Athens to Thessaloniki: travel options
Approximate direct distance: 303 km • Travel distance depends on the route and transport you choose.
Compare the options
Recorded fares and journey times. Check each operator before booking.
| Transport Mode | Operator | Duration | Price guide | Stations / Airports | Key Booking Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| flight Direct | Regional Operator | About 1h | Check fare |
Dep: Athens International Airport (ATH)
Arr: Thessaloniki Airport (SKG)
|
Roughly one hour on the flight. Compare the full fare with baggage and allow airport time at both ends. |
| train Direct | Regional Operator | About 5h | Check fare |
Dep: Athens railway station (Larissa Station)
Arr: Thessaloniki central railway station
|
Allow roughly five hours for planning; use the actual booked departure and operator notices for the journey time. Reserve a seat for the chosen service. |
Choosing your journey
The train keeps the journey between city stations. A flight can suit an airport connection, but compare the whole trip with baggage and transfers included.
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Take the mainline train for a city-to-city journey
Hellenic Train operates the Athens–Thessaloniki main line. Start with roughly five hours as a planning allowance and use the booked train’s actual duration. Depart from Athens railway station, commonly called Larissa Station, and arrive at Thessaloniki’s central railway station. Reserve the service you intend to use and check operating notices.
Compare the flight from door to door
AEGEAN sells the ATH–SKG journey. The flight itself is roughly an hour, but add airport travel, check-in, security, baggage collection and the final city bus or transfer. If you are already at ATH, that comparison differs from starting in central Athens.
Keep the first evening flexible
A later arrival works best with a room that accepts your check-in time. Check the walk or local connection from the station before reserving. Bring food or buy it before departure rather than building the day around a promised onboard meal. Compare the complete ticket conditions; the lowest advertised flight fare may exclude the bag you need.
Plan the arrival
The Athens guide and Thessaloniki guide explain the local journeys, places to stay and visits. Add the main travel ticket separately to your daily spending plan. The distance above is a straight-line comparison between the city centres; your train, road or flight route can be longer.
