Athens, the capital of Greece, is a fascinating city that combines ancient history with modern culture. It is also a convenient base for exploring other parts of the country, whether you want to visit the stunning islands, the scenic mainland or the historic sites. But how do you get to Athens from other destinations in Greece? Here are some of the best ways to travel to and from Athens, depending on your budget, time and preferences.
By plane
If you want to save time and avoid long journeys, flying is the fastest way to get to Athens from other parts of Greece. Athens International Airport (ATH) is located 23 miles southeast of the city center and has connections with many domestic and international destinations. You can fly to Athens from most of the major Greek islands, such as Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu and Kos, as well as from some mainland cities, such as Thessaloniki, Kavala and Ioannina. The flight duration varies from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the distance.
The downside of flying is that it can be more expensive than other modes of transportation, especially during peak season or if you book last minute. You also need to factor in the cost and time of getting to and from the airports, which can be inconvenient if you have a lot of luggage or if you are staying far from the city center. You can check the prices and availability of flights on websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights, and then book directly with the airline or through a third-party platform.
By ferry
If you want to enjoy the scenic views of the Aegean Sea and experience the Greek island hopping culture, taking a ferry is a great way to get to Athens from other parts of Greece. Athens has three main ferry ports: Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio, which are connected by metro, bus or taxi to the city center. Piraeus is the largest and busiest port, serving most of the islands in the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Saronic and Northeast Aegean groups, as well as Crete. Rafina is closer to the airport and serves mainly the Cyclades islands, especially those in the eastern part, such as Mykonos, Tinos and Andros. Lavrio is the smallest and least frequented port, serving mainly some islands in the Cyclades and Saronic groups, such as Kea, Kythnos and Aegina.
The ferry duration depends on the distance and the type of ferry you choose. There are conventional ferries that are slower but cheaper and more spacious, and high-speed ferries that are faster but more expensive and less comfortable. The ferry duration can range from an hour to more than eight hours, depending on your destination. For example, a ferry from Piraeus to Santorini can take between five and eight hours, while a ferry from Rafina to Mykonos can take between two and four hours. You can check the schedules and prices of ferries on websites like Ferryhopper or Direct Ferries, and then book online or at the port.
By train
If you want to explore the mainland of Greece and see some of its natural beauty and cultural heritage, taking a train is a good way to get to Athens from other parts of Greece. Athens has two main train stations: Larissa Station (also known as Central Station), which is located near Omonia Square and is connected by metro line 2, and Peloponnese Station (also known as Stathmos Peloponnese), which is located near Larissa Station and is connected by bus line 51. Larissa Station serves most of the destinations in northern and central Greece, such as Thessaloniki, Meteora, Delphi and Volos. Peloponnese Station serves some destinations in southern Greece, such as Corinth, Nafplio and Olympia.
The train duration depends on the distance and the type of train you choose. There are regular trains that are slower but cheaper and more frequent, and intercity trains that are faster but more expensive and less frequent. The train duration can range from an hour to more than six hours, depending on your destination. For example, a train from Larissa Station to Thessaloniki can take between four and six hours, while a train from Peloponnese Station to Nafplio can take between two and three hours. You can check the timetables and fares of trains on the website of Trainose, the national railway company, and then book online or at the station.
By bus
If you want to travel on a budget and have more flexibility and options, taking a bus is another way to get to Athens from other parts of Greece. Athens has two main bus terminals: KTEL Kifissos, which is located in the western part of the city and is connected by bus line 051 or metro line 1 (via a short walk), and KTEL Liosion, which is located in the eastern part of the city and is connected by bus line 024 or metro line 2 (via a short walk). KTEL Kifissos serves most of the destinations in mainland Greece, such as Thessaloniki, Delphi, Meteora, Ioannina and Patras, as well as some islands that are accessible by road, such as Evia, Lefkada and Kefalonia. KTEL Liosion serves mainly some destinations in central and eastern Greece, such as Volos, Lamia and Chalkida.
The bus duration depends on the distance and the traffic conditions. There are usually multiple departures per day for each destination, and some buses may make stops along the way. The bus duration can range from an hour to more than seven hours, depending on your destination. For example, a bus from KTEL Kifissos to Thessaloniki can take between five and seven hours, while a bus from KTEL Liosion to Volos can take between three and four hours. You can check the schedules and prices of buses on the websites of the regional KTEL companies, which operate the intercity buses in Greece, and then book online or at the terminal.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many ways to get to Athens from other destinations in Greece, depending on your preferences and needs. You can choose to fly, take a ferry, a train or a bus, or even combine different modes of transportation to create your own itinerary. Whatever you choose, you will surely enjoy your journey and discover the beauty and diversity of Greece.
