Getting from Thessaloniki to Agathonisi

If you are heading to Agathonisi from Thessaloniki you are making your way from the second largest city in Greece to one of the most remote islands in the Dodecanese group, on the opposite side of the country. It has almost no tourist infrastructure and an atmosphere of complete isolation.

Getting there by air

Agathonisi has no airport. The nearest airports are Leros and Samos. Thessaloniki has an international airport with connections to Athens. Flying from Thessaloniki to Athens and then Athens to Leros or Samos, followed by the local ferry to Agathonisi, which runs 3 to 5 times a week and takes around 1 to 2 hours, gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Take the train, bus or drive

Thessaloniki is connected to Athens by train, taking around 4 to 5 hours, and by KTEL bus, taking around 5 to 6 hours. From Athens the overnight Piraeus to Leros or Samos ferry runs regularly and takes around 9 to 13 hours. Flying from Thessaloniki is considerably more practical than the combined train and ferry journey for most travelers.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Thessaloniki to Agathonisi. Getting there by sea means traveling to Piraeus for the overnight ferry to Leros or Samos and then taking the local ferry to Agathonisi.

Your best option

Fly from Thessaloniki to Athens and then fly from Athens to Leros or Samos, then take the local ferry across to Agathonisi. It is the most practical approach. Check the ferry schedule before booking your flights as the service runs a limited number of times per week. Build flexibility into your plans as Agathonisi is not the easiest island to leave in a hurry. If you are traveling with a car, drive from Thessaloniki to Piraeus via the E75 motorway and take the overnight Piraeus to Leros ferry.