The Thessaloniki to Athens ferry schedule is available at the bottom of the post.

While there are plenty of ways to get from Athens to Thessaloniki – bus, train, car – , taking the ferry for such a long distance represents a very interesting experience. You’ll get a chance to talk to locals and fellow travelers and most often, make some friends along the way. Plus, if you choose the deck seat, the ticket costs about the same as if you were taking the bus or train.

Port of Piraeus

The port of Piraeus (or Pireas*) is large and can be quite confusing when are facing it for the first time . Make sure to check this interactive map and allow plenty of time to get to the gate (it’s always written on your ticket)

>>more information on Getting from Athens to Piraeus

How long does it take to get from Athens to Thessaloniki?

It takes about 30 hours to get from Athens to Thessaloniki by ferry.

Is there a high speed ferry between Athens and Thessaloniki?

No.

How much does it cost to get from Athens to Thessaloniki by ferry?

A saloni seat is €49 one way and the airplane type of seat is also €49 one way. If you prefer a cabin , a bed in a 4-bed cabin, internal, with WC, is €86 one way.

How many ferries per day depart from Athens to Thessaloniki during the low season?

The low season ferry schedule is no longer available.

How many ferries per day depart from Athens to Thessaloniki during the high season?

The following ferries run between Athens and Thessaloniki during the summer of 2012:

• Sat, 3 p.m., Jun 30 to Sept 1
• Fri, 7 p.m., Jun 29 to Sept 7

Are there any overnight journeys between Athens and Thessaloniki?

Yes.

Where can I buy tickets from?

Tickets can be bought online (on some online booking sites), from the ferry company’s website , from travel agents and from the port.

Does everyone charge the same prices?

Yes, the prices are the same regardless of where you buy the tickets from.

How about the ferries from Thessaloniki to Athens?

During the summer of 2012, the following ferries operate between Thessaloniki and Athens:

• Mon, 1 a.m, Jul 2 to Sept 3
• Sun, 1:30 a.m, Jul 1 to Sept 9
• Thu, 2 p.m., Jul 5 to Sept 6

Important note:

A very good idea is to a copy of the Athens News (newspaper in English) which prints the ferry schedule each Friday once you arrive in Athens. It is the most reliable information available as the ferry company submits the schedule to the Ministry of Mercantile Marine each Friday so changes might occur from week to week.

Read more about:

>> Ferries in Greece
>> Ferries from Athens: How to deal with the Port of Piraeus
>> Ferries from Athens to Aegina
>> Ferries from Athens to Crete
>> Ferries from Athens to Karpathos
>> Ferries from Athens to Hydra
>> Ferries from Athens to Mykonos
>> Ferries from Rafina to Mykonos
>> Ferries from Athens to Patmos
>> Ferries from Athens to Santorini
>> Ferries from Santorini to Crete
>> Ferries from Mykonos to Syros
>> Ferries from Santorini to Mykonos
>> Ferries from Santorini to Naxos
>> Ferries from Alonissos to Skopelos
>> Ferries from Corfu to Patras
>> Ferries from Rhodes to Kos
>> Ferries to and from Santorini
>> Ferries from Athens to Paros
>> Ferries from Mykonos to Crete
>> Ferries from Santorini to Karpathos
>> Ferries from Thessaloniki to Lesvos
>> Ferries to and from Mykonos
>> Ferries from Crete to Gavdos
>> Ferries from Santorini to Rhodes
>> Ferries from Santorini to Paros
>> Ferries from Mykonos to Ios
>> Ferries from Mykonos to Tinos
>> Ferries from Thessaloniki to Rhodes
>> Ferries from Athens to Naxos
>> Ferries from Santorini to Syros
>> Ferries from Kavala to Thassos
>> Ferries from Alonissos to Skiathos
>> Ferries from Athens to Lesvos (Lesbos)
>> Ferries from Thessaloniki to Kos
>> Ferries from Thessaloniki to Chios

Notes:
* Pireas and Piraeus are exactly the same place, but you can find them spelled in both ways. All road signs though point to Pireas.
The article was first published in July 2009 and the latest schedule and price update has been made as of June 2012.

Photo credit: Panoramas on Flickr