- Must visit
Acropolis Museum
Modern museum presenting Acropolis finds in bright galleries, including sculptures and the Parthenon Gallery with city views.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Thessaloniki to Athens
Showing times and prices for 26 Aug
Cheapest price
£18
Average price
£18
Fastest journey
5 h 8 m
Average duration
5 h 8 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
303 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Thessaloniki to Athens is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Thessaloniki to Athens 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 Thessaloniki for Athens 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 8 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 8 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 8 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.
5:555h08Thessaloniki11:03Athens£181One-way0 changes- 16:495h08Thessaloniki21:57Athens£181One-way0 changes
- 5:555h08Thessaloniki11:03Athens£181One-way0 changes
- 16:495h08Thessaloniki21:57Athens£181One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach, ferry and flight for Thessaloniki to Athens
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 train with prices starting from £18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 2m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £18, and a ferry costs an average of £68.
Distance: 303 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Ferry | Coach |
|---|---|---|---|
£18 Average Price Cheapest | £66 Average Price | £87 Average Price | £36 Average Price |
5h 38m Average total duration 5h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 2m Average total duration Fastest 2h 2m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 17h 12m Average total duration 16h 12m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 6h 15m Average total duration 5h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Thessaloniki to Athens train times
The table below shows live departures for Thessaloniki to Athens trains for today, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:55 Thessaloniki | 5h08 | 11:03 Athens | 0 changesdirect | |
| 16:49 Thessaloniki | 5h08 | 21:57 Athens | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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Compare prices and tickets Thessaloniki to Athens 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 Thessaloniki to Athens
GreeceGreece
Trains from Thessaloniki to Athens run on average 1 times per day, taking around 5h 8m. 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 05:55, the last at 16:49. The fastest train covers the 303 km distance in 5h 8m.
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 8m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 8m |
First train 5:55 |
Last train 16:49 |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 Thessaloniki to Athens trainsHellenic Train S.A. trains will get you between Thessaloniki and Athens 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 8m
Cheapest Price
£18
Hellenic Train S.A. frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Athens
Things to do in Athens
Discover the best of Athens — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Athens trip today.
- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
Major collection of Greek antiquities, from prehistoric treasures to classical sculpture. A core stop for understanding ancient Greece.
- Recommended
Museum of Cycladic Art
Private museum with Cycladic figurines, ancient Greek art and elegant displays in a refined central setting.
- Must visit
Plaka
Historic old quarter beneath the Acropolis, with neoclassical streets, steps, churches and easy access to key archaeological sites.
- Must visit
Monastiraki
Lively flea market district with lanes, antique shops, street life and a strong local character near the ancient centre.
- Recommended
Mount Lycabettus
Wooded hilltop park with walking paths, city panoramas and a classic viewpoint towards the Acropolis and the Aegean light.
Moussaka
A layered bake of aubergine, minced meat and béchamel. It is a beloved Greek home-style classic found in tavernas across Athens.
- Vegetarian
Spanakopita
A flaky pie of spinach, herbs and feta in crisp filo pastry. It is a staple snack and bakery favourite in Athens.
- Gluten-free
Souvlaki
Chargrilled pork pieces, usually served on skewers or in pita. It is one of Athens' most popular quick meals and taverna staples.
Varoulko Seaside
Well-known seafood restaurant in Piraeus, popular for fresh fish, fried calamari and classic meze in a bustling port-side setting.
Thanasis Kebab
Long-running Plaka taverna serving grilled meats, meze and Greek standards with a traditional atmosphere and live music at times.
Kostas Souvlaki
Popular grill house famed for succulent souvlaki and skewers, offering a casual local experience near the city centre.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Europe: tavernas and public transport are good value, but central hotels and peak-season dining cost more than in many Balkan cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for street food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a mid-range meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% in restaurants is appreciated. Round up in cafés and taxis; no large tip is expected.
FAQs: Thessaloniki to Athens train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Thessaloniki to Athens 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 Athens, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Thessaloniki to Athens can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £18, while the average price tends to be around £18.
The train from Thessaloniki to Athens takes 5h 8m and runs once a day.
The train distance from Thessaloniki to Athens is 303 km.
The first train from Thessaloniki to Athens leaves at 5:55.
The last train from Thessaloniki to Athens departs at 16:49.
Trains from Thessaloniki to Athens run approximately 1 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Thessaloniki to Athens.
Yes, there is a direct train between Thessaloniki and Athens. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Hellenic Train S.A..
To get from Thessaloniki to Athens, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach, ferry and flight.
There is no night train service from Thessaloniki to Athens.
The cheapest way to get from Thessaloniki to Athens is by train, costing approximately £18.
Booking trains from Thessaloniki to Athens in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Thessaloniki to Athens offers passengers a scenic experience, showcasing Greece's diverse landscapes. Travellers can enjoy views of the lush countryside, mountainous terrains, and glimpses of the Aegean Sea, making it a picturesque route.
A day trip from Thessaloniki to Athens is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 8m one way. The distance is 303 km, and there are 4 trains per day.
In Athens, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from Mount Lycabettus, explore the vibrant Monastiraki Flea Market for antiques and souvenirs, and visit the Panathenaic Stadium, the world's only stadium made entirely of marble. Take a peaceful stroll through the National Garden of Athens, experience a traditional Greek performance at the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and explore the Acropolis of Athens with its iconic Parthenon. Learn about ancient Greek civilisation at the Acropolis Museum, discover the historic Ancient Agora of Athens, and visit the National Archaeological Museum. Don't miss the charming Plaka neighbourhood with its neoclassical architecture and vibrant local shops.
A visit of 3 to 4 days in Athens is typically sufficient to explore major attractions like the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Plaka district, and the National Archaeological Museum, while also allowing some time to enjoy local cuisine and culture.
Yes, you can take the train from Thessaloniki to Athens.
More options for your journey from Thessaloniki to Athens
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Athens and Thessaloniki
Most popular train connections to Athens
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