🚆 Railways in Greece
🏢 Railway Operator
- Hellenic Train (formerly TrainOSE) is the main rail operator in Greece.
- Website: https://www.hellenictrain.gr (you can check schedules and book tickets here).
- Owned by the Italian company Trenitalia, part of Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane.
🗺️ Main Rail Routes
1. Athens ⇄ Thessaloniki
- Type: Intercity Express (IC/ICE)
- Duration: ~4 to 4.5 hours
- Frequency: ~5 trains daily
- Scenery: Mountains, countryside, and seaside views
- Ticket Price: ~€35–€55 (cheaper in advance, discounts for youth/seniors)
2. Athens ⇄ Kalambaka (Meteora)
- Type: Regional + Intercity (change in Paleofarsalos)
- Duration: ~5 hours
- Scenery: Beautiful rural Greece; ends near the famous Meteora monasteries
3. Thessaloniki ⇄ Alexandroupoli
- Type: Regional trains
- Duration: ~6.5 hours
- Notes: Slower but scenic ride through northern Greece
4. Suburban Railway (Proastiakos)
- Covers:
- Athens Airport to Central Athens
- Athens ⇄ Kiato (Peloponnese)
- Thessaloniki ⇄ Larissa
- Good for commuters and airport access
🎫 Tickets & Booking
- Online: Hellenic Train Website
- At Stations: Ticket counters and machines
- Mobile App: Available for Android/iOS
- Payment: Credit/debit cards and cash accepted
💡 Discount Categories
- Students, seniors, children, disabled persons, and large families often get discounts up to 50%.
- Advance tickets can be cheaper.
🧳 Onboard Experience
🚆 Intercity Trains (IC/ICE)
- 1st & 2nd class
- Air-conditioned
- Power sockets (on newer trains)
- Snack bar or trolley service
- Reserved seating
🚆 Regional Trains
- Slower and older
- May not have air-conditioning
- No reserved seating
⚠️ Tips & Notes
- Strikes & Delays: Public transport strikes are common. Check before travel.
- Rail Coverage: Not extensive—many islands and parts of southern Greece (e.g., Peloponnese beyond Kiato) have no train service.
- Alternatives: Buses (KTEL), flights, and ferries are often necessary.
🏝️ Island Travel Note
- No trains to Greek islands.
- Use ferries (e.g., from Piraeus or Rafina near Athens) to reach islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, etc.
📍 Popular Itineraries with Rail
| Route | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Athens → Thessaloniki → Meteora | ~10 hours total | Best combo for rail lovers |
| Athens → Kiato + Bus to Nafplio | ~3 hours | Good for Peloponnese |
| Athens Airport → City Center | ~45 mins | Via Suburban Railway |