Getting Around Thessaloniki: Bus, Metro, Taxi and Walking Guide

Getting around Thessaloniki is relatively straightforward once you understand how the city’s transport system fits together.

The historic centre is compact and highly walkable. Many major attractions, including Aristotelous Square, the White Tower, the Rotunda, Ladadika and the central markets, are close enough to explore on foot.

The metro is useful for travelling quickly across the centre and towards eastern districts, while buses reach areas not covered by the rail network. Taxis are widely available and are especially helpful for the airport, Ano Poli, late-night journeys and travellers carrying luggage.

The main complication is ticketing. Bus and metro tickets currently use separate systems, even though several fares have the same price. A metro ticket cannot be used on a bus, and a bus ticket cannot be used on the metro.

Everything you need to know before visiting Thessaloniki.

This guide explains getting around Thessaloniki by metro, bus, taxi and on foot, with practical ticket information, airport connections and advice for visitors with limited time.

Is Thessaloniki Easy to Get Around?

Yes, particularly when you stay in or near the historic centre.

Central Thessaloniki is organised around a few major east–west streets, including Egnatia, Tsimiski, Mitropoleos and Nikis Avenue. Aristotelous Square provides an easy reference point between the western centre and the area leading towards Agia Sofia and the White Tower.

Most first-time visitors can complete a large part of their itinerary on foot. Public transport becomes more useful for Ano Poli, the railway station, eastern neighbourhoods, the airport and longer cross-city journeys.

The city’s main challenges are steep streets in Ano Poli, summer heat, crowded buses and traffic during peak hours.

Find the Complete Thessaloniki Guide here.

Walking Around Thessaloniki

Walking is the best way to experience central Thessaloniki.

The main sightseeing area extends from Ladadika and the port in the west to the White Tower, museums and university district in the east. Within this zone, attractions are usually separated by manageable distances.

A practical walking route can connect:

• Ladadika
• Kapani and Modiano markets
• Aristotelous Square
• Agia Sofia
• Navarinou Square
• The Palace of Galerius
• The Arch of Galerius
• The Rotunda
• The White Tower
• The waterfront

Walking also allows you to notice Roman remains, arcades, bakeries, churches and neighbourhood cafés that would be easy to miss from a vehicle.

Comfortable shoes are essential. Pavements may be narrow or uneven, and parked vehicles sometimes reduce the available walking space.

Is Thessaloniki Flat?

The lower city centre and waterfront are mostly flat.

The terrain begins rising north of Egnatia Street and becomes significantly steeper towards Agios Dimitrios, Olympiados Street and Ano Poli.

Walking from Aristotelous Square to the White Tower is easy for most visitors. Walking from the waterfront to Trigonion Tower or Heptapyrgion is much more demanding.

For Ano Poli, take a taxi or bus uphill and return on foot. This approach saves energy and creates a natural downhill route through the walls, Vlatadon Monastery, Hosios David and Tsinari.

Thessaloniki Metro

The Thessaloniki Metro now serves both the city centre and Kalamaria. The original line opened in 2024, while the extension towards Kalamaria entered service on 27 August 2026.

The extension added five stations: Nomarchia, Kalamaria, Aretsou, Nea Krini and Mikra. This makes the Metro considerably more useful for travellers staying in or visiting eastern Thessaloniki, particularly Kalamaria and the waterfront areas around Aretsou and Nea Krini.

For most visitors, the Metro is now one of the easiest ways to travel between the railway station, the historic centre and eastern Thessaloniki. Central stations include Venizelou, Agias Sofias and Sintrivani, while Mikra provides an important interchange for onward travel towards Thessaloniki Airport.

The Metro does not run directly to Thessaloniki Airport. Instead, passengers can travel by Metro to Mikra and continue to the airport using the X3 bus.

Thessaloniki Metro Stations Most Useful to Visitors

New Railway Station

Use this station for trains and accommodation around the western railway district.

Dimokratias

Useful for the western centre and areas near Monastiriou Street.

Venizelou

One of the best stations for the central markets, Aristotelous Square and the commercial centre.

Agias Sofias

Convenient for Agia Sofia, Tsimiski Street and the central shopping district.

Sintrivani

Useful for the Rotunda, Arch of Galerius, university area and International Exhibition Centre.

Panepistimio

Serves Aristotle University and nearby institutions.

Nea Elvetia

Nea Elvetia remains an important interchange between the Metro and bus services serving eastern Thessaloniki. However, it is no longer the end of the Metro network towards Kalamaria.

Mikra

Mikra is the eastern terminus of the Kalamaria branch and an important interchange for onward journeys towards Thessaloniki Airport. The X3 bus connects Mikra Metro Station directly with the airport.

Thessaloniki Metro Operating Hours

The current Thessaloniki Metro operating hours are:

• Sunday to Thursday: 05:15–00:30
• Friday and Saturday: 05:15–02:00

These times refer to the first and last train departures from the network’s terminal stations: New Railway Station, Nea Elvetia and Mikra.

The later Friday and Saturday service is particularly useful for visitors going out for dinner or nightlife, although you should still check the official Metro website before relying on the final train.

Temporary timetable changes can occur because of maintenance, special events or operational requirements, so check the current schedule before an important late-night or early-morning journey.

Metro Ticket Prices

The current basic metro fare is:

• Single journey: €0.60
• Reduced single journey: €0.30
• 24-hour metro ticket: €2.50
• Ten journeys plus one free: €5.80
• Reduced 10+1 package: €2.90

Longer passes are also available, including 30-, 90- and 180-day products. Children up to six years old travel free when accompanied by an adult holding a validated ticket.

The basic metro ticket is valid for one metro journey rather than unlimited travel for a fixed number of minutes.

How to Buy a Metro Ticket

Metro tickets can be purchased and reloaded from automatic ticket vending machines inside the stations.

The official metro system currently has automated machines across all stations, with selected ticket offices available for personalised cards and pass services.

Automatic machines are the simplest option for visitors. Follow the language prompts, select the appropriate product and keep the ticket after entering the station.

The ticket is rechargeable, so you do not necessarily need to discard it after one journey. The metro operator encourages passengers to reload existing tickets at the machines.

How to Validate a Metro Ticket

Validate your metro ticket or card when entering the station and again when leaving.

The transport authority states that metro tickets and cards must be validated twice: once at entry and once at exit.

Keep the ticket throughout the journey. Fare inspections can take place on platforms or trains, and passengers without a valid or properly validated fare may receive a fine.

Do not bend, damage or throw away a reloadable ticket before completing the exit validation.

Can You Use the Same Ticket on the Metro and Bus?

No.

Metro tickets and cards cannot currently be used on buses, and bus tickets and cards cannot be used on the metro. Travellers needing both systems must buy separate fare products.

This is particularly important when travelling from Thessaloniki Airport via the X3 bus and transferring to the Metro at Mikra.

You need:

• A special airport bus ticket for the X3
• A separate Metro ticket for the onward journey

The same principle applies when taking another city bus to a Metro station: bus and Metro fares currently remain separate.

Thessaloniki Buses

Buses remain essential for destinations outside the metro corridor.

They serve:

• Thessaloniki Airport
• Ano Poli
• Eastern neighbourhoods beyond or between the main Metro corridors
• KTEL Macedonia bus station
• KTEL Halkidiki station
• Perea and surrounding areas through connections
• Hospitals and university facilities
• Suburban municipalities

OASTH operates much of the urban bus network, while other contracted services also cover parts of the wider metropolitan and suburban area.

Bus journey times are more affected by traffic than metro journeys. During weekday rush hours, allow extra time.

Thessaloniki Bus Ticket Prices

The main urban bus ticket currently costs €0.60 and is valid for unlimited bus travel within the urban zone for 70 minutes after first validation.

A peri-urban ticket costs €0.80 and is also valid for 70 minutes. Special services, including airport lines and the Cultural Route, require a different ticket.

The main bus fare products include:

• Urban 70-minute ticket: €0.60
• Peri-urban 70-minute ticket: €0.80
• Special-line ticket: €2.00
• 24-hour bus ticket: €2.50
• Urban 10+1 package: €5.80

Reduced fares require an eligible personalised card.

Airport Bus Ticket Price

Airport buses are classified as special services.

The current special-line ticket costs €2.00 and is valid for 70 minutes on eligible special bus services.

The ordinary €0.60 urban ticket is not valid on special airport services such as the direct city-centre airport bus or the X3 connection between Thessaloniki Airport and Mikra Metro Station.

Because fares and route classifications can change, check the current OSETH fare information before travelling.

How to Buy Bus Tickets

Bus tickets can be purchased through several channels.

Automatic ticket machines installed on buses accept credit or debit card payments. Additional machines at selected locations accept cash and cards, while tickets are also available from OASTH ticket offices.

The airport has a ticket booth and OSETH automatic ticket machines near the bus terminal outside arrivals.

Bus tickets can also be purchased through the Oseth Mobile App. After purchasing a QR ticket, activate and validate it according to the instructions in the app when boarding.

Buying or preparing your ticket before boarding can reduce stress, particularly at busy stops or when travelling to the airport.

Buying before boarding can reduce stress, particularly at busy stops.

How to Validate a Bus Ticket

Validate your ticket or card immediately after boarding.

The transport authority requires bus passengers to validate their fare upon entry.

A 70-minute ticket begins its validity from the first validation. During that period, it can be used for additional eligible bus journeys within the relevant fare zone.

When using a mobile ticket, activate it before or as you board and scan the QR code according to the app instructions.

Keep proof of the active ticket available until the journey is complete.

Bus Line 50: Thessaloniki Cultural Route

Bus Line 50 is designed for visitors interested in Thessaloniki’s historic sights.

The route begins near the White Tower and passes several cultural and historical locations, including areas connected with Ano Poli, the walls and major city monuments.

Tickets for the Cultural Route can be purchased from the attendant on board or from ticket outlets.

The Cultural Route uses a special fare rather than the standard €0.60 urban ticket.

It can be useful for travellers with limited mobility or visitors wanting an overview before exploring individual attractions on foot.

Using Bus Apps and Live Information

Bus schedules can be affected by traffic, roadworks and temporary route changes.

Use official OASTH or TheTA telematics rather than relying exclusively on static timetable screenshots. The transport authority provides bus schedules and real-time information through its online services.

Many stops display a numerical stop code that can be used to access arrival information.

Google Maps can be useful for planning, but compare important journeys with official live information, especially for the airport, last departures and suburban routes.

Getting from Thessaloniki Airport to the City Centre

Thessaloniki Airport “Makedonia” is southeast of the city centre. Travellers can either take a direct airport bus into central Thessaloniki or connect with the Metro at Mikra, the eastern terminus of the Kalamaria extension.

The most useful public transport options for visitors are:

• Line 01X: Direct airport bus towards the city centre, New Railway Station and KTEL Macedonia
• Line 01N: Night service between the airport and the city
• Line X3: Airport to Mikra Metro Station
• Line 79: Airport to the IKEA bus transfer station

For most visitors, the choice is between the direct 01X/01N service and the X3 connection to the Metro. Which is faster or easier depends on your accommodation, traffic and waiting time.

Airport Bus 01X and 01N

Line 01X is the main direct airport bus for travellers heading into central and western Thessaloniki. It connects the airport with the city centre and continues towards the New Railway Station and KTEL Macedonia bus terminal.

Line 01N provides the corresponding night connection.

The direct airport bus is particularly convenient when staying around the city centre or when your destination is close to its route. It also avoids the need to change between bus and Metro with luggage.

Traffic is the main disadvantage. Journey times can increase considerably during busy periods, so allow extra time when travelling to the airport for a flight.

Airport Bus X3 and the Metro

The opening of the Kalamaria Metro extension in August 2026 created a new option for travelling between Thessaloniki Airport and the city.

Line X3 connects Thessaloniki Airport with Mikra Metro Station, allowing passengers to transfer to the Metro for Kalamaria and central Thessaloniki.

From Mikra, Metro services continue through Nea Krini, Aretsou, Kalamaria and Nomarchia before joining the original Metro route towards the city centre and New Railway Station.

This option is particularly useful when your accommodation is close to a Metro station, including Agias Sofias, Venizelou or the New Railway Station.

The airport is not directly served by the Metro. X3 provides the connection between the airport terminal and Mikra station.

Bus and Metro fares remain separate, so passengers transferring from X3 to the Metro should expect to need a separate Metro ticket.

Airport Bus 79

Line 79 connects Thessaloniki Airport with the IKEA eastern bus transfer station.

It is mainly useful for passengers connecting with other bus services in eastern Thessaloniki rather than travellers heading directly to the historic centre.

For most first-time visitors staying centrally, the direct 01X/01N airport service or the X3 connection to Mikra Metro Station will usually be more practical.

Routes and frequencies can change, so check the current OSETH schedule when planning an airport journey.

Buying Airport Bus Tickets

Airport and other special bus services use a different fare from standard urban buses. The current full fare for a special bus route is €2, while a standard urban bus ticket costs €0.60.

Bus tickets can also be purchased digitally through the OSETH Bus Mobile App. Ticket machines on buses support payment by bank card or contactless NFC.

If you plan to transfer between an airport bus and the Metro, remember that the bus and Metro currently use separate fare systems. You will therefore need the appropriate ticket for each part of the journey.

Always validate the relevant ticket when required, and check current fares and ticketing arrangements before travelling, as Thessaloniki’s public transport system is still evolving.

Taxi from Thessaloniki Airport

Taxis are available at the official airport taxi stand between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, between Exits 3 and 4.

A taxi is the easiest option when:

• Arriving late at night
• Travelling with children
• Carrying several bags
• Staying in Ano Poli
• Sharing the cost with other passengers
• Needing door-to-door transport

Journey time to the centre depends heavily on traffic and the exact destination.

Use the official taxi rank or a recognised taxi-booking service. Confirm that the taximeter is operating and request a receipt.

Getting to the Airport Early in the Morning

For an early flight, check whether Line 1N serves your departure time and location.

Night bus frequency is lower than daytime service, and the route may take longer because it serves several areas before reaching the airport.

A pre-booked taxi is usually the most reliable choice for flights requiring arrival before regular metro or daytime bus operations.

Leave extra time for roadworks, weather and terminal procedures.

Getting Around Thessaloniki by Taxi

Taxis are plentiful throughout central Thessaloniki.

You can find them at taxi ranks, hail an available taxi or use a recognised booking app. They are particularly useful for:

• Ano Poli
• Airport journeys
• Late-night transport
• Heavy luggage
• Short journeys during rain or heat
• Travellers with mobility needs

Central journeys are often short, but traffic can significantly affect time and cost.

Licensed Thessaloniki taxis are normally blue and white. Ask for the taximeter and avoid accepting an unclear verbal fare unless you have booked a transfer with a confirmed fixed price.

Taxi Apps in Thessaloniki

Taxi-booking apps can help travellers avoid language confusion and provide a digital booking record.

Available services may include local and national taxi platforms operating in Thessaloniki. Some allow passengers to request card payment and track the vehicle.

Availability and fees can change, so check which service is active shortly before your visit.

When paying by card through a booking service, confirm whether the payment is handled inside the app or directly by the driver.

Can You Pay by Card in Thessaloniki Taxis?

Card acceptance has become increasingly common, but you should not assume every street-hailed taxi will handle payment in exactly the same way.

Ask before beginning the journey when card payment is essential.

A booking app may provide clearer payment options. Keep some cash available as a backup, especially for a short ride or late-night journey.

Always request a receipt for airport or higher-value trips.

Getting to Ano Poli

Ano Poli is one of the few major visitor areas where walking alone may not be the best strategy.

The most comfortable approach is:

1. Take a taxi or bus to Trigonion Tower, Heptapyrgion or Vlatadon Monastery.
2. Explore the upper walls and viewpoints.
3. Walk downhill through the neighbourhood.
4. Finish near Agios Dimitrios or Olympiados Street.

Bus Line 50 can also provide access to several cultural locations around Upper Town.

Walking uphill is possible, but it can be tiring in summer or with children.

Getting to the White Tower

The White Tower is not directly served by a metro station.

The closest useful central metro stations are Sintrivani and Agias Sofias, followed by a walk.

Buses run along major streets near the waterfront and exhibition area, while taxis can drop passengers close to the monument.

From Aristotelous Square, the walk along the waterfront is simple and scenic. It usually makes more sense to walk than to wait for transport.

Getting to Ladadika

Ladadika is easy to reach on foot from Aristotelous Square, the port and the central markets.

Venizelou is the most useful nearby metro station, although a short walk is still required.

Several buses pass through the western centre and nearby commercial streets.

Because Ladadika is pedestrianised in parts, taxis may drop you on a surrounding street rather than directly outside a restaurant or hotel.

Getting to the Railway Station

The New Railway Station is directly served by the Metro and is one of the network’s terminal stations.

This makes the metro the easiest option from central stations such as Venizelou and Agias Sofias.

Buses and taxis also serve the station.

Leave extra time when travelling for an intercity train, particularly during peak hours or when carrying luggage.

Getting to KTEL Macedonia Bus Station

KTEL Macedonia is Thessaloniki’s main intercity bus terminal for many destinations in Northern Greece and elsewhere.

Airport Line 1X/1N serves the terminal directly.

Other city buses connect KTEL Macedonia with the centre, railway station and surrounding districts.

The terminal is west of the main sightseeing area and is not served directly by the current metro line. A taxi may be the simplest choice when carrying large luggage.

Do not confuse KTEL Macedonia with the separate KTEL Halkidiki station.

Getting to KTEL Halkidiki

Buses towards Halkidiki depart from a separate coach station east of central Thessaloniki.

This station is not the same as KTEL Macedonia.

Visitors normally reach it by city bus, taxi or a connection through the IKEA eastern transfer area.

Allow plenty of time because cross-city traffic can be unpredictable, especially on summer weekends.

Check your ticket carefully to confirm the correct station before leaving your accommodation.

If Halkidiki is your next stop, see our guide to getting from Thessaloniki to Halkidiki.

Travelling with Luggage

Luggage is allowed on urban buses and metro services, subject to space and safety conditions.

Official passenger regulations state that larger luggage should not exceed 100 × 60 × 25 centimetres or 25 kilograms. Bus passengers with luggage should use the middle doors, and bags must not block aisles, exits or validation equipment.

Keep backpacks off seats and close to your body.

During rush hour, a taxi may be significantly more comfortable than a crowded bus with a large suitcase.

Travelling with Children and Pushchairs

Children up to six years old travel free on the metro when accompanied by an adult with a validated ticket.

On buses, pushchairs should ideally be folded. When this is not possible, open pushchairs may be accepted depending on vehicle type, occupancy and the driver’s judgement.

Use the middle doors and keep the stroller away from aisles and exits.

Metro stations are generally easier with pushchairs because of elevators, although temporary elevator closures can occur. Check the live station status before travelling.

Accessibility

Metro stations include elevators and step-free facilities, but individual elevator status can change.

The official metro station page provides live elevator information for each station.

OASTH also provides specialised transport services for persons with disabilities, subject to advance arrangements and service conditions.

Ano Poli remains challenging because of steep gradients, uneven streets and historic buildings.

Travellers with limited mobility should plan routes around accessible stations, taxis and shorter monument visits.

Cycling in Thessaloniki

The waterfront is the most comfortable area for recreational cycling.

Nea Paralia provides a long, open route away from much of the central road traffic. Bicycle and shared-mobility services may operate seasonally or through private providers.

Cycling through the busy historic centre is less relaxing because of traffic, narrow streets and inconsistent cycling infrastructure.

Use extra caution at road crossings and pedestrian-heavy sections of the promenade.

Cycling is best treated as a waterfront activity rather than the main way to reach every attraction.

Driving in Thessaloniki

Driving is not recommended for ordinary sightseeing.

Challenges include:

• Heavy traffic
• Limited parking
• One-way streets
• Narrow roads
• Motorcycles moving between lanes
• Pedestrianised areas
• Expensive private garages
• Difficult parking around Ano Poli

Rent a car only when planning day trips to Halkidiki, Mount Olympus, Pozar, Lake Kerkini or other regional destinations.

Collecting the vehicle on the morning of your day trip can be easier than keeping it throughout a city-centre stay.

Parking in Thessaloniki

Street parking is limited in the centre.

Hotels that advertise parking may mean a nearby paid garage rather than private on-site spaces. Confirm the exact arrangement and daily charge before booking.

Never rely on finding free street parking near Aristotelous Square, Ladadika or the waterfront during busy periods.

For rental cars, choose accommodation with confirmed parking or stay slightly outside the densest central streets.

Public Transport at Night

The Metro now operates later than it did during earlier phases of the system.

Current terminal departure times run until 00:30 from Sunday to Thursday and until 02:00 on Friday and Saturday.

This makes the Metro useful for many evening journeys, particularly at weekends, but it should not be treated as an all-night service.

Night bus services also operate, including the overnight airport connection. After the Metro closes, taxis are usually the simplest option for travellers returning from nightlife areas or staying outside the central walking zone.

Always check the current Metro and bus schedules before relying on the final service of the night.

Is Public Transport Safe?

Public transport in Thessaloniki is generally suitable for visitors.

Use standard urban precautions:

• Keep valuables secure in crowded buses and stations.
• Do not place phones or wallets in open back pockets.
• Keep luggage close.
• Validate tickets correctly.
• Avoid blocking doors and aisles.
• Use official taxi ranks and recognised apps.

Crowding is most likely during rush hour, major events and university commuting periods.

Best Transport for a One-Day Visit

For one day in Thessaloniki:

• Walk through the central markets and historic centre.
• Use a taxi or bus uphill to Ano Poli.
• Walk downhill towards Agios Dimitrios.
• Continue on foot towards the waterfront.
• Use the metro only when you need to shorten a cross-city journey.

Buying multiple transport products may not be necessary unless your accommodation is outside the centre.

Best Transport for a Two- or Three-Day Visit

For a two- or three-day city break, combine:

• Walking for central sightseeing
• Metro for longer east–west journeys
• One taxi or bus journey to Ano Poli
• Airport bus or taxi for arrival and departure

A 24-hour ticket can be useful on a day involving several trips, but remember that bus and metro 24-hour products are separate.

Choose accommodation near Venizelou, Agias Sofias or the central waterfront to minimise transport needs.

Common Transport Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not assume the same ticket works on buses and the metro.
• Do not use the standard €0.60 bus ticket on airport services.
• Do not forget to validate when entering and leaving the metro.
• Do not begin an Ano Poli visit with an uphill walk during summer unless you are prepared for the climb.
• Do not confuse KTEL Macedonia with KTEL Halkidiki.
• Do not assume the Metro runs all night. It currently operates until 00:30 on Sunday–Thursday and until 02:00 on Friday and Saturday, but you should check the latest timetable before relying on the final train.
• Do not leave for the airport without checking live traffic and the current bus schedule.

Final Thoughts on Getting Around Thessaloniki

The easiest approach to getting around Thessaloniki is to combine walking with a small number of strategic public transport journeys.

Walk through the historic centre, markets, Roman monuments and waterfront. Use the Metro for faster journeys between the railway station, central Thessaloniki, Kalamaria and the eastern districts.

For Ano Poli, taking a bus or taxi uphill and exploring the neighbourhood on foot is usually easier than beginning with the climb from the lower city.

For Thessaloniki Airport, choose between a direct airport bus, the X3 connection between the airport and Mikra Metro Station, or a taxi depending on your destination, arrival time and luggage.

Remember that bus and Metro tickets currently remain separate. Buy the correct fare, validate it properly and check official live information before important journeys.

With accommodation in or near the centre, most visitors will find Thessaloniki compact and manageable without a car.