From Athens To Thessaloniki by Train

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.

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

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

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.

I selected the last rail car, number 8, seas 61, as it was a window seat. While it was a nice seat, I only had 1/2 a window… so, got one or 2 seats in front of that.
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I booked a ticket for the 12:22 train from Athens. You will find that the train will depart

The main train station in Athens is located a little north of downtown town.

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 sorta 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 a once grand train station, but here it was not so.

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

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

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…

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

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.

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

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

After a nap and at about 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.

HAHAH, 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.

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.

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.

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.

The hotel I booked was about a 1000 yard walk from the train station. With bags slung and uke on the back, it was a brisk walk to my new home for a few days.

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

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.

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

Cheers

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