Athens, Santorini and Thessaloniki: How to Connect Them

The short answer

Treat Athens as the hub. Fly Athens to Santorini, or take a ferry if you have time to spare. Fly or take the train between Athens and Thessaloniki. Santorini to Thessaloniki is the awkward pair: there is no sensible ferry, so you will either find a flight that runs in your season or connect through Athens. Check which applies on official sites before you commit.

This guide is for first-time visitors building a loose triangle of the three, and for anyone wondering whether a ferry is worth the hours.

Athens to Santorini: flight or ferry

Flying is short, under an hour in the air, and the simplest option. The airport sits on the east side of the island, and you still need a road transfer to wherever you are staying.

Ferries leave mainly from Piraeus, Athens' main port. Fast boats take several hours; conventional ferries take noticeably longer. The sea can be rough, and strong wind can delay or cancel sailings. Ferries arrive at Athinios, the port below the cliffs, and you then climb by road to Fira or on to other villages. Do not plan a tight connection on the day you arrive.

If you travel outside summer, read Santorini in October: weather, sea temperature and what's open, because shoulder-season schedules are thinner and some businesses close.

Athens to Thessaloniki: three workable ways

• Flight: the quickest, about an hour in the air, but allow airport time at both ends.
• Train: a few hours city to city, running through the Greek mainland, and often the most comfortable option. Intercity services are operated by Hellenic Train. Engineering works have changed journeys in the past, so check the current route.
• Coach or car: roughly a long half-day. A coach is cheap and a car is flexible, but it is the least restful choice.

Thessaloniki is a northern, port-city base with Byzantine churches and a waterfront. It is not a short hop from Santorini, so do not squeeze it into a few days between the two.

Santorini to Thessaloniki

Some seasons have direct flights; others do not. When there is nothing direct, you fly via Athens and should expect a long day. Leave a generous buffer if the onward flight is on a separate ticket.

Adding Helios guided days on the route

Helios does not start any tour in Thessaloniki. Our trips below cover only the places named in each itinerary. If you would like a guide based in Thessaloniki, send us an enquiry with your dates and interests, and we will check what is possible.

In Athens

The Acropolis and Parthenon guided visit runs for 3 hours and moves through the Acropolis entrance, the Propylaea, the Parthenon and the Erechtheion. It is bookable as a small group of up to 12 guests or as a private tour for your party. For tickets and timing, read the Acropolis visit guide.

The Delphi sanctuary and mountain village day starts and ends in Athens, takes 10 hours by road, and visits the Delphi archaeological site, the Temple of Apollo and Arachova. It is a long day, so do not schedule it just before an early flight or ferry. Group and private formats both exist.

In Santorini

The Oia village and sunset viewpoints tour lasts 3 hours and links the Oia lanes, the maritime museum quarter, the castle viewpoint and Amoudi Bay. It is offered as a small group of up to 12 or as a private tour. Oia is busy, especially around sunset, and the lanes can be crowded with photographers. Ask us about timing when you enquire.

For all three trips, admission and transport are not included unless confirmed in your quote. Tell us your date, group size and interests, and we confirm the guide, access and final price before booking.

What to verify before you travel

• Ferry timetables and operators on the operators' own sites or Piraeus port information, plus any weather alerts.
• Flight schedules and baggage rules on airline and airport sites, especially for seasonal Santorini links.
• Train routes, any replacement coaches, and booking rules on the Hellenic Train site.
• Acropolis and Delphi opening days, closures and ticket rules on the Greek Ministry of Culture's official pages.
• Entry and visa rules for your passport on the Greek government's official site.

FAQ

Is it better to fly or take the ferry from Athens to Santorini?

Fly if time is short or the sea is rough. Take a ferry if you enjoy the crossing and have a flexible day. Either way, check current timetables.

Can I go from Santorini to Thessaloniki directly?

Sometimes, by air and only in certain seasons. Otherwise, connect through Athens. Verify with airlines before you book other parts of the trip.

Is the train from Athens to Thessaloniki worth it?

Yes, if you prefer comfort and city-centre stations over airports, provided current services are running normally. Check Hellenic Train for the present route and times.

Does Helios run tours in Thessaloniki?

Our listed trips do not start there. If you want a guide based in Thessaloniki, send an enquiry and we will see what can be arranged.

Can I combine the Acropolis with a Delphi day?

Not on the same day. The Acropolis visit lasts 3 hours and Delphi takes 10 hours, so plan them on separate days.