Train

Traveling by train is a convenient, cost-effective (train travel is usually cheaper than bus travel), and scenic way to reach certain destinations in Greece. The problem is, the train network in Greece is extremely limited, and buses are usually the only link between cities. The Greek Railway Organization (TrainOSE) runs the national train network and the proastiakos light-rail line is part of the it. In Athens, the main train station is Larissis Station, off Diliyianni Street, west of Omonia Square. In Thessaloniki the station is located on Monastiriou Avenue, which is a 15-minute drive from Aristotle Square.

About Travel in Greece

Trains are generally on time. At smaller stations, allow about 15–20 minutes for changing trains; on some routes, connecting routes are coordinated with the main line.

All trains have first- and second-class seating. On any train, during high season, around holidays, or for long distances it is best to travel first class, with a reserved seat, as the difference between the first- and second-class coaches can be significant: the cars are cleaner, the seats are wider and plusher, and, most important, the cars are emptier. On some trains, such as high-speed service from Athens to Thessalonki, you need to book seats ahead even if you are using a rail pass .

You can get train schedules in stations and online.

Popular Train Routes

Within Greece, some popular routes include Athens to Thessaloniki and Alexandroupoli (Dikaia), Athens to Kalambaka, and Athens to Corinth. There is also a fast InterCity Express service from Athens to Thessaloniki that takes four hours instead of six. The cost is €45 for a standard seat, €55 for premium.

A few historic train lines have been kept up and continue to be popular with travelers. The one-hour journey from Diakofto to Kalavryta in the northern Peloponnese travels up a pine-crested gorge in the Peloponnese mountains. It is one of the oldest rail lines in Greece, assigned by PM Harilaos Trikoupis in 1889. The 90-minute trip aboard the steam train of Pelion departs from Ano Lehonia, stops in Ano Gatzea, and arrives in Milies, crossing breathtaking landscapes in central and northern Greece. Finally, the 45-minute journey from Katakolo to Ancient Olympia passes through Pirgos.

Buying Tickets

You can pay for all train tickets with cash (euros) or with credit cards (Visa and MasterCard only). The online system is available up to 24 hours before departure. You can also book and pay by telephone, but given the quirks of the online booking system and complexities of the train network, you will probably find it easiest to purchase tickets in Greece from a station or the OSE sales office in Athens. Note that any ticket issued on the train costs 50% more.

Rail Passes

Greece is one of 28 countries in which you can use Eurail passes, which provide unlimited travel. With few exceptions (such as the Greek Islands Pass for boat travel, see below) you probably won't need a pass if you will be spending most of your time in Greece, since train travel is so limited. If you plan to rack up miles in several other countries as well, you might consider getting a standard Eurail Global Pass. These are available for 15 days of second-class travel in multiple countries within two months ($440), 15 days continuous ($395), and in many other combinations.

The Greece Pass allows unlimited first-class rail travel throughout Greece for three days, while the Eurail Greek Island Pass allows a certain number of ferry trips within a month, for instance, five trips for $107. The Greece–Italy Pass gives you four days' travel time over a span of two months and includes ferry travel between the two countries; the cost is $325 for first class, $260 for second. Youths (18–25 years of age) pay about 50% less, and there are special rates for groups and families.

You can't buy a Eurail pass in Europe; it has to be purchased through Eurail or another agency before you leave. Passes can be shipped to anywhere you are in Europe, as well as worldwide. Shipping is by registered mail.