The distance between Athens and Thessaloniki is around 348km (217 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 2h 20m.
We've found 4 different ways to get from Athens to Thessaloniki by train, bus, car and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Thessaloniki → Athens if you're planning a return trip.
Fly from Athens (ATH) to Thessaloniki (SKG).
Sky Express
+ 1 othersTake the train to Thessaloniki.
Take the bus to Thessaloniki Monastiriou.
KTEL Thessalonikis
+ 3 othersThere are several options for getting from Athens to Thessaloniki by train, bus, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around €11 ($11) and will take around 4h 15m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 2h 20m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately €63 ($63).
The distance between Athens and Thessaloniki is around 348km (217 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 303km (188 miles)
It takes around 4h 15m to get from Athens and Thessaloniki by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 4h 60m to drive there.
The quickest way to get from Athens to Thessaloniki is to fly which takes around 2h 20m and will set you back approx €63 ($63).
The cheapest way to travel between Athens and Thessaloniki, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around €11 ($11) for a standard one-way ticket.
Yes there is a train service that runs between Athens and Thessaloniki. It typically takes around 4h 15m and departs every 4 hours.
Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Athens and Thessaloniki with no changeovers required. The train runs every 4 hours and takes 4h 15m.
Hellenic Railways Organisation (OSE) run train services between Athens and Thessaloniki. Trains depart every 4 hours and will take around 4h 15m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.
Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Athens and Thessaloniki. It typically takes around 5h 45m and departs every 3 hours.
Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Athens and Thessaloniki with no changeovers required. The bus runs every 3 hours and takes 5h 45m.
KTEL Thessalonikis run regular bus services between Athens and Thessaloniki. Buses run every 3 hours and take around 5h 45m on average but will vary depending on you book with.
Yes you can fly from Athens and Thessaloniki. Flights depart from Athens (ATH) and arrive at Thessaloniki (SKG). The flight takes around 55min.
Yes there is a direct flight between Athens and Thessaloniki with no stop-overs required. Flights typically take around 55min.
Sky Express and Aegean Airlines fly between Athens and Thessaloniki. Flights depart from Athens (ATH) and and arrive into Thessaloniki (SKG). These flights usually take around 55min.
The flight from Athens to Thessaloniki typically takes around 55min. Flights depart from Athens (ATH) and and arrive into Thessaloniki (SKG).
The closest major airport to Thessaloniki is Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) (SKG) which is approximately 14km (8 miles) from Thessaloniki. Kozani National Airport (KZI) (KZI) and Kavala International Airport (KVA) (KVA) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Yes it is possible to drive from Athens and Thessaloniki. The distance is around 498km (310 miles) by road and it will take around 4h 60m in normal traffic conditons.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Athens to Thessaloniki is to take the train which takes, on average, 4h 15m and will usually cost around €11 ($11).
Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fly | 2h 20m | €63($63) | every 30 mins | 348km (217 miles) |
Train | 4h 15m | €11($11) | every 4 hours | 538km (334 miles) |
Bus | 5h 45m | €44($44) | hourly | 497km (309 miles) |
Drive | 4h 60m | €75($75) | on demand | 498km (310 miles) |
KTEL Thessalonikis
Citylines
Tourist Service Holding AD
Union Ivkoni
Sky Express
Aegean Airlines
The following major airports near Thessaloniki offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Greece and internationally.