sunday. The journey takes approximately 17–27 hours and tickets cost €94–600 depending on class (deck passage, seat, cabin, or luxury cabin).

Blue Star Ferries: Schedule and Tickets

Sailings can be checked and booked at bluestarferries.com. The route is seasonal in frequency – summer months (June–September) offer more departures than winter. The ferry is the only option that allows travellers to bring a private car or motorcycle between Thessaloniki and Athens by sea, which can be a cost-effective solution for families or anyone relocating.

Thessaloniki Port to Piraeus – What to Expect

The ferry departs from Thessaloniki commercial port (in the city centre) and arrives at the Port of Piraeus, the largest passenger port in Europe. Piraeus connects to central Athens by Metro Line 1 (green line) – about 25 minutes to Monastiraki – or by suburban rail. The ferry suits travellers who prioritise a scenic sea journey, want overnight cabin accommodation that doubles as transport, or need to ship a vehicle.

Thessaloniki to Athens by Car or Taxi

Driving from Thessaloniki to Athens takes 5h 32m along the A1/E75 motorway – a distance of 469 km (291 miles) – with rental cars from €50–100/day and €20–30 in tolls added one-way.

Driving Route: A1/E75 Highlights and Stops

The A1 runs south through the regions of Macedonia, Thessaly, and Central Greece, passing the Vale of Tempe, Larissa, Lamia, and Thebes before arriving in Athens from the north. Drivers can detour to Meteora (1h from the A1 near Trikala), Mount Olympus (just off the highway near Litochoro), and Delphi (a 1.5h scenic detour near Lamia) – three of Greece’s UNESCO/world-class sites that bus and air travellers cannot easily reach.

Renting a car gives travellers full schedule flexibility and a vehicle for exploring Athens; expect heavier traffic entering the metropolitan area and pay attention to parking restrictions in central Athens (most central districts are paid-parking zones controlled by ANAPLIROTRIA permits).

Taxi Transfer: When It Makes Sense

A private taxi from Thessaloniki to Athens covers the 469 km in 5 hours for €300–400, providing door-to-door service with no schedule constraints. The taxi makes economic sense for groups of 3–4 travellers (cost per head approaches the train fare) or travellers with extensive luggage and connecting transfers. The taxi follows the same A1/E75 route as private cars.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get from Thessaloniki to Athens?

The cheapest way to travel from Thessaloniki to Athens is by bus (FlixBus from €14 one-way) or train (Hellenic Train from €18 second class). Both options cost roughly €20 if booked 7–14 days in advance. Flights occasionally drop to similar prices on Ryanair sales, but adding airport transfers (€20+ on each end) usually makes flying more expensive than bus or train for budget travellers.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get from Thessaloniki to Athens?

The fastest way to get from Thessaloniki to Athens is by plane – a 50-minute direct flight from Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) to Athens International (ATH), with about 9 daily departures by Aegean, Olympic Air, and Sky Express. Door-to-door (city centre to city centre, including airport transfers and security) the realistic time is closer to 3.5 hours.

Is It Safe to Travel from Thessaloniki to Athens?

Yes – the A1/E75 motorway is a well-maintained toll road regularly patrolled by Greek police, Hellenic Train and KTEL/FlixBus services meet EU safety standards, and ferry routes are operated by certified Blue Star Ferries with full passenger insurance. Rest areas and service stations along the A1 provide regular stops for drivers; Thessaloniki and Athens both maintain visible police presence at major transport hubs. Petty theft (pickpocketing) is the main traveller risk in either city, concentrated at metro stations and tourist sites – keep valuables secure but expect no general safety concerns on the route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a train between Thessaloniki and Athens?

Yes – Hellenic Train operates 4 daily Intercity (IC) trains between Thessaloniki Central Station and Athens Larissa Station. The journey takes 5 hours 9 minutes, tickets cost €18–35, and reservations can be made at hellenictrain.gr.

How far is Thessaloniki to Athens?

Thessaloniki and Athens are 469 km (291 miles) apart by road via the A1/E75 motorway; the straight-line (air) distance is approximately 303 km, which is why direct flights take only 50 minutes.

How long does it take to get from Thessaloniki to Athens?

The journey takes 50 minutes by plane, 5h 9m by Hellenic Train, 5h 32m by car (469 km via A1), 5h 45m by direct bus (KTEL or FlixBus), and 17–27 hours by Blue Star Ferries to Piraeus.

Is it easy to get from Thessaloniki to Athens?

Yes – five direct, frequent transport options run daily, all booked in English online. The simplest combinations are train (Hellenic Train, hellenictrain.gr) or bus (FlixBus, flixbus.com), neither of which requires connections.

What are the tours from Thessaloniki to Athens?

The tours from Thessaloniki to Athens are guided bus tours, private tours, and train tours. Firstly, guided bus tours offer a convenient and scenic way to travel between the two cities. These tours typically include stops at major attractions, allowing travellers to explore important historical sites and landmarks. The cost of these bus tours varies depending on the duration and inclusions, but on average, they range from €80 ($87.2, £69.6) to €120 ($130.8, £104.4) per person. Secondly, organised private tours provide a personalised and flexible experience. These tours usually involve a private driver and guide who can tailor the itinerary to the travellers’ specific things to do in Thessaloniki. Private tours often include visits to attractions such as the UNESCO World Heritage site of Delphi or the ancient city of Thebes. The cost of private tours can vary significantly depending on the duration, inclusions, and the number of participants. On average, private tours from Thessaloniki to Athens can range from €300 ($327, £261) to €600 ($654, £522) per person. Lastly, train tours are available for those who prefer a more leisurely and scenic journey. The train ride from Thessaloniki to Athens takes 4 to 5 hours, allowing travellers to enjoy the beautiful Greek countryside. Train tours often include reserved seating and may provide commentary on the sights during the journey. The average cost of train tours from Thessaloniki to Athens is €30 ($32.7, £26.1) to €50 ($54.5, £43.5) per person.

What are the best Restaurants in Thessaloniki and Athens?

Listed below are the best Restaurants in Thessaloniki and Athens:

Zythos: Zythos is a popular restaurant in Thessaloniki specialising in Greek cuisine. They offer a variety of traditional dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, and spanakopita. The average cost for a meal at Zythos is €20 ($21.8, £17.4) per person.
To Perasma: To Perasma is a seafood restaurant located in Thessaloniki. They serve fresh seafood dishes, including grilled octopus, shrimp saganaki, and seafood risotto. The average cost for a meal at To Perasma is €30 ($32.7, £26.1) per person.
Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani: Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani is a deli and restaurant in Thessaloniki specialising in cured meats and cheese. They offer a variety of platters with different types of cured meats, cheeses, and traditional Greek mezes. The average cost for a meal at Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani is €15 ($16.35, £13.05) to €20 ($21.8, £17.4) per person.
Ergon Agora: Ergon Agora is a food market and restaurant in Thessaloniki that showcases Greek products and cuisine. They offer many dishes, including traditional Greek souvlaki, salad, and mezes. The average cost for a meal at Ergon Agora is €15 ($16.35, £13.05) to €25 ($27.25, £21.75) per person.
Estrella: Estrella is a rooftop restaurant in Thessaloniki that provides panoramic city views. They serve a mix of Mediterranean and international cuisine, including dishes like grilled meats, pasta, and seafood. The average cost for a meal at Estrella is €25 ($27.25, £21.75) to €35 ($38.15, £30.45) per person.

What are the best Hotels in Thessaloniki and Athens?

Listed below are the best Hotels in Thessaloniki and Athens:

Electra Palace Thessaloniki: Electra Palace Thessaloniki is a luxury hotel in the city centre. It is one of the best places to stay in Thessaloniki, and it offers elegant rooms with modern amenities, including air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The hotel features a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views, a spa, and a fitness centre. The average cost for a one-night stay at Electra Palace Thessaloniki is €120 ($130.8, £104.4) to €150 ($163.5, £130.5).
The Bristol Hotel: The Bristol Hotel is a boutique hotel near Aristotelous Square. It offers stylish rooms with contemporary decor and amenities like flat-screen TVs and minibars. The hotel has a rooftop terrace, a bar, and a restaurant serving Greek and international cuisine. The average cost for a one-night stay at The Bristol Hotel is €90 ($98.1, £78.3) to €120 ($130.8, £104.4).
Colors Urban Hotel: Colors Urban Hotel is a modern and lively hotel in the heart of Thessaloniki. It offers colourful and comfortable rooms with amenities like air conditioning and satellite TVs. The hotel features a rooftop bar with city views, a 24-hour front desk, and a business centre. The average cost for a one-night stay at Colors Urban Hotel is €70 ($76.3, £60.9) to €90 ($98.1, £78.3).
The Met Hotel: The Met Hotel is a luxury hotel in the harbour area of Thessaloniki. It offers stylish rooms with contemporary design and amenities, including flat-screen TVs and minibars. The hotel features a rooftop pool, a spa, a fitness centre, and multiple dining options. The average cost for a one-night stay at The Met Hotel is €150 ($163.5, £130.5) to €180 ($196.2, £156.6).
Daios Luxury Living: Daios Luxury Living is a high-end hotel near the city centre and the waterfront. It offers luxurious rooms with modern furnishings and amenities like Nespresso machines and iPod docking stations. The hotel features a rooftop restaurant, a spa, a fitness centre, and a private beach area. The average cost for a one-night stay at Daios Luxury Living is €200 ($218, £174) to €250 ($272.5, £217.5).

What is the best way to get from Thessaloniki to Athens?

The best way to get from Thessaloniki to Athens is by plane. Firstly, this option offers the fastest travel time. Flights between the two cities typically take 45 minutes, allowing travellers to reach their destination quickly and enjoy the best beaches in Thessaloniki. Secondly, flying provides convenience and comfort. Thessaloniki International Airport, or Macedonia Airport, offers regular flights to Athens throughout the day, providing travellers with various departure options. The airport has modern facilities, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. Lastly, flying is often cost-effective. Though prices may vary depending on factors such as the time of booking and demand, domestic flights between Thessaloniki and Athens can be relatively affordable. Travellers can find competitive prices, with tickets often ranging from €50 ($54.5, £43.5) to €100 ($109, £87), depending on the airline and the time of travel.

Sources: Route data sourced from Hellenic Train S.A. official timetable, KTEL Thessalonikis (ktelthes.gr), Blue Star Ferries (bluestarferries.com), and Rome2Rio route comparison (rome2rio.com), cross-verified May 2026.

Next scheduled review: November 2026.

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