- Must visit
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
The city’s leading archaeology museum, presenting Macedonian gold, sculpture, and finds that explain Thessaloniki’s ancient history.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Athens to Thessaloniki
Showing times and prices for Jul 22
Cheapest price
$24
Average price
$24
Fastest journey
5 h 12 m
Average duration
5 h 12 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
303 km
Cheap tickets
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 $24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $24.
Fast trains
Of the 2 trains that leave Athens for Thessaloniki on Wed, Jul 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 22 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 Wed, Jul 22 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$241One-way0 transfers- 5:58 PM5h12Athens11:10 PMThessaloniki$241One-way0 transfers
- 6:58 AM5h12Athens12:10 PMThessaloniki$241One-way0 transfers
- 5:58 PM5h12Athens11:10 PMThessaloniki$241One-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 $24. 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 $24, and a flight costs an average of $68.
Distance: 188 miles (303 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Ferry | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$24 Average price Cheapest | $126 Average price | $122 Average price | $49 Average price | $156 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 42m Average total duration 5h 12m 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* | 6h 45m Average total duration 6h 15m 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 $24 (€20).
This is compared to other travel options from Athens to Thessaloniki:
A train is $24 (€20) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Athens to Thessaloniki costing on average $49 (€40).
A train is $98 (€81) less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Athens to Thessaloniki costing on average $122 (€101).
A train is $102 (€84) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Athens to Thessaloniki costing on average $126 (€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 train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 11m faster (5h 12m by train vs 5h 23m by car) and roughly $131 (€108) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($24 (€20) vs $156 (€128)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Hellenic Train S.A..
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Athens to Thessaloniki train times
The table below shows live departures for Athens to Thessaloniki trains for today, Tuesday, July 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:58 AM Athens | 5h12 | 12:10 PM Thessaloniki | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:58 PM Athens | 5h12 | 11:10 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, 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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Athens to Thessaloniki by trainAthens to Thessaloniki by Train: Crossing Greece by InterCity
By Estefanía Ojea
Estefanía OjeaContent Editor and Travel Writer
Estefanía Ojea is a content editor and travel writer who has been working in digital writing since 2011 and focusing on travel content since 2020. Based in Galicia, Spain, she enjoys exploring cities slowly and seeking out unusual places such as historic cemeteries, curious churches, and the occasional slightly macabre landmark. She is particularly fond of train travel as a way to discover new destinations across Europe.
I traveled from Athens to Thessaloniki by train for my first proper journey since the long period of pandemic-related lockdowns. I had spent a few days in Athens and then decided to head north instead of flying. It had been a long time since I had last traveled anywhere, and the thought of crossing the country slowly by train was the right thing to do. I booked my ticket via Omio and selected the InterCity train, which travels directly from Athens to Thessaloniki. While it takes a bit longer to get to Thessaloniki when compared to a flight, the experience of looking out the window and observing the changing landscape from mainland Greece was actually a good thing.
Thessaloniki street with basket shop
Route overview
The railway from Athens to Thessaloniki stretches over approximately 300 kilometers and connects the two largest cities in Greece. Trains that connect the two cities are called InterCity, and the service runs multiple times a day. The ride from Athens to Thessaloniki takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours. The trains head north from Athens through the center of Greece and into the northern region of Macedonia, where Thessaloniki is located. As the train travels from Athens to Thessaloniki, the scenery outside the windows changes significantly from the outskirts of Athens into the plains and mountains of the countryside.
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.
Departure station
Athens Central Railway Station, also called Larissa Station, is the central railway station in Athens. It is linked to the Athens Metro system, so access from most Athens neighborhoods is not too difficult. It is quite compact compared to other major railway stations in Europe, and getting around the station was no problem. I was there a bit ahead of time, bought a coffee at the station, and waited at the platform until the boarding started.
Arrival station
The train station is Thessaloniki Railway Station, the major railway station in the north of Greece. It is quite simple to get from there into the center using public transport or a taxi. Once I had arrived, I continued into the center of Thessaloniki using the metro line 1. The connection from the station was simple, and the ride was short. The price for a ticket from the station into the city was approximately €0.60. After having spent some hours on the train, the change from Athens to Thessaloniki was quite noticeable. The atmosphere in the center is rather laid back, and soon enough, you start walking in the direction of the waterfront, where most of the action in the city seems to take place.
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:
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €45 |
| Food & drinks | €4 |
| Travel to departure station | €1.20 |
| Travel from arrival station | €2 |
| Total | € 52.2 |
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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Athens to Thessaloniki
GreeceGreece
Trains from Athens to Thessaloniki run on average 1 times per day, taking around 5h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:58, the last at 17:58. The fastest train covers the 188 miles (303 km) distance in 5h 12m.
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
Distance 188 miles (303 km) |
Average train duration 5h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€20) |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 12m |
First train 6:58 AM |
Last train 5:58 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
Train companies: Hellenic Train S.A. from Athens to Thessaloniki trainsHellenic Train S.A. trains will get you between Athens and Thessaloniki from $24 (€20). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Hellenic Train S.A.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 12m
Cheapest Price
$24 (€20)
Hellenic Train S.A. frequency
1 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
Major museum of Byzantine art with icons, mosaics, and everyday objects that illuminate a millennium of regional culture.
- Recommended
Museum of the White Tower
Housed in the White Tower, this museum traces Thessaloniki’s urban story through multimedia displays inside the landmark itself.
- Must visit
Nea Paralia
Signature waterfront promenade stretching along the sea, ideal for walking, cycling, sunset views, and seeing modern Thessaloniki at leisure.
- Must visit
Aristotelous Square
The city’s central square and social heart, opening to the sea and lined with landmark architecture and major public events.
- Must visit
Ano Poli
Historic upper town with traditional houses, winding lanes, and some of the best panoramic views in Thessaloniki.
- Vegetarian
Bougatsa
Bougatsa is a flaky phyllo pastry filled with custard, cheese, or minced meat. Thessaloniki is especially famous for its breakfast bougatsa tradition.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Koulouri Thessalonikis
Koulouri Thessalonikis is a sesame-crusted bread ring sold by street vendors. It is a classic local breakfast snack closely tied to the city's daily food culture.
- Vegetarian
Trigona Panoramatos
Trigona Panoramatos are crisp syrupy phyllo triangles filled with rich custard cream. They originated in the Thessaloniki area and are a beloved local dessert.
Molyvos
Refined modern Greek restaurant known for creative plates, quality seafood, and a polished but relaxed setting in central Thessaloniki.
Bantis
Historic pastry shop famed for classic bougatsa. A must for breakfast or dessert and one of the city's best-known traditional sweet stops.
Palati
Long-standing ladadika taverna serving meze, grilled dishes, and local wine in a lively traditional atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Greece: rooms, meals, and buses are reasonable, with lower dining and transit costs than many Western European city breaks.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or street food.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants for good service; round up taxi fares; small change is fine at cafes.
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.
Train ticket prices from Athens to Thessaloniki can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $24 (€20), while the average price is around $24 (€20).
The train from Athens to Thessaloniki runs once a day and takes approximately 5h 12m.
The distance by train from Athens to Thessaloniki is 188 miles (303 km).
The first train from Athens to Thessaloniki leaves at 6:58 AM.
The last train from Athens to Thessaloniki leaves at 5:58 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Athens to Thessaloniki.
Yes, there is a direct train from Athens to Thessaloniki. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Hellenic Train S.A..
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Athens to Thessaloniki.
The cheapest way to get from Athens to Thessaloniki is by train, with a cost of around $24 (€20).
The train journey from Athens to Thessaloniki is considered scenic, offering views of the Greek countryside, including rolling hills, traditional villages, and the stunning landscape near Mount Olympus.
A day trip from Athens to Thessaloniki is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 12m. Trains run 3 times per day over a distance of 188 miles (303 km).
In Thessaloniki, you can explore the Museum of Byzantine Culture to see Byzantine art and artifacts, visit the Thessaloniki Concert Hall for music and performances, and enjoy the vibrant local markets. For sightseeing, the White Tower offers panoramic views, while the Rotunda of Galerius and the Church of Agios Dimitrios provide historical insights. Stroll along the waterfront promenade, discover the nightlife in the lively Ladadika district, and explore the old town area of Ano Poli for stunning views and traditional architecture. Don't miss Aristotelous Square for its impressive architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
Three days in Thessaloniki is ideal to explore its rich history, vibrant culture, and enjoy local cuisine.
Yes, you can take the train from Athens to Thessaloniki.
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.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
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 train connections from Athens
More options for your journey from Athens to Thessaloniki
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Most popular trains to and from Thessaloniki and Athens
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