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How to get from Halkidiki to Thessaloniki
Halkidiki is a large peninsula, so the trip to Thessaloniki takes from about 1 h (Nea Moudania, northern Kassandra) to 2 h 30 (southern Sithonia or Ouranoupoli). Driving is fastest; KTEL Chalkidikis buses link most resorts with Thessaloniki for about €5–15.
Best option: Car. Resorts are spread across three peninsulas and a car avoids bus changes and limited off-season timetables.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| car Main road via Nea Moudania (for Kassandra and Sithonia) or via Polygyros/Arnea (for Ouranoupoli) to Thessaloniki | about 1 h – 2 h 30 depending on the resort | fuel only | Thessaloniki airport is on the Halkidiki side of the city. Central Thessaloniki parking is scarce; use paid car parks. | |
| bus KTEL Chalkidikis buses from Halkidiki towns and resorts to the KTEL Chalkidikis terminal in eastern Thessaloniki | about 1 h – 2 h 30 | frequent in summer on main routes, reduced in winter | about €5–15 | The terminal is outside the centre; take a city bus or taxi onward. Check current timetables. |
| taxi Taxi or pre-booked transfer | about 1 h – 2 h 30 | on demand | about €70–180 depending on distance | Agree the fare in advance; common for airport runs. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- There is no railway to Halkidiki; the choice is car, bus or taxi.
- If you are flying, Thessaloniki airport is on the way to Halkidiki, so you may not need to enter the city.
- On summer Sunday evenings traffic back to Thessaloniki can be heavy.
- Check which KTEL bus serves your resort; some need a change at Nea Moudania or Polygyros.
Common questions
Is there a train from Halkidiki to Thessaloniki?
No. Halkidiki has no railway. Travel is by car, KTEL Chalkidikis bus or taxi. Buses run from the main resorts on Kassandra, Sithonia and towards Mount Athos to a dedicated terminal in eastern Thessaloniki, from where city buses and taxis continue into the centre.
How long does it take from Halkidiki to Thessaloniki?
It depends on where you are. Nea Moudania and northern Kassandra are about an hour away. Southern Kassandra and central Sithonia take about 1 hour 30 to 2 hours, and the far south of Sithonia or Ouranoupoli about 2 hours 30. Buses take a little longer than driving because of stops.
Can I visit Thessaloniki as a day trip from Halkidiki?
Yes, particularly from Kassandra. Leave in the morning, see the waterfront, the White Tower, the Rotunda and Ano Poli, and return in the evening. From southern Sithonia or Ouranoupoli it is a long day with up to five hours of driving in total. Check the last bus back if not driving.
How do I get from Thessaloniki airport to Halkidiki?
By car or taxi, as the airport lies on the south-east side of the city, on the road towards Halkidiki. Driving to Kassandra takes about 1 hour and to Sithonia about 1 hour 30 to 2 hours. By bus you usually go first to the KTEL Chalkidikis terminal, which adds time.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.