Air Travel
Compared to other countries, flight prices in Greece are quite reasonable, but they are still more expensive than traveling by ferry, bus, or train (a plane ticket costs more than three times a train ticket and is slightly less than the price of two ferry tickets). For example, a round trip flight between Thessaloniki and Athens takes only 45 minutes and costs $80.
Be sure to check the flight schedule before flying. You can book tickets in advance or request a flight schedule from Olympic Airlines. Additionally, you may choose smaller airlines, such as Aegean Airlines, which mainly operates domestic flights between Athens and Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Heraklion, and Chania on Crete, as well as between Heraklion and Thessaloniki.
Flights to various islands often have no available seats during the summer, so it is best to book tickets a week in advance.
Buses
The large bus network known as KTEL covers all parts of Greece. KTEL is a cooperative organization made up of various bus companies. Their ticket prices are low, departures are on time, and they can take you anywhere a bus can go. In Greece, this is a very convenient mode of transportation, and KTEL will surely be a good companion for your travels.
KTEL buses are uniquely designed, especially adept at running on rural roads. Many drivers take great care of these buses and enjoy decorating them, taking pride in their ability to drive them.
Another notable aspect of KTEL is that in many large cities, different stops are designated for different destinations. For example, buses from Thessaloniki to Halkidiki depart from one station, while those heading to Ioannina leave from another. Athens has two terminal stations, while Heraklion on Crete has three.
OSE is the national railway organization that provides an additional bus service. Their buses only run on a few main routes and often coincide with KTEL schedules. City buses: Although Greece now has many efficient modes of transportation, taking the ordinary blue buses in Athens for sightseeing is still a viable option. They are usually overcrowded, the cabins are very hot, and the routes can be quite peculiar, making them difficult to navigate, even for Greeks. The fare is very cheap, at only 100 drachmas per ticket. These tickets are sold separately from tram tickets, mainly at stations, metro stations, some special newsstands, vending booths, and less busy areas of the city, and you can also book more than 10 tickets. Most buses run until midnight.
Buses to the airport and ports are separate. The express bus 091 runs from Omonia or Syntagma Square to the airport, with departures every so often, and daytime fares range from 170 to 200 drachmas. The green bus 040 runs from Filellinon Street (near Syntagma Square) to Piraeus 24 hours a day, with departures every 20 minutes (every hour after 1:00 PM). The orange KTEL bus departs from Mavromateon Street 14 at Pedio tou Areos Park to Rafina, taking only 90 minutes.
Trams: Although the trams in Athens are not as comfortable as the blue buses, they are much faster and more convenient, attracting the interest of tourists. Tram line 1 connects the city center with the metro station, while lines 5 and 9 pass by the Archaeological Museum, and line 7 forms a triangular route around the city.
Trains
In Greece, the most satisfying aspect of train travel is its price, which is even cheaper than taking a bus. The Greek railway network is quite limited, with few areas served by rail, infrequent services, and relatively slow speeds. Therefore, apart from the express trains between Athens and Thessaloniki and Patras, you will find that traveling by car is much more convenient and faster.
You can spend a little more to take the direct express trains. If you are on a tight budget, consider taking the return trains, which offer a 20% discount. Students under 26 usually receive discounts. Greeks take pride in their train stations, although you often have to wait in long lines to purchase a seat ticket in advance, which can be quite expensive.
Ferries
It is unimaginable to travel to Greece without taking a ferry. Almost all Greek islands are accessible by sea, whether by large cruise ships, small boats, or hydrofoils, there is always a way to reach the island you want to visit.
Ferries
Piraeus is the center of Greece's ferry network, and tourists usually pass through there at least once. During the peak tourist season, the port is very busy, so it is advisable to take a good look before buying tickets. It is best not to buy tickets too early: ferry tickets rarely sell out.
Choosing public transportation is both environmentally friendly and economical. I would like to remind immigrants or tourists to Greece to plan their travel times reasonably, keep an eye on personal belongings, and enjoy your European journey.