Thessaloniki airport bus & taxi to the city centre
Bus 01X €2 every 20–30 minutes, taxi €25 day / €35 night from the official rank, night bus 01N, and honest metro status from Makedonia (SKG).
- Bus 01X / 01N: €2
- Taxi: €25 day / €35 night
- Every 20–30 min
- 25–45 min journey
Which transfer should you take?
| Option | Price | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 01X / 01N | €2 | 30–45 min | Budget, light luggage, daytime |
| Taxi (official rank) | €25 day / €35 night | 25–30 min | Families, late arrival, door-to-door |
| Private transfer | €35–50 pre-booked | 25–30 min | Child seats, meet-and-greet |
| Metro | €0.60 | — | No link to SKG yet; Kalamaria extension rolling out in stages — check thessmetro.gr |
Airport bus 01X and 01N
OASTH operates dedicated airport lines with a €2.00 flat fare (not covered by the €0.60 integrated ticket or 24-hour pass).
- 01X — daytime service to the centre, stops include the New Railway Station area, Aristotelous Square and the White Tower.
- 01N — night service, runs through the small hours when 01X doesn't.
- Frequency: roughly every 20–30 minutes.
- Buy tickets at the airport kiosk or machine before boarding; validate on the bus.
- Journey time: 30–45 minutes depending on traffic and stop.
Airport bus timetable & frequency
There is no single printed “flight-matched” timetable — OASTH runs 01X by day and 01N overnight on a rolling schedule. Expect a bus about every 20–30 minutes in both directions (airport ⇄ centre). First and last trips shift slightly by season; always check the live board or oasth.gr before you leave the terminal.
- Day (01X) — covers morning to late evening; usual stop pattern toward Aristotelous / White Tower.
- Night (01N) — continues when 01X stops; same €2 fare.
- Tip — if your flight lands near a schedule gap, the official taxi rank (€25 / €35) is still cheaper than most European airports.
Live timetables: oasth.gr · Full transit context on Getting Around.
Airport taxi — €25 flat rate
Day rate (05:00–24:00)
€25 fixed to destinations inside the official city ring. Luggage and tolls included. Ride 25–30 minutes.
Night rate (00:00–05:00)
€35 for the same route. Essential knowledge if your flight lands at 2 am — the 01N bus still runs at €2.
How to take a taxi safely:
- Use the official rank directly outside arrivals — blue cars, white roof.
- The flat rate is set by the Ministry of Transport — not negotiable, not "meter plus surcharge".
- Cards accepted (POS mandatory in Greek taxis).
- Ignore touts inside the terminal offering "special price" rides.
Taxi company numbers for pre-booking from the city: see Getting Around → Taxis.
Landing after midnight
You're not stranded. Options:
- 01N night bus — €2, safe, routine. Slower but reliable.
- Taxi at €35 — door-to-door if you're tired or with kids. See family guide.
Hotels near Aristotelous or the White Tower are walking distance from bus stops. If your hotel is in Kalamaria or east of the centre, taxi may save hassle.
Airport to Halkidiki (not direct)
There is no direct coach from SKG to Halkidiki. Typical route:
- Bus 79A or taxi (€15–20) to the KTEL Chalkidikis coach terminal.
- KTEL coach to your peninsula (Kassandra, Sithonia, etc.).
Or rent a car at the airport — often best for families heading straight to the beach. Full details: Halkidiki day trips.
Airport transfer questions
Where do I buy bus tickets at the airport?
Ticket machines and kiosks in the arrivals hall and at the bus stop. Have small change or a card if the machine accepts it.
Does the Thessaloniki metro go to the airport?
Not as of August 2026. Line 1 runs New Railway Station ↔ Nea Elvetia only. The Kalamaria extension toward Mikra is rolling out in stages — check thessmetro.gr. Until a direct link opens, use bus 01X/01N or taxi.
Can I use the €0.60 metro ticket on the airport bus?
No — airport lines 01X/01N are special fare €2. The 24-hour pass also excludes them.
How far is the airport from Thessaloniki centre?
About 13–17 km southeast, near Thermi and Mikra. The drive follows the coast road into the city.
Is Uber available?
Ride-hailing exists but official airport taxis with fixed rates are simpler and often cheaper than surge pricing.