Getting from Thessaloniki to Samos

If you are heading to Samos from Thessaloniki you are making your way from the second largest city in Greece to an island in the eastern Aegean, close to the Turkish coast, on the opposite side of the country. It is green and mountainous with wine production dating back to antiquity and the UNESCO-listed Heraion sanctuary.

Getting there by air

Samos has an international airport with connections from Athens and seasonal direct flights from Thessaloniki in summer. When the direct service is running the flight takes around 55 minutes making it one of the most convenient connections from Thessaloniki to any eastern Aegean island. Check the schedule carefully as direct flights are seasonal. Alternatively fly from Thessaloniki to Athens and then Athens to Samos.

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 Samos ferry runs up to 6 times a week and takes around 8 to 9 hours. Samos has two main ports, Vathy and Karlovassi, so check which port your ferry arrives at before booking accommodation. Flying from Thessaloniki 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 Samos. Getting there by sea means traveling to Piraeus for the overnight ferry to Samos.

Your best option

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