Getting from Thessaloniki to Chios

If you are heading to Chios from Thessaloniki you are making your way from the second largest city in Greece to one of the most overlooked islands in the northeastern Aegean, relatively close in geographic terms given both sit in the northern part of Greece. It is famous above all for its mastic trees in the south of the island that produce a resin found nowhere else on earth.

Getting there by air

Chios has its own airport with daily connections from Athens and seasonal direct flights from Thessaloniki in summer. When the direct service is running the flight takes around 50 minutes making it one of the most convenient connections from Thessaloniki to any northeastern Aegean island. Check the schedule carefully as direct flights are seasonal. Alternatively fly from Thessaloniki to Athens and then Athens to Chios.

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 Chios ferry runs around 3 times a week and takes around 9 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 Chios. Getting there by sea means traveling to Piraeus for the overnight ferry to Chios.

Your best option

Fly directly from Thessaloniki to Chios when the seasonal service is running. It is the fastest and most practical approach. When direct flights are not available, fly from Thessaloniki to Athens and then Athens to Chios. If you are traveling with a car, drive from Thessaloniki to Piraeus via the E75 motorway and take the overnight Piraeus to Chios ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.