Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city and a cultural hub that boasts a rich history, a vibrant nightlife and a remarkable cuisine. But did you know that it is also a great starting point for some of the most scenic train journeys in the country? Whether you want to explore the mountains, the lakes, the forests or the coast, there is a train route that will take you there in comfort and style. Here are some of the best train journeys from or to Thessaloniki that you can enjoy on your next trip to Greece.
The Main Line: Thessaloniki to Athens
The most obvious and popular train route from Thessaloniki is the one that connects it with the capital city of Athens. This is the main line of the Greek railway network, which has been recently upgraded and electrified, making the journey faster and more reliable. The train covers a distance of about 500 km in about 4 hours, passing through some of the most important cities and regions of Greece, such as Larissa, Lamia, Livadia and Thebes. Along the way, you can admire the diverse landscapes of Greece, from the fertile plains of Thessaly to the rugged mountains of Central Greece and the blue waters of the Saronic Gulf.
The train departs from Thessaloniki’s New Railway Station, which is located near the city center and easily accessible by bus or taxi. The station has a modern design and offers various facilities such as ticket offices, waiting rooms, luggage storage, cafes and shops. The train arrives at Athens’ Larissa Station, which is also close to the city center and connected to the metro and bus network. The station has a neoclassical facade and a spacious hall with marble columns and frescoes.
The train service between Thessaloniki and Athens operates several times a day, with different types of trains and fares. You can choose between Intercity (IC) trains, which are faster and more comfortable but more expensive, or Regional (R) trains, which are slower and cheaper but stop at more stations. You can also opt for different classes of seats, such as economy, business or first class. The prices range from 9 to 45 euros one way, depending on the type of train and seat. You can book your tickets online on the Hellenic Train website or at the station.
If you want to make the most of your train journey from Thessaloniki to Athens, you can also stop at some of the intermediate stations and visit some of the attractions along the way. For example, you can get off at Larissa and explore its ancient acropolis and medieval castle, or at Livadia and admire its picturesque waterfalls and bridges. You can also take a detour from Lamia and visit Thermopylae, where the famous battle between the Spartans and the Persians took place in 480 BC.
The Mountain Line: Thessaloniki to Florina
If you are looking for a more adventurous and scenic train journey from Thessaloniki, you can take the mountain line that leads to Florina, a small town in Western Macedonia near the border with Albania. This is one of the secondary lines of the Greek railway network, which offers a more authentic and nostalgic experience than the main line. The train covers a distance of about 160 km in about 3 hours, passing through some of the most beautiful and remote areas of Greece, such as Edessa, Amyntaio and Kozani.
The train departs from Thessaloniki’s Old Railway Station, which is located near the port and has a historic charm with its stone buildings and clock tower. The station has fewer facilities than the new one, but it has a cozy cafe where you can enjoy a coffee before your departure. The train arrives at Florina’s Railway Station, which is located on the outskirts of the town and has a simple design with wooden benches and flower pots.
The train service between Thessaloniki and Florina operates once or twice a day, depending on the season and demand. There is only one type of train available for this route, which is an old-fashioned diesel locomotive with wooden carriages. The seats are basic but comfortable enough for a short journey. The price is 9 euros one way for all passengers. You can buy your tickets at the station or on board.
If you want to enjoy the scenery along this train journey from Thessaloniki to Florina, you should sit on the right side of the train, as it offers the best views of the mountains, the lakes, the forests and the villages. You can also get off at some of the intermediate stations and visit some of the attractions along the way. For example, you can get off at Edessa and see its impressive waterfalls and park, or at Amyntaio and taste its famous wines and fruits.
The Coastal Line: Thessaloniki to Alexandroupoli
If you prefer the sea to the mountains, you can take the coastal line that connects Thessaloniki with Alexandroupoli, a lively city in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace near the border with Turkey. This is another secondary line of the Greek railway network, which offers a more relaxed and leisurely journey than the main line. The train covers a distance of about 450 km in about 6 hours, passing through some of the most charming and diverse coastal towns and regions of Greece, such as Katerini, Kavala, Xanthi and Komotini.
The train departs from Thessaloniki’s New Railway Station, which is the same as for the main line to Athens. The train arrives at Alexandroupoli’s Railway Station, which is located near the city center and has a modern design with glass walls and metal structures. The station has some facilities such as ticket offices, waiting rooms, cafes and shops.
The train service between Thessaloniki and Alexandroupoli operates once or twice a day, depending on the season and demand. There is only one type of train available for this route, which is a standard electric train with air-conditioned carriages. The seats are comfortable and spacious, with power outlets and tables. The price is 18 euros one way for all passengers. You can book your tickets online on the Hellenic Train website or at the station.
If you want to admire the beauty of the Aegean Sea along this train journey from Thessaloniki to Alexandroupoli, you should sit on the left side of the train, as it offers the best views of the beaches, the islands, the ports and the castles. You can also get off at some of the intermediate stations and visit some of the attractions along the way. For example, you can get off at Katerini and visit Mount Olympus, the home of the ancient Greek gods, or at Kavala and explore its old town and fortress.
The Heritage Line: Thessaloniki to Serres
If you are interested in history and culture, you can take the heritage line that links Thessaloniki with Serres, a historic city in Central Macedonia that dates back to ancient times. This is another secondary line of the Greek railway network, which offers a more cultural and educational journey than the main line. The train covers a distance of about 100 km in about 2 hours, passing through some of the most significant archaeological sites and monuments of Greece, such as Pella, Vergina and Amphipolis.
The train departs from Thessaloniki’s New Railway Station, which is the same as for the main line to Athens. The train arrives at Serres’ Railway Station, which is located near the city center and has a classic design with stone walls and arches. The station has some facilities such as ticket offices, waiting rooms, cafes and shops.
The train service between Thessaloniki and Serres operates once or twice a day, depending on the season and demand. There is only one type of train available for this route, which is a standard electric train with air-conditioned carriages. The seats are comfortable and spacious, with power outlets and tables. The price is 6 euros one way for all passengers. You can book your tickets online on the Hellenic Train website or at the station.
If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Greece along this train journey from Thessaloniki to Serres, you should pay attention to the announcements on board, as they provide information about the places you pass by. You can also get off at some of the intermediate stations and visit some of the attractions along the way. For example, you can get off at Pella and see the birthplace of Alexander the Great, or at Vergina and admire the royal tombs of his father Philip II.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many scenic train journeys from or to Thessaloniki that you can choose from depending on your preferences and interests. Whether you want to enjoy nature, history or culture, there is a train route that will suit your taste and budget. Taking a train in Greece is not only a convenient and comfortable way to travel around the country, but also a unique and memorable way to experience its beauty and diversity.
