- Must visit
Acropolis Museum
World-class museum for Acropolis finds, with superb archaic sculptures and Parthenon marbles displayed in a striking modern building.
Cheapest price
$50
Average price
$50
Fastest journey
5 h 45 m
Average duration
5 h 45 m
Buses per day
9
Distance
303 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Thessaloniki to Athens is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Thessaloniki to Athens will cost around $50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.
Of the 9 buses that leave Thessaloniki for Athens on Wed, Aug 26, 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 26 the direct buses cover the 303 km distance in an average of 5 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 45 m .
On Wed, Aug 26 the slowest buses will take 5 h 45 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.










Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Thessaloniki to Athens among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the ferry with prices starting from $94. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 59m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of $94, and a flight costs an average of $46.
Distance: 188 miles (303 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Ferry | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$113 Average price | $103 Average price Cheapest | $159 Average price (fuel + tolls) | ||
3h 59m Average total duration Fastest 59m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 28h 27m Average total duration 27h 27m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 5h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) | ||
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Thessaloniki to Athens:
A ferry is $10 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Thessaloniki to Athens costing on average $113.
Other travel options to Athens take longer:
Ferry takes on average 27h 27m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator KTEL Thessalonikis | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator KTEL Thessalonikis | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator KTEL Thessalonikis | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator KTEL Thessalonikis | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator KTEL Thessalonikis | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator KTEL Thessalonikis | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator KTEL Thessalonikis | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator KTEL Thessalonikis | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator KTEL Thessalonikis | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
The table below shows live departures for Thessaloniki to Athens buses for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:15 AM Thessaloniki | 5h45 | 4:00 PM Athens | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:15 PM Thessaloniki | 5h45 | 6:00 PM Athens | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:45 PM Thessaloniki | 5h45 | 7:30 PM Athens | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:15 PM Thessaloniki | 5h45 | 9:00 PM Athens | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:45 PM Thessaloniki | 5h45 | 10:30 PM Athens | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:15 PM Thessaloniki | 5h45 | 12:00 AM Athens | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:15 PM Thessaloniki | 5h45 | 5:00 AM Athens | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, August 26 | |||||
![]() | 12:15 AM Thessaloniki | 5h45 | 6:00 AM Athens | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:15 AM Thessaloniki | 5h45 | 1:00 PM Athens | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Take a bus from Thessaloniki to Athens and enjoy the approximately 188 miles (303 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:15.
Distance 188 miles (303 km) |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Discover the best of Athens — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Athens trip today.
World-class museum for Acropolis finds, with superb archaic sculptures and Parthenon marbles displayed in a striking modern building.
Greece’s premier archaeology museum, spanning prehistory to late antiquity. Essential for masterpieces from across the country.
Outstanding museum of Cycladic art and ancient Greek culture. Known for elegant figurines and thoughtful contemporary presentation.
Athens’ oldest neighborhood charms with neoclassical houses, lanes, and easy access to major ancient sites and traditional atmosphere.
Busy square and market district known for street life, shopping, and strong transport links. Ideal for feeling the city’s energy.
Central ceremonial square before Parliament. A practical hub for visitors and a prime place to watch the guard-changing ritual.
Moussaka is a baked casserole of eggplant, minced meat, potato, and béchamel, iconic in Greek home cooking and tavern menus.
Souvlaki is grilled skewered pork or chicken, a classic Athens street food, usually served with pita, onions, and tzatziki.
Spanakopita is a flaky pie filled with spinach, herbs, and feta, a beloved everyday snack found in bakeries across Athens.
Michelin-starred restaurant offering refined modern Greek cuisine and Acropolis views in an elegant setting.
Long-standing Psiri taverna serving classic Greek dishes, live music, and a warm traditional atmosphere.
Historic central market taverna known for grilled meats and traditional meze in a lively, old Athens setting.
Moderate for Europe; hotels in peak season rise, but dining and transit stay fairly reasonable for tourists.
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants, round taxi fares up, and leave small change at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Thessaloniki to Athens 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 Athens, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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