Traveling between Thessaloniki and Halkidiki is straightforward, but the best option depends on where you’re staying, the season, and whether you value speed or flexibility. Halkidiki is a large peninsula region rather than a single destination, with three distinct “legs” and dozens of towns, beaches, and resorts spread across it.
This guide explains exactly how to get from Thessaloniki to Halkidiki and back using a car or public transport, including realistic travel times, correct bus routes, and what to expect on the ground based on regular, real-world travel between the two.
| Route | Approximate Distance | Typical Travel Time | Transport Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thessaloniki to Kassandra | 60–90 km | 1–2 hours | Car, KTEL bus |
| Thessaloniki to Sithonia | 90–120 km | 1.5–2.5 hours | Car, KTEL bus |
| Thessaloniki Airport to Halkidiki | Varies | 1.5–3 hours (with transfer) | City bus + KTEL bus, taxi, car |
All areas of Greece are amazing. In fact, there isn’t one part of this magnificent country that isn’t worth visiting. If you’re staying in Thessaloniki, you’ll know that there’s plenty to see and do.
This port city is located on the glittering Thermaic Gulf, lapped by the warm waters of the Aegean. Here, you can see architecture that dates back centuries, including Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman examples. Be sure to check out the ruins of the 4th-century palace belonging to Galerius as one place on your visit list, but the modern center of town is certainly a spot for entertainment.
Thessaloniki gives you plenty of shopping, entertainment, and beach fun, but what if you want to venture further?
In that case, Halkidiki is the spot! This is one of the most popular places in Greece, and it is famous for its amazing beaches, history, and nightlife. Kassandra is the place most people head to during the summer months, and you can expect crowds during this time. But it’s worth it!
So, how do you get from Thessaloniki to Halkidiki or from Halkidiki to Thessaloniki? Here, let us show you.
Thessaloniki To Halkidiki By Car: Fastest And Most Flexible Option
The most convenient and quickest way to get from Thessaloniki to Halkidiki, and of course, from Halkidiki to Thessaloniki, is to drive. The roads in this part of Greece are well-developed, and it’s not particularly difficult to drive. However, as you get close to the coastline in Halkidiki, the roads can be a little bendy, so that’s just something to bear in mind if you’re a nervous driver.
The distance from Thessaloniki to Halkidiki ranges from around 60 km to over 120 km depending on which part of Halkidiki you’re visiting, with typical driving times of 1 to 2.5 hours before traffic.
Simply follow the Thessaloniki–Nea Moudania National Road (EO Thessalonikis–Nea Moudania), and to head back to Thessaloniki, reverse the directions.
Thessaloniki To Halkidiki By Bus: Public Transport Options Explained
If you’re not into driving, you could take the bus. Head to the KTEL Halkidiki Bus Station in Thessaloniki, which is located on the southeastern edge of the city near the IKEA area, not in the city center.
This is where buses for Halkidiki leave from. You will take OASTH bus number 36 (or its variants, such as 36A or 36B), which runs from the city toward the KTEL Halkidiki bus station.
Buses are run by KTEL, and you simply need to double-check with the driver if you’re not sure as you get on.
You can book your ticket online (below), or you can buy it directly from the bus station. However, do be aware that during the summer months, especially at weekends, many locals head to Halkidiki for a few days’ break. For that reason, booking your ticket ahead of time is a good idea.
The second option is to take the bus from Thessaloniki Airport to Halkidiki. This is particularly useful if you’re going straight to Halkidiki after landing. There is no direct public bus from Thessaloniki Airport to Halkidiki. From the airport, you must first take an OASTH city bus (such as line 79) to reach the city or the KTEL Halkidiki bus station, where you then transfer to a KTEL bus for Halkidiki.
There are ticket machines in the arrivals hall for city buses, but KTEL Halkidiki tickets are purchased separately via the KTEL website or at the KTEL Halkidiki station.
To head back to Thessaloniki from Halkidiki, you’ll catch a KTEL bus from your local town or village stop, returning to the KTEL Halkidiki station in Thessaloniki. Here, it is recommended to book your ticket ahead of time, as the bus back to Thessaloniki does get very busy most of the time.
FAQs
How far is Halkidiki from Thessaloniki?
Halkidiki is a large region, not a single town. Distances from Thessaloniki range from about 60 km to over 120 km depending on which peninsula or village you’re visiting.
How long does it take to drive from Thessaloniki to Halkidiki?
Driving time typically ranges from 1 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and which part of Halkidiki you’re heading to.
Is there a direct bus from Thessaloniki Airport to Halkidiki?
No. There is no direct public bus from Thessaloniki Airport to Halkidiki. Travelers must first take a city bus to reach the KTEL Halkidiki station and then transfer to a regional bus.
Which bus goes from Thessaloniki city to the Halkidiki bus station?
OASTH bus line 36 (and its variants, such as 36A or 36B) connects Thessaloniki with the KTEL Halkidiki bus station.
Where is the KTEL Halkidiki bus station located?
The KTEL Halkidiki bus station is located on the southeastern edge of Thessaloniki near the IKEA area, outside the city center.
Can I buy Halkidiki bus tickets at the airport?
No. Ticket machines at the airport sell city bus tickets only. KTEL Halkidiki tickets must be purchased separately online or at the KTEL Halkidiki station.
Do buses return directly to Thessaloniki city center?
KTEL buses from Halkidiki terminate at the KTEL Halkidiki station, not the city center. From there, city buses connect to central Thessaloniki.
Now that you know how to get from Halkidiki to Thessaloniki and how to travel from Thessaloniki to Halkidiki, we wish you a pleasant vacation in Greece.
