Trains are an excellent way to discover any country, Greece included. But you definitely need a lot of time to do it. The Greek railway history starts in 1869, with the first line connecting Athens to Piraeus.

International Rail Links

There are two international rail routes from Europe:

• Through the Balkans: the traditional route through Yugoslavia was closed during the civil war but is opening up again. Alternatively, you can take the Budapest – Bucharest – Thessaloniki route, which also links Greece to Western Europe.
• Via Italy: this is not a directly train route; you have to use the train, the ferry and again the train or bus. From Italy, you can catch the train to Brindisi and then the ferry to Patras. Once on Greek mainland, you can travel by train or bus.

Domestic Rail Link

The domestic railways system in Greece is run by OSE. It’s the cheapest way to travel within the country but it’s also the slowest alternative you’ve got. There have been attempts to improve the network but it’s difficult as most of the line is single track so the trains have to stop in order to let the oncoming trains. Over all, except for the Northern part of Greece, there are good rail connections. The domestic network is about 2500 km long and covers most of the Greek mainland.

The following lines are currently operated by OSE:

• Piraeus – Thessaloniki (with three branches)
• Thessaloniki – Alexandroupolis – Ormenio (with one branch)
• Platy – Florina – Kozani
• the lines of Thessaly (Kalambaka and Volos branches)
• lines of Peloponesse
• Acharnai Railway Center – Kiato – Athens International Airport
• Thessaloniki – Idomeni
• Diakofto – Kalavrita
• Volos – Ano Lechonia – Mileai (Pelion railway)

You can check the time table and book tickets on the OSE official website . If you buy the ticket in the train, the surcharge is 50%, while if you buy a return ticket it’s 20% cheaper.

Train stations in Athens

The capital is served by two train stations:

• Lárissis station: handles the traffic to Northern Greece, as well as international traffic to Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey.
• Peloponísou station: handles traffic to the Peloponnese (including Patras, onward to Corfu or Italy).

Greek Rail passes

Both Eurail and InterRail passes are valid in Greece. Also, both passes entitle the holder to free travel on HML and Adriatica ferry lines.

The Eurail Greece Pass gives 3 to 10 days unlimited train travel in Greece. It also includes ferry boat transport between Italy and Greece on Superfast Ferries and Blue Star Ferries. This pass cannot be sold to European residents.

InterRail One Country Pass (Greece) is the option for European residents and gives 3 to 8 days of unlimited train travel in Greece within one month.

The Greece Plus InterRail One Country pass also includes the ferry transport between Italy and Greece on ferries operated by Attica Ferries.

You might also want to read about:
>> Getting from Athens to Istanbul – your options between the two cities
>> Getting from Athens to London (and return)

Photo credits:
Map via Wikimedia Commons
Peloponnisos station (Athens)