Ancient History Tour
The Ancient History Tour shows you the archaeological highlights of Italy and Greece, from Pompeii to Mount Olympus.
Greece by Train
Your Eurail journey through Greece will likely be unforgettable. Greece is a mystical blend of ancient history and modern-day hedonism. Take in the sights that take you back to a world before time, and then leap back into the present for sand, sea, and sun relaxation. Whether on the mainland or one of the countless islands, Greece is a true paradise.
Please note that train travel in Greece requires some preparation.
Train types in Greece
The Greek railway company Hellenic Train operates services between some of the country's main cities including Athens and Thessaloniki. Find train times on the Hellenic Train website.
- Route map
- Domestic trains
- International night trains
Domestic trains in Greece
Eurail Pass holders can travel on all TRAINOSE trains. Eurailers only have to pay the InterCity (IC) train supplements and any additional fees.
InterCity
High quality and speed across Athens, Thessaloniki, Alexandroupolis and Dikea.
Reservations required (but free of charge).
Suburban railway
Connects major urban centres to the suburbs.
Available in Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras.
Reservations not required.
Bicycles are allowed as check-in luggage on certain trains. Please check at the train stations in any fees apply.
International overnight trains
The Hellas Express night train connects Thessaloniki to Skopje in FYR Macedonia and Belgrade in Serbia.
You can find the actual travel times on the Serbian Railways (ZS) website.
Popular connections
- Domestic routes
- International routes
- Scenic routes
- Ferry routes
| Route | InterCity travel times |
|---|---|
| Athens to Larissa | 4:02 |
| Athens to Thessaloniki | 5:23 |
| Larissa to Thessaloniki | 1:21 |
| Route | Which train? | Travel time | Reservations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thessaloniki to Belgrade (Serbia) | Hellas Express night train | 14:12 (overnight) You can find travel times on the Serbian Railways (ZS) website. |
Required |
| Thessaloniki to Skopje (North Macedonia) | Hellas Express night train | 4:24 You can find travel times on the Serbian Railways (ZS) website. |
Required |
| Thessaloniki to Sofia (Bulgaria) | INT 360/361 & 600/601 | 6:50 | Required |
Scenic train routes in Greece
The Pelion train
A steam train travels from Ano Lehonia to Milies, up the spectacular Mount Pelion.
The journey lasts 1.5 hours, including a 15-minute break.
The Rack Railway
A rack railroad from Diakofto to Kalavryta takes you through the gorgeous Vouraikos Gorge.
The journey lasts approximately 1 hour.
International ferry routes from Greece to Italy
Eurail Pass holders with a Pass valid in both Greece and Italy get FREE and discounted ferry travel to Italy on the following routes:
Patras/Igoumenitsa to Ancona/Bari/Venice
Corfu - Bari (summer only)
Reservations
Reservations
Most domestic day trains in Greece do not require reservations.
Exception: for the InterCity trains reservation is compulsory. There are no reservation costs.
Get your Pass for Greece
Greece Pass
Spend your whole vacation traveling throughout Greece by rail.
Standard prices from $ 82
Global Pass
Be free to explore Greece and up to 30 other countries by train.
Standard prices from $ 191
Greek Islands Pass
Go island hopping in Greece and travel by ferry between Greece and Italy.
Standard prices from $69
Tips and tricks for Greece
Quick facts
Capital: Athens
Population: 10.8 million
Language: Greek
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Dialing code: +30
Spelling of city names
On Greek train timetables and at train stations in Greece, you'll usually find the local spelling of Greek cities and stations. Here is the local spelling of some popular Greek cities:
Athens = Athina
Corfu = Kérkyra
Corinth = Kórinthos
Heraklion = Iráklio
Patras = Pátra
Piraeus= Pireás
Ferry crossings between Greece and Italy
If your Eurail pass is valid in both Greece and Italy, you can travel for FREE with a number of ferry providers. Those with Eurail passes for only one of these countries can receive a discount of up to 30% on full fares for selected routes.
Domestic boat trips
You can get special fares on domestic boat travel with the following ferry companies:
Blue Star Ferries
Superfast Ferries
Minoan Lines
Eurail aid offices in Greece
For questions about Eurail, you can go to the Hellenic Railways travel agency in Athens, the railway station of Patras or the Central railway station of Thessaloniki.
Detailed information about Eurail aid offices in Greece and the rest of Europe.
Airport links
From Athens E.Venizelos airport there is a train every hour to Athens Central railway station and to Kiato new railway station (change at Ano Liossia station).
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