Getting from Thessaloniki to Paxos

If you are heading to Paxos from Thessaloniki you are making your way from the second largest city in Greece to a small island in the Ionian Sea, on the opposite side of the country. It has ancient olive groves, turquoise coves and a Venetian harbour at Gaios that is one of the most charming in Greece.

Getting there by air

Paxos has no airport. The nearest airport is Corfu. Thessaloniki has an international airport with connections to Athens and seasonal direct flights to Corfu in summer. Flying from Thessaloniki to Corfu and then taking the ferry from Corfu to Paxos, which takes around 1 hour 30 minutes and runs several times daily in summer, gives a total journey time of around 3 to 4 hours when the direct service is running. Check the schedule as direct flights are seasonal. Alternatively fly from Thessaloniki to Athens and then Athens to Corfu.

Take the train, bus or drive

Thessaloniki is connected to Igoumenitsa by road, taking around 4 to 4.5 hours via the Egnatia motorway and Ioannina. From Igoumenitsa the car ferry to Paxos runs daily and takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. This avoids Athens entirely and is the most natural road and sea approach at around 5.5 to 6.5 hours total. Note that the Corfu to Paxos ferry does not carry vehicles so Igoumenitsa is the only option for travelers with a car.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Thessaloniki to Paxos. Getting there by road and sea means driving to Igoumenitsa for the car ferry to Paxos.

Your best option

Drive from Thessaloniki to Igoumenitsa via the Egnatia motorway and Ioannina, then take the car ferry to Paxos. It avoids Athens entirely and is the most natural approach. If you prefer to fly, fly from Thessaloniki to Corfu when the direct seasonal service is running and take the ferry across to Paxos. Paxos is one of the most rewarding islands in the Ionian and rewards at least three nights.