{"id":2844,"date":"2026-05-06T19:00:56","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T17:00:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentacarpotos.gr\/blog\/?p=2844"},"modified":"2026-05-06T19:19:52","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T17:19:52","slug":"travelling-guide-from-thessaloniki-to-athens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentacarpotos.gr\/blog\/thessaloniki\/to-athens\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get from Thessaloniki to Athens: Train, Bus, Flight, Ferry & Car (2026 Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Travellers can reach Athens from Thessaloniki by train (5h 9m, from \u20ac18)<\/strong>, bus (5h 45m, from \u20ac14)<\/strong>, plane (50 min, from \u20ac50)<\/strong>, ferry (17\u201327h, from \u20ac94)<\/strong>, or private car (5h 32m, 469 km via A1\/E75)<\/strong> – see the full comparison table below.<\/p>\n

Written by the Potos Car Rentals Travel Team<\/strong> | Last updated: May 2026<\/p>\n

Potos Car Rentals<\/a> 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\u2013Athens 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.<\/p>\n

Accredited by the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) | Reg. No. 0155E81000014200<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Quick Comparison: Thessaloniki to Athens by All Transport Modes<\/h2>\n

The fastest way from Thessaloniki to Athens is flying<\/strong> (50 min); the cheapest direct option is the bus<\/strong> (from \u20ac14) or train<\/strong> (from \u20ac18). Below is the full comparison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Transport Mode<\/th>\nDuration<\/th>\nPrice (one-way)<\/th>\nOperator<\/th>\nFrequency<\/th>\nBest For<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Train<\/strong><\/td>\n5h 9m<\/td>\n\u20ac18\u201335<\/td>\nHellenic Train<\/td>\n4\u00d7 daily<\/td>\nBest value + scenic comfort<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Plane<\/strong><\/td>\n50 min<\/td>\n\u20ac50\u2013100<\/td>\nAegean \/ Olympic Air \/ Sky Express<\/td>\n~9\u00d7 daily<\/td>\nFastest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bus<\/strong><\/td>\n5h 45m<\/td>\n\u20ac14\u201350<\/td>\nKTEL Thessalonikis \/ FlixBus<\/td>\nEvery 1\u20133h<\/td>\nCheapest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ferry<\/strong><\/td>\n17\u201327h<\/td>\n\u20ac94\u2013600<\/td>\nBlue Star Ferries<\/td>\n2\u00d7 weekly<\/td>\nVehicle transport \/ scenic sea journey<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Car rental<\/strong><\/td>\n5h 32m<\/td>\n\u20ac50\u2013100\/day + \u20ac20\u201330 tolls<\/td>\nPotos Car Rentals + others<\/td>\nFlexible<\/td>\nSide-trips (Meteora, Delphi)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Taxi<\/strong><\/td>\n5h<\/td>\n\u20ac300\u2013400<\/td>\nLocal providers<\/td>\nOn demand<\/td>\nDoor-to-door, groups of 3\u20134<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Prices and schedules last verified May 2026.<\/strong> Transport fares and timetables change seasonally – always confirm current prices at official operator websites: hellenictrain.gr, ktelthes.gr, aegeanair.com, bluestarferries.com.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Thessaloniki to Athens by Train<\/h2>\n

Hellenic Train<\/strong> (formerly TrainOSE) operates direct Intercity (IC)<\/strong> trains from Thessaloniki Central Station to Athens (Larissa Station) 4 times daily<\/strong>, with a journey time of 5 hours 9 minutes<\/strong> and tickets from \u20ac18\u201335<\/strong> in second class.<\/p>\n

Hellenic Train Schedule and Tickets<\/h3>\n

The Intercity service runs the full route Thessaloniki\u2013Larissa\u2013Domokos\u2013Athens (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 \u20ac18<\/strong>, while first-class and Premium seats range from \u20ac30 to \u20ac35<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Thessaloniki<\/p>\n

Where to Buy Train Tickets<\/h3>\n

Tickets can be booked online at hellenictrain.gr<\/strong>, at the station ticket office, or via authorised travel agents. Booking 7\u201314 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.<\/p>\n

Thessaloniki to Athens by Plane<\/h2>\n

Flights from Thessaloniki (SKG) to Athens (ATH)<\/strong> take 50 minutes direct<\/strong> and cost from \u20ac50\u2013100<\/strong> one-way, with around 9 daily departures<\/strong> operated by Aegean Airlines<\/strong>, Olympic Air<\/strong>, Sky Express<\/strong>, and Ryanair<\/strong>. Flying is the fastest mode by a wide margin.<\/p>\n

Airports and Check-in Logistics<\/h3>\n

Departures leave from Thessaloniki International Airport “Macedonia” (SKG)<\/strong>, 16 km southeast of the city centre – accessible by taxi (\u20ac20\u201325) or bus line 78 (\u20ac2). Arrivals land at Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” (ATH)<\/strong>, 33 km east of central Athens; the metro Line 3 (blue line) reaches Syntagma in about 40 minutes for \u20ac9. 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Thessaloniki to Athens by Bus<\/h2>\n

KTEL Thessalonikis<\/strong> and FlixBus<\/strong> run direct buses from Thessaloniki Monastiriou station<\/strong> to Athens Kifisou terminal<\/strong> every 1\u20133 hours<\/strong>, with a journey time of 5 hours 45 minutes<\/strong> and tickets from \u20ac14\u201350<\/strong> one-way.<\/p>\n

KTEL Monastiriou Station – How to Get There<\/h3>\n

KTEL Thessalonikis buses depart from Thessaloniki Monastiriou station<\/strong> (Monastiriou 28, 54627 Thessaloniki), in walking distance of the city’s main railway station. Athens-bound buses arrive at the KTEL Athens Kifisou terminal<\/strong> 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

FlixBus and Night Bus Options<\/h3>\n

FlixBus<\/strong> 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<\/strong> in advance often secures fares of \u20ac14\u201325<\/strong>, making this the cheapest direct option<\/strong> between the two cities.<\/p>\n

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

Thessaloniki to Athens by Ferry<\/h2>\n

Blue Star Ferries<\/strong> operates an overnight ferry from Thessaloniki port<\/strong> to Piraeus<\/strong> (Athens’ main seaport) twice weekly<\/strong>, typically Saturday and Sunday. The journey takes approximately 17\u201327 hours<\/strong> and tickets cost \u20ac94\u2013600<\/strong> depending on class (deck passage, seat, cabin, or luxury cabin).<\/p>\n

Blue Star Ferries: Schedule and Tickets<\/h3>\n

Sailings can be checked and booked at bluestarferries.com<\/strong>. The route is seasonal in frequency – summer months (June\u2013September) offer more departures than winter. The ferry is the only option that allows travellers to bring a private car or motorcycle<\/strong> between Thessaloniki and Athens by sea, which can be a cost-effective solution for families or anyone relocating.<\/p>\n

Thessaloniki Port to Piraeus – What to Expect<\/h3>\n

The ferry departs from Thessaloniki commercial port (in the city centre) and arrives at the Port of Piraeus<\/strong>, the largest passenger port in Europe. Piraeus connects to central Athens by Metro Line 1 (green line)<\/strong> – 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.<\/p>\n

Thessaloniki to Athens by Car or Taxi<\/h2>\n

Driving from Thessaloniki to Athens takes 5h 32m<\/strong> along the A1\/E75 motorway<\/strong> – a distance of 469 km (291 miles)<\/strong> – with rental cars from \u20ac50\u2013100\/day<\/strong> and \u20ac20\u201330 in tolls<\/strong> added one-way.<\/p>\n

Driving Route: A1\/E75 Highlights and Stops<\/h3>\n

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

\"Acropolis<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

Taxi Transfer: When It Makes Sense<\/h3>\n

A private taxi from Thessaloniki to Athens covers the 469 km in 5 hours<\/strong> for \u20ac300\u2013400<\/strong>, providing door-to-door service with no schedule constraints. The taxi makes economic sense for groups of 3\u20134 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.<\/p>\n

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get from Thessaloniki to Athens?<\/h2>\n

The cheapest way to travel from Thessaloniki to Athens is by bus<\/strong> (FlixBus from \u20ac14 one-way) or train<\/strong> (Hellenic Train from \u20ac18 second class). Both options cost roughly \u20ac20<\/strong> if booked 7\u201314 days in advance. Flights occasionally drop to similar prices on Ryanair sales, but adding airport transfers (\u20ac20+ on each end) usually makes flying more expensive than bus or train for budget travellers.<\/p>\n

What Is the Fastest Way to Get from Thessaloniki to Athens?<\/h2>\n

The fastest way to get from Thessaloniki to Athens is by plane<\/strong> – 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.<\/p>\n

Is It Safe to Travel from Thessaloniki to Athens?<\/h2>\n

Yes – the A1\/E75 motorway<\/strong> is a well-maintained toll road regularly patrolled by Greek police, Hellenic Train<\/strong> and KTEL\/FlixBus<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n

Is there a train between Thessaloniki and Athens?<\/h3>\n

Yes – Hellenic Train<\/strong> operates 4 daily Intercity (IC) trains<\/strong> between Thessaloniki Central Station and Athens Larissa Station. The journey takes 5 hours 9 minutes<\/strong>, tickets cost \u20ac18\u201335<\/strong>, and reservations can be made at hellenictrain.gr.<\/p>\n

How far is Thessaloniki to Athens?<\/h3>\n

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

How long does it take to get from Thessaloniki to Athens?<\/h3>\n

The journey takes 50 minutes<\/strong> by plane, 5h 9m<\/strong> by Hellenic Train, 5h 32m<\/strong> by car (469 km via A1), 5h 45m<\/strong> by direct bus (KTEL or FlixBus), and 17\u201327 hours<\/strong> by Blue Star Ferries to Piraeus.<\/p>\n

Is it easy to get from Thessaloniki to Athens?<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

What are the tours from Thessaloniki to Athens?<\/h3>\n

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 \u20ac80 ($87.2, \u00a369.6) to \u20ac120 ($130.8, \u00a3104.4) 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<\/a>. 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 \u20ac300 ($327, \u00a3261) to \u20ac600 ($654, \u00a3522) 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 \u20ac30 ($32.7, \u00a326.1) to \u20ac50 ($54.5, \u00a343.5) per person.<\/p>\n

What are the best Restaurants in Thessaloniki and Athens?<\/h3>\n

Listed below are the best Restaurants in Thessaloniki<\/a> and Athens:<\/p>\n