Private car transfer from Thessaloniki to Athens

As Thessaloniki's Port moves to your rearview mirror, a gust of humid yet salty sea air will propel you into the nation's garden. Winding roads hugging the coastline cut along the soaring cliffs that create most of Greece's heartlands. Each turn paints a new spectacle, and many offer views of medieval villages and ancient ruins peppering the landscape.

To arrive at the iconic Acropolis looming over Athens's old town feeling refreshed and energized, you must select the correct mode of transportation. Fortunately, you came to the right place. That's because we created this in-depth guide to traveling from Thessaloniki to Athens in 2024 with tips, tricks, and everything you need to know about the voyage!

Early Athens

Tribes have lived at the Acropolis since 3,000 BC, but it wasn't until around 1,400 BC that the first town emerged. Its location perched upon a hill gave strategic visibility for invading armies, and as a result, it became the military headquarters.

Athenian democracy was also one of the earliest known forms of democracy, where citizens participated in decision-making. This period also saw the flourishing of philosophy, with well-known thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle shaping Western thought.

The decline of Athens

At its peak, the Greek empire stretched almost 3 million square miles, about the size of Australia. But due to the Persian Wars, most notably the Peloponnesian War, the kingdom was just a speck of its former glory. The Romans ultimately ended their rule at the Battle of Corinth in 146 BC.

Since Greece fell under the control of the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, it has endured much neglect for centuries. Buildings were crumbling, and locals were forgetting their traditions. The city saw even more destruction during the Greek War of Independence in the 19th century, but it was vital to unlocking this flourishing city today.

Modern Athens

After its success in the War of Independence, Athens became the capital of the newly formed Greek state. Only six decades after its establishment, it became the first city to host the modern Olympic Games.

Due to its rich and gloomy past, Athens proudly celebrates its history today. The Acropolis towering over the city serves as a reminder of its historical significance, and the exciting museum scene ensures residents won't forget its dark heritage. Although you'll feel time taking its toll, its melting pot of culture assembles a vibrant and youthful atmosphere fashioned by late-night bars, trendy coffee houses, and seven Michelin-starred restaurants!

• Language: Greek
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Time zone: GMT+2
• Climate: Mediterranean
• Plug types: C and F

Prioritize timing

Greek cities are notorious for traffic jams. In fact, experts ranked Athens as the ninth-most congested city in continental Europe. Check the timetable of your mode of transportation and try to arrive in town outside the rush hour traffic of 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM to save time.

Here comes the sun

Even if you're sitting inside a vehicle, the beating Greek sunshine can penetrate the glass and burn your skin. Before you set off, pack a light pack with a few essentials to combat the elements, such as sunscreen, sun hats, and glasses. No matter what time of the year you travel, you should bring plenty of water!

Appreciate the scenery

Despite its location in southern Europe, Greece doesn't get the same attention as Spain, Italy, or France. Therefore, the breathtaking views leave most visitors who speed from Thessaloniki to Athens speechless.

Have your camera fully charged to snap pictures for social media. But you can also opt for a transportation service that stops at sights like Dion Archaeological Park or Platamon Castle, with mesmerizing sea views.

Flight from Thessaloniki to Athens

A flight is the fastest and most popular way for tourists to travel from Thessaloniki to Athens. Sky Express and Aegean Airways operate on this route. Both offer affordable tickets. However, as with every flight, book as early as possible for the best fares.

The flight can take under an hour. But that doesn't include the airport transfers and 1.5 hours of waiting time at the airport for security checks.

• Lowest/average price: €36-€52
• Average flight duration: 55 minutes
• First/last departure: 7 AM-11:25 PM

Ferry from Thesonolki to Athens

A ferry is the most scenic way to transfer from Thessonolki to Athens. With the wind blowing through your hair, you'll watch the rugged coastline fall gently into the baby-flow waters of the Adriatic Sea.

Unfortunately, this is also one of the most expensive and has the most extensive duration. After booking a ticket from Thessaloniki Port to Piraeus Port, you could lose an entire day of exploring the city, which is something to consider if you're short on time.

• Lowest/average price: €74-€103
• Fastest/average duration: 27 hours; 30 hours
• Daily departures: 1

Train from Thessaloniki to Athens

Look no further than the train if you're traveling to Europe on a budget. This mode of transportation is one of the cheapest travel methods. Yet it also offers a scenic and relatively comfortable journey.

Hellenic Train operates on this line. Although there are several daily connections, book your ticket from Thessonilio Station to Athens Station early, as seats can sell out in summer, especially with backpackers utilizing the interrail pass.

• Lowest/average price: €28-€46
• Fastest/average duration: 4 hours, 53 minutes; 5 hours, 20 minutes
• First/last departure: 5:13 AM-11:00 PM

Bus from Thessaloniki to Athens

The bus is another way to travel from Thessaloniki to Athens on a budget. Several companies drive between the cities. But they regularly change their timetable depending on the season.

KTEL Thessalonikis is the primary firm with numerous daily connections. When you book your seat online from Thessaloniki Monastiriou Station to Athens Pedion Areos, you can even see which carriages are crowded and which have fewer travelers at the time of booking.

• Lowest/average price: €26-€42
• Fastest/average duration: 6 hours, 30 minutes; 7 hours, 30 minutes
• First/last departure: 7:00 AM- 11:59 PM

Daytrip from Thessaloniki to Athens

Daytrip is by far the most comfortable and convenient way to travel from Thessaloniki to Athens. You won't endure the headache of organizing taxis to the airport or setting a dreadful 7:00 AM alarm to ensure you catch your mode of transportation. With our door-to-door service, you decide where and when to be collected, and your professional driver will manage any bags you may have.

Unless you opt for an indirect train, this is the only way to explore the fascinating sights en route. If you're a nature enthusiast, don't overlook the jaw-dropping Meteora rock formations. If you're a history buff, you won't want to miss out on the Battle of the Thermopylae Museum, where Sparta helped fend off the Persian army.

Don't worry about your luggage. Your driver will safely store it in the truck while you explore!

• Seats from: €111
• Clean, sanitized, smoke-free vehicle
• English-speaking driver
• Equipped for kids and those with limited mobility
• 24/7 English-speaking customer support
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departure!

Scale the heights of the Acropolis

Dominating the Athens skyline, the Acropolis symbolizes ancient Greece's architectural and cultural prowess. At its summit sits the Parthenon, an iconic temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, constructed in the 5th century BC.

You can explore the ruins of several other ancient structures. Some include the Erechtheion and the Propylaea while soaking in breathtaking panoramic views of the city below.

Immerse yourself in Plaka

Plaka is the most picturesque neighborhood in Athens. Not far from the Acropolis, you discover a fairytale setting that transports you to a different world from the large open spaces filled with tour groups downtown.

You can get lost in the tree-lined lanes while admiring the cozy stores as you stroll by. When you need to get out of the beating sun, grab a seat at one of the many authentic eateries or find a bench in a quaint square and soak up the Greek ambiance.

Pay a visit to the National Archaeological Museum

If you're unfortunate enough to be in Athens during one of its 98 rainy days of the year, the National Archaeological Museum should be your first stop in town. Even in the summer, you should discover the nation's largest museum of its kind, housing collections from the prehistoric ages to traditional Greek art.

If you've visited in the past, you'll know just how captivating this gallery can be. And you'll be glad to know that endless temporary exhibitions are here, so you can keep returning to experience something new.

Uncover SIX DOGS

SIX DOGS is an alternative experience you won't see in most travel guides. Yet it's unquestionably Athens's quirkiest and most exciting underground bar/cafe to unwind in.

This beautiful setting is like an urban oasis. Palm trees, a shaded courtyard, fairy lights, and hammocks to lay back in are hidden away from the busy streets of Athens. During the day, you can sample the highly-rated pizzas, and at night, listen to one of the live bands in its intimate venue!

The cooler spring temperatures are more pleasant for exploring Greek temples and taking walking tours down narrow alleyways. The average daily high temperature is 68° Fahrenheit. But even in the evening, you can enjoy a shot of ouzo or sample the delicious seafood dishes at a table outdoors.

Fewer travelers mean that hotels and tours offer discounts to attract customers, which will keep some of your hard-earned cash in your pocket. Since sights aren't overcrowded, you won't waste time queuing for hours during your vacation. Finally, if you're fortunate enough to visit in May, check out the much-loved Salsa Spring Festival at Club Hotel Casino Loutraki!