- Must visit
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
The city’s main archaeological museum, presenting Macedonian gold, sculpture, pottery, and finds from ancient Thessaloniki.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Athens to Thessaloniki
Showing times and prices for 25 Aug
Cheapest price
£18
Average price
£18
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Athens to Thessaloniki will cost around £18 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £18.
Fast trains
Of the 2 trains that leave Athens for Thessaloniki every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These 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 .
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.
6:585h12Athens12:10Thessaloniki£181One-way0 changes- 17:585h12Athens23:10Thessaloniki£181One-way0 changes
- 6:585h12Athens12:10Thessaloniki£181One-way0 changes
- 17:585h12Athens23:10Thessaloniki£181One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach, 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 £18. 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 £18, and a ferry costs an average of £85.
Distance: 303 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Ferry | Coach |
|---|---|---|---|
£18 Average Price Cheapest | £74 Average Price | £87 Average Price | £36 Average Price |
5h 42m Average total duration 5h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 32m Average total duration Fastest 1h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 17h 40m Average total duration 16h 40m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 5h 56m Average total duration 5h 26m 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 tomorrow, Tuesday 25 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:58 Athens | 5h12 | 12:10 Thessaloniki | 0 changesdirect | |
| 17:58 Athens | 5h12 | 23:10 Thessaloniki | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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Compare prices and tickets Athens to Thessaloniki by train, coach, ferry or flight
Compare train, coach, 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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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 £18 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 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 303 km |
Average train duration 5h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 12m |
First train 6:58 |
Last train 17:58 |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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 £18. 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
£18
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
A rich survey of Byzantine art and daily life, with icons, mosaics, textiles, and thoughtfully curated permanent galleries.
- Recommended
Museum of the White Tower
A compact museum inside the White Tower tracing Thessaloniki’s urban history through multimedia and historical displays.
- Must visit
Nea Paralia
The city’s landmark seafront promenade, ideal for walking or cycling with sculpture, gardens, and open views across the bay.
- Must visit
Aristotelous Square
A lively central square by the sea, framed by notable architecture and often used as the starting point for exploring the centre.
- Recommended
Ano Poli
The old upper town with Ottoman and Macedonian houses, quiet lanes, small squares, and some of the best city viewpoints.
Moussaka
Layered baked dish of aubergine, minced meat and béchamel. A Greek classic widely loved in Thessaloniki tavernas and homes.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Koulouri Thessalonikis
Sesame-crusted bread ring sold by street vendors and bakeries. It is Thessaloniki’s signature grab-and-go breakfast snack.
- Gluten-free
Patsas
Rich slow-cooked tripe soup with garlic, vinegar and paprika. Traditionally eaten late at night and linked to northern Greek food culture.
Bantis
Long-running pastry shop famed for bougatsa, savoury pies and Thessaloniki breakfast classics in a busy casual atmosphere.
Full tou Meze
Historic central taverna known for meze, seafood and classic Macedonian dishes in a lively old-school setting.
Elenidis
Popular sweet shop and café best known for trigona panoramatos, profiteroles and classic Greek desserts.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Greece: rooms, tavernas and buses are usually cheaper than Athens and many Western European city breaks.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for street food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants. Round up taxi fares; leave small change in cafés.
FAQs: Athens to Thessaloniki train
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Athens to Thessaloniki can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £18, while the average price tends to be around £18.
The train from Athens to Thessaloniki takes 5h 12m and runs once a day.
The train distance from Athens to Thessaloniki is 303 km.
The first train from Athens to Thessaloniki leaves at 6:58.
The last train from Athens to Thessaloniki departs at 17:58.
Trains from Athens to Thessaloniki run approximately 1 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Athens to Thessaloniki.
Yes, there is a direct train between Athens and Thessaloniki. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Hellenic Train S.A..
To get from Athens to Thessaloniki, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach, ferry and flight.
There is no night train service from Athens to Thessaloniki.
The cheapest way to get from Athens to Thessaloniki is by train, costing approximately £18.
Booking trains from Athens to Thessaloniki in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Athens to Thessaloniki is quite scenic, offering travellers views of picturesque landscapes, including lush countryside, coastal stretches, and glimpses of Mount Olympus.
A day trip from Athens to Thessaloniki is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 12m and trains run 3 times per day over a distance of 303 km.
In Thessaloniki, you can explore the Museum of Byzantine Culture to see Byzantine art and artifacts, wander through vibrant local markets for a taste of Greek culture and cuisine, and enjoy performances at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall. Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront promenade and experience the lively nightlife in the Ladadika district. Best sights include the White Tower of Thessaloniki, the Rotunda of Galerius, Aristotelous Square, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and Ano Poli for its traditional architecture and stunning views.
Typically, spending two to three days in Thessaloniki allows travellers to explore its main attractions, enjoy the local cuisine, and experience the vibrant culture.
Yes, you can take the train from Athens to Thessaloniki.
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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