Getting from Thessaloniki to Ioannina

If you are heading to Ioannina from Thessaloniki you are making your way from the second largest city in Greece to a city in the mountains of Epirus in northwestern Greece, on the western shore of Lake Pamvotis with the Pindos range behind it and the Vikos Gorge, one of the deepest in the world, an hour away.

Getting there by air

Ioannina has its own airport with connections from Athens. Thessaloniki has an international airport with daily connections to Athens. Flying from Thessaloniki to Athens and then Athens to Ioannina gives a total journey time of around 3 to 4 hours. The airport is just 4 kilometres from the city centre. However the drive from Thessaloniki to Ioannina is a realistic alternative given the distance involved.

Take the train, bus or drive

Thessaloniki is connected to Ioannina by road, taking around 3.5 to 4 hours via the Egnatia motorway. The KTEL bus from Thessaloniki to Ioannina runs several times daily and takes around 4 hours. This is the most natural and direct approach at around 3.5 to 4 hours and avoids Athens entirely. The drive through the mountains via the Egnatia motorway is a scenic one.

Take the ferry

There is no ferry to Ioannina. It is an inland city with no sea connection.

Your best option

Drive or take the KTEL bus from Thessaloniki to Ioannina via the Egnatia motorway. At around 3.5 to 4 hours it avoids Athens entirely and is the most direct and natural approach. Having a car gives you the flexibility to explore the Zagori villages and Vikos Gorge from Ioannina, both well worth the detour.