Getting Around Thessaloniki Airport – Transport Options

Best option: take the 78X bus from Thessaloniki Airport to Aristotelous Square. This cheap route costs about €2.70 and takes roughly 45–60 minutes, tempo di percorrenza depending on traffic. Tickets are available διαδικτυακά on the OASTH site or at arrivals kiosks; you can also pay on board with exact change. The carta option provides a valido 90-minute window and covers transfers to other lines. The ufficiali stops are clearly marked, and the service is reliable, making it a proprio-friendly first choice for many travelers.

Taxi to the city center provides door-to-door comfort. Official taxis (ufficiali) line up at the arrivals curb 24/7. The typical daytime fare runs around €38–€45, with a 10–15% surcharge after midnight. Most taxis accept carta payments (contactless) or cash; confirm before starting. If you want a predictable cost, ask for a fixed-rate transfer and obtain the valido receipt before departure.

Rideshare options (Uber, Bolt) operate from the arrivals zone and can be faster when taxi queues are long. They can be cheaper in off-peak hours and typically cost €25–€40 to the city center, with a tempo of about 25–40 minutes. After landing, request the ride in the διαδικτυακά app and meet at the designated pickup point. If you arrive on an aegean flight, the app usually shows the same pickup zone; drivers navigate the servizio area for a smooth handoff, anche if you travel with a lot of luggage.

Rail and airport connections offer a slower transfer to central Thessaloniki. You can reach the main rail hub via a short bus ride to the New Railway Station and transfer to a Proastiakos service; typical costo είναι €6–€8. Check the διαδικτυακά timetable, as frequencies vary by day. The Ρώμη-style signage helps you locate platforms, and the airport’s edificata layout makes transfers straightforward, even for travelers arriving from atene connections. If you’re traveling proprio light, this route is viable, but during peak hours it may be slower than a taxi or rideshare.

Car rental and airport services give you full control over your schedule. The desks of delle major rental brands and those with traditions dating to the ottomana era, line up near the arrivals hall; staff from ufficiali can assist with the servizio και carta payments. If you book διαδικτυακά, you’ll see clearly the costo and a valido pickup window. For a proprio itinerary, coordinate with the counter; the Ρώμη-style organization and the airport’s edificata signage ensure fast access to the car lots. The local fiorente car-rental ecosystem supports tempo flexibility and wide availability. Some providers in the aegean network offer integrated deals with your flight plan.

From SKG to Thessaloniki City Center: Taxi, Bus, or Private Transfer

Take a taxi for a direct, door-to-door ride from allaeroporto to Thessaloniki City Center. The distance is about 14,000 metri and the journey typically lasts 20–25 minutes in light traffic, 30–35 minutes at rush hour. The route trends toward the costa with views of the portuale and lungomare as you approach Aristotelous Square and the White Tower. Taxis are available in the arrivals area; the meter displays the fare, and you can ask for a fixed fare in advance if a driver offers it. Notturna surcharges apply after midnight, so plan accordingly. For a prima, stress-free start with luggage, this option delivers the fastest, most direct transfer, quindi you can drop off where you wish with no other stops.

Taxi and Private Transfer

For families or groups, a private transfer provides a seamless, collegata service from allaeroporto directly to your hotel. The driver waits in the arrivals hall with a sign, helps with luggage, and takes you straight to your destination. Typical center drop-off costs range from €35 to €60, depending on time of day and distance. Expect roughly 25–35 minutes in normal traffic; notturna surcharges may apply if you land late. Booking in advance guarantees availability, especially during holidays, and you can specify your drop-off near a specific area such as Andronikos street or another central landmark. This option keeps you tutti comfortable and completa, with no unplanned sosta along the way.

Autobus

The public autobus is the most economical choice. A direct connection from SKG to central Thessaloniki runs on regular lines, with journey times around 40–60 minutes and fares about €2–€3. Tickets are available at kiosks near arrivals or on board (where permitted); check the latest timetable for night (notturna) or early-morning services. Bus stops are located just outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with easy access to central hubs and to the train line if you plan to continue by treno. From the central station, trains go to Atene and other europa destinations. The route is situate in a way that all travelers can reach the heart of Salonicco, with clear signs and mosaici artwork in key areas to guide you, making the journey completa and simple even if you travel solo (sola).

Επιλογή	Typical duration	Estimated one-way cost (center)
Ταξί	20–35 minutes	€25–€40
Autobus	40–60 minutes	€2–€3
Private transfer	25–35 minutes	€35–€60

Troverete helpful signs at arrivals for every option. Dov’è you go, questa choice connects you straight to the city center and beyond, with easy access to key sights and connections to the treno network when you’re ready to explore europa destinations. Allt tutti i punti di accesso sono situate vicino al porto e al lungomare, offrendo un senso chiaro di dove sei e dove andrai.

Public Bus from the Airport: Routes, Schedules, and Ticketing

Take the diretti bus from the airport to the city center as soon as you land. Exit the arrivals sala and head to the clearly marked stop; these buses run directly to central spots without transfers, and you can see quali stops are on the route map.

There are diversi routes that reach paralia and piazza, with diretti connections to orientale districts. Notare which stops are le conosciute dai viaggiatori–the main hubs–so you can plan your move with confidence and avoid unnecessary backtracking.

Schedules run from early morning to late evening. Typical daytime service runs roughly every 30 minutes; weekends may be slightly less frequent. The last bus often departs around mezzanotte, so always check online for the latest times; lanno changes can occur, quindi plan ahead.

Ticketing is straightforward: acquistare tickets at the airport desk or from the driver on board on some routes; you can also buy online (online) or at kiosks in the sala. For longer stays or multiple rides, consider a tutto-day pass or a multi-ride option; the totale cost stays affordable, quindi you can explore beyond the central areas. If your piano includes a leg to Lubiana, you can cambiare at major hubs, and then take a treno della stazione or another rail service to continue. Signs and information in italia often use familiar trasporti terms, which makes it easy to navigate the network.

Taxi Stands at SKG: Fares, Availability, and How to Hail

Head to the taxi stand outside arrivi on the ground level; the dedicata queue for licensed compagnie guarantees a ride with the meter running and a transparent fare. This is the fastest option from SKG to Thessaloniki downtown, and the driver can point out key stops along the route (lato) toward the city center.

Fares to Thessaloniki city center generally range from €22 to €28 during giorno; after 23:00 expect €28 to €38. A Halkidiki trip uses the meter and varies by distance; some drivers may offer a pre-arranged fixed rate if you book dall airport, but always confirm before departure. For trips to Porto or Salonicco port area, expect €25-€35 depending on traffic and tolls. Distances to Halkidiki towns start around €60 and rise with distance; expect 30–60 minutes in light traffic.

Taxis depart 24/7; durante arrivi surges you typically see several taxis in the queue, with new cars arriving from diversi stands nearby. Wait times usually stay under 10 minutes, depending on flight arrivals and time of day. The stand sits on the side of the terminal (lato) near the arrivals lounge, and staff can direct you to the correct line during peak periods or longer layovers in the lounge area.

To hail, join the front of the dedicated line and tell the driver your destination; common requests include Salonicco city center, Porto area, or Halkidiki connections. The driver will switch on the meter and provide a receipt at arrival. If you prefer something predictable, consider alternativa options like pre-booking with a taxi compagnie or arranging a transfer at the terminal desk. For travelers with a volo early, pre-booking helps avoid delays and ensures a car is waiting at the terminal exit.

Rideshare and Private Shuttle Options: Booking Tips

Book a private shuttle in advance to lock in fixed prezzi, ensure a dedicata driver, and a smooth pickup. If your viaggio includes chalkidiki or katerini, this option saves time after a long flight and avoids mezzanotte queues at the terminal.

Rideshare can work, but confirm the pickup zone before you land. Make sure the app is attivo and that you set SKG as your destination. In the arrivals lounge, the driver presents a sign (presenta) with your name and will greet you within metri of the doors. If you travel with luggage, request a larger vehicle to avoid last-minute scrambling; interurbani autobus connections may be cheaper, but private rides provide direct transfers to your nord part of the city. Sola travelers benefit from a quiet ride and direct drop-off. Notare price differences (prezzi) and cancellation terms so you don’t miss changes to your plan.

Booking Steps

To prendere a ride, compare three providers for private shuttle options that offer a dedicated servizio and fixed prezzi. Enter your flight number so the driver can adjust for early or late landings, and specify passenger count and luggage. If you plan to continue to katerini or chalkidiki after Thessaloniki, verify that the option supports interurbani legs and a single vostra booking across corse.

Pickup and Payment Details

On arrival, head to the arrivals lounge; the driver presents a sign with your name. The car will be parked just outside the exit, sotto the canopy, within metri of the doors. Payment options include card on file, in-app payment, or cash; many operator dispone a fixed prezzo and clear terms. Late-night pickups around mezzanotte incur a small surcharge, so note it in the final quote. If your plan involves a broader trip to rome or elsewhere, ask about interurbani extensions and how the leg to chalkidiki fits with your next step of viaggio. For nelle confirmations you’ll find all details you need, including contact information and the exact drop-off point in your vostra booking.

Car Rental at the Airport: Pick-Up Process, Insurance, and Driving Tips

Pick up your rental car at Thessaloniki Airport by heading to the car rental desks in the arrivals area; present your reservation number, passport or ID, driving license, and a credit card in the driver’s name, and collect the keys at the official counters (ufficiali). If your license is non-EU, bring an International Driving Permit or check whether translation is required. After you sign, follow the signs to the car pick-up area.

1. Proceed to the designated pick-up area where the desk staff will assemble the rental agreement. If you used the macchinette for self-service, print the voucher and scan it at the desk to speed up the process. The path from the arrivals hall to the parking zone is well marked for a smooth percorrenza.
2. Inspect the vehicle before you drive away: photograph any pre-existing damage, confirm the fuel level, and verify the odometer reading on the contract. Return the car with the same fuel level (full-to-full) to avoid extra charges. Park in the marked spots under the terminal where dall’aeroporto you can access the macchina and the keys quickly.
3. Drive away from the airport and follow the official collegamenti to the city or coast. In nord-bound directions you’ll notice clear signage; the quindicible mornings (mattino) can bring busier queues, so allow extra time if your flight arrives early. The typical city route takes about 15–25 minutes depending on traffic, with longer waits during peaks.

Insurance options

Most rentals include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Third-Party Liability. Review the deductible (excess) and decide whether to add a zero-deductible option if you want to minimize out-of-pocket costs. Optional Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) and windshield/tyre coverage can reduce risk on rural drives. If your credit card offers rental coverage, confirm the terms with the issuer and whether it applies to Greece, including any exclusions. Ask the staff about limits for tires, undercarriage, and roof, which are sometimes excluded from basic plans. If you’re unsure, opt for the more flexible package; quindi, you’ll have fewer surprises at the counter and on return.

• CDW with deductible: standard protection, lower upfront cost, but expect some payment on minor damages.
• Zero-deductible CDW: higher upfront price but eliminates most out-of-pocket charges.
• PAI and optional extras: consider if you’ll be traveling with family or multiple drivers.
• Card-based coverage: verify coverage, exclusions, and how to file a claim.

Driving tips and practical notes

• Drive on the right and obey local signs; urban limits are typically 50 km/h, rural roads 90–110 km/h, and motorways 110–130 km/h. Watch for scooters and pedestrians in busy areas near bizantino-era districts.
• From the airport, use the main roads (collegamenti) to reach the nord section of the city and popular sights. The road network offers a magnificent mix of modern structures and historic quarters; keep an eye on city center signage and the Andronikos area for central access.
• Fuel policy: choose full-to-full when possible; if you select a pre-purchase fuel plan, cambiare to a more flexible option at the desk, but review the return requirements carefully.
• Parking: use official structures near the terminal (sotto the covered lots if you prefer shelter). In busy tourist periods, arrive early to secure convenient spots near attractions and hotel districts.
• Exits and islands: if you’re planning day trips to dellarcipelago regions, check ferry timetables in advance and coordinate with your itinerary. The car allows easy access to coastal connections and regional links (collegamenti dall’arena allarcipelago).
• Documentation and keys: keep your rental agreement and GPS handy; if you need to change plans during the trip, you can request to cambiare the car or adjust the insurance at the desk, subject to availability.
• Return: plan your drop-off time to match the rental company’s hours. Leave the keys in the drop box if the desk is closed and take note of any late-return charges.

Rail and City Connections: Reaching Thessaloniki Central Station by Public Transport

Recommendation: Take the airport bus to Thessaloniki Central Station. It is economica and the simplest way to start your rail journey. From the allaeroporto terminal, dallautobus stops are right outside arrivals; the orario is posted on boards and info screens, so arriva quickly once you board. The fare costa about 1-2 €, and you can pay on board or at a kiosk. Previsti travel times are 40-60 minutes depending on traffic. If you’re heading back later, the same line can take you to the allaeroporto terminal as well. This option is straightforward, with minimal transfers and a clear path into the city center and rail network–tutta the essential details you need are covered.

From Thessaloniki Central Station, rail services connect you to major destinations in Greece. InterCity trains run to Athens, with typical travel times around 4 hours, while regional trains cover the broader northern corridor; frequencies vary by day but many departures run every 2-3 hours in daytime. Sono common to see services that pass through the vicinanze of Halkidiki and calcidica, though most visitors reach those regions via long-distance buses from the nearby Macedonia bus terminal rather than direct rail. For paralia and other coastal località, plan a transfer: trains stop at the city’s edge, then a bus or taxi completes the last leg. Soprattutto during summer, many travellers combine a rail leg with a bus to reach seaside destinations.

• How to catch the airport-to-station leg: go dallautobus stop outside Arrivals, buy a ticket, and ride to the Central Station. The route is situate close to the city center and offers stable service, especially mid-day. The orario and price (costa) are posted, and info desks can help with directions.
• From Central Station to other Greek cities: look for InterCity or regional trains; plan with the official info (info). Previsti delays exist during holidays; always check the latest updates before you depart.
• City connections: you can reach Aristotelous Square and the coast by foot in about 15-25 minutes or take a local bus or tram, depending on where you stay. These options are convenient if your hotel sits in the vicinanze of the central hub.
• Trips to Halkidiki and calcidica: for the peninsula, you’ll typically take a long-distance bus (KTEL) from the main bus terminal; paralia and other coastal spots are especially popular in the summer, and many itineraries run more frequently in high season. Delle località along the coast are spread out, so plan your route ahead. In questa zona, una pianificazione precisa è utile.

Practical notes: prima verify the latest info (info) on the official transport site. The route from the airport to central station is straightforward, and tutto the steps are designed to be user-friendly: situate your luggage, purchase your ticket, board the dallautobus, then arrive at Thessaloniki Central Station ready to continue. If your plan includes aereo connections, you can coordinarvi with the orario windows and choose a modo that fits your schedule. The network dispose of multiple options to suit vostra timetable, including connections to aereo departures if you’re flying again later in the day. Molte services operate with predictable patterns, but distrusse disruptions can occur due to strikes or weather, so stay updated with the previsti changes. Overall, the combination of dallautobus and rail offers a flexible and economic way to explore Thessaloniki and nearby regions–from paralia to calcidica, Halkidiki, and beyond. dispone of sensible choices for travellers, and it keeps your viaggio smooth and comfortable.

Why Visit Thessaloniki: Perché andare a Salonicco and Quick Routes to City Sights

Start with primo move: from allaeroporto mikra, the fastest way to downtown Thessaloniki is a taxi or an interurbani bus to the city center. Tickets can be bought online, and the wi-fi in the terminal keeps you connected while you check questi timetables on the official sito. These options possono shorten travel time to about 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.

Once in the center, plan a mattino loop along Lungomare to see the White Tower and the ottomana-influenced streets of the waterfront. For access to the maggiore sights, most collegamenti operate every 15–30 minutes via interurbani buses or local routes, and you can vedere the key sights with a short hop between stops. If you prefer rail, metropolitana is still under development, tuttavia bus lines remain the most reliable collegamenti today.

For a quick circuit, these route ideas help: from Aristotelous Square, hop a bus toward the port to reach the White Tower, then branch to galerio for a coffee and a quick shopping break. These links, or collegamenti, let you vedere quattro o cinque punti in a compact itinerary that fits the primo mattino or primo pomeriggio.

Connectivity supports smooth planning: the airport provides free aeree wi-fi and online access to timetables; use the sito to compare compagnie and their interurbani options. You can viaggia between neighborhoods with confidence, picking the route that minimizes transfers and keeps you on time.

If your travels stretch to lubiana, check interurbani connections from Thessaloniki to Central Europe; several compagnie operate long-distance services, and you can plan a multi-stop viaggia through the Balkans. Use online resources to compare schedules and prices, keeping your tempo comfortable.

Seasonality affects crowds and light; in stagione, primo mattino is ideal to beat the heat and enjoy cooler air along the Lungomare. In peak estive months, start early and then rest in shade cafés near galerio and other sights to maximize comfort.

Vivid vita pulses around the waterfront, markets, and neighborhoods, with ottomana-era architecture adding character. These experiences are complemented by local compagnie offering guided tours and short hops to see more of the city.