Traveling around Greece by public transport is easy thanks to a vast transport network. So, let us give you a few details of how Transportation in Greece works.
Traveling by air
Greece has a vast domestic air network. So, traveling in the country is simple because there are connections with every part of Greece. Firstly, fifteen international airports are located on the islands and the cities, receiving direct international flights, charter flights, and 38 other airports for direct flights from abroad and domestic flights.
The choice of a plane for traveling to a Greek city or one of the islands offers a comfortable, safe, and speedy trip. Fares are relatively cheap, particularly if you book in advance. For more info, see here.
The bus network in Greece
The long-distance buses and those on the islands are operated by KTEL (coaches). More importantly, they are safe and modern. Every region has its own KTEL operator, which runs local services within the region and to principal towns in other areas. The network is convenient, with all major cities having an excellent connection to Athens or Thessaloniki.
Villages mostly have at least a daily bus service, and there’s generally a bus stop outside the leading coffee house (kafeneio) or the main square.
Buses are convenient for moving across the country, with a network reaching even the remotest villages. For more info, see here.
Traveling by sea
There is an extensive ferry network in Greece. It runs all year round. But more often, from March until October. Consequently, there are limited services during the winter to some islands. Apart from ferries, they also have catamarans and other speedboats suitable for island hopping and connecting the island to mainland ports.
For more info, see here.
Traveling by train
Greece’s railway, operated by Greek Railways Organisation (OSE), is about 2,500 km long, covering the more significant part of the mainland. There are two main lines from Athens to Alexandroupoli via Thessaloniki and the Peloponnese network.
More importantly, traveling by train combines safety with a reasonable price. The Athens-Thessaloniki line is a fantastic choice for whoever wants to travel on the express, completing the journey in 4.5 hours, or on the regular train. The route from Drama to Xanthi is one of the most beautiful in Europe. You can travel by high-quality Intercity-type trains (express and regular) and by regular trains (high-speed, standard, etc.). For more info, see here.
Taxis
Taxis are not a good choice for long-distance traveling on the mainland, as they can be costly.
For this reason, they are only used in cases of emergency. On the other hand, taxis are used more frequently on the islands, especially when no buses are available.
Private transfers
Private transfers by car or minivan are available on the mainland and the islands and can be booked in advance.
They are more reliable than taxis and are usually used for short-distance traveling, for instance, to & from your hotel, the port, or the airport.
Minivan transfers are prevalent for private tours on the mainland, reaching ancient sites and towns such as Epidaurus, Olympia, Nafplion, Delphi, and more.
City Transportation
Visitors or locals who do not have a private vehicle can use means of public transport:
- Athens: There is a variety in terms of public transport in Athens, including buses (KTEL) and trolleybuses, two metros (subway) lines, and 1 line of electric railway, tram, and electric scooters.
- Thessaloniki: Public buses are the cheapest option for public transportation in Thessaloniki, the second-largest town. Taxis and private transfers are also available, while sea bus routes are offered during the summer, connecting the port of Thessaloniki to a few other locations.
If you’d like to learn more about transportation in Greece, click the links above (or below) or go to one of our guides for the particular destination.
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