Athens to Thessaloniki train

Transportation experience

I took the train from Athens Central Railway Station, or Larissa Station. The InterCity train is designed for longer journeys and therefore has a relaxed atmosphere as people are settling in for a long journey. As the train left Athens, the scenery gradually changed from the city to the countryside. The countryside is made up of fields and small towns, and the pace of the train is slower and more relaxed. A section of the route that I recall is the section just south of the city of Larissa, where the old railway line used to wind its way up a steep escarpment above the Thessalian plains. Even though the journey has been reduced by the new upgrade, the views of the plains and mountains in the distance are quite spectacular as the train heads north.

Schedule & frequency

Trains operated by InterCity connect Athens and Thessaloniki daily, though the number of these trains is not as high as in other routes. Most of these trains operate directly to these two cities, and it takes about four to five hours to cover the distance, depending on the type of train. As these trains operate throughout the day, it is advisable to check in advance when planning to take this train.

Onboard experience & services

The type of InterCity trains used for this route are suitable for long journeys. The seats are spacious, and there was ample room for legs. Large windows have been installed on the sides of the train. This allows for an easy view of the scenery passing by. There was also ample luggage space, and it seemed like most passengers were carrying suitcases for a long journey between the two cities. Most people were engaged in reading, working on their phones, or gazing out of the window while the train was passing through the countryside.

Ticketing advice & budget breakdown

The cost of the ticket will depend on the train and how in advance you are booking, although the route is relatively affordable given the distance. I booked my ticket through Omio, and they made it easy for me to compare the times and book the InterCity train that suited me. Here’s roughly what my travel costs looked like:

Top tips & recommendations

• Book your ticket in advance so that you can select the time you want to travel.
• Arrive at Larissa station a bit early to look at the departure boards.
• If you want to look out the window at the scenery passing through central Greece, book a seat in the window.
• Don’t forget to bring some reading material or download some entertainment for the train ride.
• Plan to arrive early enough to explore the waterfront area in Thessaloniki.

Conclusion

Traveling from Athens to Thessaloniki by train is a long but worthwhile trip through Greece. The InterCity service provides a pleasant way of moving from Athens to Thessaloniki and vice versa, passing through various parts of the Greek mainland that would not be seen if you chose to fly. For me, the trip was memorable because it was the first trip after the pandemic. Seeing the Greek countryside from the train window was like the start of the return of travel to normal.