How to Get from Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) to City Center: 2026 Transfer Guide

All GetSeat transfer rates are 100% fixed per vehicle (not per person), including all local taxes, luggage handling, live flight tracking and free waiting time. Child seats are available on request.

The distance between SKG Airport and downtown Thessaloniki (Aristotelous Square, Ladadika, Port, and Roman Agora) is approximately 16 to 18 km.

• Normal travel time: 25 to 30 minutes via Leoforos Georgikis Scholis and Vas. Olgas Avenue or Ethnikis Antistaseos.

• Morning rush hour (08:00 – 10:00): Add 10–15 minutes when entering central Thessaloniki via Vas. Olgas Avenue.

• Evening rush hour (17:00 – 19:30): Traffic builds up along Tsimiski and Egnatia streets.

• Alternative Ring Road route: If staying in the Upper Town (Ano Poli), Western Thessaloniki, or near the KTEL Makedonia bus terminal, drivers frequently use the Ring Road (Periferiaki) to bypass downtown congestion entirely.

The official taxi rank at Thessaloniki Airport is located directly outside the arrivals exit of the main terminal (T1).

Key facts for airport taxis:

• Legally Regulated Flat Rate: For rides between SKG Airport and the defined central Thessaloniki ring (delimited by Agiou Dimitriou, Kaftantzoglou, Vas. Georgiou, and the waterfront), there is a mandatory flat fare:

– Daytime (05:00 – 24:00): €28 flat rate

– Nighttime (00:00 – 05:00): €38 flat rate

• Important note on destinations: If your hotel or accommodation is outside the designated central zone (e.g. Kalamaria, Panorama, Toumba, or Western Suburbs), the driver must turn on the taximeter (Tariff 1 daytime, Tariff 2 nighttime) plus standard airport surcharges.

• Luggage & Night Surcharges: The flat fare covers standard baggage; however, always verify with the driver before loading your bags if you are traveling outside the central boundary.

• Availability during summer: Between June and September, incoming charter flights often create queues of 30 to 45 passengers at the taxi stand.

For budget-conscious travelers, the public bus network operated by OASTH provides direct 24-hour service between Thessaloniki Airport and downtown:

• Bus line 01X (Day service): Runs daily from approximately 06:00 to 22:00 every 20–25 minutes.

• Bus line 01N (Night service): Takes over during the night (22:30 to 05:30) roughly every 30 minutes, following a slightly expanded route.

• Bus Stop Location: Right outside Arrivals, between Exit 2 and Exit 3. Look for the blue OASTH ticket booth.

• Ticket Price:

– Standard ticket: €1.80 (bought at the kiosk booth) or €2.00 from the coin machine inside the bus (Caution: machines inside the bus do not give change!).

– Students / Seniors (65+): €0.90 at kiosks / €1.00 onboard.

• Key Central Stops:

– Kamara (Arch of Galerius): Near Aristotle University and central youth hostels.

– Aristotelous Square / Platia Aristotelous: Center of Thessaloniki, waterfront, and Ladadika.

– Kolomvou: Near boutique hotels along Egnatia and Antigonidon.

– New Railway Station (Neos Sidirodromikos Stathmos): Final stop, ideal for intercity trains and the western end of the city.

Yes, Uber is active in Thessaloniki, but it operates strictly as Uber Taxi under Greek transport law:

• You cannot book private peer-to-peer drivers (UberX or Uber Black).

• When you request a ride via the Uber app at SKG, the system dispatches an official licensed taxi.

• The fare will be either the regulated flat rate (€28 day / €38 night) or the metered rate for destinations outside the core center.

• Availability can be limited during late-night hours or arrival peaks. If you prefer a guaranteed vehicle waiting for you regardless of flight schedule changes, pre-booking a private chauffeur is strongly recommended.