Transport Options by Air
Thessaloniki’s airport, Macedonia (SKG), accommodates frequent flights from national and international destinations. From there you can reach the city by bus, taxi, or using Private transportation directly to your hotel. If you prefer using public transportation, there are two bus routes available that connect the airport to the city center; Buses No 78 and 78N. Bus 78 runs half-hourly from the airport, heading west through the city to the main bus station (KTEL Makedonia) via the train station. Tickets cost €2 from the airport to the bus station; €1.10 for short journeys. Taxis to the airport cost €15 to €20, even more from midnight until 5am.
Land Transport options
Domestic Buses
Thessaloniki’s main bus station, KTEL Makedonia, is 3km west of the centre. Each destination has its own specific ticket counter, signposted in Greek and English.
For Athens only, avoid the trip by going instead to Monastiriou bus station – an easy-to-miss office opposite the train station – where Athens-bound buses start before calling in at KTEL Makedonia. Additional discounts to regular fares apply for kids, students, special-needs travellers, retirees and soldiers (well, Greek ones, anyway). Travellers can leave luggage at KTEL Makedonia (€1 to €7 for 24 hours).
Buses leave for Halkidiki from the eastern Thessaloniki Halkidiki bus terminal. The terminal is out towards the airport, reached via city buses 45A or 45B. From the main bus station, buses stop en route at the train station and Plateia Aristotelous. With waiting time and traffic, this 'express' service to the bus terminal can take more than an hour. Then there's the trip to Halkidiki itself. The whole production can take three to six hours. It's wiser to rent a car for your entire Halkidiki trip or at least take a taxi (€10 to €15) to Halkidiki bus terminal.
Domestic Trains
Direct trains serve Athens (€55.40, 5¼ hours, seven daily), Litohoro (€9, one hour, 10 daily) and Larisa (€14 to €21, two hours, 15 daily). Several daily trains serve Veria, Edessa and Florina (mostly via Platy). Only two daily trains currently serve Xanthi, Komotini and Alexandroupoli in Thrace.
Thessaloniki’s train station has ill-kept downstairs toilets, ATMs, a post office, card phones and small modern eateries, plus an Orthodox chapel. Self-serve luggage storage lockers start from €3. Additionally, a staffed luggage storage room (€3 per item per day) operates until 10pm daily – show your train ticket when depositing luggage.
