Best option from Thessaloniki to Athens: Flight — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 0h 45min, from €36. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 4, 2026): KTEL Thessaloniki, Hellenic Train; main departure point: Thessaloniki KTEL Monastiriou.
There are 3 ways to get from Thessaloniki to Athens
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 4, 2026 for a departure on November 25, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hellenic Train | Train | Thessaloniki | €51 | 2 |
| KTEL Thessaloniki | Bus | Thessaloniki KTEL Monastiriou | €57 | 18 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
If you plan to continue to the islands, summer ferries can sell out. Lock in your Thessaloniki–Athens ticket early so your arrival fits a ferry you have already booked, with a comfortable margin.
Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio are far apart and serve different islands. Confirm the departure port on your ferry ticket before choosing your train, coach or flight arrival time in Athens.
Do not book a ferry the same day on a tight schedule. A delayed train or coach could make you miss the boat, so arrive in Athens the day before when you can.
The train drops you in Athens close to the metro network, which makes onward travel to Piraeus easy and avoids the traffic that can slow coaches on the approach to the city.
A flight suits tight itineraries, especially before a long-haul departure or an early island ferry. Remember to allow for airport transfers, baggage rules and check-in at both ends.
The journey experience
Getting from Thessaloniki to Athens is one of the easiest long legs in Greece, because there is no ferry to worry about: you simply choose between train, coach and plane. The comparison table on this page puts duration, price range and frequency side by side, so you can see at a glance which option suits your day and your budget.
The Hellenic Train service runs between Thessaloniki station and Athens Central station. It is comfortable, with room for luggage, a café car on many services and views of Mount Olympus and the Thessalian plain. KTEL coaches reach Athens from Thessaloniki's long-distance bus terminal and suit travellers who want a simple, flexible option. Flying is the fastest choice by far and works well if you are connecting to an onward flight or are short on time, though you must add airport transfers and check-in time.
Our advice: pick the train if you like a scenic, relaxed journey and want to arrive in central Athens. Choose the plane when time matters most. Keep the coach as your backup. Unlike island ferries, these links run year-round and are rarely disrupted by wind, so you can book with confidence, ideally a few days ahead in high season, and use the booking button for instant confirmation. Remember that if your next step is an island ferry, check whether it leaves from Piraeus, Rafina or Lavrio before you plan your arrival.
Frequently asked questions — Thessaloniki → Athens
It depends on your priority. The plane is fastest, at around 45 minutes to 55 minutes in the air. The Hellenic Train is the most comfortable and scenic option, arriving in central Athens. The KTEL coach is the slowest but simple and flexible. For most independent travellers, the train offers the best balance.
By plane, the flight takes about 45 minutes to 55 minutes. The Hellenic Train takes roughly 4 h 55 to 6 h, depending on the service. The KTEL coach takes about 7 h to 8 h. Remember to add transfer and check-in time if you fly, which narrows the gap with the train.
Flights start from €36 and typically go up to €55. Hellenic Train tickets start from €51, typically up to €52. KTEL coach tickets start from €57, typically up to €58. Prices vary with the date and how early you book, so compare the options in the table and book ahead.
Hellenic Train services leave from Thessaloniki railway station, the city's main station, and arrive at Athens Central station. Arrive a little early to find your platform and board with your luggage. The coach and the flight use different departure points, so check your ticket before travelling.
No, you can travel by train, coach or plane on this route, so you avoid ferry timetables and wind-related cancellations. A ferry only becomes relevant if you continue from Athens to an island, in which case check whether it leaves from Piraeus, Rafina or Lavrio.
Why visit Athens?
- ✓ Explore the Acropolis and the Parthenon at opening time to beat the crowds and the midday heat
- ✓ Wander the Acropolis Museum, with its glass floors over active excavations and the Parthenon Gallery
- ✓ Get lost in the Plaka and Anafiotika alleys, a whitewashed island-style village below the Acropolis
- ✓ Taste souvlaki, loukoumades and fresh produce at the Varvakios Central Market and in Psyrri tavernas
- ✓ Watch the sunset from Lycabettus Hill or take a half-day trip to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
When to visit Athens?
MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
April to June and September to October — warm, sunny days, fewer crowds and no extreme summer heat
What to do in Athens?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Athens?
Allow 3 days to cover Athens properly: day one for the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum and Plaka; day two for the Ancient Agora, Monastiraki, Thissio and the National Archaeological Museum; day three for a day trip to Cape Sounion or the Saronic islands. With only 2 days, skip the day trip and start at the Acropolis at opening time to beat the heat and the crowds. With 4 or 5 days, add Delphi or Nafplio.
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