Getting from Thessaloniki to Kalymnos

If you are heading to Kalymnos from Thessaloniki you are making your way from the second largest city in Greece to an island in the Dodecanese group, known above all for its sponge diving tradition and its status as one of the premier rock climbing destinations in Europe, on the opposite side of the country.

Getting there by air

Kalymnos has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Thessaloniki has an international airport with daily connections to Athens. Flying from Thessaloniki to Athens and then Athens to Kalymnos takes around 1 hour on the second leg. Total journey time is around 4 to 5 hours. Alternatively fly from Thessaloniki to Athens and then Athens to Kos and take the short ferry from Mastichari to Kalymnos, which takes around 30 to 45 minutes. 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 Kalymnos ferry runs around 5 times a week and takes around 9 to 11 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 Kalymnos. Getting there by sea means traveling to Piraeus for the overnight ferry to Kalymnos.

Your best option

Fly from Thessaloniki to Athens and then fly from Athens to Kalymnos or Kos. It is the fastest and most practical approach. If you fly to Kos the Mastichari to Kalymnos ferry is a frequent and effortless connection. If you are traveling with a car, drive from Thessaloniki to Piraeus via the E75 motorway and take the overnight Piraeus to Kalymnos ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.