- Must visit
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
Major museum presenting finds from ancient Macedonia, including gold, sculpture, and everyday objects. One of the city’s essential cultural visits.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Athens to Thessaloniki
Showing times and prices for May 27
Cheapest price
$50
Average price
$50
Fastest journey
5 h
Average duration
5 h 21 m
Buses per day
9
Distance
303 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Athens to Thessaloniki is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Athens to Thessaloniki will cost around $50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.
Fast buses
Of the 9 buses that leave Athens for Thessaloniki on Wed, May 27, 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 27 the direct buses cover the 303 km distance in an average of 5 h 21 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h .
On Wed, May 27 the slowest buses will take 5 h 30 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
12:00 AM5h00Athens5:00 AMThessaloniki$501One-way0 transfers- 7:15 AM5h30Athens12:45 PMThessaloniki$501One-way0 transfers
- 10:00 AM5h30Athens3:30 PMThessaloniki$501One-way0 transfers
- 12:00 PM5h30Athens5:30 PMThessaloniki$501One-way0 transfers
- 1:30 PM5h30Athens7:00 PMThessaloniki$501One-way0 transfers
- 12:00 AM5h00Athens5:00 AMThessaloniki$501One-way0 transfers
- 11:15 PM5h15Athens4:30 AMThessaloniki$501One-way0 transfers
- 7:15 AM5h30Athens12:45 PMThessaloniki$501One-way0 transfers
- 10:00 AM5h30Athens3:30 PMThessaloniki$501One-way0 transfers
- 12:00 PM5h30Athens5:30 PMThessaloniki$501One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, ferry, and flight for Athens to Thessaloniki
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Athens to Thessaloniki among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 32m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $25, and a flight costs an average of $69.
Distance: 188 miles (303 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Ferry | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$50 Average price | $129 Average price | $125 Average price | $25 Average price Cheapest | $159 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 45m Average total duration 6h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 32m Average total duration Fastest 1h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 18h 17m Average total duration 17h 17m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 5h 42m Average total duration 5h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Athens to Thessaloniki is a train with an average price of $25 (€20).
This is compared to other travel options from Athens to Thessaloniki:
A train is $25 (€20) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Athens to Thessaloniki costing on average $50 (€40).
A train is $100 (€81) less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Athens to Thessaloniki costing on average $125 (€101).
A train is $104 (€84) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Athens to Thessaloniki costing on average $129 (€104).
The fastest way to travel from Athens to Thessaloniki is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 32m.
Other travel options to Thessaloniki take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 12m.
Bus takes on average 6h 15m.
Ferry takes on average 17h 17m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 4 ways to travel between Athens and Thessaloniki including taking a train, bus, ferry, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Athens to Thessaloniki among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $50 (€40) compared to roughly $159 (€128) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $109 (€88). The journey takes 6h 15m versus 5h 23m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by KTEL Thessalonikis.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Athens to Thessaloniki Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator KTEL Thessalonikis | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator KTEL Thessalonikis | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator KTEL Thessalonikis | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator KTEL Thessalonikis | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator KTEL Thessalonikis | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator KTEL Thessalonikis | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator KTEL Thessalonikis | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator KTEL Thessalonikis | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator KTEL Thessalonikis | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $50 |
Live departures
Athens to Thessaloniki bus times
The table below shows live departures for Athens to Thessaloniki buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, May 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 AM Athens | 5h00 | 5:00 AM Thessaloniki | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:15 AM Athens | 5h30 | 12:45 PM Thessaloniki | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:00 AM Athens | 5h30 | 3:30 PM Thessaloniki | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 12:00 PM Athens | 5h30 | 5:30 PM Thessaloniki | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1:30 PM Athens | 5h30 | 7:00 PM Thessaloniki | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:00 PM Athens | 5h30 | 8:30 PM Thessaloniki | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:30 PM Athens | 5h30 | 10:00 PM Thessaloniki | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:00 PM Athens | 5h30 | 11:30 PM Thessaloniki | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 11:15 PM Athens | 5h15 | 4:30 AM Thessaloniki | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Athens to Thessaloniki by train, bus, ferry, or flight
Compare train, bus, ferry, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book Athens to Thessaloniki buses with Omio?
Infobus as well as KTEL Thessalonikis offer buses services from Athens to Thessaloniki.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Infobus tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Infobus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Infobus, but also compare tickets for the likes of KTEL Thessalonikis to find the best option for your trip from Athens to Thessaloniki.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Infobus with all available travel options, which are train, bus, ferry and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Athens to Thessaloniki.
Why book with Omio over Busbud or Checkmybus?
- Official reseller: Infobus tickets can only be bought on Omio or Infobus's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Infobus tickets. Busbud or Checkmybus do not sell Infobus tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus, ferry and flight to find the ideal travel option from Athens to Thessaloniki.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Athens to Thessaloniki
GreeceGreece
Buses from Athens to Thessaloniki run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $50 (€40) but you can travel from only $25 (€20) by train.
There are 8 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:00, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 188 miles (303 km) distance in 5h 0m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $25 (€20)
Distance 188 miles (303 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $50 (€40) |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 8 |
Fastest bus 5h 0m |
First bus 12:00 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $25 (€20)
Bus providers: Infobus, KTEL Thessalonikis from Athens to ThessalonikiYou can travel by bus between Athens to Thessaloniki with Infobus, KTEL Thessalonikis for as low as $25 (€20). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Infobus
About
Infobus is an international IT company that operates as an online service for finding and purchasing bus, train, and plane tickets, rather than being a bus company itself. Established in 2002, Infobus acts as an intermediary between passengers and various transport carriers, particularly helping smaller bus companies offer online booking services. They utilize their own "BusSystem" to manage routes and ticket sales globally. Infobus covers over 30 countries and 300 cities, offering a wide range of routes and daily departures. While amenities can vary by carrier, Infobus aims to provide affordable and convenient travel with features like online booking, 24/7 support, and prompt notifications.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; may require prior reservation and an additional fee.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets may require a separate ticket.
KTEL Thessalonikis
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 0m
Cheapest Price
$50 (€40)
KTEL Thessalonikis frequency
8 a day
Complete guide to Thessaloniki
Things to do in Thessaloniki
Discover the best of Thessaloniki — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Thessaloniki trip today.
- Must visit
Museum of Byzantine Culture
Excellent museum covering Thessaloniki’s Byzantine heritage through icons, mosaics, tombs, and artifacts. Thoughtful displays make it valuable even for non-specialists.
- Recommended
MOMus-Museum of Contemporary Art
Contemporary art museum known for Greek and international modern works and rotating exhibitions. A strong choice for visitors seeking art beyond archaeology.
- Must visit
Nea Paralia
Long redesigned waterfront promenade popular for walking, cycling, sunsets, and sea views. One of the city’s most loved public spaces.
- Must visit
Ano Poli
Thessaloniki’s old upper-town neighborhood, known for traditional houses, narrow lanes, and sweeping views. Excellent for wandering and photography.
- Must visit
Aristotelous Square
The city’s grand central square, opening toward the sea and framed by monumental buildings. A natural starting point for sightseeing.
- Vegetarian
Bougatsa
A famous Thessaloniki breakfast pastry made with flaky phyllo and filled with custard, cheese, or minced meat. The sweet custard version dusted with cinnamon and sugar is especially iconic in the city
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Koulouri Thessalonikis
The city’s signature sesame bread ring, sold by street vendors and bakeries since Ottoman times. It is simple, affordable, and strongly associated with everyday life in Thessaloniki
- Vegetarian
Trigona Panoramatos
Crisp triangular phyllo pastries filled with rich cream, originating from the Panorama area of Thessaloniki. They are among the city’s most beloved sweets
Sebriko
A well-known modern Greek restaurant with creative small plates, good wine, and a stylish but relaxed atmosphere near the center
7 Thalasses
An established seafood restaurant known for polished service, fresh fish, and classic Greek maritime dishes in an elegant setting
Mourga
A highly regarded restaurant focusing on seasonal Greek cooking and excellent seafood, popular for its inventive flavors and lively atmosphere
Euro
Moderate by Southern European standards. Food and local transport are reasonable, while central hotels and summer stays cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for souvlaki, bakery food, or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- EUR 18-35 per person at a casual sit-down restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 50-90 per person at upscale restaurants, more with wine.
- Coffee
- EUR 2.50-4.50 for espresso or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included, but rounding up is common. Leave 5-10% at restaurants for good service, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff EUR 1-2 if helpful.
Moovit
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 0.90 EUR
- Day pass
- 4.50 EUR
To the city center
Thessaloniki, Monastiriou - KTEL -> Aristotelous Square, Thessaloniki
- Distance
- 4 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Validate your ticket immediately after boarding buses to avoid fines.
- Card payment availability on buses is limited, so carry cash or buy tickets in advance.
FAQs: Bus from Athens to Thessaloniki
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Athens to Thessaloniki by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Thessaloniki, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Athens to Thessaloniki can start from as little as $50 (€40) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Athens to Thessaloniki is $50 (€40) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Athens to Thessaloniki is 5h 0m to travel the 188 miles (303 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Athens to Thessaloniki leaves at 12:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Athens to Thessaloniki leaves at 11:15 PM.
Yes, there are 8 direct buses a day from Athens to Thessaloniki with KTEL Thessalonikis. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Athens to Thessaloniki, you can count on Infobus, KTEL Thessalonikis for the best way to get you to Thessaloniki. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Athens and Thessaloniki and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Thessaloniki from Athens is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 4 ways to travel between Athens and Thessaloniki including taking a train, bus, ferry, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Athens to Thessaloniki:
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Athens to Thessaloniki for bus company Infobus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Thessaloniki are:
- White Tower of Thessaloniki, a historic monument and museum offering panoramic views of the city and the sea
- Rotunda of Galerius, an ancient Roman structure originally intended as a mausoleum, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Aristotelous Square, the main city square known for its impressive architecture and vibrant atmosphere
- Church of Agios Dimitrios, the largest church in Greece dedicated to the city's patron saint, featuring beautiful mosaics
- Ano Poli, the old town area with traditional architecture, narrow streets, and stunning views of Thessaloniki.
The best things to do in Thessaloniki include:
- Museum of Byzantine Culture, a comprehensive museum showcasing Byzantine art and artifacts
- Explore the vibrant local markets, offering a taste of authentic Greek culture and cuisine
- Visit the Thessaloniki Concert Hall for a cultural experience with music and performances
- Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Thessaloniki waterfront promenade
- Discover the local nightlife in the Ladadika district, known for its lively bars and restaurants.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Athens to Thessaloniki depends on the bus companies:
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Infobus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Athens to Thessaloniki.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Athens to Thessaloniki:
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Athens to Thessaloniki:
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Athens to Thessaloniki. The following conditions apply:
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets may require a separate ticket.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Athens to Thessaloniki with the following bus company: Infobus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Athens to Thessaloniki with the following bus company: Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Athens to Thessaloniki with the following bus company: Infobus.
Since both Athens and Thessaloniki are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Athens to Thessaloniki among Omio's users.
Greece uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cash is often preferred in smaller shops, local markets, and remote areas, while cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, and larger establishments.
In Thessaloniki, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, public transportation, and popular tourist sites. Scams involving overpriced taxis or unlicensed drivers are common, so using official taxi services or pre-booked transportation is advised. Travelers should also be alert to distraction techniques used by scammers in busy spots. Overall, maintaining awareness of belongings and using reputable transportation options helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular bus connections from Athens
More options for your journey from Athens to Thessaloniki
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Thessaloniki and Athens
Most popular bus connections to Thessaloniki
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