Getting from Athens to Alexandroupoli

If you are heading to Alexandroupoli from Athens you are making your way to the far northeastern corner of Greece, a city on the Thracian coast close to the Turkish border with a character shaped by its position at the edge of multiple worlds. The waterfront is pleasant, the old lighthouse is a landmark and the surrounding region of Thrace is one of the most fascinating and least visited parts of the country. The Dadia Forest Reserve to the north is one of the finest raptor sanctuaries in Europe. The Evros River delta on the Turkish border is a significant wetland and bird migration site. Alexandroupoli also serves as the gateway to Samothrace, with ferries to the island departing from its port daily in summer.

Getting there by air

Both Athens and Alexandroupoli have airports. Aegean Airlines and Sky Express both operate daily flights from Athens to Alexandroupoli taking around 1 hour 15 minutes. This is the fastest and most practical approach.

Take the train or drive

The drive from Athens to Alexandroupoli via the E75 and Egnatia motorway takes around 8 to 9 hours and is a long day's drive through northern Greece. The Hellenic Train intercity service from Athens Larissa station to Alexandroupoli takes around 9 to 10 hours and is a better option than driving if you want to rest on the journey.

Take the ferry

There is no practical ferry from Athens to Alexandroupoli. The city is a northern Aegean mainland port and is not connected to Piraeus by any regular passenger ferry service.

Your best option

Fly from Athens. The 1 hour 15 minute flight is the only sensible approach for most travellers given the distance involved. If you are planning to explore Thrace and the northeastern mainland at length and need a car, fly and rent at the airport rather than driving the full distance from Athens.