Thessaloniki to Athens by train
A journey across Greece
There are 5 journeys from Thessaloniki to Athens each day, with the first leaving at 08:27 and the last at 21:15. You can expect to pay approximately for the journey, which lasts 4 h 22 min on average.
Your Greek train journey
This is a picturesque journey that crosses Greece from north to south, winding through the tranquil olive groves and rolling hills of the Hellenic countryside. From the distance, you'll catch a glimpse of the legendary Mount Olympus, which was said to be home to the mythical Greek gods. A more recent, but just as interesting, landmark is just south of Larissa: here, you'll see some massive steel viaducts. These aren't just an impressive feat of engineering - they also played a key role in the Greek resistance during the Second World War.
There is a separate dining car on the train between Thessaloniki and Athens, where you can enjoy an ever-changing menu of Greek food. There are also some more international snacks, such as sandwiches, croissants, and potato chips. Be aware that the trains may not have much available if you follow a special diet. You might want to stock up before boarding to avoid any disappointment.
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Arriving in Athens
Athens Railway Station, still known to locals by its old name of Larissa Station, is in the center of the city. When you arrive, stop to take a look at the old Peloponnese Station building, which is listed as a heritage site. It's no longer in use as a terminal, but its blend of Art Nouveau and Neoclassical styles make it one of the city's architectural jewels. Inside the lounges, the marble fireplaces, mosaics, and chandeliers bring a sense of the glamour and luxury of train travel in the early 20th century.
It's easy to continue your journey from the station. You can hop onto the Red Line of the Athens Metro or, if you're going into the suburbs, catch one of the local Proastiakos trains. There are also several bus stops, and taxis wait for passengers out front. If you know the city and your destination well, you may even want to walk through the central Kolonos district. The winding streets can make it easy to get lost, though, so this is not recommended if you have a lot of baggage or you're in a hurry.
Exploring the Acropolis and Greek history
The sense of history as you walk through the streets of the Greek capital can't be denied. This city has been continuously inhabited for 3,400 years; it is the cradle of Western civilization, where democracy was first born. Even if you have only a passing interest in history, it's worth checking out some of Athens' monumental sites.
The most prominent of these is, of course, the Acropolis. This world-famous site sits high on a hill overlooking the city and simply must be visited. It's the most popular site in Athens, and you can easily take a full day as you explore its different parts:
- The Parthenon: This is the most famous part of the Acropolis, built as a temple to the goddess Athena, patron of the city.
- Temple of Athena Nike: This temple, built in the Ionic style, dates back to around 420 BC and is one of the most interesting buildings in the site.
- Erechtheum: Another temple in the site, this is on the north side of the Acropolis and was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon, god of the sea.
- Theater of Dionysus: Epic Greek plays were performed here, in this open-air theater on the south slope of the hill. The city's annual theater contest, the Dionysia, was a highlight of the Athenian year.
- Odeon of Herodes Atticus: A later addition, this theater was built under the Roman Empire in 161 AD. It has been renovated and now hosts special concerts, including legendary singers such as Frank Sinatra, Elton John, and Greece's own Maria Callas.
While Athens is best known for its ancient monuments, there are also some interesting historical sites from other periods. The Church of Panagia Kapnikarea was built in the 11th century and looks quite striking among the modern buildings of Plaka. It's a wonderful example of the Greek Orthodox style and a lesser-known gem in this historic city.
You'll find interesting historical sites everywhere you go, so don't be surprised by the sudden appearance of an old temple or set of columns. If you have an interest in the classical world, you won't get bored in Athens! But if it's not for you, you can always take a ferry to explore one of the 227 islands Greece has. The biggest one is Crete.
Modern Athens: the other side of the city
There's more to Athens than ancient history. This is still a bustling European capital, with all the attractions you'd expect. For a shoppers' paradise, head to Plaka. You'll find all the big European chain stores like H&M and Zara here, as well as charming old-style shops selling artisan products.
Locals use Monastiraki Square as a main meeting point. There are lots of cafes and restaurants with terraces, making it a great place to stop for lunch. Go on a Sunday, and you'll also find a thriving flea market.
The trendiest part of Athens may be Psyrri, a quirky neighborhood packed with unusual bars and one-of-a-kind restaurants. It's ideal if you want to find some of the coolest spots in Athens and take in the Greek nightlife.
Finally, visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square. This war memorial is quite moving by itself, but it's also home to the Changing of the Guard every hour. If you can, visit at 11 am on a Sunday morning, when a more elaborate ceremony takes place. The traditional uniforms worn by the Greek soldiers are a unique, fascinating sight.
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