Travel Information
Visa Information
Citizens of EU and Schengen countries do not need a tourist visa to enter Greece. Greece also allows visa-free short stays, generally up to 90 days within any 180 days, for nationals of many non-EU countries.
Visa exemption does not necessarily mean entry without requirements. Travellers must meet Greece and Schengen entry conditions, and the EU’s ETIAS travel authorisation will apply to visa exempt travellers once it becomes operational.
Entry Points
Greece is well connected to Europe and the rest of the world, with Athens International Airport serving as the country’s main international gateway and offering frequent direct flights to major European and global cities. An extensive network of domestic flights, ferries, highways, rail services, and intercity buses also makes it easy to travel between Athens and other Greek destinations, including the islands, Thessaloniki, Crete, and popular cultural and natural attractions.
Thessaloniki is served directly by Thessaloniki International Airport “Makedonia” (SKG), located approximately 15 km from the city centre, with the journey taking around 20 minutes by car under normal traffic conditions. The airport is connected to the city by public bus, with 01X operating during the day and 01N providing a night service.
For international visitors who cannot find a direct flight to SKG, Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” (ATH) is another option. Athens is approximately 500 km from Thessaloniki, with flights between the two cities taking around one hour, followed by onward travel by air, train or road.
International visitors can enter Greece by road through border crossings with Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Türkiye. Major crossings include Promachonas from Bulgaria, Evzoni from North Macedonia, Kakavia from Albania, and Kipi from Türkiye.
Greece can also be reached by ferry and cruise services through major ports such as Piraeus, Rafina, Thessaloniki, Patras, Igoumenitsa, and Heraklion. Thessaloniki Port is the main gateway to Thessaloniki and the Nothern Greek Islands.
Greece’s railway network connects Thessaloniki with major mainland destinations, including Athens, Larissa, and other cities across central and northern Greece. Train travel offers a comfortable way to explore the country, although connections to the Greek Islands are made by ferry rather than rail.
Transportation
By Bus
The journey from Thessaloniki Airport to the city centre by bus takes approximately 40–50 minutes, depending on traffic. Airport bus fares are approximately €2.00, while standard city bus and metro tickets are also available for inner-city journeys. Daily and longer-duration travel cards may also be purchased depending on the needs of each passenger.
Bus 01X / 01N route: Thessaloniki Airport “Makedonia” – City Centre – New Railway Station – KTEL Macedonia Intercity Bus Station.
Bus 2X route: Thessaloniki Airport “Makedonia” – Nea Elvetia Metro Station.
Full airport bus route details, live timetable information, and transport updates can be found here: OASTH Airport Bus Routes & Timetables
By Car
From “Macedonia” Airport – Via the A25
Take the Airport-Thessaloniki Provincial Road, and then the Thessaloniki Airport-Moudania Road. Then follow K. Karamanli Avenue, and travel via Egnatia until you reach Monastiriou Street. You will find the Grand Hotel Palace after about 2 km on your left-hand side.
Via Thessaloniki centre
Take Georgikis Scholis Avenue heading towards Thessaloniki. Travel through the city’s centre via Tsimiski Street, and continue straight ahead towards Giannitson Street. At the junction of the New Railway Station, turn left on Monastiriou Street heading towards Menemeni. You will find the Grand Hotel Palace after about 1.5 km on your left-hand side.
From Thessaloniki Railway Station
Go to Monastiriou Street, passing in front of the Railway Station, and head straight to the exit of the city, where, at about 1.5 km you will find the Grand Hotel Palace.
From Athens
From Athens-Lamia National Road take the exit to the “Centre” and follow the sign to “Monastiriou Street”. Go under the overpass near the KTEL Intercity Coach Station. Follow the first exit to Dendropotamou Avenueand turn right to Monastiriou Street. In about 400 meters, you will find the Grand Hotel Palace on your right hand.
By Subway
Thessaloniki also has a metro system, offering a fast and convenient way to travel within the city. The metro can be used for central city journeys and connections to key areas, while passengers arriving from the airport may connect to the metro network via the relevant bus routes. The closest metro station is at Thessaloniki Railway Station about 1.5 km from the Venue.
Once you are in Greece
Socket Outlets
Greece uses Type C and Type F plugs, with a standard voltage of 230 V. Visitors should bring a suitable travel adaptor, while devices that do not support 230 V may also require a voltage converter.
Local Currency
The currency of the Republic is the Euro (€). Banks in Greece open for the public from Monday to Friday.
Telephone
The country code is +30. Greece’s automatic telephone dialing system reaches 206 countries. SIM cards can be purchased at various points.