4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Athens to Thessaloniki
Cheapest price
$25
Average price
$25
Fastest journey
5 h 12 m
Average duration
5 h 12 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
303 km
The best way to find a cheap train 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 $25 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
Of the 2 trains that leave Athens for Thessaloniki on Tue, Apr 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Apr 21 the direct trains cover the 303 km distance in an average of 5 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 12 m .
On Tue, Apr 21 the slowest trains will take 5 h 12 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.
6:58 AM5h12Athens12:10 PMThessaloniki$251One-way0 transfers- 5:58 PM5h12Athens11:10 PMThessaloniki$251One-way0 transfers
- 6:58 AM5h12Athens12:10 PMThessaloniki$251One-way0 transfers
- 5:58 PM5h12Athens11:10 PMThessaloniki$251One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, flight, and ferry 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 $20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 31m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $20, and a flight costs an average of $64.
Distance: 188 miles (303 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Ferry | Bus |
|---|---|---|---|
$20 Average price Cheapest | $129 Average price | $125 Average price | $50 Average price |
5h 23m Average total duration 4h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 31m Average total duration Fastest 1h 31m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 18h 15m Average total duration 17h 15m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 12h 41m Average total duration 12h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Athens to Thessaloniki train times
The table below shows live departures for Athens to Thessaloniki trains for today, Monday, April 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:58 PM Athens | 5h12 | 11:10 PM Thessaloniki | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, April 21 | |||||
| 6:58 AM Athens | 5h12 | 12:10 PM Thessaloniki | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Athens to Thessaloniki by train, bus, flight, or ferry
Compare train, bus, flight, and ferry 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Athens to Thessaloniki
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Trains from Athens to Thessaloniki run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:58, the last at 17:58. The fastest train covers the 188 miles (303 km) distance in 4h 53m.
Distance 188 miles (303 km) |
Average train duration 4h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 4h 53m |
First train 7:58 AM |
Last train 5:58 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Train companies: Hellenic Train from Athens to Thessaloniki trainsHellenic Train trains will get you between Athens and Thessaloniki from $20 (€16). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Hellenic Train
Discover Greece’s train route to from Athens to Thessaloniki
Board the InterCity from Athens Central Station in the morning or afternoon and enjoy modern coaches with spacious seats, power outlets and onboard Wi-Fi. Find your seat, stow your luggage, and settle in as the train glides out of the city, friendly staff are on hand to help with any questions. This is classic Greek relaxation and hospitality, on the move. As you travel north, the route follows the Thermaic Gulf shoreline before crossing the plains of Central Macedonia and winding into the foothills of Mount Olympus. Panoramic windows frame ever-changing landscapes, from seaside villages and sparkling waters to rolling olive groves and rugged hills, culminating in your arrival at Thessaloniki’s vibrant central station in just over 4 hours. It’s time to stretch your legs as you wander the streets of Greece’s second largest city.
When to Book Your Thessaloniki to Athens Ticket
[Hellenic Train (OSE)](NEEDS PROVIDER PAGE) typically releases tickets 60 days before departure. For the best availability on InterCity and Regional services, book 1–2 months in advance, particularly during summer and holiday periods. Use Omio’s price alerts on the Omio app to catch any promotional offers.
How to Buy Cheap Thessaloniki to Athens Train Tickets
- Travel off-peak. Midweek journeys and non-holiday times offer lower fares.
- Book early. Advance fares start around €20 for standard seats.
- Compare service classes. Economy tickets are cheaper than flexible fares.
- Use rail passes. A Eurail Greece Rail Pass can cover multiple journeys for one price.
- Set price alerts. Enable Omio’s notifications on the Omio app to always find the best deal.
Top Train Routes
| Connection | Duration | From € |
|---|---|---|
| Athens → Larissa | 3 h 22 m | €33 |
| Larissa → Thessaloniki | 1 h 30 m | €8 |
| Athens → Lamia | ~2 h 2 m | €9 |
| Lamia → Thessaloniki | 2 h 50 m | €12 |
Standard Hellenic Train tickets include one carry-on and one checked bag up to 23 kg free of charge. Oversized items may incur additional fees, see our Travel Company Policies for details.
Flexible fares allow free changes up to 24 hours before departure. Advance (non-flex) fares may be changed for a fee (€5–€10) or are non-refundable. Always review fare conditions when booking or see How to change or cancel a ticket.
FAQs: Trains from Athens to Thessaloniki
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Athens to Thessaloniki by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Thessaloniki, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Most popular train 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 trains to and from Thessaloniki and Athens
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