Getting from Thessaloniki to Parga

If you are heading to Parga from Thessaloniki you are making your way from the second largest city in Greece to a Venetian-built harbour town on the Epirus coast, on the opposite side of the country. It faces the Ionian Sea with good beaches and a relaxed waterfront atmosphere.

Getting there by air

Parga has no airport. The nearest airports are Preveza, around 65 kilometres south, and Ioannina, around 103 kilometres east. Thessaloniki has an international airport with connections to Athens and Ioannina. Flying from Thessaloniki to Ioannina and then taking a taxi or bus to Parga, which takes around 1.5 hours, gives a total journey time of around 3 to 4 hours. Alternatively the drive from Thessaloniki to Parga is a realistic option given the distance.

Take the train, bus or drive

Thessaloniki is connected to Parga by road, taking around 4 to 4.5 hours via the Egnatia motorway and Ioannina. This avoids Athens entirely and is the most natural cross-country approach. The KTEL bus from Thessaloniki to Ioannina runs several times daily, from where a connecting bus or taxi to Parga takes around 1.5 hours.

Take the ferry

There is no ferry to Parga. It is a mainland coastal town accessible only by road.

Your best option

Drive from Thessaloniki to Parga 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. If you prefer not to drive the full distance, fly from Thessaloniki to Ioannina and take a taxi or bus to Parga.