# Thessaloniki Airport Transfer Guide (SKG) Practical guide to getting from Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) to the city centre, Halkidiki, and beyond. Bus routes, taxi prices, and transfer options explained honestly. **Airport:** SKG **City:** Thessaloniki **Country:** Greece **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/skg **Last updated:** 2026-03-11 --- ## Main Guide ### Quick answer Thessaloniki Makedonia Airport is 15 km east of the city centre. The public bus (Line 01X) costs 2 EUR and runs every 20-30 minutes into the city — it is reliable and the right choice for solo or budget travellers. A taxi costs 20-30 EUR and takes 25-35 minutes. For Halkidiki resorts (60-100 km), a pre-booked transfer is the practical option as there is no direct public transport from the airport to the peninsula. 👉 AirportTransferPortal offers fixed-price transfers on this route, which removes uncertainty on arrival. --- ### What actually happens after landing Thessaloniki Airport is a mid-sized Greek airport. It handles significant domestic traffic as well as international arrivals, making it the second busiest airport in Greece. The terminal is a single building with one main arrivals hall. Immigration is generally efficient for EU passport holders. Non-EU travelers should allow 20-40 minutes during busy periods. Baggage claim can be slow when multiple flights coincide — allow 20-30 minutes. The arrivals hall has ATMs, a small cafe, and car rental desks. Exit leads directly to the bus stop, taxi rank, and pickup area. Thessaloniki has metro construction ongoing in the city, but a metro line to the airport is not yet operational. The bus remains the main public connection. --- ### Transport options explained honestly **Public bus (Line 01X)** runs between the airport and Thessaloniki city centre (Aristotelous Square area) for 2 EUR. The journey takes 40-55 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run roughly every 20-30 minutes during the day and evening. The last service is around midnight. This is a reliable option for city-bound travelers — it is well-used by Greeks and visitors alike and serves the main hotels and central area. **Taxis** queue outside the terminal. Fares are metered. To the city centre, expect 20-30 EUR and 25-35 minutes. Thessaloniki taxis are generally reliable with meters running correctly. Night surcharges apply after midnight. **Pre-booked transfers** make most sense for Halkidiki-bound travelers. There is no direct bus from the airport to Halkidiki, and the peninsula's resorts are 60-100 km away. A transfer runs 50-90 EUR depending on which finger of the peninsula you are heading to. For city arrivals, transfers offer marginal advantages over the bus or taxi. **Rental cars** are available in the arrivals hall. If you are planning to explore Halkidiki or drive into Macedonia, picking up a car at the airport is efficient. The road network is good. --- ### Realistic pricing expectations To Thessaloniki city centre (15 km): Bus 2 EUR, taxi 20-30 EUR, transfer 25-40 EUR. To Thessaloniki port / waterfront (18 km): Taxi 25-35 EUR, transfer 25-40 EUR. To Halkidiki — Kassandra peninsula (60-70 km): Taxi 60-80 EUR, transfer 55-80 EUR. To Halkidiki — Sithonia peninsula (80-90 km): Taxi 75-100 EUR, transfer 70-95 EUR. To Halkidiki — Athos peninsula / Ouranoupoli (100 km): Taxi 90-115 EUR, transfer 85-110 EUR. To Katerini / Pieria coast (50 km south): Transfer 50-65 EUR. Night surcharges (midnight to 5 AM) add 20-30% to taxi fares. --- ### Late night arrivals The bus service runs until around midnight, which covers most evening flights. Very late arrivals (past midnight) will find taxis available at the rank — Thessaloniki is a large city with a functioning taxi supply that does not dry up the way a small island's does. Pre-booking is convenient but less critical here than at smaller airports. --- ### Families and luggage For families heading to Halkidiki, a pre-booked minivan is advisable. The journey is 1.5-2.5 hours and a cramped sedan over that distance is uncomfortable. Greek taxis do not carry child car seats — request one through a transfer service. The bus is not practical for families with significant luggage heading to the city centre, though solo or couples traveling light find it perfectly adequate. --- ### Where you meet the driver --- ### Decision helper **Choose the bus (01X) if:** you are going to Thessaloniki city centre, arriving during the day or early evening, and you are traveling light without young children. **Choose a taxi if:** you need to get to the city centre quickly, have heavy luggage, or are arriving late at night when the bus is less frequent. **Choose a pre-booked transfer if:** you are heading to Halkidiki, arriving with family or large groups, or want door-to-door service without a connection. **Choose a rental car if:** you are planning an itinerary that covers multiple locations in northern Greece. 👉 This is the lowest-friction option after a long flight. --- ### Summary Thessaloniki Airport is the most transport-accessible airport on this list — the bus connection to the city is genuine and useful. The main planning challenge is for Halkidiki-bound travellers, who have no direct public transport link and for whom a pre-booked transfer is by far the most practical solution. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: How do I get from Thessaloniki Airport to the city centre by bus?** Take bus Line 01X from outside the terminal. The fare is 2 EUR, paid on the bus or at a machine. The journey to the city centre (Aristotelous Square) takes 40-55 minutes. Buses run every 20-30 minutes. **Q: How much is a taxi from Thessaloniki Airport to the city?** Expect 20-30 EUR for the 15 km journey, taking 25-35 minutes depending on traffic. **Q: Is there a bus from Thessaloniki Airport to Halkidiki?** No direct bus. You would need the 01X to the city and then a KTEL bus from the central bus station — a slow and luggage-unfriendly two-stage journey. A pre-booked transfer is more practical for Halkidiki. **Q: How much is a transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Kassandra?** Kassandra, the closest Halkidiki peninsula, is about 60-70 km from SKG. Expect 55-80 EUR for a pre-booked transfer. **Q: Is there Uber in Thessaloniki?** Uber operates in Thessaloniki in a limited form. Availability varies, and during busy airport arrivals the regular taxi rank is typically more reliable. **Q: How long does it take to get from SKG to Sithonia?** Sithonia, the middle peninsula of Halkidiki, is 80-90 km from the airport. The drive takes approximately 1.5-2 hours depending on destination and traffic. --- ## Additional Guides ### Arriving at Thessaloniki Airport Late at Night **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/skg/late-night Thessaloniki is a city with a real nightlife and a functioning transport infrastructure. Late-night arrivals at SKG are more comfortable than at many other Greek airports — there are taxis, and the city does not shut down at 10 PM. ## Bus hours Bus Line 01X runs until around midnight from the airport. If your flight lands before 11 PM and clears immigration and baggage within an hour, you may still catch the last service. After midnight, the bus is not running. If the bus is your preferred transport and you have a late landing, check the current timetable before travel and plan for a taxi or transfer as backup. ## Taxis at night Thessaloniki has enough taxis that late-night availability at the airport is not typically a problem. The rank has cars, and the city's taxi pool does not disappear after 10 PM the way island taxis can. For the city centre, a late-night taxi at 20-30 EUR (plus the night surcharge after midnight) is a straightforward option. For Halkidiki arrivals at night, the equation shifts. Fewer taxis are available for a 1.5-2.5 hour round trip at midnight. A pre-booked transfer remains the most reliable choice for late-night Halkidiki arrivals. ## Night surcharges Greek taxis apply Tariff 2 between midnight and 5 AM. This adds 20-30% to standard fares. A 25 EUR city centre fare at 1 AM costs approximately 31-33 EUR. A 75 EUR Kassandra fare becomes approximately 93-97 EUR plus any tolls. Pre-booked transfers may include a late-night fee or may quote a single price inclusive of all charges — check at booking. ## Arriving for Halkidiki late at night Flights landing at midnight followed by a two-hour drive to Sithonia is a long first day of travel. This is not unusual for package holiday arrivals. Pre-booking the transfer means you exit the terminal and the driver takes over. You do not need to navigate, negotiate, or wait. If you are arriving very late (1 AM or later) for a Halkidiki destination, confirm with your accommodation that late check-in is possible. Some smaller complexes lock up after midnight. ## Practical tips Thessaloniki Airport ATMs are inside the terminal. Have some euros available. Mobile signal is good in and around the airport. The terminal has a small cafe operating during flight times. The city itself is busy until late — if you arrive after midnight, the journey into central Thessaloniki is still through a live urban area. --- ### Thessaloniki Airport: Taxi vs Private Transfer **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/skg/taxi-vs-transfer Thessaloniki is one of the few airports in this guide where the bus is a genuine first-choice option for many travellers. Among paid options, the taxi and transfer comparison depends entirely on where you are going. ## First: the bus option Bus Line 01X from SKG to Thessaloniki city centre costs 2 EUR and runs every 20-30 minutes. It is reliable, used daily by Greeks, and stops near most city hotels. For solo and couple travellers going to the city centre without excessive luggage, the bus is the default recommendation. Taxis and transfers cannot compete on price for this route. ## The taxi option Thessaloniki has a functioning taxi industry. The airport rank has good supply, meters run correctly, and drivers know the city well. For the city centre, taxis are straightforward. For Halkidiki, taxis work but at 65-105 EUR depending on destination, they are in the same range as pre-booked transfers — just without the guarantee of a confirmed car. Note on tolls: the road to Halkidiki has toll booths. Taxi meters do not include tolls — you pay them at the booth in addition to the meter fare. Pre-booked transfer prices typically include tolls in the quoted price. For Halkidiki, this makes the final taxi bill higher than it appears. ## The pre-booked transfer option For Halkidiki-bound travellers, a pre-booked transfer is the standard recommendation. The reasons: 1. Fixed price including tolls. 2. Driver confirmed for your flight. 3. No need to explain to a taxi driver which exact resort complex you are staying in (some are on small unmarked roads). 4. Minivan available for families. For city-centre arrivals, a transfer is a reasonable choice if you have heavy luggage, a large group, or are arriving late — but the bus or taxi are more cost-effective for most. ## Price comparison City centre: Bus 2 EUR, Taxi 20-30 EUR, Transfer 25-40 EUR. Bus wins on price. Kassandra Halkidiki: Taxi 65-85 EUR (+ tolls extra), Transfer 60-80 EUR (tolls included). Transfer has the edge. Sithonia Halkidiki: Taxi 80-105 EUR (+ tolls), Transfer 75-100 EUR (tolls included). Transfer has the edge. ## When to choose a taxi City centre arrivals where you want door-to-door service without waiting for a bus. Also practical for hotel areas near the waterfront where the bus stop may not be directly adjacent. ## When to choose a transfer Anyone going to Halkidiki. Families with children. Late-night arrivals heading to distant resorts. Groups where the per-person cost of a minivan is similar to or cheaper than individual taxis. --- ### Getting from Thessaloniki Airport with Kids **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/skg/family-and-kids Thessaloniki Airport is a manageable arrival point for families. The airport is larger than the typical Greek island airport but still contained. The journey to Halkidiki — the main family destination from SKG — is a 1.5-2.5 hour drive requiring a vehicle large enough for your group. ## At the airport SKG is a standard medium-sized Greek airport. The walk from the plane to baggage claim is moderate but not excessive. Restrooms with changing facilities are available in the arrivals area. A cafe operates during flight times. Trolleys are available for baggage claim. Baggage can take 20-35 minutes, particularly when multiple flights land together. Allow time for this before worrying about your transport. ## The bus with children Bus Line 01X to the city centre is cheap and reliable but not family-friendly for busy arrivals. It does not have luggage racks designed for large suitcases, and standing with children and bags is uncomfortable. If you are travelling to the city with modest luggage and older children, the bus is fine. For families with young children, strollers, and full luggage, a taxi or transfer is far more practical. ## Car seats Greek taxis do not carry child car seats as standard. If your child requires one — legally required in Greece for children under 135 cm or 36 kg — you must either bring a travel seat or book a private transfer and request the appropriate seat type at booking. Specify the child's age and weight when booking. Confirm the seat has been arranged the day before travel. Child seats in rental cars should be booked in advance, not at the counter. ## Vehicle size for Halkidiki For families heading to Halkidiki, the journey is 1.5-2.5 hours. A cramped sedan with four people and luggage for a 90-minute drive is uncomfortable. A minivan makes the trip significantly more pleasant. Pre-book a minivan transfer. Specify your group size (adults + children) and luggage count. The booking is confirmed; you are not hoping a suitable vehicle is at the rank when you arrive. ## The Halkidiki journey with children The drive from SKG toward Kassandra or Sithonia is mostly on a good dual-carriageway before the peninsula junction. The roads on the peninsula itself are more winding in parts, particularly in Sithonia. For motion-sickness-prone children, seat them where they can see forward and prepare with medication if needed. Pack snacks and water for the car. Service stops on the Halkidiki road exist but are limited. A 90-minute drive after a flight is manageable with preparation. ## Practical family recommendation Pre-book a minivan transfer for Halkidiki arrivals. Request a child car seat if needed. This gives you a confirmed large vehicle, a driver who knows exactly where your resort is, and the ability to load and go from arrivals without delay. The cost difference over a taxi is small; the reduction in stress is significant. --- ### Thessaloniki Airport Transfer Costs to City and Halkidiki **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/skg/cost-to-city Thessaloniki Airport has genuine public transport — the bus to the city is cheap and reliable. For longer destinations like Halkidiki, the economics shift toward transfers. ## To Thessaloniki city centre (15 km) - **Bus (01X):** 2 EUR. 40-55 minutes. Every 20-30 minutes. - **Taxi:** 20-30 EUR. 25-35 minutes. - **Pre-booked transfer:** 25-40 EUR. For the city centre, the bus is excellent value. Solo travelers and couples with moderate luggage should take it. Families with large luggage or late-night arrivals will find a taxi or transfer more practical. ## To Thessaloniki waterfront / port (18 km) - **Taxi:** 25-35 EUR. - **Pre-booked transfer:** 25-40 EUR. ## To Kalamaria / eastern suburbs (20 km) - **Taxi:** 28-38 EUR. - **Pre-booked transfer:** 28-40 EUR. ## To Halkidiki — Nea Moudania / Kassandra gateway (60 km) - **Taxi:** 60-75 EUR. - **Pre-booked transfer:** 55-75 EUR. ## To Halkidiki — Kallithea / Kassandra resorts (65-75 km) - **Taxi:** 65-85 EUR. - **Pre-booked transfer:** 60-80 EUR. Kassandra is the most popular Halkidiki peninsula with dense resort development. Allow 1.5-2 hours by road. ## To Halkidiki — Sithonia (Neos Marmaras, Vourvourou, Hanioti area) (80-95 km) - **Taxi:** 80-105 EUR. - **Pre-booked transfer:** 75-100 EUR. Sithonia is the middle peninsula, less developed and more scenic. The drive is 1.5-2.5 hours depending on the specific destination. ## To Halkidiki — Ouranoupoli / Athos area (100 km) - **Taxi:** 95-120 EUR. - **Pre-booked transfer:** 85-110 EUR. Ouranoupoli is the gateway to Mount Athos. Allow 1.5-2 hours from the airport. ## To Katerini / Pieria beaches (50 km south) - **Taxi:** 50-65 EUR. - **Pre-booked transfer:** 50-65 EUR. ## What affects the price **Night surcharge:** Taxis apply 20-30% surcharge midnight to 5 AM. A 70 EUR Kassandra fare at night runs approximately 87-91 EUR. **Tolls:** The Thessaloniki-Halkidiki road has tolls. These are typically included in transfer quotes but confirm at booking. Taxi meters exclude tolls — passengers pay them separately. **Vehicle size:** Minivans cost 10-20 EUR more and are worth considering for families on longer Halkidiki journeys. ## The bus vs everything else For the city centre, the 2 EUR bus is the standout budget option. For Halkidiki, there is no direct airport bus. The KTEL system covers Halkidiki from the city's central bus station (Makedonia Bus Terminal), but combining the airport bus with a second bus to the peninsula adds 1.5-2 hours to the journey and is impractical with holiday luggage. --- ## Related Pages - [Main arrival guide](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/skg) - [Cost to city](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/skg/cost-to-city) - [Taxi vs transfer](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/skg/taxi-vs-transfer) - [Late night arrivals](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/skg/late-night) - [Family & kids](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/skg/family-and-kids) --- ## Check before you land 👉 This route is actively served by AirportTransferPortal with fixed-price booking available before arrival. Check real vehicles and prices before your flight. Booking takes a few minutes and ensures someone is waiting when you arrive. --- ## Operational Note This guide reflects real operational conditions, pricing ranges, and traveler experience at Thessaloniki (SKG). Transfer availability is supported by AirportTransferPortal's verified supplier network. --- ## Attribution Published by AirportTransferPortal (airporttransferportal.com), a global airport transfer marketplace operated by Funny Tourism Ltd.