Getting from Thessaloniki to Piraeus

If you are heading to Piraeus from Thessaloniki you are making your way from the second largest city in Greece to the largest port in Greece and the gateway to Athens and the wider ferry network.

Getting there by air

Piraeus has no airport. The nearest airport is Athens International, around 45 kilometres to the east. Thessaloniki has an international airport with multiple daily flights to Athens taking around 55 minutes. Flying from Thessaloniki to Athens and then taking the metro directly to Piraeus, which takes around 20 minutes from central Athens, gives a total journey time of around 2 to 3 hours including airport transfers.

Take the train, bus or drive

Thessaloniki is connected to Athens by intercity train, taking around 4 to 5 hours and running several times daily. From Athens central station the metro to Piraeus takes around 20 minutes. The KTEL bus from Thessaloniki Monastiriou terminal to Athens runs frequently and takes around 5 to 6 hours. The drive from Thessaloniki to Piraeus takes around 5 to 6 hours via the E75 motorway and is the most practical option for travelers with a car heading to the Piraeus ferry network.

Take the ferry

There is an occasional overnight ferry from Thessaloniki to Piraeus though it is not a regular scheduled service and is rarely more practical than the road and rail connections given their frequency and speed.

Your best option

Take the intercity train from Thessaloniki to Athens and then the metro to Piraeus. At around 4 to 5 hours total it is comfortable, direct and avoids the airport entirely. The drive is a good alternative for travelers with a car at around 5 to 6 hours via the E75 motorway. From Piraeus the full Greek ferry network is at your disposal.