Train, bus, or ferry? The practical guide to moving through Greece
Getting around Greece usually means mixing trains and KTEL buses between major cities, city transit in Athens or Thessaloniki, and ferries or a rental car for the islands. Which combination works best depends on your route and how much flexibility you want.
Should I take the train or the bus between cities?
For Athens to Thessaloniki, the high-speed train is the fastest option, linking the two cities in a little over four hours with several daily departures. The same main line continues north to Alexandroupoli and Dikea. KTEL buses cover the same route in about 5.5 hours for around €40, and also run frequently to virtually every city and village in the country — useful if trains don't serve your destination. Athens to Patras by bus costs around €27. Buses are the backbone of intercity travel where rail doesn't reach.
Is it worth renting a car?
Car rental starts around €25–€40 per day, though summer prices on the islands climb significantly. You'll need to be 21–23 depending on the company, and a credit card is usually required for the damage waiver. Non-EU license holders must bring an International Driving Permit — US travelers are warned that insurers may require both a national license and IDP for coverage, and rental firms may ask for one too. On the road, speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on non-urban roads, and 130 km/h on motorways, with tolls at barriers on the mainland (the Charilaos Trikoupis bridge runs about €14 per crossing). Drive cautiously: Greece has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the EU, lane markings shouldn't be relied on, and risky overtaking is common. Petrol stations are attended, open roughly 7 AM–7 PM, often closed Sundays; unleaded runs about €1.61/liter, diesel about €1.34/liter.
How do I get around Athens and Thessaloniki?
Athens has a well-developed metro, tram, bus, and trolleybus network covering the city and the port of Piraeus. A ticket is €1.20 for 90 minutes of unlimited travel, with a monthly pass at €27. The metro runs 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM (2:00 AM on weekends), with trains every 3–10 minutes. Thessaloniki opened a new automated metro in 2024, and its unified metro/bus ticket costs just €0.60 — one of the cheapest urban fares around.
How do I island-hop?
Ferries connect the islands on regular routes, and it pays to compare operators on popular routes since several companies compete and slower boats tend to be cheaper. Car ferries also serve almost all islands, so you can bring a rental vehicle along. On the islands themselves, both multinational and local rental agencies operate — local companies often have better rates.
Staying connected on the move
Non-EU visitors should pick up a local SIM or activate global roaming before arriving, since EU visitors already benefit from EU-wide roaming rules. This matters for checking ferry schedules, maps, or bus times while traveling between regions.
FAQ
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Greece? Yes, if you hold a non-EU license — it's advised for both rental companies and insurance coverage.
Is the train or bus faster between Athens and Thessaloniki? The train, at just over four hours, versus about 5.5 hours by bus.
Can I bring a rental car on a ferry to the islands? Yes, regular car-ferry services run to almost all Greek islands.
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