Private car transfer
from Athens to Kalabaka

With Daytrip, you'll have a safe way to travel to Kalambaka without the fuss of learning the route and navigating the roads leading into the town. This is one less worry that you have to contend with, and you can instead focus on your upcoming trip to one of the most beautiful places in Greece. Kalambaka is a destination rich in history with several extraordinary monuments and monasteries.

Yet, before you get to Kalambaka with Daytrip, why not add a few sightseeing stops to your trip? Our professional English-speaking drivers at Daytrip can take you to see the Archaeological Museum of Thebes, the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delphi, the ancient castle of Lamia, and the Battle of the Thermopylae Museum. We might not be a tour company, but with us, you'll get to cross off a few of your travel bucket list items, including visiting Kalambaka.

Kalambaka is the capital of the district of Kalambaka. The town dates back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods, as can be evidenced by the town's former name, Eginio. Interestingly, during the 10th century, the town went by another name and was often called Stagi. But Kalambaka has much more to share with travelers historically and culturally than the history surrounding its name changes.

For example, those visiting Kalambaka should expect to be met with towering monasteries, ancient monuments, beautiful churches, traditional taverns, gorgeous accommodations, and many restaurants, shops, and cafes that cater to town visitors. Several squares are adorned with pretty fountains, which become favored spots for those visiting Kalambaka who want a moment's rest, especially during the late evening when the calmness of the town is best seen.

Kalambaka is also home to the Holy Church of the Assumption of the Virgin, a grand church found at the base of the great rock Agia. If you're intrigued by religious, historical buildings with incredible significance for locals, you'll want to ensure you visit. Besides the church, the Phinos River flows through the Thessalian Valley, and the Apropotamus River and Koziakas Mountain are also landmarks worth checking out during your stay.

Be prepared for unpredictable weather

Despite popular belief, Greece is not a country that experiences endless sunny weather without a cloud in the sky. That's why if you're planning to travel from Athens to Kalambaka, you need to be prepared for unpredictable weather. Usually, simply packing an umbrella and being prepared to keep important things dry, like your camera, passports, and bag, is enough to ensure the weather doesn't dampen your travel experience.

Wear good walking shoes

Walking is a common component in Kalambaka and many of the destinations along the way. In fact, it is one of the best ways to explore Greece's many attractions and activities. That's why it's best to ensure you're wearing good walking shoes—especially if you want your Daytrip driver to stop along the way at any of the popular sightseeing spots.

Stop for a drink and a swim

There aren't many places in the world where you can stop, enjoy a drink, and swim while traveling, but this is a reality when driving from Athens to Kalambaka. Along the route to Kalambaka, several wineries and vineyards offer incredibly picturesque stopping points near the town. You can stop and order something to drink while you enjoy a dip in the pool. After a quick swim, you can continue to Kalambaka.

From Athens to Kalambaka by train

The trip from Athens to Kalambaka is one of the rare instances where traveling by train is the cheapest option. The Hellenic train line offers trips between these two Greek cities four times daily, but depending on when you travel, you might only encounter one a day, so it's important to check the train schedules and timetables.

The train trips are typically in the late afternoon, so you will only get into Kalambaka late at night. Keep this in mind when planning your trip, as you'll likely need to book accommodation and explore the next day. Price-wise trains cost between $22 and $41, and an average trip time-wise is four hours and 52 minutes with at least one transfer.

From Athens to Kalambaka by bus

Another affordable travel option is the bus, but because it's so popular, you might find it difficult to secure a seat, especially if you're traveling with a group of people.

Only one bus line—KTEL Trikala—offers trips from Athens to Kalambaka. In certain seasons, the trips are daily, but a bus only leaves once every four hours, so check the timetables ahead of schedule. Tickets cost between $25 and $50.

However, it's worth noting that you won't have the opportunity to sightsee or be as comfortable as if you had traveled by car.

From Athens to Kalambaka by flight

Kalambaka (and Meteora in general) doesn't have an airport. Theoretically, it is possible to take a flight from Athens to Ioannina or Thessaloniki, but from there you need to take a train (around 4 hours) or car to Kalambaka. Not only is this complicated and time-consuming, but it's not always cost-effective, with tickets costing upwards of $120.

From Athens to Kalambaka by private car

Let's face it: traveling by car is often the easiest way to get from Athens to Kalambaka, but rideshares and taxis can be exorbitantly expensive.

Luckily, this is where Daytrip's private door-to-door car service comes in. Not only do our drivers offer private trips so you won't be in a car with other people but the trip itself is affordable with prices starting at 80 euros per seat.

Plus, when you travel with Daytrip, you can look forward to sightseeing stops and friendly conversations with our experienced local drivers, during which you'll get handy travel tips and insights. Driving also only takes just under four hours, making it the fastest and most convenient way to travel to Kalambaka.

Natural History Museum of Meteora and the Mushroom Museum

Were you aware that the underrated region of Thessaly, where Kalambaka is found, is one of the best places to cultivate endemic mushrooms?

If you're a mushroom fan who enjoys cultivating and harvesting mushrooms and learning more about the many types found in different areas of the world, you'll want to visit the Natural History Museum of Meteora and the Mushroom Museum in Kalambaka.

When visiting these museums, you'll learn about the region's mushrooms, as well as the local wildlife and ecosystems. What's more, the museum even offers taste testing so you can sample some of the delicious mushrooms and purchase a bag or two, along with other mushroom products like mushroom-infused olive oil.

Monasteries of Meteora

If you're visiting Kalambaka, you won't want to miss the chance to see the beautiful monasteries atop massive boulders. These monasteries are hundreds of years old, and six of them are open to the public; however, it's best to check the times they are open with locals, as they have varying schedules for when they allow visitors.

It's also important to dress conservatively and be prepared to pay an entrance fee for some of them. The fee is often low, making the journey up the mountains worthwhile. Once inside, you'll get to see extraordinary views over the plains and bask in the silence and solitude.

Meteora Forest hiking

Those who love nature and hiking shouldn't miss out on hiking through the Meteora Forest when visiting Kalambaka. This uniquely beautiful rock forest features several crisscrossing trails that you can traverse to your heart's content.

However, we recommend the Eastern Trail since it only takes half a day and begins at the Stefanos Monastery. Should you have more time, the Western Trail is also worth exploring. It offers spectacular views and many monasteries that are closed to the public. Yet, this trail is more challenging, so expect to hike the entire day.