Transportation Guide for Greece

🚍 Transportation Guide for Greece

Navigate Greece with Ease: From Ferries to Buses, Trains, and Local Transport

Introduction

Greece is a dream destination with thousands of islands, stunning coastlines, and ancient cities—yet getting around can be confusing for first-timers. Whether you're hopping from Athens to the islands, exploring mainland gems like Delphi or Meteora, or cruising the Cyclades, understanding Greece’s transportation network is essential for a smooth trip.

This transportation guide will cover all modes of travel within Greece—including flights, ferries, trains, buses, and local transport—so you can travel confidently and efficiently.

🔗 Related: Top Destinations in Greece

✈️ Domestic Flights in Greece

When and Why to Fly

While Greece isn't a large country, flying can be the fastest way to get between the mainland and distant islands. Many islands have airports, and flights from Athens are usually under an hour.

Popular domestic routes:

• Athens to Santorini
• Athens to Mykonos
• Thessaloniki to Crete (Heraklion or Chania)

Airlines that operate in Greece:

• Aegean Airlines (flag carrier)
• Sky Express (budget-friendly, extensive domestic network)
• Olympic Air (subsidiary of Aegean)

Tips:

• Book early during high season (June–September)
• Opt for early morning flights to avoid delays

⛴️ Ferries & Island Hopping

Ferries are the most iconic and scenic way to travel between the islands. Greece boasts an extensive network of ferry routes connecting both major and lesser-known islands.

Main ferry ports:

• Piraeus (Athens): connects to Cyclades, Crete, Dodecanese
• Rafina: closer to Athens airport, serves Cyclades
• Thessaloniki: access to northern Aegean islands

Popular ferry routes:

• Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini – 5 to 8 hours
• Athens to Paros or Naxos – 3 to 5 hours
• Heraklion (Crete) to Mykonos – seasonal, ~4 hours

Ferry companies to consider:

• Blue Star Ferries
• SeaJets
• Hellenic Seaways

Booking tips:

• Use aggregators like Ferryhopper or Direct Ferries
• Book in advance during summer
• High-speed ferries are faster but more expensive

🔗 Related: Beaches in Greece

🚆 Train Travel in Greece

Train travel is limited but scenic and comfortable, particularly between major cities in the north.

Main Routes:

• Athens ↔ Thessaloniki: ~4 hours on express Intercity trains
• Thessaloniki ↔ Alexandroupoli
• Athens ↔ Kalambaka (Meteora): connect via Larissa

Operator: Hellenic Train (formerly TrainOSE)

Classes & Booking:

• 1st and 2nd class available
• Online bookings recommended
• Discounted youth, senior, and group tickets available

🔗 Tip: Combine your train trip with a spiritual getaway—read Things to Do in Greece for inspiration.

🚌 Intercity Buses (KTEL)

KTEL is Greece’s intercity bus network—reliable, economical, and often the only public transport option to smaller towns.

Main KTEL hubs:

• Athens (Kifissos & Liosion terminals)
• Thessaloniki
• Crete (Chania & Heraklion)

Where KTEL shines:

• Reaching Delphi, Olympia, Nafplio, and Meteora
• Island interiors (e.g., Crete and Corfu)

Booking tips:

• KTEL websites often lack English support—book via local agencies or in person
• Pay attention to return times—some rural routes may only run once or twice daily

🚖 Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis:

• Widely available in cities and towns
• Fares are regulated but may vary at night or with luggage
• Ask for the meter to be turned on

Ride-sharing:

• Uber and Bolt operate as licensed taxi platforms in Greece
• In Athens, UberX functions through licensed taxi drivers
• Beat app (formerly Taxibeat) is popular among locals

🚗 Renting a Car in Greece

Renting a car offers the most flexibility, especially in remote regions or for island exploration.

Good to know:

• You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is non-EU
• Most cars are manual (stick shift)
• Drive on the right side of the road
• Road signs are mostly bilingual (Greek & English)

Best areas for road trips:

• Peloponnese
• Northern Greece (Zagori, Prespa Lakes)
• Crete and Naxos (for exploring beaches and mountains)

🔗 Related: Adventure & Activities in Greece

🚲 Bicycles & E-Scooters

In recent years, cities like Athens and Thessaloniki have introduced bike lanes and e-scooter sharing options. However, infrastructure remains limited.

Bike-friendly areas:

• Naxos and Paros (quiet roads)
• Thessaloniki waterfront
• Athens Riviera (coastal paths)

🏙️ Local Public Transport in Cities

Athens:

• Metro: 3 main lines connect city center, airport, and suburbs
• Buses & Trolleys: extensive, but traffic can cause delays
• Tram: runs along the coast, ideal for beach-hopping

Tickets:

• Standard ticket: €1.20 valid for 90 minutes
• Athens Transport Pass: €4.10/day, €8.20/5 days
• Airport metro: €9 one-way

Thessaloniki:

• Mostly buses (OASTH network)
• Metro system in development—expected soon
• Day and multi-trip tickets available

⛴️ Island Local Transport

Most islands have limited public transportation, especially during off-season. Options include:

• Local buses (Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu)
• ATV/scooter rentals
• Taxis – limited and may be expensive
• Hotel transfers – often pre-arranged

🧭 Travel Tips

• Avoid peak traffic hours in Athens (8–10 AM, 5–7 PM)
• Use Google Maps and Rome2Rio for real-time directions
• Always validate your ticket in buses and metro
• Ferry delays due to weather are common—plan buffer time
• Check public holidays when services may be limited

🔗 Related Reading:
👉 Visa & Entry Requirements for Greece
👉 Travel Tips for Greece

✅ Conclusion

Greece offers a wide array of transportation options suited for every kind of traveler. From zipping across islands by ferry to cruising mountain roads in a rental car, the journey is part of the adventure. Understanding the options ahead of time will help you move smartly and enjoy every stop along the way.

Next stop? Head to our Accommodation in Greece page to plan where you’ll stay after your travels.