How to Take a Train to Greece from Other Parts of Europe

Traveling by train through Europe is one of the most scenic and relaxed ways to explore the continent. However, when it comes to reaching Greece by rail from neighboring countries, the situation is not as straightforward as many other European destinations.

1. Current Status of International Rail Connections to Greece

Unfortunately, there are currently no direct international passenger trains connecting Greece with other European countries. Operational and infrastructure issues have led to the suspension or discontinuation of cross-border rail links over the years — meaning you cannot board a train in Paris, Vienna, Berlin, Rome, or elsewhere in Europe and ride it directly into Greece.

This is different from many European countries where international trains run regularly. In Greece’s case, historical cross-border services (such as the Friendship Express between Istanbul and Thessaloniki) have long since been discontinued.

2. Why There Are No Direct Trains

Several factors have led to the lack of international rail services into Greece:

• Suspended Border Services: Traditional rail links with Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Turkey are not operational for passengers.
• Limited Cross-Border Traffic: Even though railway tracks exist (for example, linking Greek Thessaloniki with Skopje in North Macedonia), regular passenger services across borders are scarce or non-existent.
• Infrastructure & Investment Gaps: Much of Greece’s rail network has historically suffered underinvestment, which affects long-distance connectivity. Recent efforts are underway to improve safety and modernize infrastructure, but these do not yet extend to restoring international routes.

3. Practical Ways to Travel to Greece by Train + Other Transport

A. Train + Ferry via Italy: The Most Common Option

While you can’t take a continuous train into Greece, you can reach Greece combining trains with ferries from Italy:

1. Train from Your European City to Italy
   • Major western and central European cities have high-speed and long-distance connections to Italy (e.g., Paris, Zurich, Munich, Vienna to Milan, Bologna, Rome).
   • Italy’s rail network is well connected to the rest of Europe.
2. Southern Italy Ferry Terminals
   • From cities like Bari, Ancona, or Venice, you can catch overnight ferries to Greece.
   • Typical Greek ports reached by ferry include Patras (for the Peloponnese), Igoumenitsa (northwest Greece), and sometimes Corfu (island).
3. Ferry + Greek Rail or Bus
   • Once in Greece, you can continue by train or bus to destinations such as Athens or Thessaloniki.

Rail Pass Tip: If you have a Eurail or Interrail Pass, it often includes benefits or discounts on ferry segments between Italy and Greece (though a reservation or supplemental fee may apply).

B. Train + Bus via the Balkans

Another option if you prefer mostly overland travel:

1. Train to a Balkan Hub
   • Take trains to major Balkan cities such as Sofia (Bulgaria) or Skopje (North Macedonia).
2. Bus from Balkan Cities to Greece
   • From these hubs, long-distance buses connect to Thessaloniki or other Greek cities.
   • Bus travel is usually easy to book and often more frequent than rail in this region.

4. Key Terminals and Stations for Greece

While Greece doesn’t have international rail terminals receiving trains from abroad, these are the key stations you’ll likely use once inside Greece:

• Athens (Larissis Station): Main national rail hub for lines to Corinth, Patras (via bus connections), and northern Greece.
• Thessaloniki Central Station: Second-largest rail hub connecting domestic Greek routes.
• Igoumenitsa and Patras Ports: Primary ferry terminals for Italy–Greece sea crossings.

5. Tips for Planning Your Journey

• Check for Latest Schedules: Greece’s rail network and international services can change, so always check current timetables (e.g., Hellenic Train or Eurail planner sites).
• Seat Reservations: Long-distance trains (especially across Europe) often require seat reservations even with rail passes.
• Consider Night Travel: Overnight trains in Italy or Balkan countries can save time.
• Combine with Buses: There’s strong bus infrastructure in the Balkans that works well with trains where rail connectivity ends.

6. Future Prospects

There is periodic discussion about improving rail links between Greece and neighboring countries as part of broader European transport development, but such projects are long-term and not guaranteed.