Athens to Thessaloniki Train: Complete Guide to Train Travel in Greece

Hi Friends,

There is something about taking a train ride that is so peaceful and calming. Maybe it is the sound of the wheels going over the tracks, or the fact that you can sit back and relax while someone else does the driving. Whatever it is, train rides are a great way to relax and unwind.

What’s the best way to see Greece? By train, of course! From Athens to Thessaloniki by train, you wind your way through the countryside, from Athens to Thessaloniki, and take in all the sights and smells of the Mediterranean. You’ll pass olive groves, rolling hills, the snow-capped peaks of Mount Olympus, and sparkling seas, all while enjoying the company of your fellow travelers.

The Athens to Thessaloniki train journey represents one of Greece’s most scenic and comfortable rail routes, offering travelers an authentic way to experience the Greek countryside while connecting the country’s two largest cities. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about taking the train from Athens to Thessaloniki, including booking procedures, route highlights, travel tips, and what to expect during your 5-hour journey through central Greece.

Train travel in Greece provides unique advantages over flying or driving, including panoramic views of landscapes inaccessible by road, comfortable seating with the freedom to move around, and the opportunity to meet fellow travelers while experiencing authentic Greek hospitality. The Athens Thessaloniki train route showcases Greece’s diverse geography, from urban landscapes to mountain vistas and agricultural plains that define the Greek mainland.

So hop on a train with me and let’s explore Greece!

Athens to Thessaloniki Train Schedule and Route Information

Here is the travel route and estimated time. I think it was a little shorter than that… the 5-hour route.

The Athens to Thessaloniki train operates daily with multiple departure times throughout the day, though the most popular and scenic journey departs Athens around midday, arriving in Thessaloniki in the early evening. The total distance covers approximately 502 kilometers (312 miles) through some of Greece’s most beautiful countryside, including mountain passes, agricultural valleys, and historic regions that have shaped Greek culture for millennia.

TrainOSE operates modern, comfortable trains on this route, featuring air conditioning, spacious seating, dining cars, and large windows designed specifically for sightseeing. The trains typically consist of 6-8 cars with different seating classes and amenities, accommodating both budget-conscious travelers and those seeking premium comfort during their Greek rail journey.

Booking Your Athens Thessaloniki Train Tickets

To get tickets, you will want to use this web page: https://www.trainose.gr/en/
They have a few different seating options.
My ticket was €49, but you can get first class for about €79.

The TrainOSE website provides the most reliable booking platform for Athens to Thessaloniki train tickets, offering real-time availability, seat selection, and secure payment processing. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons (June-September) and Greek holidays when demand significantly exceeds availability.

Ticket prices vary based on seating class, booking timing, and seasonal demand. Economy class tickets typically range from €35-55, while first-class accommodations cost €65-85, providing additional legroom, complimentary refreshments, and priority boarding. Students, seniors, and groups may qualify for discounts that reduce ticket costs by 10-25%.

Seat selection becomes important for optimal journey experiences, with window seats providing the best scenery viewing and aisle seats offering easier access to dining cars and restrooms. Forward-facing seats reduce motion sickness potential, while rear-facing seats provide unique perspectives on landscapes as they recede into the distance.

I selected the last rail car, number 8, seat 61, as it was a window seat. While it was a nice seat, I only had 1/2 a window… so, get one or two seats in front of that.

I booked a ticket for the 12:22 train from Athens. You will find that the train will depart from the main train station in Athens, which is located a little north of downtown.

Athens Railway Station: Departure Point and Facilities

Athens Station

Location: Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο, Heathfield Industrial Estate
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/xkMZyrM48ttbV2e28

The train station in Athens is… well… nothing amazing. I was thinking it would be sort of an epic place, as most rail stations in the capital are… however, nope… a little run-down looking. Down the track, it looked like there was once a grand train station, but here it was not so.

Athens Railway Station (Larissa Station) serves as the primary departure point for the Athens to Thessaloniki train, though the facility may appear modest compared to grand European railway terminals. The station provides essential services including ticket counters, waiting areas, restrooms, and basic dining options, though travelers should manage expectations regarding architectural grandeur or extensive amenities.

Despite its utilitarian appearance, the station functions efficiently for passenger needs, with clear signage in Greek and English, helpful staff, and organized boarding procedures that ensure smooth departures. The location provides convenient access via Athens Metro, buses, and taxis, making it easily reachable from most Athens accommodations.

The information booth was staffed by a Greek man who was fun to talk with. He grew up in the states, so we joked and talked for a bit.

Station staff often speak multiple languages and enjoy sharing insights about Greek rail travel, local recommendations, and cultural insights that enhance visitor experiences. These personal interactions frequently provide valuable travel tips and cultural perspectives unavailable through official information sources.

I killed an hour playing the ukulele, then, at 12, checked in and took the stairs up to platform 8, to sit in train car 8, seat 61.

Pre-Departure Experience and Boarding

Arriving at the station 45-60 minutes before departure allows time for ticket validation, platform location, and settling into the travel mindset that makes train journeys special. The pre-departure period provides opportunities for people-watching, final preparations, and building anticipation for the scenic journey ahead.

Standing on the platform, I thought back to my days working with Ringling Brothers and living on a train, how much fun that was and that I do miss it…

Train platforms create unique atmospheric experiences where travelers from diverse backgrounds gather with shared anticipation for journeys ahead. The sounds, smells, and energy of railway stations connect contemporary travel with centuries of rail tradition that shaped Greek transportation and cultural exchange.

The train rolled up a little before the departure time. It was a bit of a scramble to board, find your seat, and settle in.

Boarding procedures for the Athens to Thessaloniki train follow standard European railway practices, with platform announcements in Greek and English, car number displays, and conductor assistance for passengers needing help with luggage or seat location. The initial boarding period can be busy as passengers locate seats and store belongings, but the atmosphere quickly settles into the relaxed rhythm that defines train travel.

Looking across, I was jealous as the seats just in front of me had the whole window. With a bit of dismay, the train did get full, so I settled into my seat and relaxed.

The Scenic Journey: Athens to Thessaloniki Train Route Highlights

Departing Athens: Urban to Rural Transition

The Athens to Thessaloniki train journey begins with gradual transitions from urban Athens through suburban areas into authentic Greek countryside that showcases the country’s diverse landscapes and agricultural heritage. This progression provides fascinating insights into how Greek geography shapes settlement patterns, economic activities, and cultural traditions.

Out of Athens, you go into the mountains or perhaps around the mountains, the snow-capped peaks off in the distance, walking by as you sit and watch.

The mountain scenery visible from the Athens Thessaloniki train includes views of several significant peaks, including distant glimpses of Mount Olympus during clear weather conditions. These mountain vistas provide dramatic backdrops that change throughout the seasons, with snow-capped peaks during winter months and lush green slopes during spring and summer travels.

Central Greece Landscapes and Agricultural Regions

We rolled past large open lands too, like this photo from a bridge looking out over the distant lands.

Central Greece’s agricultural plains, visible throughout the Athens to Thessaloniki train journey, showcase traditional Greek farming methods alongside modern agricultural practices. These fertile regions produce olives, wheat, cotton, and other crops that form the backbone of Greece’s agricultural economy while providing authentic glimpses into rural Greek life.

The railway route passes through several historically significant regions, including areas where ancient Greek city-states once flourished and where Byzantine and Ottoman influences shaped local architecture and cultural traditions. Understanding these historical contexts enhances appreciation for the landscapes and settlements visible from train windows.

Seasonal variations dramatically alter the scenery along the Athens Thessaloniki train route, with spring wildflowers, summer golden fields, autumn harvest activities, and winter’s stark beauty each offering unique photographic opportunities and seasonal charm that reward multiple journeys throughout the year.

Onboard Experience: Dining Car and Train Amenities

After a nap and at about the halfway point, it was time to go for a walk. The goal was the meal car, which was about 5 cars up the line. Bouncing back and forth, it was a bit of a stumbling experience to get to the next car.

Navigating Between Train Cars

HAHAHA, the first door between train cars stumped me for a good few minutes. I tried to pull the handle, and pushed the handle, nothing. Thinking I was locked in, panic set in. It was at that point I saw the little button next to the handle. Pushing that, the doors “wooshed” open on their own. Hahaha… Oh, buttons… So Pro Tip: Press the door button.

Modern Greek trains feature automatic doors between cars that require button activation for safety and climate control purposes. This system prevents accidental door opening while allowing passenger movement throughout the train for dining, restroom access, or simply exploring different seating areas during the journey.

Walking between cars provides different perspectives on the landscape while offering opportunities to stretch legs and interact with fellow passengers from various backgrounds and destinations. The train’s length allows for considerable exploration, with each car often housing passengers with different travel stories and Greek experiences to share.

The Dining Car Experience

The meal car was nice, like perfect. I ordered a coffee, sat and did some drawing for about an hour or so as the world rolled by out the window. This, for me, was the best part of the ride. Sipping coffee while watching the world outside. YES.

The Athens to Thessaloniki train dining car offers traditional Greek refreshments, light meals, and beverages that complement the scenic journey while providing social spaces where passengers naturally congregate and share travel experiences. The panoramic windows in dining cars often provide the best views available on the train, making meal times particularly memorable.

Coffee service on Greek trains typically features traditional Greek coffee alongside international options, served with small sweets or biscuits that provide authentic tastes of Greek hospitality. The unhurried pace of train dining encourages relaxation and contemplation that contrasts beautifully with the rapid pace of modern travel.

The dining car atmosphere encourages conversation, sketching, reading, or simply watching the countryside roll by at the perfect pace for absorbing details and appreciating landscapes that would blur past car windows. This meditative quality makes train dining cars ideal spaces for creative activities, journaling, or planning upcoming Greek adventures.

Journey’s End: Approaching Thessaloniki

With the coffee done, and the drawing drew, I headed back. Being in the last train car is pleasant. You can walk to the very back, and see the world behind you. That is just what I did. Off in the distance, the mountains of snow and Athens. Ahead, a new city.

The rear observation area provides unique perspectives on landscapes as they recede, offering different emotional experiences than forward-facing views. This backward-looking vantage point creates opportunities for reflection on journeys completed while building anticipation for destinations ahead.

Arriving in Thessaloniki

It was about 16:55 when we rolled into Thessaloniki station. At this point, the majority of guests had already left the train in other cities, but you could see the ones who were left, packing up and getting ready to disembark.

Thessaloniki Railway Station provides efficient arrival procedures with clear signage, helpful staff, and convenient transportation connections to city centers and accommodations. The station’s central location makes onward travel simple, whether continuing by bus to other Greek destinations or settling into Thessaloniki for extended exploration.

The arrival process includes gathering belongings, saying farewells to travel companions met during the journey, and transitioning from the meditative pace of train travel to the energy of exploring a new city. These transitions often create lasting memories and appreciation for the unique social aspects of train travel.

From Station to Accommodation

The hotel I booked was about a 1,000-yard walk from the train station. With bags slung and ukulele on the back, it was a brisk walk to my new home for a few days.

Thessaloniki’s compact city center places most accommodations within walking distance of the railway station, making the Athens to Thessaloniki train particularly convenient for travelers who prefer avoiding additional transportation costs and complications. The walkable distances allow immediate immersion into Greek urban life while providing gentle exercise after hours of train seating.

Then, almost as fast as it started, I arrived at my new home. Checking in, I ditched the bags and went out to dinner.

Athens to Thessaloniki Train vs Other Transport Options

Comparing Train Travel with Flying

While flights between Athens and Thessaloniki take only 1 hour and 15 minutes in the air, the total travel time including airport procedures, security, and transportation to/from airports often exceeds train journey times. Train travel eliminates airport hassles while providing scenic experiences and downtown-to-downtown convenience that flights cannot match.

Cost comparisons frequently favor train travel, especially when considering baggage fees, airport transportation costs, and the premium pricing common on this domestic Greek route. Train tickets provide better value while including amenities like onboard dining, comfortable seating, and the freedom to move around during travel.

Environmental considerations increasingly influence travel decisions, with train travel producing significantly lower carbon emissions per passenger compared to domestic flights. Environmentally conscious travelers often choose the Athens Thessaloniki train for sustainability reasons while enjoying more comfortable and scenic journeys.

Bus vs Train Travel Comparison

Bus travel between Athens and Thessaloniki costs less than train tickets but requires similar journey times while providing less comfort, smaller seats, limited dining options, and fewer opportunities for passenger movement. Highway routes also lack the scenic diversity available through rail travel.

Train superiority becomes evident in weather conditions, as rail service remains reliable during storms, heavy rain, or snow that can delay or cancel bus services. The dedicated rail infrastructure provides consistency and safety advantages over highway-dependent bus transportation.

Driving vs Train Travel Considerations

Driving from Athens to Thessaloniki requires approximately 5.5-6 hours of focused attention, fuel costs, toll fees, and parking expenses that often exceed train ticket prices. Driver fatigue, traffic conditions, and navigation challenges add stress that train travel completely eliminates.

Car rental costs, insurance requirements, and the challenges of driving in unfamiliar Greek traffic conditions make train travel more attractive for tourists who want to experience Greek landscapes without driving responsibilities. Train passengers can enjoy scenery, read, work, or socialize while covering the same distances.

Tips for Maximizing Your Athens Thessaloniki Train Experience

Booking and Preparation Strategies

Book Athens to Thessaloniki train tickets 1-2 weeks in advance for best seat selection and potential early-bird discounts, especially during peak tourist seasons when demand increases significantly. Compare different departure times to find schedules that align with your itinerary and preferred arrival times in Thessaloniki.

Pack light snacks, water, and entertainment options, though the dining car provides adequate refreshments for most travelers. Comfortable clothing, layers for varying temperatures, and charging cables for electronic devices enhance journey comfort and productivity.

Research Thessaloniki attractions and accommodation locations before departure to optimize your arrival planning and make informed decisions about transportation from the station to your final destination.

During the Journey

Take advantage of the dining car for both refreshments and optimal viewing experiences, as these cars often feature the largest windows and most comfortable seating for landscape appreciation. The social atmosphere in dining areas frequently leads to interesting conversations and travel recommendations.

Bring cameras or sketchbooks to document the scenic journey, as the varied landscapes provide numerous photographic opportunities that capture the beauty of central Greece. The slow pace of train travel allows time for creative pursuits that enrich the travel experience.

Engage with fellow passengers when appropriate, as train travel often brings together interesting people with diverse backgrounds and travel experiences. These social connections frequently provide valuable insights about Greek culture, hidden destinations, and practical travel tips.

From the hustle and bustle of Athens to the laid-back vibe of Thessaloniki, a day on the train is the perfect way to experience all that Greece has to offer. With stunning landscapes and interesting historical sites, a day on the train is the perfect way to see everything that Greece has to offer.

In conclusion, this was a great way to see more of the country and get a little exercise in at the same time. If I had to do it again, I would definitely take more time to explore some of the smaller towns along the way. The scenery was beautiful, and it was nice to be able to unplug for a day and just relax.

The Athens to Thessaloniki train journey represents more than just transportation between Greek cities—it provides authentic cultural experiences, scenic appreciation, and the meditative benefits of slow travel that enhance any Greek adventure. This rail route showcases Greece’s natural beauty while offering comfortable, sustainable, and affordable transportation that connects travelers with Greek landscapes and communities in ways that other transport modes cannot achieve.

Whether seeking scenic travel experiences, sustainable transportation options, or simply preferring the relaxed pace and social opportunities that train travel provides, the Athens Thessaloniki train delivers memorable journeys that often become highlights of Greek vacations. The combination of practicality, comfort, and authentic Greek experiences makes this rail route essential for travelers seeking comprehensive Greek cultural immersion.

Thanks for joining me today, I hope you come back again to read more stories from the road.

Cheers

If you enjoyed this article about traveling from Athens to Thessaloniki by train, you may enjoy this other article called: Travel Day – CT to Spain