Getting from Thessaloniki to Zakynthos

If you are heading to Zakynthos from Thessaloniki you are making your way from the second largest city in Greece to one of the most beautiful of the Ionian islands, on the opposite side of the country. It has Navagio Beach, the shipwreck cove with towering white cliffs and turquoise water that is one of the most photographed places in the Mediterranean.

Getting there by air

Zakynthos 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 1 hour making it one of the most convenient connections from Thessaloniki to any Ionian island. Check the schedule carefully as direct flights are seasonal. Alternatively fly from Thessaloniki to Athens and then Athens to Zakynthos.

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 drive to Kyllini on the northwestern Peloponnese coast takes around 3 to 3.5 hours via Corinth and Patras, and the ferry from Kyllini to Zakynthos takes around 1 hour 15 minutes and runs frequently. The total journey by road and ferry takes around 9 to 11 hours from Thessaloniki.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Thessaloniki to Zakynthos. No mainland Aegean port is connected by sea directly to any Ionian island. Getting there by road means driving to Kyllini for the ferry to Zakynthos.

Your best option

Fly directly from Thessaloniki to Zakynthos 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 Zakynthos. If you are traveling with a car, drive from Thessaloniki via Athens and Patras to Kyllini for the ferry across to Zakynthos.