Getting from Thessaloniki to Samothrace

If you are heading to Samothrace from Thessaloniki you are making your way from the second largest city in Greece to one of the most remote and wild islands in Greece, rising dramatically from the northeastern Aegean close to the Bulgarian and Turkish borders, relatively close in geographic terms given both sit in the northern part of the country. It has Mount Fengari at its centre and the Sanctuary of the Great Gods where the Winged Victory of Samothrace was discovered in 1863.

Getting there by air

Samothrace has no airport. The nearest airport is Alexandroupoli. Thessaloniki has an international airport with connections to Alexandroupoli. The drive from Thessaloniki to Alexandroupoli is considerably more practical than flying for this connection given the short driving distance and the need to continue to the ferry port regardless.

Take the train, bus or drive

Thessaloniki is connected to Alexandroupoli by road, taking around 3 to 3.5 hours via the Egnatia motorway. From Alexandroupoli the ferry to Samothrace runs daily in summer and takes around 1 hour 45 minutes. The total journey from Thessaloniki to Samothrace takes around 5 to 6 hours and avoids Athens entirely. The KTEL bus from Thessaloniki to Alexandroupoli runs several times daily and takes around 3.5 to 4 hours.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Thessaloniki to Samothrace. Getting there means driving or taking the bus to Alexandroupoli and then taking the ferry across to Samothrace.

Your best option

Drive from Thessaloniki to Alexandroupoli via the Egnatia motorway and take the ferry across to Samothrace. At around 5 to 6 hours total it avoids Athens entirely and is the most natural and direct approach. Check the ferry schedule before traveling and build your Alexandroupoli arrival around the afternoon departure. Samothrace rewards at least three or four nights and the drive northeast from Thessaloniki through Macedonia and Thrace is a good one.