Buses and trains

Although the most popular way to travel in Greece is by bus (Ktel), traveling by train can be convenient. In fact, train fares in Greece are less expensive than bus fares (about 50% less). The main train station in Athens is Larissis station , while in Thessaloniki the station is located on Monastiriou Avenue, about 15 minutes by car from Aristotle Square.

The Greek railway system is served by the OSE, the Greek railway organization . The main routes in Greece are:

1. Athens-Thessaloniki
2. Athens-Patra (served by Proastiakos to Kiato)
3. Athens / Thessaloniki-Alexandroupoli (Dikaia)
4. Athens / Thessaloniki-Florina
5. Athens / Thessaloniki-Kalambaka

In recent years, there has been a great effort to renew the rail system and make Greece's trains faster. For information on routes and fares click here .

Some railway lines, for cultural reasons, have been redeveloped to the OSE and still work today for purely tourist reasons.

These trains are:

1. Diakofto-Kalavryta : This route is a tourist attraction that starts from Diakofto in the northern Peloponnese, crosses the Vouraikos gorge, passes the village of Zachlorou and then arrives in Kalavryta. The route lasts 1 hour and runs all year round, on weekends and national holidays.
2. Pelion steam train : The Pelion steam train leaves from Ano Lehonia, stops in Ano Gatzea and arrives in Milies, crossing places of wild natural beauty. The route lasts 90 minutes and runs from April to October on weekends, while from mid-July to the end of August every day.
   Return tickets cost 18 euros for adults, 10 euros for children (ages 4-12).
3. Trains to Katakolo: to ancient Olympia. The journey from Katakolo to Ancient Olympia takes 45 minutes and serves the thousands of international tourists who arrive in Katakolon by cruise ship. Train times vary according to the month and traffic.

The bus network in Greece

As far as buses are concerned, the reference company is Ktel.