Thessaloniki airport to city centre
Everything you need leaving Makedonia (SKG): bus times, the €25 taxi flat rate, night arrivals and how to reach Halkidiki without getting ripped off.
- Bus 01X: €2
- Taxi: €25 day / €35 night
- ~13–17 km to centre
- 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 (future) | €0.60 | TBC | Mikra station — 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.
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.
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.