Getting from Thessaloniki to Lesvos

If you are heading to Lesvos from Thessaloniki you are making your way from the second largest city in Greece to the third largest island in Greece, in the northeastern Aegean, relatively close in geographic terms given both sit in the northern part of the country. It is the birthplace of Sappho, an island of olive groves, ouzo distilleries and a capital at Mytilini with a Byzantine castle and one of the most enjoyable waterfronts in the northern Aegean.

Getting there by air

Lesvos has its own airport with daily connections from Athens and seasonal direct connections from Thessaloniki. When the direct service is running the flight takes around 50 to 55 minutes making it one of the most effortless connections from Thessaloniki to any Aegean island. Check the schedule carefully as direct flights are seasonal. Alternatively fly from Thessaloniki to Athens and then Athens to Lesvos.

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 Lesvos ferry runs up to 8 times a week and takes around 10 to 14 hours. Flying 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 Lesvos. Getting there by sea means traveling to Piraeus for the overnight ferry to Lesvos.

Your best option

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