How To Get Around Greece: Means of Transportation

You have come to the decision to visit Greece and that is undoubtedly one of the best choices you could make! You are dreaming of the endless blues and the golden sunshine. Greece, though, is so much more than its islands. The Greek landscape is outstanding, consisting of great complexity and variety, formed by the sea, the mountains and the lowland.

You can explore the whole diverse range of Greek destinations, if you know how to get around –and if you don’t, just keep reading!

By plane

The country offers 46 public-use airports, of which 15 are international and 31 are domestic, the largest and busiest being Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”.

“Eleftherios Venizelos” is connected to all the airports of Greece, while it also provides flights to 156 destinations with 65 airlines in scheduled passenger traffic. Noteworthy is the fact that a flight from Athens to anywhere in Greece will take you just under an hour.

Yet the need for transportation carries on after landing, ergo “Eleftherios Venizelos” is accessible via different means of transport; taxi, bus, suburban railway and metro.

You have come to the decision to visit Greece and that is undoubtedly one of the best choices you could make!

You are dreaming of the endless blues and the golden sunshine. Greece, though, is so much more than its islands. The Greek landscape is outstanding, consisting of great complexity and variety, formed by the sea, the mountains and the lowland.

You can explore the whole diverse range of Greek destinations, if you know how to get around –and if you don’t, just keep reading!

Use the form below to check prices for international or domestic flights

Metro

Athens is currently the only Greek city that provides an underground network.

Athens Metro consists of 3 lines and connects the city’s most important sites and monuments such as the Acropolis, Athens International Airport, Port of Piraeus, Central Railway Station, the Olympic Stadium and the city’s outskirts.

During the subway’s construction the excavations brought to light a world of archaeological wonder; a plethora of archaeological objects has been unearthed, many of which are now exhibited in stations. Athens’ Metro is covered in art, an everyday gallery of the city’s artistic impulses –from ancient artefacts to contemporary artworks.

The underground railway system runs from 5:30 a.m. until 24:30 a.m., while on Fridays and Saturdays the line stays open until 2:30 a.m. to serve the party-goers!

Modern, unique, and most importantly efficient, the Metro is certainly one of the best ways to commute when visiting Athens. You can reach your destination with ease and comfort, as it also connects to the tram, bus routes and suburban railway.

☞ Related: 10 Of The Best Landmarks In Athens To See For Yourself

Railway Network

Who said the destination is more important than the journey? A slower pace of travelling encourages the modern-day traveller to sit back, relax and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. Here is how to ensure your trip doesn’t go off the rails!

The Greek mainland’s railway network is run by OSE (Greek Railways Organisation) and offers the best value for money and a great way to appreciate the countryside.

The routes are carried out by Regular and Intercity trains, offering a variety of on-board amenities, making them perfect for long journeys. In addition, the Suburban Railway connects urban centres to the suburbs, alleviating congestion of traffic and contributing to the decentralisation.

Although the railway system in Greece doesn’t allow travel to the country far and wide, train lines serve most of the mainland and connect such popular destinations as Athens, Thessaloniki, Patra and Florina.

For cultural reasons, few rail lines have been preserved by OSE and still operate for tourism purposes. These thematic trains suit anyone who seeks a unique experience; the cog train from Diakofto to Kalavryta, the steam train of Pelion and the train from Katakolon to Ancient Olympia.

No matter the train you embark on or the route it follows, you will certainly enjoy an unwinding experience, observing the picturesque views.

☞ Related: 10 Places To See In Mainland Greece Before Leaving For The Islands

Buses (KTEL)

Think of any location you want to visit in Greece –most probably a bus can take you there! From two blocks to two cities away, buses are convenient means of transportation, as there are bus stations scattered everywhere in Greece.

The bus routes operate from 5:00 a.m. to midnight, however, there are some 24-hour service bus lines and others that offer service during night hours.

The long distance bus network called KTEL includes intra-regional and local routes. KTEL buses connect most Greek cities and villages with each other, providing an efficient and relatively inexpensive way to travel around the country.

Buses have a significant role in your transportation in Greece, with a network that can reach even the remotest neighbourhood and the smallest village.

Car Rentals

Driving is another word for independence. You are handed the keys and you feel the urge to cross and explore the road that unfolds before your eyes.

The magical landscapes of Greece offer the ultimate setting for a road trip. You won’t come across never-ending monotonous roads and wild highways, as Greece is blessed with dramatic mountain and coastal scenery.

The national road network runs across the entire country, branching into countless, astonishing routes. Hidden in a maze of unnamed roads that crisscross and hairpin their way through the scenic lowlands, picturesque mountains and dreamy coasts.

Car hiring companies offer many options at affordable prices everywhere in Greece. Avance, a Greek rental company with more than 65 service locations, has just opened a new branch in the island of Tinos, offering you the chance to explore every corner of the charming island of the Cyclades. You can hire a vehicle almost anywhere in the country, as Avance offers numerous hiring stations, located throughout both the mainland and the smallest islands by desk in Terminals of the most popular domestic airports. A simple passenger car, a 4×4, or a van, you choose the vehicle that meets your needs.

So grab the keys, choose the soundtrack of your story and drive your way to an unforgettable adventure.

☞ Related: Winter in Greece: 7 Beautiful Destinations to Explore

Travelling by ferry?

Embark on a delightful water adventure by booking your ferry tickets effortlessly using the form below.

Ferries

We explored Greece by air and by land and the time has come to dive into every shade of blue!

There are more than 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Greek Seas. Each and every one is holding treasures for you to discover; sandy and pebble beaches, crystal clear waters, sheltered bays, caves and arches formed by the sea –or even Poseidon himself!

The Greek fleet, consisting of all types of vessels, sails in an extensive and versatile network of sea lanes, serving every island and port in Greece. The Aegean and Argosaronikos Islands and Crete are mainly connected with Piraeus’ and Rafina’s port, while the Ionian Islands are linked with the ports of Patra, Killini and Igoumenitsa.

Exploring the Greek islands is an unmissable adventure, though it might be overwhelming to know where to start. You do not really have to choose only one destination. Island hopping in Greece is the ultimate experience the country has to offer. So grab a ferry and hop from one island to the other, from paradise to paradise, until you find your personal heaven!

☞ Related: The Best of Greece – The Perfect Greek Island Hopping Itinerary

Exploring various modes of transportations is an exciting way to discover a place and the secrets it holds. Plane or bus, car or ferry, the right mode depends on your personal preferences.

You have all the needed information on how to get around Greece. All that’s left is to use it!

For a personalized consultation tailored to your preferences and interests, feel free to reach out to us.