Getting from Thessaloniki to Patras

If you are heading to Patras from Thessaloniki you are making your way from the second largest city in Greece to the third largest city in Greece on the southern shore of the Gulf of Corinth, the main gateway to the Ionian islands and western Europe.

Getting there by air

Patras has a small seasonal airport at Araxos, around 40 kilometres from the city, operating limited flights from May to October only. Thessaloniki has an international airport with daily connections to Athens. Flying from Thessaloniki to Athens and then driving or taking the KTEL bus west to Patras, which takes around 2 to 2.5 hours from Athens via the E65 motorway, gives a total journey time of around 4 to 5 hours.

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 drive west to Patras takes around 2 to 2.5 hours via the E65 motorway and the KTEL bus runs frequently taking around 2.5 to 3 hours. The drive from Thessaloniki to Patras takes around 6 to 7 hours via the E75 motorway and Athens, which avoids flying entirely and is practical for travelers with a car.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Thessaloniki to Patras. Getting there means traveling to Athens and then continuing west by road.

Your best option

Drive from Thessaloniki to Patras via the E75 motorway and Athens. At around 6 to 7 hours it is a manageable drive that avoids the need to fly. If you prefer not to drive the full distance, fly from Thessaloniki to Athens and take the KTEL bus or drive west to Patras. From Patras you have ferry connections to the Ionian islands and international connections to Italy.