Getting from Astakos to Thessaloniki

If you are heading to Thessaloniki from Astakos you are making your way from a port town on the western coast of central Greece to the second largest city in Greece, in the north of the country. It has a waterfront that stretches for kilometres past the White Tower, exceptional food and a history shaped by Byzantine, Ottoman and modern Greek influences.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Astakos to Thessaloniki. Astakos ferry connections are limited to Kefalonia and Ithaca. Getting to Thessaloniki means driving from Astakos north via the Egnatia motorway, which takes around 5 to 6 hours from Astakos via Ioannina, or driving to Athens and flying to Thessaloniki.

Getting there by air

Thessaloniki has an international airport with daily connections from Athens. Astakos has no airport either. Driving from Astakos to Athens and flying to Thessaloniki gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Drive from Astakos north via the Egnatia motorway to Thessaloniki. It takes around 5 to 6 hours from Astakos via Ioannina and avoids Athens entirely, making it the most direct road connection between the two. Alternatively drive to Athens and fly to Thessaloniki if you prefer not to make the full road journey. If you are traveling with a car the drive north via the Egnatia motorway is the most practical and scenic approach across northern Greece.