Getting from Athens to Katerini

If you are heading to Katerini from Athens you are making your way to a city at the foot of Mount Olympus on the Pierian coast of northern Greece. Katerini is the capital of Pieria and sits between the Aegean coast and the highest mountain in Greece, which gives it an unusual combination of beach and mountain in close proximity. The beaches around Paralia Katerinis are among the most popular in northern Greece for Greek families in summer. The slopes of Olympus above the city have serious hiking trails leading to the summit at Mytikas, the highest point in Greece at 2,917 metres. The archaeological site of Dion, the sacred city of the ancient Macedonians, is just south of the city and one of the finest in the country.

Getting there by air

Katerini has no airport. The nearest airport is Thessaloniki, around 70 kilometres to the north. Daily connections from Athens to Thessaloniki take around 55 minutes and from Thessaloniki Airport, Katerini is around 1 hour by car or bus to the south.

Take the train, bus or drive

The drive from Athens to Katerini via the E75 motorway takes around 4 to 4.5 hours, a straightforward journey through central and northern Greece. The KTEL bus from Athens runs directly to Katerini several times daily taking around 4.5 to 5 hours. The Hellenic Train intercity service from Athens Larissa station to Katerini takes around 4 hours with the train stopping at the station just below the city.

Take the ferry

There is no ferry from Athens to Katerini. It is a mainland city with no connection to the Aegean ferry network.

Your best option

Drive or take the train if the journey itself is part of the experience. The train through the Vale of Tempe on the approach to Katerini is one of the finer stretches of the Athens to Thessaloniki line. If time matters, fly to Thessaloniki and take the bus or rent a car for the short drive south.