Thessaloniki is a vibrant, full of surprises destination. Located in the heart of Macedonia it is the second largest city in Greece. Thessaloniki lies on the northern fringe of the Thermaic Gulf on its eastern coast and is bound by Mount Chortiatis on its southeast. The metropolitan area includes many beachside and hilly suburbs, while its densest part, which makes up the urban area of the city and what Thessalonians usually refer to as the `City of Thessaloniki`, can be divided roughly into 3 parts, the northwestern, the central and the southeastern.

Thessaloniki is served by Macedonia International Airport (SKG) for international and domestic flights. By Air Thessaloniki is linked to Athens, Ioannina, Hania, Heraklion, Lemnos, Lesvos, Rhodes and Skiathos (in Summer). The city`s airport (10 miles outside Thessaloniki) is served by many of the major airlines.

The airport is served on a 24-hour basis by OASTH (Organization of Urban Transportation of Thessaloniki) the city`s bus company, with bus numbers 78/78A/78N providing direct access to the central passenger railway station of Thessaloniki, at Monastiriou st 28, and to the Macedonia InterCity Bus Terminal (KTEL), which lies in the west side of the city. Journey time is 30-40 minutes; one-way fares cost about €2 (you need change to buy a ticket from the machine on board).

Bus number 78 has a frequency of between 15 min and 30 min during the day, while number 78A runs once per day at 5 am from KTEL Bus Terminal to the airport. At night, the bus number changes to 78N and runs every 30 min through Thessaloniki, between the airport and Macedonia InterCity Bus Terminal (KTEL). (00 and 30 minutes past the hour from KTEL Bus Terminal, 20 and 50 min past the hour from the Airport).

Alternatively, a taxi will cost about €20-30. Taxis are hard to find during peak hours between 7 to 8 am, 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm, so plan early.

Regional train services within Greece (operated by TrainOSE, the Hellenic Railways Organization`s train operating company), link the city with other parts of the country, from its central railway passenger station, called the `New Railway Station` located at the western end of Thessaloniki`s city center.

- New Railway Station, Monastiriou St 28, City Center.

- TrainOSE travel service (Thessaloniki TrainOSE travel service No. 4), 18 Aristotelous Str.

There are normally employees at all major stations to facilitate transportation of disabled persons.

Train Discounts:
-Children (ages 4-12) get a 50% discount.
-Youth under 26 and elderly over 65 get a 25% discount (not available on InterCity trains to Athens).
-Disabled people and their escort get a 50% discount.
-Groups get a 30%-50% discount.

There is little reason to have a car in Thessaloniki. Traffic is terrible and legal parking spots are hard to come by. One of the burdens about having a car is finding a parking place in the Tessaloniki Urban Area, so be prepared to either spend a lot of time looking for a space, or pay for space in the parking facilities, with prices starting from about €4 for 3 hr. Traffic congestion is a problem, largely due to double-parked cars. Although having a car is convenient if you decide to go on excursions into northern Greece. Keep in mind that if you take a day trip, you`ll spend at least an hour getting out of the city.

You`ll find there are a number of outdoor municipal parking areas (free of charge) where you can park your vehicle and then use means of public transport or walk to the city center. In addition, you can park in the designated street parking areas in the city center and use the street parking meters which charge by the hour in order to obtain a parking ticket where required. Another, more expensive solution, is the private garages that you can find around Thessaloniki`s center.

In the city center, a 20 to 30 minute walk will take you to most attractions, restaurants, and shops. The city offers a beautiful waterfront promenade leading to the iconic White Tower. If you walk a bit further, you`ll be at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. Hilly streets can make walking a challenge, but it is possible to explore the old city. Thessaloniki is much more compact than Athens and follows a more regular plan of streets. The slightly slower pace and less congested streets combine to make this a good destination for pedestrians.

If you want a guided experience on foot, there are many to choose from.

The city`s bus company is called OASTH and runs a total of 80 different bus lines, which are the only public transportation within the city. Maps of the bus routes are available on OASTH`s website (www.oasth.gr). Bus services usually operate from 5:00 am until just after midnight.

Bus number 50 (`cultural line`) follows a figure-of-8 route past all the major tourist sites. There is an English speaking guide aboard, who provides you with maps and information. The whole route takes 50 min, and it departs every hour on the hour from the White Tower. The connection to the airport is provided by bus 78, which runs as 78N in the night (the only night bus line in the city).

Tickets

Tickets can be bought at OASTH`s ticket outlets and on the buses. Certain types of tickets are also available at various other sales points. There are five types of tickets available:

-One journey ticket: €1.00 from OASTH`s ticket outlets or other selling points, €1.10 on the bus; valid for one journey on all lines except 50, 78 and 78N.

-Two journey ticket: €1.20 from OASTH`s ticket outlets or other selling points, €1.30 on the bus; valid for two journeys on all lines except 50, 78 and 78N, the second journey starting within 70 minutes of the first.

-Three journey ticket: €1.50 from OASTH`s ticket outlets or on the bus; valid for three journeys on all lines except 50, 78 and 78N, the third journey starting within 90 minutes of the first.

-Four journey ticket: €2.00 from OASTH`s ticket outlets or on the bus; valid for four journeys on all lines except 50, 78 and 78N, the fourth journey starting within 120 minutes of the first.

-Airport line (78/78N) / Cultural line (50) ticket: €2.00 from OASTH`s ticket outlets or on the bus; valid only on lines 50, 78 and 78N.

Students, persons aged over 65, and persons with disability get a 50% discount if they have the documents required by OASTH to prove it. Accompanied children under the age of six ride for free.

Note: prices and information above was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

The taxis in Thessaloniki have a dark-blue and white color and are easily found on every corner of the city. They are reliable and run all day and night, but they are more expensive than urban buses.

It is worth noting that many taxis are reluctant to make the trip to the Upper city. Reason being, there is little guarantee of a return fare down, and they may (unlawfully) refuse. But if you`re in the cab before you state your destination, there`s little the driver can do but take you there. Otherwise, if you don`t want to walk up, you can hop on bus no. 23, which leaves from Eleftherias Square.

Thessaloniki is a safe place to visit. Nevertheless, you should always take precautions when traveling, ie., keep your passport in your hotel safe if you can, don`t carry a great deal of cash, be vigilant about your own safety and beware of pickpockets. It is always recommended to avoid walking along at night and in remote areas.

Some people may feel very uncomfortable walking in the areas near the railway station at night, as there are several brothels there. The only area absolutely to avoid is around Vardaris (Dimokratias) Square, which attracts some undesirable characters.