Complete Transport Guide to Greece

# Complete Transport Guide to Greece

Greece offers a diverse and reliable transport network—from efficient city buses and comfortable trains to speedy island ferries and quick domestic flights. Whether you’re planning a city break, countryside adventure, or island-hopping getaway, choosing the right mode of transport will save you time, money, and enhance your experience. This guide offers practical recommendations, insider tips, direct route links, and advice only seasoned travelers know.

---

## Overland Transport – Trains and Buses

### Trains: Scenic, Comfortable, and Fast

Greek trains connect major cities in the north and south, often passing through stunning landscapes. **Omio** and **Rail Europe** are the go-to platforms for booking tickets in English, including seat reservations on popular routes.

- [Athens – Thessaloniki](/routes/athens-thessaloniki): A main line with fast, comfortable trains (6–7 hours, several departures daily). Insider tip: choose a window seat—the views are worth it.
- [Thessaloniki – Kalabaka](/routes/thessaloniki-kavala): Essential for reaching the famous Meteora monasteries. The journey itself is part of the adventure.
- [Athens – Kavala](/routes/athens-kavala): A combined train-bus route, lesser-known but especially handy in summer.

Greek trains are usually punctual, but don’t expect Swiss standards—delays can happen, especially during peak seasons. Build some buffer time into your schedule.

### Buses: Flexible and Far-Reaching

The KTEL bus network connects nearly every town and village. **Bookaway** and **12Go** let you book in advance, avoiding queues and last-minute delays.

- [Athens – Nafplio](/routes/athens-nafplion): A favorite for history lovers, with scenic views and fewer crowds.
- [Athens – Kalabaka](/routes/athens-kalabaka): An alternative to the train, with more flexible departure times.
- [Thessaloniki – Kavala](/routes/thessaloniki-kavala): A common route in northern Greece, family-friendly.

Note: In summer and during holidays, buses (especially to islands and popular destinations) get crowded—book early.

---

## Ferries – Between Islands and Along the Coast

### The Main Port: Piraeus

Piraeus ([Piraeus](/places/piraeus)) is the gateway to the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and Ionian islands. **Direct Ferries**, **Ferryhopper**, and **Bookaway** aggregate most tickets—always compare companies, as schedules and comfort levels can vary significantly.

- [Piraeus – Santorini](/routes/piraeus-santorini): A classic route, with fast ferries (5–8 hours). Summer sailings fill up—VIP seats are worth the extra cost.
- [Piraeus – Mykonos](/routes/piraeus-mykonos): A relatively short trip, suitable even for a day visit.
- [Piraeus – Heraklion](/routes/piraeus-heraklion): Main route to Crete, especially comfortable on overnight ferries (with cabins).
- [Piraeus – Rhodes](/routes/piraeus-mykonos): A long journey (13–16 hours)—overnight sailings can save on accommodation.

### Island Connections – Stylish Island-Hopping

It’s not just about Piraeus—fast ferries also connect the islands themselves:

- [Mykonos – Santorini](/routes/mykonos-santorini): The most popular island-hopping route, with fast ferries (2–3 hours). Be aware: seas can be rough in July–August.
- [Heraklion – Santorini](/routes/heraklion-santorini): Ideal for combining Crete with the Cyclades.
- [Rhodes – Ialysos](/routes/ialysos-rhodes): A short local line, providing quick access to coastal towns.

### Lesser-Known Islands – More Peace, Fewer Crowds

- [Kavala – Corfu](/routes/saranda-corfu): A quieter route, with lush green scenery.
- [Thessaloniki – Corfu](/routes/thessaloniki-athens): Great for travelers starting in the north.
- [Heraklion – Rhodes](/routes/heraklion-athens): Seasonal route—book ahead, especially in August.

#### Key Insight:  
Ferry schedules in Greece are weather-dependent. In summer, strong winds (the "Meltemi") can cause delays—choose larger, more stable ferries if you’re prone to seasickness.

---

## Domestic Flights – When You Need to Save Time

Greece’s mountainous terrain and far-flung islands mean a domestic flight can sometimes save you a full day of travel. **Omio** and **Trip.com** list most available options, including seasonal routes.

- [Athens – Corfu](/routes/athens-corfu): The easy summer solution—skip hours on a ferry for a flight under an hour.
- [Athens – Heraklion](/routes/athens-heraklion): Frequent flights, great for spontaneous trips.
- [Thessaloniki – Rhodes](/routes/thessaloniki-athens): A quick flight that saves a long ferry ride.
- [Athens – Mykonos](/routes/athens-mykonos): Very popular during party season—book early.

Field tip:  
Airports can be extremely busy on Sundays and holidays—arrive early and double-check baggage rules, especially on low-cost carriers.

---

## Major Route Links – Quick Access to Full Details

Below are direct links to popular routes, with options to compare providers and book:

- [Athens – Thessaloniki](/routes/athens-thessaloniki)
- [Athens – Heraklion](/routes/athens-heraklion)
- [Athens – Nafplio](/routes/athens-nafplion)
- [Athens – Mykonos](/routes/athens-mykonos)
- [Athens – Corfu](/routes/athens-corfu)
- [Athens – Santorini](/routes/athens-santorini)
- [Athens – Kalabaka](/routes/athens-kalabaka)
- [Athens – Kavala](/routes/athens-kavala)
- [Piraeus – Santorini](/routes/piraeus-santorini)
- [Piraeus – Mykonos](/routes/piraeus-mykonos)
- [Piraeus – Heraklion](/routes/piraeus-heraklion)
- [Piraeus – Rhodes](/routes/piraeus-mykonos)
- [Mykonos – Santorini](/routes/mykonos-santorini)
- [Heraklion – Santorini](/routes/heraklion-santorini)
- [Heraklion – Rhodes](/routes/heraklion-athens)
- [Thessaloniki – Kalabaka](/routes/thessaloniki-kavala)
- [Thessaloniki – Kavala](/routes/thessaloniki-kavala)
- [Thessaloniki – Corfu](/routes/thessaloniki-athens)
- [Thessaloniki – Rhodes](/routes/thessaloniki-athens)
- [Kavala – Corfu](/routes/saranda-corfu)
- [Rhodes – Ialysos](/routes/ialysos-rhodes)

---

## Practical Tips for Getting Around Greece

**1. Advance Booking – Essential in High Season:**  
From April to September, and especially around Greek holidays, major routes fill up fast. If you want a reserved seat, air conditioning, or extra comfort—don’t rely on last-minute tickets.

**2. Recommended Platforms:**  
**12Go**, **Bookaway**, and **Direct Ferries** are popular for their wide selection and good customer service. For trains and flights, **Omio** and **Rail Europe** are solid choices.

**3. Flexibility with Timetables:**  
Greece is laid-back—buses and ferries may run late, especially in summer. Don’t set overly tight schedules.

**4. Travel Comfort:**  
Overnight ferries with cabins are best for long journeys. On buses, front seats are preferable if you get motion sick. On trains, second class offers a good balance of price and comfort.

**5. Urban Transport:**  
In big cities like [Athens](/places/athens) and [Thessaloniki](/places/thessaloniki), metro, tram, and bus systems are cheap and convenient. On most islands, taxis or renting a car/scooter are usually the best options.

**6. Seasonality:**  
Many island routes only run April–October. Double-check ferry schedules when planning—outside these months, poor planning can leave you stranded.

---

## Summary – How to Choose the Right Option

Greek transport is varied, accessible, and relatively affordable, but does require planning:  
- For travel between major cities—take the train, or fly if needed.  
- For towns and villages—buses are the most flexible.  
- For island-hopping—fast ferries are the norm, but flights can save lots of time.  
- Advance booking in high season is crucial to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Use the links above, compare providers, and pick routes based on convenient timings and ports—maximize your time in Greece. The journey is part of the experience—enjoy the ride, not just the destination.