Getting from Thessaloniki to Alexandroupoli

If you are heading to Alexandroupoli from Thessaloniki you are making your way from the second largest city in Greece to the far northeastern corner of the country, a city on the Thracian coast close to the Turkish border and the gateway to Samothrace, relatively close in geographic terms given both sit in the northern part of Greece.

Getting there by air

Alexandroupoli has its own airport with connections from Athens. Thessaloniki has an international airport with daily connections to Athens. However the drive from Thessaloniki to Alexandroupoli is considerably more practical than flying via Athens for this connection given the direct motorway link between the two cities.

Take the train, bus or drive

Thessaloniki is connected to Alexandroupoli by road, taking around 3 to 3.5 hours via the Egnatia motorway. The intercity train from Thessaloniki to Alexandroupoli runs several times daily and takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. The KTEL bus from Thessaloniki to Alexandroupoli also runs several times daily and takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. All three are practical options that avoid Athens entirely and keep the journey within northern Greece.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Thessaloniki to Alexandroupoli. Both are mainland cities connected only by road and rail.

Your best option

Drive from Thessaloniki to Alexandroupoli via the Egnatia motorway. At around 3 to 3.5 hours it is the most direct and practical approach and avoids Athens entirely. The train is a comfortable alternative at around 3.5 to 4 hours. If you are planning to visit Samothrace from Alexandroupoli, ferries depart daily in summer and take around 1 hour 45 minutes.