Getting from Thessaloniki to Igoumenitsa

If you are heading to Igoumenitsa from Thessaloniki you are making your way from the second largest city in Greece to a port city on the Epirus coast in the far northwest of the country, the main departure point for ferries to Corfu, Paxos and Italy.

Getting there by air

Igoumenitsa has no airport. The nearest airport is Ioannina, around 83 kilometres to the east. Thessaloniki has an international airport with connections to Athens and Ioannina. Flying from Thessaloniki to Ioannina and then taking a bus or taxi to Igoumenitsa, which takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, gives a total journey time of around 3 to 4 hours. However the drive from Thessaloniki to Igoumenitsa is a realistic alternative given the direct motorway link.

Take the train, bus or drive

Thessaloniki is connected to Igoumenitsa by road, taking around 4 to 4.5 hours via the Egnatia motorway and Ioannina. The KTEL bus from Thessaloniki to Igoumenitsa runs several times daily and takes around 4.5 to 5 hours. This avoids Athens entirely and is the most natural cross-country approach given the Egnatia motorway connecting northern Greece from east to west.

Take the ferry

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

Your best option

Drive from Thessaloniki to Igoumenitsa via the Egnatia motorway and Ioannina. At around 4 to 4.5 hours it avoids Athens entirely and is the most direct and natural road approach. Having a car makes this route straightforward. From Igoumenitsa you have direct ferry connections to Corfu, Paxos and Italy. The KTEL bus is a good alternative if you are traveling without a car.