Train Travel

Out of some 10 Athens-Thessaloniki trains per day, 3 are express (4½ hours). Make reservations in advance at Athens Larissis Station's (Stathmos Larissis) south office (far-left facing, not the main entrance ticket booths, which are for same-day tickets only), or in Thessaloniki. The fastest intercity will set you back EUR 50; other express options begin at EUR 33. The standard train fare begins at around EUR 14. A EUR 48 ticket can be purchased that is good for 10 days' (nonexpress) travel in the center and north of the country (i.e., from Larissis Station). Thessaloniki Station has a left-luggage office (EUR 2 for 8 hours, EUR 3 for 24 hours).

OSE Larissis Station (Theodorou Deliyanni 31-33, Athens. 1110 customer help line in English; 1440 departures recording. www.ose.gr.)

OSE Thessaloniki Train Station (Monastiriou 28, West Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54627. 1110; 2310/599068 lost and found. www.ose.gr. Aristotelous 18, Kentro, 54624. 2310/598120.)