Thessaloniki

Located in northern Greece, Thessaloniki is the second largest city in the country and has an important port. It is also a popular holiday destination, famous for its rich history, multicultural past, superb cuisine, and exciting nightlife.

Take a look at all available ferry routes from/to the port of Thessaloniki and book ferry tickets online in just a few clicks! Read our suggestions and tips for your stay in the city and find useful information about its port:

• Thessaloniki ferry port
• Vacation in Thessaloniki

The gorgeous waterfront of Thessaloniki and the port in the background

Thessaloniki ferry port

The port of Thessaloniki is the largest in the North Aegean and one of the most important ports in the eastern Mediterranean. It is considered the gateway port to the Balkans and South East Europe.

The passenger port is located between piers 1 and 2. They are the ones closest to the city center, on the southeast side of the port. The port also has important and busy oil and gas, and cargo/container terminals.

You can get to the passenger port through the main gate on Navarchou Kountouriotou and Salaminos Street. The ferry terminals are very close to the port entrance and can be easily reached on foot or by car.

Ferries from Thessaloniki port: schedules and tickets

The port of Thessaloniki serves routes to the North Aegean islands (Lesbos, Lemnos, Chios, Samos, etc.), the Sporades (Skiathos, Skopelos, etc.) and Crete, as well as to some popular destinations in the Cyclades, such as Mykonos and Syros. The port of Thessaloniki is also connected to Izmir in Turkey.

Bear in mind that ferry routes operating from the port of Thessaloniki are subject to change every year. On Ferryhopper, you can stay up to date on ferry schedules and crossings from Thessaloniki.

Ferry from Thessaloniki to the North Aegean islands

The port of Thessaloniki is normally connected to Samos, Lemnos, Lesbos, Chios, Fourni, and Ikaria with 1 weekly crossing by Blue Star Ferries. Find out more about Thessaloniki's connection to each island on our ferry routes page.

The route is served by standard ferries that have cabins and car decks.

If you can’t find any ferry crossings that suit you from the port Thessaloniki, the connection between northern Greece and the North Aegean islands is also served regularly from the port of Kavala, a town approximately 160 km east of Thessaloniki.

Ferry from Thessaloniki to the Sporades

The Sporades are an island group in the northwest Aegean Sea, including Alonissos, Skiathos, Skopelos and Skyros. From mid-June to mid-September, there are usually 4 weekly crossings from the port of Thessaloniki to Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos. The route is normally served by Seajets high-speed ferries that reach the islands in 3-4 hours.

Find out more about the Thessaloniki - Skiathos and Thessaloniki - Skopelos ferry connections.

If the route from Thessaloniki is not available, you can take the ferry to the Sporades from the town of Volos (about 220 km south of Thessaloniki). In the summer, there are daily crossings from the port of Volos to Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos.

Ferry from Thessaloniki to the Cyclades

The port of Thessaloniki is also connected to some popular islands of the Cyclades, such as Mykonos and Syros. There is normally 1 weekly crossing by Blue Star Ferries and the journey lasts 8 hours or more, depending on the destination. All ferries serving this route have cabins and car decks.

Find more details about the Thessaloniki - Cyclades ferry route in our dedicated blog!

Also check our route pages for ferries from Thessaloniki to Mykonos and Thessaloniki to Syros.

Ferry from Thessaloniki to Crete

There used to be a direct route from Thessaloniki to Crete until 2018. For the time being, there are no direct crossings from Thessaloniki to Crete. However, you can reach Crete indirectly via the port of Piraeus in 25-30 hours.

Ferry from Thessaloniki to Izmir

The ferry route from Thessaloniki to Izmir (Turkey) is usually available 3 times a week and is served by Levante Ferries. The trip takes around 14 hours and tickets normally start at €81.

The beautiful neoclassical building of the passenger terminal 

Where is the ferry port in Thessaloniki

The port of Thessaloniki is located very close to the city center and right next to Ladadika, a historic district that is known for its vibrant nightlife.

Within walking distance from the port, you will find several amenities, such as ATMs, banks, pharmacies, cafés, restaurants (fast-food and sit-down), patisseries, and shops. There is also a passenger terminal next to the port’s main gate. The terminal is open 24/7 and has duty-free shops, Wi-Fi access and an information kiosk.

Tip: the old port’s pier 1, located next to the ferry terminals, has been transformed into a cultural hub of the city. There, you will find several museums as well as a café-restaurant, where you can grab a bite right next to the sea.

How to get to Thessaloniki port?

Thessaloniki is located on the northwest coast of the Aegean Sea and can be reached by bus, train or plane . The port is very close to the city center and the railway station, while the intercity bus station is not very far either.

From the city center to the port of Thessaloniki

The port of Thessaloniki is right next to the center and is easily accessible by car, taxi or bus. There are several bus services from the city center to the port. You can take bus 15 and get off at the stop Limani (“port”), which is less than a 3-minute walk from the port’s main gate. Alternatively, buses 39, 39A and 03K (stop Dioikitika Dikastiria), and buses 05, 06 and 33 (stop Plateia Eleftherias) also bring you very close to the port.

The center of Thessaloniki is not very big, so, if you prefer to take a taxi, the ride will probably take less than 10 minutes. The fare is not very expensive, but bear in mind that extra charges may apply for luggage items. If you prefer walking, it should take you 30 minutes maximum to get to the port on foot.

From the railway station to the port of Thessaloniki

There are daily train services to Thessaloniki from Larisa, Volos, Florina, and Athens as well as from other cities in central, northern and southern Greece. There are also international train connections from Sofia, Blagoevgrad, Sandanski, Skopje, Veles, Niš, Belgrade, and Bucharest.

The New Thessaloniki Railway Station (Neos Sidirodromikos Stathmos Thessalonikis) is located on Monastiriou Street, about 1.5 km from the port and close to the center. Just outside the station, you can find a taxi rank and several bus stops. To get to the port of Thessaloniki, take bus 03K and get off at the stop “Limani”. If you prefer to walk, it takes about 20 minutes to get from the station to the port on foot, while the taxi ride shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes.

From the intercity bus station to the port of Thessaloniki

There is an intercity bus service (KTEL) between Thessaloniki and several cities in Greece. There are also international bus services from many countries, namely Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Roumania, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Germany.

The Macedonia Intercity Bus Station (KTEL Makedonias) is located approximately 3.5 km from the port of Thessaloniki. Some intercity buses also make a stop at the railway station.

You will find a taxi rank and a bus stop just outside the intercity bus station. You can take bus 12 and get off at “Dioikitika Dikastiria” stop, which is less than a 5-minute walk from the port’s main entrance, or catch bus 31 and get off at “Antigonidon” (about 10 minutes on foot). Alternatively, the taxi ride from the intercity bus station to the port takes 10-15 minutes.

The White Tower, one of Thessaloniki's most famous landmarks

From the airport to the port of Thessaloniki

The Thessaloniki Airport "Makedonia" is located approximately 18 km from the port and can be reached by taxi or bus. Bus route 01X passes through the center of Thessaloniki and makes a stop at the railway station. From there, you can catch bus 03K to get to the port.If you prefer to go on foot, get off at the stop “Kolomvou”, which is less than a 10-minute walk from the port.

The taxi ride from the airport to the port takes approximately 30-35 minutes and the fare shouldn’t be higher than €30 (rate from 05:00-24:00).

Ferryhopper collaborates with Welcome Pickups in order to offer you the safest and most comfortable transportation at the best price. Book your port transfer in Thessaloniki fast and easily!

By car or motorbike to the port of Thessaloniki

You can get to Thessaloniki by car from northern and western Greece via the Α2 highway (also known as "Egnatia Odos") and from central or southern Greece via the A1 highway (Athens - Thessaloniki - Evzoni Motorway). A1 and A2 are part of European Routes E75 and E90 respectively. In either case, you can reach the port directly without passing through the city.

Parking at the port of Thessaloniki

The port of Thessaloniki has 2 paid parking lots. Parking 1 (P1) is located right in front of the passenger terminal and is open 24/7. The entrance is on Aksiou Street, 50 m from the port’s main gate. The other parking lot (P2) is next to gate 6, also close to the passenger terminal. The entrance is on Kountouriotou Street and opening hours depend on the day of the week.

There are also paid parking garages in the area around the port.

View of the glorious sunset with Mount Olympus in the background

Vacation in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki (also known as “Saloniki” or “Salonica”) is the capital of Macedonia. It is a lively modern city of more than 1 million people, yet it has a relaxed, easy-going vibe, as if inviting you to go slow. Compared to towns in the south of the country, the influence of the East is more pronounced in Thessaloniki, something that is evident in the city’s lifestyle, architecture, as well as its delicious cuisine.

What also makes Thessaloniki unique is its gorgeous waterfront, which extends from the port to the Thessaloniki Concert Hall. The 4.5 km walkway is always bustling with life and is the perfect place to promenade, bike, jog, or just relax and enjoy the view. If the day is clear, you might be able to see the beautiful peaks of Mount Olympus in the distance. And don’t miss the stunning sunset! The magnificent colors will take your breath away.

What to do in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki has a multicultural past and has remained an important metropolis throughout its long history. Just stroll around the center to discover the beautiful Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments that make the city feel like an open-air museum. Or go for a walk in the picturesque Οld Τown to marvel at the beautiful view of the sea.

Thessaloniki also hosts several cultural events throughout the year, so, if you have time, we recommend checking out what is happening in the city during your visit.

Thessaloniki is also considered the gastronomic capital of Greece and its center is full of restaurants that serve superb dishes at very good prices. Not to mention the delicious desserts that you can try in the famous patisseries. The vibrant city is also known for its exciting nightlife.

But that’s not all! If you want to go for a swim, Thessaloniki is very close to the peninsula of Halkidiki, which boasts some of the best beaches in Greece. Read on to find out more about Halkidiki and its heavenly beaches!

Sightseeing and activities in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is an ancient city that was established in the 4th century BCE. It was the second largest and wealthiest city of the Byzantine Empire after Constantinople and an important multi-ethnic metropolis and port of the Ottoman Empire.

The beautiful monuments, churches and museums testify to Thessaloniki’s glorious past and are definitely worth a visit if you want to discover the city’s history. Most of them are either in the city center or within walking distance from the center.

Some of the best things to see in Thessaloniki are:

• the fortress of Heptapyrgion or Yedi Kule (“seven towers”)
• the Ano Poli neighbourhood (“Upper Town”, the old town of Thessaloniki)
• the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
• the open-air Kapani market
• the city’s beautiful waterfront
• the Ladadika neighbourhood (historic district and popular night spot)
• the Byzantine church of Agios Demetrios
• the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki
• the Alaca Imaret mosque
• the Museum of Byzantine Culture
• the Roman Forum of Thessaloniki
• the Costakis Collection of Russian avant-garde art

Tip: if you happen to be in Thessaloniki in November, you should definitely go to the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. For 10 days, the city becomes the ultimate movie-lover's paradise, with screenings of amazing films and filmmakers arriving in town from all over the world.

The walls of Thessaloniki surrounded the city in the Middle Ages

Nightlife in Thessaloniki

National Geographic has included Thessaloniki in the top 10 nightlife cities in the world. Indeed, Thessaloniki’s nightlife scene is legendary. From chill bars with fantastic cocktails where you can dance till dawn, to trendy rooftop café-bars overlooking the sea and hidden kafeneia with live Greek music, the city offers countless options to suit all tastes.

Some of the hottest nightlife spots in Thessaloniki are “Ladadika”, the areas around Valaoritou Street, the Roman Forum and the White Tower, as well as Proxenou Koromila Street and the city’s waterfront. Thessaloniki is also perfect for bar hopping, as most of these areas are within walking distance!

Food in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is famous across Greece for its delicious cuisine. You will find several restaurants, kafeneia (meze restaurants) and tavernes at the city center, and especially in the area around the port as well as close to Venizelou and to Ionos Dragoumi Street.

We recommend trying the hünkar beğendi (beef or lamb stew with smoked aubergine purée) and soutzoukakia (spicy meatballs) local dishes.

If you have a sweet tooth, then you’ll be very happy to know that Thessaloniki has some of the best patisseries in the country. The city is renowned for its kazan dibi (a type of caramelized milk pudding), trigona (sweet filo pastries filled with cream), pourakia (chocolate-covered praline wafer rolls), and tsoureki (a type of sweet bread).

A hot plate of “soutzoukakia”, tomato-sauce meatballs

Trip from Thessaloniki to Halkidiki

Halkidiki (or Chalkidiki) is a little lush paradise with turquoise waters, pine forests and gorgeous mountains. There, you will find not only the best beaches close to Thessaloniki but some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Greece.

To get to Halkidiki from Thessaloniki, you can catch the bus from the Halkidiki intercity bus station (KTEL Chalkidikis), which is located approximately 10 km from the city center and is accessible by public transport. The trip time from Thessaloniki to Halkidiki ranges from 30 minutes to more than 3 hours depending on your destination. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, but bear in mind that the fare might be quite expensive.

The Halkidiki beaches that are closest to Thessaloniki are Nea Iraklia and Nea Kallikratia. Other popular beaches that you can visit are: Sani, Possidi, Kallithea, Sarti, Porto Carras, and Elia.

Useful information about Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and the capital of the Macedonia region. Its metropolitan area has over 1 million inhabitants. The city is very developed and a tourist attraction, so, naturally, you will find all visitor amenities necessary: from supermarkets and restaurants to ATMs, travel agencies and several hospitals. Thessaloniki is also famous for its shopping opportunities, as the city offers a large variety and great quality and stores and shops.

Wondering where to stay in Thessaloniki? If you are a first-timer, we recommend choosing areas at / close to the city center, such as Ladadika, Aristotle Square, Ano Poli, etc. There is a large variety of accommodation options, from rooms and apartments to luxury and boutique hotels.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Thessaloniki

Here are some useful contacts for your trip to Thessaloniki:

• Thessaloniki Port Authority: +302313325800
• International Thessaloniki Airport “Makedonia”: +302310985000
• New Thessaloniki Railway Station: +302310599035
• Information on train schedules: +302310599421
• Macedonia Intercity Bus Station (KTEL Makedonias): +302310595400
• Information on public transport: +302310981100
• OASTH (public transport) information center: 11085
• Thessaloniki tourist information centers: +302310229070, +302310231473
• Thessaloniki tourist police: +302310554871
• Port parking lots: (Ρ1) +302310593181, (Ρ2) +302310593500
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Thessaloniki

To explore the Thessaloniki city center, we recommend moving around on foot, as the most important tourist attractions, such as UNESCO World Heritage sites and museums, are located within a short walking distance from each other. If, however, you want to visit attractions outside Thessaloniki and move around faster, we recommend renting or bringing your own car.

Moving around in Thessaloniki by bus is very easy, as no city point is more than 30 minutes away from the center by public transportation. The public bus network is operated by the Organization of Urban Transportation of Thessaloniki (OASTH). Buses normally operate from 05:00 to 00:30 and the most popular bus lines are 12, 72, 23, 72Α, 45Α. Tickets are pretty cheap, starting at just €0.90, and you can purchase them from OASTH ticket offices or issuing machines inside the buses.

Tip: if you want to start your Thessaloniki trip with a quick view of the sights, take bus 50 from the White Tower and enjoy a 1-hour cultural route.

A stunning beach with turquoise waters in Halkidiki

Where to book ferry tickets from Thessaloniki online

On Ferryhopper, you can find all ferry routes from/to the port of Thessaloniki in northern Greece. Check our Map of ferries to visualize your trip, compare prices, schedules and companies, and book ferry tickets to Thessaloniki online at no extra cost.