Getting Around Greece
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient metros for Athens and Thessaloniki. Rural/Islands: Rent a car for mainland exploration or ferries for islands. Coast: Buses and ferries. For convenience, book airport transfers from Athens to your destination.
Train Travel
Hellenic Train (OSE)
Reliable network connecting Athens to major cities like Thessaloniki with regular services.
Cost: Athens to Thessaloniki €20-40, journeys 4-5 hours between key routes.
Tickets: Buy via Hellenic Train app, website, or station kiosks. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 8-10 AM and 4-6 PM for better prices and availability.
Rail Passes
Eurail Greece Pass offers flexible days of unlimited travel for €100-200 depending on duration and class.
Best For: Multiple stops along the Athens-Thessaloniki corridor, savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, official website, or Eurail app with digital activation.
Intercity Options
Proastiakos suburban trains link Athens to airports and suburbs, with intercity to Peloponnese.
Booking: Reserve seats in advance for longer routes, discounts up to 30% for early birds.
Athens Stations: Main hub is Athens Central (Larissa), with connections to Piraeus port.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring islands and rural mainland. Compare rental prices from €25-60/day at Athens Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (EU or International), credit card, minimum age 21-23.
Insurance: Full coverage advised, verify inclusions for island ferries.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 130 km/h highways.
Tolls: E-pass system for highways like E75, costs €2-10 per section.
Priority: Yield to right at roundabouts, watch for scooters in cities.
Parking: Free in rural areas, paid zones €1-3/hour in Athens and islands.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations common at €1.80-2.00/liter for petrol, €1.60-1.80 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, download offline maps for islands.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Athens during rush hours and summer island ferries.
Urban Transport
Athens Metro & Trams
Modern network covering Athens, single ticket €1.20, 90-min pass €1.20, 5-day pass €9.
Validation: Validate tickets at platform gates, fines for non-compliance are strict.
Apps: OASA app for routes, live tracking, and digital ticket purchases.
Bike Rentals
Bike Rentals
Bike-sharing in Athens and Thessaloniki, €5-12/day with stations in tourist areas.
Routes: Bike lanes along coastlines and in cities, ideal for short explorations.
Tours: E-bike tours available in Athens and islands for scenic rides.
Buses & Local Services
KTEL intercity buses and OASTH urban services cover mainland and cities efficiently.
Tickets: €1-2 per ride, purchase from kiosks or onboard with contactless options.
Ferries: Essential for islands, €10-50 depending on route and speed (high-speed vs conventional).
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near ports in islands for ferry access, central Athens or Plaka for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and festivals like Athens Epidaurus.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for ferry-dependent island plans.
- Amenities: Check for AC, WiFi, and proximity to buses or metros before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 5G in cities and tourist areas, 4G on most islands and mainland.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Cosmote, Vodafone Greece, and Wind offer prepaid SIMs from €10-20 with island coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, kiosks, or provider shops with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for €12, 10GB for €20, unlimited for €25/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, tavernas, and tourist spots, improving on islands.
Public Hotspots: Airports, ports, and squares offer free access.
Speed: 20-80 Mbps in urban areas, sufficient for streaming and navigation.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2, daylight saving March-October (EEST, UTC+3).
- Airport Transfers: Athens Airport 35km from city center, metro €9 (40 min), taxi €40, or book private transfer for €40-60.
- Luggage Storage: Available at ports and stations (€5-10/day) and services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Metro and new ferries accessible, ancient sites often have steps and uneven terrain.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on ferries (small free in cabins, large €10-20), check hotel policies.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on trains for €2-5, free on some ferries off-peak.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Greece
Athens International Airport (ATH) is the main hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Athens International (ATH): Primary gateway, 35km east of city with metro links.
Thessaloniki (SKG): Northern hub 15km from center, bus €1 (45 min).
Heraklion (HER): Crete's main airport, 5km from city with taxis and buses.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tuesday-Thursday) often cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly to nearby hubs like Istanbul or Sofia and bus/ferry to Greece for savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, EasyJet, and Aegean Airlines serve Athens and islands with European routes.
Important: Include baggage fees and island transfers in total cost comparisons.
Check-in: Online 24 hours prior required, airport add-ons increase prices.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, fees €2-4, prefer bank machines over tourist spots.
- Credit Cards: Visa/Mastercard common, Amex less so in rural/island areas.
- Contactless Payment: Widely accepted, Apple/Google Pay in cities and resorts.
- Cash: Essential for ferries, markets, and small tavernas, carry €50-100 in euros.
- Tipping: Not mandatory, round up or add 5-10% for good service in restaurants.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, skip airport bureaus.