Getting from Thessaloniki to Volos

If you are heading to Volos from Thessaloniki you are making your way from the second largest city in Greece to a city on the Pagasetic Gulf at the foot of the Pelion peninsula in Thessaly, relatively close in geographic terms given both sit in the northern part of Greece. It is the departure point for ferries to the Sporades and has a long waterfront lined with ouzo bars and seafood restaurants.

Getting there by air

Volos has a small airport at Nea Anchialos, around 20 kilometres from the city, with limited connections from Athens. Thessaloniki has an international airport with daily connections to Athens. However the drive from Thessaloniki to Volos is considerably more practical than flying via Athens for this connection given the direct road link between the two cities.

Take the train, bus or drive

Thessaloniki is connected to Volos by road, taking around 2.5 hours via the E75 motorway. The intercity train from Thessaloniki stops at Larissa, from where a connecting service reaches Volos, though the total journey takes longer than driving. The KTEL bus from Thessaloniki to Volos runs several times daily and takes around 3 hours. All three options avoid Athens entirely and keep the journey within central and northern Greece.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Thessaloniki to Volos. Both are mainland cities connected only by road and rail.

Your best option

Drive from Thessaloniki to Volos via the E75 motorway. At around 2.5 hours it is the most direct and practical approach and avoids Athens entirely. The KTEL bus is a good alternative at around 3 hours. From Volos you have direct ferry connections to Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos in the Sporades running daily in summer.