Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) sits just 13 km from the city centre, so the trip is short: the cheapest way in is the 1X airport bus (€2.00, about 40 minutes), while a taxi is the fastest at roughly 30 minutes for about €25 by day. You can also ride bus 2X to the Thessaloniki Metro, rent a car at Arrivals, or pre-book a fixed-price private transfer. Here is how every option compares on price, time and comfort.
| Option | Typical fare | Time to centre | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 1X / 1N | €2.00 (reduced €1.00) | ~40 min | Lowest cost |
| Bus 2X + Metro | €2.00 | ~40–45 min | Reaching metro stops |
| Taxi | ~€25 day / ~€35 night | ~30 min | Speed, door-to-door |
| Private transfer | Fixed, just above a taxi | ~30 min | Groups, luggage, late flights |
| Rental car | From the Arrivals desks | ~30 min drive | Exploring at your own pace |
Getting from Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) to the City Centre
Thessaloniki Airport sits just 13 km (8 miles) southeast of the city centre, so the trip downtown is short and simple. Your options are the public airport bus (which also connects to the Thessaloniki Metro), a taxi, a private transfer, or a rental car. Heading to the beaches instead? See getting from the airport to Halkidiki.
By Bus
The airport bus is the budget option, run by the regional transport authority OSETH. Line 1X runs to the city centre, the new railway station and the "Makedonia" KTEL coach station during the day, while Line 1N covers the same route overnight, so there is a bus at almost any hour. A single ticket is €2.00 (reduced €1.00) and the journey takes about 40 minutes. Buses leave from the Arrivals area, in front of Exit 4 of Terminal 1; buy your ticket at the OSETH booth or the machines before boarding, and carry small change as the machines do not always give change. Our airport bus guide breaks down every line, timetable and stop.
By Metro (via Bus 2X)
The Thessaloniki Metro opened in late 2024 and is the quickest way across the city once you are on it. There is no metro station at the airport yet, so take Line 2X from Arrivals to the Nea Elvetia transfer station and change onto the metro there. The same €2.00 special-route ticket covers the bus leg. This combination works well if your hotel is near a metro stop along the central spine; full details are in our airport-to-metro guide.
By Taxi
For a fast, door-to-door ride, Thessaloniki's blue taxis wait at the official rank in the Arrivals area, between Terminals 1 and 2 (between Exit 3 and Exit 4), around the clock. The ride to the centre takes about 30 minutes in normal traffic and costs roughly €25 by day, with a higher tariff between 00:00 and 05:00 that pushes a night fare closer to €35. Fares run on the meter, and the full breakdown is in our airport taxi guide. Use only the official rank, ignore anyone touting rides inside the terminal, and make sure the meter is running.
By Private Transfer
A private transfer is the most comfortable, personalised choice, and unlike a taxi the price is fixed and known before you travel. Booking a flight-tracked car through GetTransfer.com guarantees an English-speaking driver waiting at Arrivals with a name sign, help with your luggage, and a direct ride to your address with no stops. Prices are usually a little above a standard taxi, but for late-night landings or groups with heavy bags the certainty is often worth it.
By Rental Car
If you want to explore Northern Greece at your own pace, several international and local rental companies have desks in the Arrivals area. Compare the options and pick the vehicle that suits your trip. The drive into central Thessaloniki usually takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic, and a car makes most sense if you also plan day trips to Halkidiki or the wider region.
Which option should you choose?
If budget is your priority, take the 1X bus. If you value speed and land with luggage, a taxi or a pre-booked transfer will get you to the door fastest. Travelling with a group or arriving in the small hours? A fixed-price private transfer usually gives the best mix of cost and peace of mind. And if your trip includes the beaches or villages outside the city, renting a car at the airport saves you arranging transport later.
