Transport in Greece is an adventure in itself, dominated by the sea and the sky. The ferry network is the lifeline of the country, connecting the mainland ports of Piraeus and Rafina to hundreds of islands in the Aegean and Ionian seas. From massive high-speed catamarans to slower, scenic ferries, island hopping is a quintessential Greek experience. For longer distances, domestic flights connect Athens and Thessaloniki to major islands like Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu efficiently. On the mainland, the KTEL bus network is extensive and reliable, reaching mountainous villages and coastal towns that trains do not. Driving is a popular option for exploring the large peninsula of the Peloponnese or the island of Crete, offering the freedom to find secluded beaches. In Athens, the Metro is modern, clean, and often displays archaeological finds discovered during its construction. Whether sailing into a caldera or driving along a coastal cliff, Greece’s transport network is the key to unlocking its diverse beauty.
Travelers exploring Greece will find a transport network dominated by the sea and the road. The Ferry Network is the heartbeat of the country. Ferries connect the mainland ports (Piraeus, Rafina) to the island groups (Cyclades, Dodecanese, Ionian, etc.). Vessels range from massive, slow Blue Star Ferries (great for stability and views) to high-speed SeaJets (fast but bumpy). Island hopping is a quintessential Greek experience.
On the mainland, the KTEL Bus Network is the primary way to travel. These green and beige buses connect Athens to virtually every town and village, even remote mountain areas. They are reliable, affordable, and air-conditioned. Trains are less common in Greece; the main reliable line is the route between Athens and Thessaloniki, which is scenic and reasonably fast, but the network is limited compared to the rest of Europe.
Domestic Flights are excellent for saving time. Airlines like Aegean and Sky Express connect Athens to major islands (Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Mykonos, Santorini). A 45-minute flight can save an 8-hour ferry ride. Within Athens, the Metro is clean, modern, and safe, connecting the airport to the city center and the port of Piraeus. Taxis (yellow in Athens) are ubiquitous, and apps like Uber (which hails taxis) and FreeNow work well in Athens and Thessaloniki.
Buying tickets in Greece is a mix of digital and traditional. For Ferries, booking online in advance is highly recommended, especially for high-speed boats in summer or if you are bringing a car. Websites like Ferryhopper are incredibly user-friendly and allow you to compare routes. You can usually use an e-ticket on your phone.
For KTEL Buses, you can buy tickets at the station (Kifisos or Liossion in Athens). Some major KTEL regions allow online booking, but for local village buses, you often pay the conductor on the bus with cash. For the Train, tickets can be bought via the Hellenic Train website or app.
In Athens, the public transport ticket (Ath.ena Ticket) works on the Metro, Buses, and Trams. You can buy rechargeable paper tickets at station machines. Validate your ticket! You must tap in at gates or validate your paper ticket on the bus. Fines for fare evasion are steep.
Public transport in Greece is generally safe, but reliability can depend on the weather. Ferries are subject to the "Meltemi" winds in summer. High-speed ferries are often cancelled or delayed if winds are strong, while large ferries usually keep running. Always check for updates.
KTEL Buses are surprisingly punctual and safe. Drivers are experienced on winding mountain roads. Athens Metro is very reliable, but travelers must be extremely vigilant about pickpocketing. The line connecting the Airport and the City, and the stations of Monastiraki and Omonia, are hotspots for professional pickpockets targeting tourists. Keep backpacks in front of you and valuables deep in pockets.
Late at night, the Metro closes around midnight (later on weekends), but taxis are affordable. On islands, local bus services can be infrequent, so renting a car or ATV is often preferred for freedom. Overall, the transport system is part of the adventure, offering some of the most scenic commutes in the world.