
Thessaloniki's public transportation system is well-developed and efficient, making it easy to get around the city.
The city has a comprehensive network of buses that cover most areas, with over 60 bus lines operating daily. These buses run from early morning to late evening, with some lines running 24/7.
You can purchase a single ticket for 70 cents or a 10-ticket booklet for €6.50, both of which can be bought from the bus driver or at a kiosk.
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Getting to Thessaloniki
Getting to Thessaloniki is relatively easy, especially if you're flying in. You can land at Thessaloniki International Airport "Makedonia" (SKG), about 15 km from the city center.
To get to town from the airport, you have a few options. By bus, Route 01X (daytime) and 01N (nighttime) run between the airport and the city center, taking about 40 minutes and costing just a few euros. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which is more convenient but more expensive, costing around €20-25.
If you're heading to the city center from anywhere around the prefecture, urban buses are a great option, with frequent itineraries all year round. You can also consider booking a private transfer or a taxi, which can be customized to your preferences.
Arrival at SKG Airport
Arriving at Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) is a breeze. You'll land at Thessaloniki International Airport “Makedonia” (SKG), about 15 km from the city center.
If you're heading to the city center, you can take Bus 01X (daytime) or 01N (nighttime), which takes about 40 minutes and costs just a few euros. The buses are a super easy way to get to town.
You can also take a taxi, but be prepared to pay around €20-25, depending on traffic and time of day. However, you won't get there much faster than the bus.
If you plan to explore Chalkidiki and nearby regions, renting a car might be a good choice. But if you're staying within the city and its nearby beaches, parking and traffic might make a car more hassle than help.
Here are your transportation options from the airport:
- Bus: 01X (daytime) or 01N (nighttime) to the city center
- Taxi: around €20-25 to the city center
- Rental Car: for exploring Chalkidiki and nearby regions
How to Reach the Center
Getting to Thessaloniki's center is a breeze, thanks to the city's efficient public transportation system. You can hop on an urban bus from anywhere around the prefecture, and they have very frequent itineraries all year round.

Taxis are also aplenty, but be prepared to pay a bit more, around €20-25, depending on traffic and time of day. However, if you're short on time or prefer a more private ride, a taxi is a good option.
If you're flying in, you'll land at Thessaloniki International Airport "Makedonia" (SKG), about 15 km from the city center. From there, you can take the bus (Route 01X or 01N), which takes about 40 minutes and costs just a few euros.
If you're heading to the city center from the airport, here are your options:
Alternatively, you can book a private transfer or a taxi, which can be customized to fit your needs and preferences. Just be sure to contact your hotel in advance to ask if they offer transport services.
Urban buses are a great way to get around Thessaloniki, and they're easy to use. So, whether you're arriving at the airport or port, or just need to get to the city center, buses are a convenient and affordable option.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki has a well-developed public transportation system, starting with the Thessaloniki Metro. It began operating on November 30, 2024, and covers a distance of 9.6km with 13 stations.
You can travel from one end of the city to the other in just 17 minutes, with a train running every 3-5 minutes. The metro operates between 5:30am to 12:30am on weekdays and 5:30am to 2:00am on Fridays and Saturdays.
One of the unique features of the Thessaloniki Metro is that it has archaeological sites along the way, such as the Roman-era findings at Venizelou Station. The price for a basic ticket is just 0.60 euro, making it an affordable option for getting around the city.
For shorter distances, walking is a great option, as there's always something to see. Renting a scooter or bike is also a good idea, especially if you're feeling lazy.
Here are some transportation options for getting around Thessaloniki:
- Short distances: Walk or rent a scooter/bike.
- Longer distances: Take a bus.
- Want total freedom? Rent a scooter.
- Heading to Chalkidiki? Rent a car.
- Going to the beach? Take a bus or ferry.
- From the airport? Take bus 01X.
Transport: Affordable and Reliable
Thessaloniki's public transportation is surprisingly efficient, with buses covering most areas of the city.
You can choose from a network of buses, including the Lines of Public City Transport of Thessaloniki (OASTH) and the Thessaloniki Waterbus.
The OASTH bus lines operate with a frequency of 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM in winter and 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM in summer, with a full price ticket costing 1.80€ and a discount ticket costing 0.90€.
The Thessaloniki Waterbus, also known as Karavakia, offers a convenient way to reach the city's beaches, with three boats (Agios Giorgos, Konstantis, and Olympia) departing from the port and the White Tower.
Tickets for the Waterbus can be purchased at the boarding points, and a handy overview of departure times is available on their website.
The cost for a regular OASTH bus ticket is 0.90€, with a discount ticket costing 0.45€. You can also purchase a 70-minute ticket for two stops at 1.10€, a 90-minute ticket for three stops at 1.30€, a 120-minute ticket for four stops at 1.80€, and a discounted variant for each of these options.
Children under 6 years old travel for free, while children aged 7-12 and young people aged 13-18, as well as older than 65, pay the discounted price.
You can also rent scooters or bikes to get around the city, with the city's seafront being a great place to explore by bike, thanks to the 12 km bicycle network.
Here's a summary of the main bus lines to know:
- Lines 01X and 01N connect the airport with the historic center of the city, the New Railway Station, and the Bus Terminal "KTEL Makedonia".
- Line 50 follows the cultural route of the city, starting and ending at the White Tower.
- Lines 22 and 23 pass through the streets of the Upper Town, with some of them also covered by line 50.
- Lines 24, 2K, 5, 6, 58, 69, 72, and 70 operate in various parts of the city, including the beaches in the eastern part.
Transport Modes
Thessaloniki has a well-developed public transportation system that makes it easy to get around the city. You can rely on buses, taxis, and even small boats to reach your destination.
The city's public transportation is highly reliable, with frequent routes and daily departures. A single bus ticket costs around €1, with discounts for students and seniors. For trips to the beaches, consider getting a 90-minute transfer ticket.
You can also explore the city on foot or by bike, as Thessaloniki has a network of bicycle lanes approximately 12 km long, mainly along the seafront.
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Here's a quick overview of the transportation options:
- Bus: frequent routes, daily departures, single ticket around €1
- Taxi: available, but not the most affordable option
- On foot: a great way to explore the city, especially along the seafront
- By bike: use the city's bicycle lanes, approximately 12 km long
- Small boats (Karavakia): connect the city to its pleasant beaches
Metro (Subway)
The metro in Thessaloniki is a fast and convenient way to get around the city center. It was inaugurated on November 30th, 2024.
All metro stops are located at key spots, making it easy to get to popular areas. The metro currently only serves the city center, but it's planned to be expanded to the suburbs and the airport.
The metro is a great option for short trips, but if you're planning to explore the city, you may want to consider other modes of transportation.
Transport Modes: Bus, Taxi, Foot, Bicycle, Karavakia, Small Boats
Public transport in Thessaloniki is a great option for exploring the city.
The Lines of Public City Transport of Thessaloniki (ΟΑΣΘ – OASTH) offer a range of routes and services. You can use line No. 50, known as the cultural line, to visit many of the city's attractions.
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This line runs from 9:30 to 3:00 p.m. in winter and 8:00 to 7:00 p.m. in summer. The full price of the ticket is 1.80€, while the discount is €0.90.
To get to the airport, you can take the express bus line 01X, which operates during the day, or the night line 01N. These buses connect the airport with the historic center of the city, the New Railway Station, and the Bus Terminal “KTEL Makedonia”.
If you're heading to Chalkidiki, you'll need to take bus 79 from the airport to the Transit Station “IKEA” and then bus 36 to “KTEL Chalkidiki”. From there, you can take the long-distance bus to your destination.
Some other useful bus lines include line 45, which connects “KTEL Makedonia” Bus Terminal with the New Railway Station, and the Bus Terminal “KTEL Chalkidiki”, and line 50, which follows the cultural route of the city.
Here are some key bus routes to know:
- A single bus ticket costs around €1 (with discounts for students and seniors).
- For trips to the beaches, get a 90-minute transfer ticket—it’ll get you anywhere, even with a stop at the IKEA terminal.
- Line 01X takes you directly from the airport to the city center, and vice versa, with tickets costing €1.80 or €0.90 for discounted fares.
Private Transportation
If you're looking for a private transportation option in Thessaloniki, you have a few choices. Taxis are a common sight, with over 2000 in the city, and can be found at the airport, port, and central spots like Aristotelous Square, Navarino Square, and Ladadika.
To book a pre-ordered taxi, you can dial one of the phone numbers: 18300, 0030 23122 01220, 0030 697 4912630, 0030 697 8774728, or simply book online. Alternatively, you can use the Free Now (formerly Beat Taxi) app, a solid alternative to Uber or Bolt.
Renting a scooter or motorbike is another option, and it's often cheaper than a taxi or car. You can zip through traffic like a pro, and it's a popular choice among locals.
Transport Information
Public transport in Thessaloniki is a great option for getting around the city. The Lines of Public City Transport of Thessaloniki (ΟΑΣΘ – OASTH) offer a convenient way to see the sights.

Line 50, known as the cultural line, is a popular choice among tourists. Departures start at 9:30 a.m. during winter and 8:00 a.m. in summer, and the last bus leaves at 3:00 p.m. in winter and 7:00 p.m. in summer.
The ticket price for this line is 1.80€ for a single ticket, but you can get a discount of 0.90€ if you're eligible. Plus, tickets for this shuttle line are valid for an unlimited number of transfers.
If you prefer to explore the city on two wheels, you can rent a scooter or bike. Scooters are fast and cheap, and locals love them. Renting a scooter is often cheaper than a car, and you'll zip through traffic like a pro.
Bicycles are also available for rent, but they're best suited for the seaside promenade. The city streets can be too hectic and hilly for a smooth ride.
Here's a quick summary of the public transport options in Thessaloniki:
- Public transport lines operate from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in winter and 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in summer.
- Line 50, the cultural line, offers unlimited transfers with a single ticket.
- Scooters are a fast and affordable way to get around the city.
- Bicycles are best for the seaside promenade, not the city streets.
Planning Your Trip
The public transport system in Thessaloniki is a great way to get around the city. You can use the Lines of Public City Transport of Thessaloniki (ΟΑΣΘ – OASTH).
To make the most of your trip, consider taking the cultural line, number 50, which is a popular choice among tourists. It's a convenient and affordable option.
The cultural line operates from 9:30 in the morning during winter, and from 8:00 in the morning during summer, with the last departure at 3:00 p.m. in winter and 7:00 p.m. in summer.
A single ticket for this line costs 1.80€, but you can get a discount for 0.90€. Plus, tickets are valid for an unlimited number of transfers, making it a great value.
You can find more information about the OASTH and its services on oasth.gr.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there Uber in Thessaloniki?
Yes, Uber is available in Thessaloniki, operating 24/7. Download the app to request a ride anytime.
What to avoid in Thessaloniki?
In Thessaloniki, be cautious in crowded areas and at night to avoid petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching. Exercise vigilance to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Is there a hop-on hop-off bus in Thessaloniki, Greece?
Yes, there is a hop-on hop-off bus in Thessaloniki, Greece, offering a convenient way to explore the city's famous landmarks. Discover Thessaloniki with City Sightseeing's hop-on hop-off tour.
Sources
- https://www.greeka.com/macedonia/thessaloniki/transportations/
- https://thessalonikiblog.com/useful-information/public-transport/
- https://www.thessalonikitourism.gr/index.php/en/getting-around
- https://nikana.gr/en/tourist-guide/thessaloniki/general-information/5271/city-transport-in-thessaloniki-best-option-for-city-tour
- https://hikevent.com/transport-thessaloniki-whats-the-best-option/
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