Checked offer from Thessaloniki to Katerini: Bus (KTEL), about 1h, from €8. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 4, 2026): KTEL Pierias; main departure point: Thessaloniki Macedonia.
One option to get from Thessaloniki to Katerini
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KTEL Pierias | Bus | Thessaloniki Macedonia | €8 | 1 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
Unlike summer island ferries that sell out, this coach rarely fills up weeks ahead. Still, in peak season and on Friday or Sunday evenings, booking online beforehand guarantees your seat and saves queuing at the station.
Thessaloniki has more than one bus station, just as Athens has several ports. Always check the departure point on your ticket, and head to the one serving Pieria and Katerini before leaving your hotel.
Allow extra time to find the right bay, load your bag in the hold and keep a small day bag with you. Bay numbers can change at short notice, so listen for announcements or ask staff.
If you're heading to Olympus, Litochoro or Dion, check local coach times from Katerini before you leave. Services can be less frequent than the main intercity line, especially outside summer and on Sundays.
If this coach connects to a ferry, flight or long-distance train, don't book the tightest option. Traffic around Thessaloniki can slow departures, so choose an earlier coach and keep some breathing room.
The journey experience
Getting from Thessaloniki to Katerini is one of the easiest hops in northern Greece, and you don't need to compare ferries, trains and flights here: the KTEL coach is the straightforward answer. Katerini sits on the Pieria coast, south-west of Thessaloniki, and it is a handy base for Mount Olympus, Dion and the beaches of the Olympic Riviera.
The KTEL intercity coach is a comfortable, no-fuss ride. Buses are modern and air-conditioned, with luggage space underneath, so a backpack or suitcase is not a problem. The route follows the main road south, so you simply sit back and watch the Thermaic Gulf and the plains of Pieria go by. Departures are regular through the day, and you can buy your ticket online in advance or at the station, which keeps things simple whether you travel solo, as a couple or with friends.
Unlike Greek island crossings, this trip does not depend on the wind, seasonal ferry schedules or a change on another island, so you are unlikely to be stranded. Check the price and duration shown on this page, pick a departure that suits you and book with instant confirmation. If you plan to continue to Olympus villages or the coast, check the local connections from Katerini's bus station before you travel.
Frequently asked questions — Thessaloniki → Katerini
The KTEL coach from Thessaloniki to Katerini starts from €8, and fares are typically up to €9. It is an affordable way to travel, with no extra supplements for standard luggage. Prices can vary slightly depending on the departure, so check the live fare on this page before booking.
The journey takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes by KTEL coach. Actual time depends on traffic leaving Thessaloniki and on the number of stops made along the way, so allow a little extra margin if you have an onward connection.
The KTEL coach is the option to take: it is cheap, runs regularly and takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes. It drops you in Katerini itself, so you avoid transfers, and you can book online with instant confirmation. It suits solo travellers, couples and groups alike.
Coaches for Pieria and Katerini leave from a KTEL bus station in Thessaloniki. Since the city has more than one station, always confirm the departure point shown on your ticket or booking confirmation, and arrive a little early to find the right bay.
The KTEL coach is a direct intercity service between the two cities, so you stay on the same bus for the whole trip. Only your onward journey from Katerini, for example to Olympus villages or beach resorts, may require a local connection.
Why visit Katerini?
- ✓ Walk the old town of Ano Katerini and its Ottoman-era lanes for a view over the Thermaic Gulf
- ✓ Relax on the long sandy beaches of Paralia Katerini, Olympic Beach and Platamonas
- ✓ Visit the Dion Archaeological Park and its museum, an ancient sanctuary of Zeus at the foot of Mount Olympus
- ✓ Hike the E4 trail through the Enipeas Gorge from Litochoro towards the summit of Mount Olympus
- ✓ Explore the medieval Platamonas Castle and the Byzantine monasteries of Pieria
When to visit Katerini?
MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
June to September — hot, dry and sunny, ideal for the beaches; May and September are quieter for hiking
What to do in Katerini?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Katerini?
Katerini works best as a base for 2 to 4 days. In one day, you can reach the beach at Paralia Katerini or visit the ancient site of Dion; with 3 to 4 days, add Mount Olympus hiking around Litochoro, the Enipeas gorge and the medieval village of Palaios Panteleimonas. Rent a car to link the sites easily, and book accommodation early in July and August.
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