Thessaloniki, Greece Travel Community

Are there trains from Thessaloniki to Athens?

1 - 7 of 7 Posts
A

acamp7

Active member
I would love to travel quickly by train from Thessaloniki to Athens...is this possible?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
There trains between the 2 cities with at least four per day. The trip takes about 4 hours.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash and efhernandez_
Jerry s said:
There trains between the 2 cities with at least four per day. The trip takes about 4 hours.
Click to expand...
I've never taken a train in Greece, only bus so I don't know what it's like. Although trains are usually always better! Have you taken it? What was your experience?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
Sorry the only time I used a train in Greece was Metro in Athens . Others have told me about the train, apparently a fast train but it can't be that fast if it takes 4 hours to cover the 500 km. I usually pick up a car at the airport and use that for our stay in Greece, I even take the car of Ferries, most rental companies will not allow that. I use the same mob every time and they allow as long as you tell them what islands you are going .
If you have some time and you can drive, rent a car and go to Meteora, a Unesco listed monastery, it is not far out of the way.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash and dubai_suzie
Jerry s said:
Sorry the only time I used a train in Greece was Metro in Athens . Others have told me about the train, apparently a fast train but it can't be that fast if it takes 4 hours to cover the 500 km. I usually pick up a car at the airport and use that for our stay in Greece, I even take the car of Ferries, most rental companies will not allow that. I use the same mob every time and they allow as long as you tell them what islands you are going .
If you have some time and you can drive, rent a car and go to Meteora, a Unesco listed monastery, it is not far out of the way.
Click to expand...
Doesn't sound super fast lol, but fast for Greece! So that's the bright side
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
Fast train is supposed to take 3 hours:

www.railtech.com

First Greek high-speed train journey to be in March

The first upgraded Alstom Avelia Pendolino ETR470 high-speed train has arrived in Thessaloniki, Greece. The first of the five trains, also named ‘white arrows’, will run between Athens and Thessaloniki starting on 25 March 2021 and reduce the journey times from four to three hours. Previously...
www.railtech.com www.railtech.com
 
The train offers a unique perspective of Greece's landscape, with picturesque views of the countryside, olive groves, and vineyards. It's a relaxing way to travel, allowing you to sit back, unwind, and soak in the beauty of the Greek countryside. The train is comfortable and well-equipped, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore Greece's capital city. Plus, the journey is relatively quick, taking around 4-5 hours, depending on the train you choose. Overall, I highly recommend taking the train from Thessaloniki to Athens for a memorable and scenic travel experience. If you're interested, you can also explore train horns, which can be a lot of fun. Here you can find some info https://bosshorn.com/products/dewalt-train-horn.
 
Last edited:
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Getting to Know the Creative Side of Thessaloniki

As Thessaloniki continues to change, I’m curious about the creative side of the city that exists beyond the obvious landmarks and nightlife. Not just big festivals or well-known venues, but the quieter, everyday forms of creativity that shape how the city feels.

I’m interested in places where people make things: small galleries, independent bookstores, workshops, rehearsal spaces, studios, writing groups, and informal gatherings. I’m also curious how creativity shows up in daily life, in neighborhoods, cafés, street culture, or the way people use public space.

For those who live there or spend time in the city, what feels genuinely creative to you? Are there neighborhoods, spaces, or habits that come to mind? And has the creative scene changed in recent years, or stayed largely the same? Any personal observations or lesser-known examples would be especially welcome from locals here.

Best Markets for Food Shopping in Thessaloniki?

One of my favorite things to do when visiting Greece is browse local food markets, and Thessaloniki seems like it would be especially fun for this. I’d love to hear which markets are best for finding fresh produce, olives, cheeses, spices, baked goods, and other Greek specialties.

Are there particular markets in Thessaloniki that you always recommend to visitors? I’m interested in both larger traditional markets and smaller neighborhood spots that locals actually use for everyday shopping.

I’d also love recommendations for specific stalls or shops within the markets, especially for things like feta, local cheeses, cured meats, herbs, honey, olive oil, or sweets that would make good gifts to bring home.

Are mornings the best time to visit? And are there any markets that are especially worth seeing even if you’re mostly going for the atmosphere and experience?

How hot is Thessaloniki in summer?

Because of everyone's schedules this year, we're going to Greece in July instead of our usual late summer trip. We'll be spending most of our time in the Thessaloniki area, and I've actually never visited that part of Greece in July before.
Hhow hot does it usually get? I know Greece is warm in general during the summer, but is the heat in Thessaloniki manageable, especially if you're walking around the city? Does the humidity make it feel much hotter, or does the sea breeze help at all?

We're planning to do a mix of sightseeing, wandering around neighborhoods, and eating outdoors, so I'm wondering if there are certain times of day that are better for exploring.

I'd love to hear from anyone who's been there in July. Any advice or things you wish you'd known before going would be greatly appreciated!

First impressions of Thessaloniki compared to Athens?

I’ve been to both Thessaloniki and Athens, but it’s been a while, so I’m trying to refresh my memory a bit.

Someone I might be traveling with this summer asked me how the two cities compare, and I realized I wasn’t sure how I’d describe it now. I remember Athens feeling bigger, more intense, and obviously packed with history at every turn.

Thessaloniki, on the other hand, felt a bit more relaxed and maybe more focused on food and day-to-day life, but that’s just how it stuck with me.

I’m curious how others see it, especially if you’ve been more recently. Do they still feel that different from each other? If you had to explain the vibe of each city to someone going for the first time, what would you say?

Experiencing Local Culture in Thessaloniki?

This might sound a bit cliché, but when I travel, especially somewhere like Thessaloniki, I really want to get a genuine feel for the local culture, not just check off the main sights.

I’m curious what that actually looks like there. Is it more about spending time in certain neighborhoods, sitting at cafés, or exploring markets? Are there specific areas where locals tend to go that visitors might overlook?

I’m also wondering if there are particular routines or small experiences, like a morning coffee spot or evening walk—that really capture the rhythm of the city.

For those who have been, what made Thessaloniki feel authentic to you? I’d love to go beyond the typical tourist experience and connect more with the everyday atmosphere.
Share and discuss your Thessaloniki photos, questions and experiences!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top