Transfers Countries Greece ThessalonikiThessaloniki to Athens

Private car transfer from Thessaloniki to Athens

Door-to-door
in 5 h 10 min

From €106
per seat

Comfortable
car

One way

One wayReturnMulti-city

New

One way

Cancel for free 24 hours before departure

Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2024

Excellent

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Thessaloniki.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 5 h 10 min.

Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Athens.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

In total

499 km5 h 10 min

A car trip from Thessaloniki to Athens

A car trip from Thessaloniki to Athens is like a captivating storybook of everything remarkable about Greece. Views of the glimmering Aegean Sea, ancient Greek temples dotted along the rugged terrain, and exposed rocks peeking from the lush green countryside make up almost every inch of this 312-mile journey.

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!

About Athens

After your unforgettable drive from Thessaloniki to Athens, you'll arrive in Greece's most populous and capital city. Over 643,000 locals call this historic space nestled along the Cephissus River and the southern tip of the country's mainland home. It's also one of the world's oldest settlements, where archaeologists found pottery and wells dating back to 3,000 BC.

### 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

Thessaloniki to Athens: Travel tips

It may feel overwhelming if it's your first time traveling from Thessaloniki to Athens. But there's no need to worry because we're sharing insider tips for a smooth cruise along the Greek coast.

### 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.

How to get from Thessaloniki to Athens

As Greece's capital and second city, there's no shortage of ways to travel from Thessaloniki to Athens. However, each has its own advantages, so find one that caters to your needs.

### 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!

Things to do when you get to Athens

Around 6.4 million tourists flock to a city of only 643,000 inhabitants annually. So you can expect a vast array of things to see and do when you travel from Thessaloniki to Athens in 2024!

### 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!

When is the best time to visit Athens?

You'll want to visit a sundrenched region with a Mediterranean climate during the warmer months. However, by traveling from Thessaloniki to Athens during the summer, you'll experience the peak of the tourist season. As a result, spring is the best time to travel!

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!

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Thessaloniki to Athens

Is Athens safe for female travelers?

Most experts consider Athens a safe travel destination for female travelers, even when traveling solo. The city scores 66 on the safety index. But like in every significant town, avoid unlit areas when walking at night and be vigilant for pickpockets at tourist attractions.

What class train ticket should I get from Thessaloniki to Athens?

Deciding which class train ticket you should purchase depends on your needs and preferences. If you're traveling on a budget, a second-class ticket is ideal. However, if you want more legroom, a table, and a quieter setting, consider spending more on a ticket-class seat.

What is the distance from Thessaloniki to Athens?

The shortest road distance from Thessaloniki to Athens is around 312 miles, which takes as little as 5 hours and 10 minutes to drive at a safe speed. However, Athens is one of Europe's most congested cities for traffic. So avoid arriving during rush hour traffic from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

How long is the train from Thessaloniki to Athens?

The fastest train from Thessaloniki to Athens is only 4 hours and 53 minutes. The average journey takes 5 hours and 20 minutes. However, you should factor in the time it takes to reach your hotel by taxi or public transportation.

Is there anywhere worth seeing en route from Thessaloniki to Athens?

There's an abundance of sights worth seeing on the road from Thessaloniki to Athens, whether you're a cultural vulture, history buff, nature lover, or something in between. The ancient Greek temple of Delphi and the Unesco-listed geological gems of Meteora are two unmissable landmarks that will ignite anyone's wanderlust!

How do you get from Thessaloniki to Athens?

As of 2024, five modes of transportation are available when traveling from Thessaloniki to Athens. A flight is the quickest, public transportation is the cheapest, ferries are the most scenic, and Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the most convenient.

Visit these sights on the way

Dion Archaeological Park

Once an important city, hosting the likes of Alexander the Great, nature reclaimed part of this ancient site. The Frog and the Prince

Platomon Castle

This impressive medieval fortress was built for Christian crusades heading to the Middle East. A Crusader's Construction

Meteora

This series of UNESCO-listed, rock-top monasteries are both breathtakingly beautiful and historic. Out-of-this-World Beauty

Larissa

One of Greece's oldest settlements has evolved into a bustling modern university city, while preserving its historical heritage. A 10000-year old city

Battle of the Thermophylae Museum

It was here that 300 Spartans, and a handful of other soldiers, held off the Persian army in one of the most famous battles in history. The Stuff of Legends

Delphi

Thousands of years ago, Greeks would travel to this UNESCO World Heritage Site to receive a prophesy from the Oracle of Apollo. Historic Vision

Why people love Daytrip

5,100+ reviews

199 travelers took this route with us

Oct 2, 2025

Great transfer option.

“I used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Robyn C

Sep 20, 2025

It was a fantastic trip.

“We were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, we’d especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Daydream20046758137

Sep 15, 2025

Best transport company anywhere

“We absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. It’s worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. It’s 5 star rating is well deserved.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Mary L

Aug 20, 2025

Excellent experience in traveling

“We traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortable”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Steve N

Apr 22, 2025

Reasonably Priced and Safe Transportation

“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler COCO

Apr 2, 2025

Daytrip never disappoints

“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Julie M

Feb 28, 2025

Great driver in Egypt

“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Maps315861

Feb 20, 2025

Comfortable and Safe Rides in Mexico

“Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Golourdesduarte

Feb 10, 2025

Great way to travel and see some sights on the way

“We did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Michelle R

Jan 25, 2025

Excellent service

“We used the service twice while in Thailand. Extremely prompt and efficient customer service. Best rate being offered in Chiang Mai for the travels. Polite, punctual, professional and English speaking drivers. Clean, comfortable vehicles. Being a regular visitor to Thailand, this was hands down the best service. Most pleased with the company. I hope it sustains the excellence of service that was rendered to us.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Omar

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm

Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.

Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.

For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.

Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!

Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.

Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,600+ cities around the world.

Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.