Hellenic Train Passenger Rail Athens–Thessaloniki Intercity

The Intercity line connects Athens with Thiva, Livadia, Lianokladi, Larissa, Katerini, and Thessaloniki. Two train pairs currently cover the full route each day, with a scheduled journey a little over five hours.

The through railway opened in stages as the Athens and northern Greek networks met in the early 20th century. Electrification and new alignments later shortened the trip, while flood restoration and operating restrictions reduced the timetable to four daily trains in 2025.

Buy a ticket for a specific departure through Hellenic Train’s website or app or at a staffed ticket office. This is reserved Intercity travel, not an OASA contactless bank-card route, and the urban Athens fare does not cover the journey beyond the suburban zone.

Current services use long-distance electric rolling stock with reserved seating, air-conditioning, toilets, and onboard refreshments that can vary by departure. Hellenic Train has ordered new Coradia Stream trains for this corridor, but first delivery is planned for 2027.

Wheelchair accommodation and accessible toilets are listed for trains IC50, IC51, IC56, and IC57, with station lifts at the main intermediate stops. Assistance should be arranged at least 24 hours ahead. Check live notices because infrastructure work and single-line operation can produce delays or temporary train-to-bus transfers.