Getting around Greece: Transportation Tips

The standard overland public transport in Greece is the bus. Train networks are limited, even more so with recent cutbacks. Buses cover most primary routes on the mainland and provide basic connections on the islands. The best way to supplement buses is to rent a scooter, motorbike, or car, especially on the Greek islands where – in any substantial town or resort – you will find at least one rental outlet. Inter-island travel involves taking ferries, catamarans, or the few remaining hydrofoils, which will eventually get you to any of the sixty-plus inhabited isles. Internal flights are mostly relatively expensive, but can save literally days of travel: Athens-Rhodes is just 2 hours return, versus 28 hours by boat.

By bus

Buses are a solid way to get around Greece, especially on major routes. Services run on time, with frequent departures between big towns and cities. Things slow down on secondary roads — expect patchier schedules and long waits — but even the smallest villages usually get a bus once or twice a week to the nearest provincial capital.

On islands, you’ll usually find a bus linking the port and main town (if they’re not the same), timed to meet ferry arrivals and departures.

The national bus network is operated by regional KTEL companies (short for Kratikó Tamío Ellinikón Leoforíon). Each county runs its own service, so there’s no unified national timetable. You can call 14505 for info (premium charge applies), but don’t expect an easy online search.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Stations can be confusing. Larger towns often have multiple bus terminals for different destinations. Double-check you’re at the right one before setting off.
• Tickets on major routes are issued electronically, with assigned seats. Buses on popular routes like Athens–Pátra fill up fast — buy your ticket in advance at the ekdhotírio (ticket office). Some regional companies offer online booking, but it won’t save you money.
• In rural areas, it’s more casual: no reservations, standing passengers allowed, and tickets sold onboard by the conductor (ispráktoras).
• Fares are fixed by distance. A return ticket won’t necessarily be cheaper than two singles.

By train

Train travel in Greece isn’t always the fastest option — but if you’re exploring Greece on a budget, it can be one of the most scenic and affordable ways to get around. The mainland network is run by OSE (Organismós Sidherodhrómon Elládhos; 14511, trainose.gr). Trains are usually slower than buses, but fares can be up to 50% cheaper on non-express services — especially with return tickets.

One ride worth taking for the views alone is the rack-and-pinion line between Dhiakoftó and Kalávryta in the northern Peloponnese. Slow, yes. Memorable, absolutely.

You’ll find timetables online, on station boards, or at info desks. At stations with computerized booking, you can reserve a seat for free — your ticket will show carriage and seat numbers.

What to know:

• Two classes: First and second. Second class is about 25% cheaper. First class sometimes includes meals on long routes.
• Express trains (Intercity or IC) connect major cities like Alexandhroúpoli, Thessaloníki, Vólos, Kalambáka, and Athens. But parts of the Alexandhroúpoli–Thessaloníki route are still bus-replacement only.
• Patience needed: Although upgrades are happening, trains to Pátra and Kalamáta still often stop at Kiáto, with a bus completing the trip. Some sections of the line are now open, but it’s a work in progress.
• Buy before boarding: Tickets bought on the train carry a hefty 50% penalty.
• Discounts: Under-26s and over-60s get 25% off non-express fares during off-peak seasons.
• Rail pass holders (InterRail/Eurail) still need to book seats and pay extra for express trains.

Getting around Greece by sea

Island-hopping in Greece sounds romantic — and it often is — but don’t expect ferry travel to be smooth sailing all the time. Schedules are seasonal, routes vary wildly, and some boats vanish from the timetable without warning. If you’re planning a trip to Greece, always check the latest ferry times online at openseas.gr or gtp.gr, or call the local port police (limenarhío) — especially outside summer.

Types of boats

There’s a full cast of characters on Greek waters:

• Ferries (never over 17 knots): The workhorses, cheap and reliable — usually.
• High-speed boats and catamarans (up to 27 knots): Fast, flashy, and car-friendly.
• Hydrofoils (“Flying Dolphins”): Quick but carry only passengers, and cancel easily in bad weather.
• Ro-ro barges (called pandófles, or “slippers”): Short-haul and slow.
• Kaïkia: Small local boats, ideal for beach-hopping and short-island routes in summer.

Ferries

Modern ferries run most major routes, but speed and comfort vary. A trip from Pireás to Santoríni might take anywhere from five to ten hours, depending on the boat.

• Buy your ticket at least a day ahead — earlier during peak seasons (Easter, August, or election weeks).
• Online booking is common, but you’ll still need to collect your ticket at the port at least 15 minutes before departure.
• Ikonomikí thési (economy class) gets you onboard, but not into reserved lounges or fancier cafés.
• Sleeping on deck? Not easy on newer boats, which seem designed to stop it.
• Cabins are worth it for overnight trips. You’ll find quadruple second-class bunks and pricey first-class doubles with bathrooms.
• Cars and motorbikes need separate (often expensive) tickets. Bringing your own wheels only makes sense if you’re heading to big islands like Crete, Rhodes, Corfu or Lesvos, and staying at least a week.

Hydrofoils, catamarans and high-speed boats

Hydrofoils and catamarans are the fastest and most expensive options — twice the price of ferries, with zero tolerance for rough seas.

• Hydrofoils don’t take bikes or scooters, and they’re the first to cancel in bad weather.
• Catamarans are heavily air-conditioned, often with no deck access and Greek TV at full blast.
• “Upper class” (dhiakikriméni thési) means better seats, not more space or perks.
• These boats generally don’t run October-April.

Small boats and kaïkia

In summer, small ferries and kaïkia sail between nearby islands or out to even smaller islets. These are charming, practical, and not always cheap.

Taxi boats are common on popular islands, ferrying you to remote beaches or spots unreachable by land. Fares are often per person, but sometimes charged per boat — always check first.

Getting around Greece by plane

Flying within Greece can save serious time — especially if you’re heading to islands with patchy ferry links. Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air (now partners) dominate domestic routes, alongside Sky Express, Ellinair, and Ryanair. Most flights go to or from Athens or Thessaloníki, with far fewer island-to-island connections.

You’ll need to book online or by phone — walk-in offices are rare, and travel agents charge a commission.

What to expect

• Fares are usually twice the cost of a ferry, but sometimes worth every euro. On routes like Rhodes–Sámos, flying might be your only practical option.
• Peak season flights fill up fast, so book at least a month in advance. Waiting lists are common — and useful — since cancellations happen often.
• Small planes, big limitations: On less popular routes, you’ll often be in a propeller plane that won’t fly in bad weather or after dark.
• Baggage limits matter. On local tickets, expect a strict 15kg weight limit. If you’re connecting to an international flight or booked from abroad, you usually get 20–23kg.

Getting around Greece by car, motorcycle, and taxi

Driving in Greece can be equal parts thrilling and stressful. The mountain and coastal roads are spectacular, but so is the country’s accident rate — one of the highest in Europe. Locals drive like they’ve got nine lives: overtaking on blind corners, skipping indicators, and treating stop signs as suggestions. Drunk driving isn’t rare, especially on weekends and holidays.

Road conditions and rules

• Expect poor surfaces, vague signage, and the odd unmarked railway crossing.
• Motorways are expanding, but tolls add up — especially between Athens and Thessaloníki.
• Fuel is pricier in remote areas, and many gas stations close after 8pm or on Sundays.
• Parking is chaos in most towns. Pay-and-display systems are common, but it’s not always clear where to get tickets.

Drive on the right. Uphill traffic has right of way, and roundabout rules are... fuzzy. Often it’s the car entering that takes priority. Flashing headlights usually mean “I’m coming through”, not “After you”. If someone flashes repeatedly, they’re warning about a police checkpoint ahead.

Seat belts and helmets are mandatory, kids under 10 can’t sit up front, and never move your car after an accident — it’s illegal until police arrive. Serious injuries can mean 24 hours at the station for the at-fault driver.

Car rental

It’s often cheaper to book online, especially in high season or for longer rentals. Local agencies may offer deals for 3+ days outside peak times. Open-top jeeps are fun but twice the price of a regular car.

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and personal insurance are usually not included and often come with high excess fees. Pay extra for full coverage or consider annual excess insurance (e.g., insurance4carhire.com).
• Credit cards are typically required; smaller island firms may ask for cash.
• Most firms require you to be 21-23 years old.
• EU/EEA licenses are accepted. Others need an International Driving Permit (IDP) — don’t skip it, or you could be arrested.
• Reliable Greek chains include Avance, Antena, Kosmos, Auto Union, Eurodollar, and Tomaso — usually cheaper than the big names like Hertz or Avis.

Bringing your own car

If you’re road-tripping to Greece from the UK or EU:

• Bring breakdown cover that includes ELPA (Greece’s AA equivalent – dial 10400 in emergencies).
• EU insurance covers Greece, but often only third-party. Double-check your policy.
• You can keep your car in Greece for six months max. Brits, post-Brexit rules still shift — check the latest.
• Always carry vehicle insurance, V5C logbook, and note that since 2021, your bumper sticker must say UK, not GB.

Scooter and motorcycle rental

Scooters — called mihanákia or papákia (“little ducks”) — are a cheap, fun way to get around, especially on the islands.

• Anything under 80cc struggles with hills and passengers.
• Motorbikes (125cc and up) are rarer but better on rough terrain.
• Quads are widely available — and ridiculously unstable on turns. Avoid unless you want to look like a beach-roaming turtle on wheels.

What to know:

• You’ll need a Class B license for anything over 80cc (and sometimes even for 50cc).
• Many places ask for your passport as a deposit.
• Helmets are legally required and fines are hefty. Even if locals ignore the rule, police often don’t — especially on islands with roadblocks.
• Inspect the brakes and electrics before leaving. Many bikes have loose front brakes on purpose — to stop tourists flying over the handlebars.

Taxis

Greek taxis are cheap, if the driver’s honest. Meters are required in towns and cities (Tariff 1), while Tariff 2 kicks in for late-night or rural trips. Some islands use fixed fares on set routes — these often wait until full before leaving.

Extra charges apply for:

• Bags in the boot
• Airport or port pickups
• Phone bookings (the meter runs from when the driver leaves to get you)

All surcharges must be listed on a card on the dashboard. If it’s not there, question the fare.

Getting around Greece by bike

Cycling in Greece can be rewarding — but it’s not for the faint-hearted. Roads are narrow, bike lanes are rare, and Greek drivers aren’t exactly cyclist-friendly. That said, if you’ve got steady nerves (and ideally a mountain bike), it’s doable, especially in cooler months.

What to expect

• Summer is brutal. If you’re pedaling through July or August, expect relentless heat and little shade — plan early morning rides and long water stops.
• Mountain bikes are the norm at rental shops. They’re better suited to the terrain, especially on the islands or rural backroads.
• Dedicated bike paths are slowly appearing in some areas (like parts of the Peloponnese and northern Greece), but don’t rely on them.

Bringing your own bike

If you're flying in with a bike:

• It’s usually free if your bike fits into your airline’s 20–23kg baggage allowance, but confirm in writing beforehand — some airlines charge sky-high fees if you don’t.
• As of 2023, airline policies have changed. Double-check the latest rules before you pack.
• You can take bikes on ferries for free, and on most trains (in the guard’s van, for a small fee), and intercity buses (in the luggage hold).

Bring spare parts — especially tubes, cables, and tools — as bike shops outside Athens or Thessaloníki are few and far between.