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Train, Bus or Plane: Athens to Thessaloniki

Posted by (Raleigh, NC) on

Need advice on trains in Greece ....

I have researched transportation from Athens to Thessaloniki and had decided to take the IC train. Then, I read many comments on Reddit that the trains were not safe. They were basing this on the terrible accident in early 2023. Now I have no idea whether to book the train. They recommended the bus and planes over trains.

Does anyone have data/thoughts on train safety in Greece? Do you take the train?

I would prefer the train so that I can see the countryside while travelling. I could take the bus, but I read there are no restrooms on the buses. Do you know if this is true?

I need to decide soon because airfare seems to be rising!

Posted by
3591 posts

i haven't checked any official sites lately, but earlier this year, because of damage to the track, a train journey involves getting off, taking a bus for a stretch, then getting back onto a train on the other side. (Note: there was no damage to a train, just some kind of ?landslide? in off-season). The KTEL intercty busses are comfortable, and have appropriaately-timed rest stops... however that is a loooong ride. You'd be able to see distant mountains, but from what people have told me, it's not like a train/bus journey in Switzerland, or the Loire Valley in France... not a postcard idyll, Unless you are on a long, extended visit, I'd say take the plane.

Posted by
75 posts

Thanks. How much time did the change to bus back to train add to your trip?

Posted by
7724 posts

AFAIK the trains are direct again.

And yes, there was a tragic accident in 2023, but it's not like there are daily accidents like that.

Personally I would take the train.

Posted by
3092 posts

The landslide caused damage to the train line to Kalambaka (Meteora), but not to Thessaloniki. While the journey to Kalambaka is still partially by bus, the train to Thessaloniki is direct.

Since the serious accident in February 2023, there have been no other accidents.

The website for booking: https://www.hellenictrain.gr/en

The Athens train station is located here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/c3JHDKdGkBQJZ8mg8

By metro, it's Larissa station.

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