Trains in Greece
Greece's intercity rail is run by Hellenic Train. The flagship route links Athens and Thessaloniki in around four hours, with modern fast trains. Book ahead at hellenictrain.gr for the cheapest fares, which start near 9 euros for advance tickets. The network is limited beyond the mainland spine, so trains are best for the Athens-Thessaloniki-Larissa corridor rather than reaching the islands.
The Athens Metro
Athens has a clean, efficient Metro with three lines. Line 3 (blue) runs directly from Athens International Airport to Syntagma and Monastiraki in the centre. A standard 90-minute ticket is 1.20 euros, while the airport ticket costs 9 euros one way. Buy an Athena Ticket smart card and top it up, or tap a contactless card at the gates. The Metro also reaches Piraeus port for ferries.
Buses: KTEL and city lines
For intercity travel, KTEL is the backbone. These regional coaches connect almost every town, from Athens to Delphi, Nafplio and Meteora. They are comfortable, air-conditioned and cheap. Athens has two main KTEL terminals, Kifissos (western and southern Greece) and Liosion (central Greece). In cities, buses and trolleys use the same ticketing as the Metro.
Car rental and driving
Renting a car is the best way to explore Crete, the Peloponnese or mainland mountain villages. International and local agencies operate at airports and in towns. Drive on the right, carry your licence and passport, and expect tolls on the main motorways like the A1 to Thessaloniki. Fuel is sold by the litre and parking in central Athens is scarce, so a car suits the regions more than the capital.
Ride apps and taxis
The main app is FREE NOW (formerly Beat), widely used in Athens and Thessaloniki to hail licensed taxis. Uber in Greece also dispatches regular taxis. Street taxis are metered and yellow in Athens; insist on the meter for local trips. Tips are appreciated but not required.
Ferries between islands
No Greek trip is complete without a ferry. Companies like Blue Star Ferries, SEAJETS and Hellenic Seaways sail from Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio to the Cyclades, Crete and beyond. Book early in July and August, and choose high-speed catamarans for short hops or conventional ferries for comfort and cars.
Stay connected in Greece
A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online for maps, ferry bookings, ride apps and translation across the mainland and islands, with no roaming bills. Activate it before you land and you are ready the moment you arrive.
Get your Greece eSIM in 30 seconds
Instant delivery, 4G/5G speeds, no roaming bills.