Getting from Thessaloniki to Thassos

If you are heading to Thassos from Thessaloniki you are making your way from the second largest city in Greece to the northernmost island in Greece, in the northern Aegean close to the Macedonian coast, relatively close in geographic terms given both sit in the northern part of the country. It is green and forested with good beaches and ancient ruins from one of the most prosperous cities of the ancient Greek world.

Getting there by air

Thassos has no airport. The nearest airport is Kavala, around 30 kilometres from the ferry port. Thessaloniki has an international airport but flying to Kavala and then taking the ferry to Thassos adds unnecessary time compared to the direct road connection. The drive is considerably more practical for this journey.

Take the train, bus or drive

Thessaloniki is connected to Kavala by road, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours via the E90 motorway. From Kavala the ferry to Thassos runs almost hourly in summer and takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. The total journey from Thessaloniki to Thassos takes around 3 to 3.5 hours and avoids Athens entirely. The KTEL bus from Thessaloniki to Kavala runs several times daily and takes around 2 hours.

Take the ferry

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

Your best option

Drive from Thessaloniki to Kavala via the E90 motorway and take the ferry across to Thassos. At around 3 to 3.5 hours total it avoids Athens entirely and is the most natural and direct approach. With ferries running almost hourly from Kavala in summer you rarely need to book the final crossing in advance. Having a car gives you transport on Thassos for exploring the island.