Getting Around Central Macedonia 2025
Navigate Central Macedonia like a local with our transportation guide.
Central Macedonia is Greece's largest administrative region, anchored by Thessaloniki, the country's vibrant second city and a crossroads of ancient, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage. From the UNESCO-listed royal tombs of Vergina and Alexander the Great's birthplace at Pella to the three-fingered Halkidiki peninsula with its turquoise beaches and the monastic community of Mount Athos, the region offers an extraordinary concentration of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Transportation Overview
Quick comparison of transport options in Central Macedonia.
Public Transit
Thessaloniki's 2024 metro is a game changer for city travel; city buses cover all suburbs; KTEL buses reach most regional towns
Taxis
Metered taxis reliable throughout the region; Taxibeat (Greek Uber equivalent) and Bolt operate in Thessaloniki
Car Rental
Car rental is the best way to explore Halkidiki's beaches and the region's archaeological sites
Walking
Thessaloniki's city center, waterfront, and Ano Poli are all excellent for walking
Getting There
How to arrive in Central Macedonia.
✈️ By Air
Thessaloniki Makedonia International Airport
Northern Greece's main international gateway handling over 7 million passengers annually, with direct flights to European cities, Middle East hubs, and seasonal routes. Home to the new Thessaloniki Metro Line 2 terminus.
Airport Transfer Options
Complete Transportation Guide
Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.
Local Transportation
Getting around within Central Macedonia.
Thessaloniki's compact center is very walkable; the new metro covers most key areas. For Halkidiki and regional sites, a rental car is strongly recommended. KTEL buses serve larger towns but Halkidiki beaches have very limited public service.
Walking (city center)
Thessaloniki Metro
City buses (OASTH)
Taxi or Bolt/Uber
Car rental (for Halkidiki and inland)
🚌 Buses
OASTH city buses cover all Thessaloniki districts; €0.90 per trip; buy from machines or drivers
🛺 Local Alternatives
Electric scooters (Lime, Bird) available in Thessaloniki center; bicycle rentals from several city locations; Thessaloniki waterfront has dedicated cycle lanes
Intercity Travel
Getting between cities and regions.
KTEL buses connect Thessaloniki to Polygyros (Halkidiki), Katerini (Pieria), Veria, Naoussa, Edessa, Serres, and Kilkis. Frequency reduces significantly on weekends. Train services run to Athens (5-6 hours) and towards the Bulgarian border.
Long-Distance Buses
KTEL buses from Thessaloniki's KTEL Macedonia terminal to: Polygyros (Halkidiki) €6, Katerini €7, Veria €8, Naoussa €10, Edessa €12, Serres €10
Shared Taxis/Minivans
Shared taxis to Halkidiki resorts in summer from Thessaloniki; ask at KTEL terminal
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights from SKG to Athens from €25 one way (Aegean, Olympic, Sky Express)
Private Car/Driver
Private car hire with driver from €80/half day for day trips to Vergina, Pella, or Halkidiki
Driving in Central Macedonia
Information for self-driving travelers.
Recommended?
Yes
Driving Side
right
License Required
EU driving licenses valid; non-EU visitors should carry an International Driving Permit
Road Conditions
Roads generally good quality; Halkidiki peninsulas have winding coastal roads; mountain roads near Vermio and Chortiatis require care in winter
Driving Considerations
- Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
- Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
- Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
- Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
- Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)
Transportation Tips
Essential advice for getting around.
Get the Thessaloniki Metro app for journey planning across the new metro and bus network
Download Taxibeat before arriving — far cheaper and more transparent than hailing street taxis
Rent a car on day 3-4 of your trip to explore Halkidiki; return it before your last Thessaloniki days
KTEL buses to Halkidiki are infrequent — check schedules at the KTEL Macedonia terminal online
Parking in Thessaloniki center is paid and competitive; use peripheral pay-and-display lots
The No. 78A airport bus is a very cheap alternative to taxi for solo travelers with light luggage
Thessaloniki's city center is small and walkable — from White Tower to Modiano Market is 15 minutes on foot
Uber is not available in Greece; use Bolt or Taxibeat instead
Useful Apps
Taxibeat
Greece's main taxi-hailing app with metered fares; works in Thessaloniki and throughout Greece
Bolt
International ride-hailing app operating in Thessaloniki; competitive pricing
OASTH
Official Thessaloniki city bus app for route planning and live bus tracking
TrainOSE
Greek national rail app for booking intercity and international train tickets
Lime
Electric scooter and e-bike rental app operating in central Thessaloniki
Navigate Central Macedonia Like a Local
Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.
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