The Parthenon, Athens.  It's easy to get to Greece by train!

The Parthenon in Athens, without flying...  You really can get there in comfort without having to fly!

Click for larger map

Guide to the route options

London to Greece in 48 hours without flying!

No problem!  Take Eurostar to Paris and a high-speed TGV to Italy through the Alps, then an overnight cruise ferry to Greece across the Adriatic in a comfortable en suite cabin, with restaurants & bars on board.  Sailing across blue seas under even bluer skies past the islands of Ithaca and Kefalonia is perhaps the nicest way of all to reach Greece, a far more rewarding experience than 3 hours strapped to a seat on a plane, and it's practical & affordable, too.  On this page you'll find a step-by-step guide to planning, booking & making a memorable train journey from London or Paris to Greece, with schedules, fares and how to buy your tickets.

Train times, fares & tickets...

London to Greece without flying: A guide to the options, with route map

London to Athens by train & ferry via Paris & Italy (quickest & cheapest)

London to Athens by train via Paris, Munich, Budapest, Sofia (overland)

London to Athens by train & ferry via Venice, with an Adriatic cruise

London to Thessaloniki & Larissa

London to Meteora (Kalambaka)

London to Corfu

London to Kefalonia

London to Crete

London to Rhodes & other Greek islands

Other travel information...

Hotels & accommodation in Greece  

Buying UK train tickets to connect with Eurostar

Send your luggage in advance

Greece to Turkey by ferry   

Taking bikes   Taking a dog   Luggage   Left luggage facilities in Paris  

General information on train travel Europe

Sponsored links...

 

Useful country information

Trains within Greece:  

OSE (Organismos Sidirodromon Ellados): www.trainose.gr (previously www.ose.gr)

Map of Greek train routes    Athens-Istanbul by train    All-Europe online train times

   

Greek island ferries:

See www.ferriesingreece.com or www.ferries.gr for all Greek island ferries & operators.

Ferries Italy-Greece:

Superfast Ferries, Blue Star ferries, Minoan Lines, Anek Lines, Hellenic Mediterranean Lines.  UK agent for most of these ferries: Viamare Travel

Railpasses:

Beginner's guide to European railpasses     Buy a rail pass online

Time zone & dialling code:    

GMT+2 (GMT+3 last Sunday in March to last Saturday in October).  Dial code +30.

Currency:

£1 = approx 1.15 euros  Check current exchange rates

Tourist information:

www.gnto.gr   Athens Metro: www.ametro.gr   Recommended guidebooks

Hotels & tours:

Find hotels in Greece   Hotel reviews:  www.tripadvisor.com     Backpacker hostels

Visas:

UK citizens do not need visas for travel via any of the routes shown here.

Page last updated:

16 June 2013.  Train times valid from 9 June to 7 Dec 2013.


London to Greece:  What are the options?

You can reach Greece from London either by train to Italy then a cruise ferry to Greece, or by train all the way to Athens across eastern Europe via Munich, Vienna & Budapest.  Here are the best options:

Option 1, by Eurostar & TGV train to Italy then cruise ferry to Greece...

This is the route I'd recommend, it's the quickest, cheapest and most comfortable way from London to Greece without flying, shown in red on the route map below.  It's a wonderful trip and a great alternative to a flight, taking little over 48 hours from St Pancras station to stepping ashore in Greece.  Take a morning Eurostar from London to Paris and an afternoon high-speed TGV from Paris to Milan.  Stay overnight, then take an air-conditioned 'Frecciabianca' train all along the Adriatic coast to Bari in southern Italy.  Modern cruise ferries sail overnight from Bari to Patras in Greece, for the train to Athens.  Why not stop off to see a little of Italy on the way?  Times, fares & information for this route are shown below.

Option 2, by train all the way to Athens...

The overland route from London to Greece takes you via Paris, Munich, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade & Sofia to Thessaloniki, Larissa & Athens, although sadly it now involves a long bus ride between Sofia and Thessaloniki as there are now no trains.  Due to its dire economic situation, Greece cancelled all its international trains from 13 February 2011 until further notice, cutting itself off from the rest of Europe.  It seems mainland Greece is now just another 'Greek island'!  The complete journey from London to Athens now takes 4 nights (it used to take 3 by train all the way!), with safe & comfortable sleeping-cars available for each of the overnight sections and one night in a hotel in Sofia.  Even with the long bus ride, it's an exciting journey with some wonderful scenery on the way.  Feel free to stop off if you like, too.  Train times, fares & information for this option are shown below.

Option 3, by train to Venice then cruise ferry to Greece...

This is a simpler but slightly longer version of option 1.  You take Eurostar to Paris, catch the overnight sleeper to Venice, then take a 2-night cruise ferry from Venice to Patras in Greece for the train to Athens.  This lets you see Venice on the way, and it's a simpler journey to book.  Ferries from Venice to Greece sail either daily or several times each week, depending on the season.  Train times, fares & information for this route are shown below.

Route map...

Map showing train & ferry routes from London & Paris to Athens & Greece...

London to Athens by train & ferry via Italy 

  Taking the ferry to Greece...

Don't fly to Greece, cruise there!  Take the train to Italy, then sail by cruise ferry from Italy to Greece across the sunny Adriatic, perhaps the nicest part of the trip.

   

This is the most wonderful way to reach Greece, in just 48 hours or so from London.  Travel from London to Milan in one day by Eurostar and high-speed TGV through the French and Italian Alps.  Next day, travel all along Italy's Adriatic coast to Bari, and now for the best bit, board a comfortable modern ferry for an overnight cruise across the Adriatic from Italy to Greece, waking up next morning to see the islands of Cephalonia and Ithaca passing slowly to starboard in the bright Mediterranean sun...

London ► Athens

Athens ► London

How much does it cost?

From London to Paris by train, see the Eurostar page

From Paris to Milan by high-speed TGV.    Watch the Paris-Milan video guide

TGV from Milan to Paris   TGV 2nd class

The TGV to Milan at Paris Gare de Lyon...

 

2nd class seats...  See panorama photo.

TGV cafe-bar car   TGV 1st class

Cafe-bar serving drinks, snacks & hot dishes...

 

1st class seats...  See panorama photo.

Designer interiors... The Paris-Turin-Milan TGV trains now feature chic interiors by designer Christian Lacroix.  All seats have power sockets for laptops & mobiles.  In first class, you'll be offered a 3-course tray meal with wine served at your seat, although this is extra, not included in the fare.  The bar car sells Paris metro tickets, which can save time on your return.

 

The TGV crosses rural France at up to 186 mph...

 

...then slows right down through the Alpine foothills.

  TGV from Milan to Paris

The TGV crosses the Alps via Chambιry and Modane, passing through the 13.6 km (8.5 mile) long Frιjus Rail Tunnel, also known less accurately as the Mont Cιnis tunnel.  The tunnel transit takes just 7 minutes, during which the train enters Italy.  Opened in 1871, this the oldest of the large tunnels through the Alps, and was the longest tunnel in the world from 1871 until 1882 when the Gotthard tunnel opened on the Zurich-Milan route.

2nd class on the TGV from Paris to Milan  

More mountains...

 

Now we're in Italy, leaving the Alps behind...

From Milan to Bari by Frecciabianca train...

Frecciabianca trains are fully air-conditioned with 1st & 2nd class.  There's a refreshment trolley, or you can take your own food and a bottle of wine along.

Frecciabianca train to Venice, seen at Milan Centrale   2nd class seats

A Frecciabianca train at Milan Centrale...  Frecciabiancas link Milan with Verona & Venice every hour or so, at up to 125 mph...

 

2nd class seating.  Most seats have a power socket for laptops or mobiles.  There's a small bar car and a refreshment trolley...

1st class seats   Frecciabianca at Milan Centrale

This is 1st class, more spacious and less crowded.  All seats have power sockets for laptops or mobiles, and there's a complimentary coffee from the trolley...

 

A Frecciabianca to Venice, about to leave Milan.  A strange train - two modern power cars sandwich former intercity carriages.  This shows the new colour scheme.

From Bari to Patras by Superfast Lines / Blue Star Ferries cruise ferry...

Several ferry companies sail from Bari or Brindisi in Italy to Patras in Greece.  Probably the best one is the joint Superfast / Blue Star Ferries service as this uses modern ships, sails daily, and can easily be booked online.  If you book a 'deck place' you can use your own sleeping bag and set up camp in a covered area on deck near the stern.  For a few more pounds you can book a reclining seat.  Or you can book a berth in various types of cabin, including luxury cabins.  Most cabins have private shower and toilet.  The ferry crossing is the best part of the journey, over deep blue waters and past many islands.

Blue Star Ferries from Bari to Patras in Greece   At sea crossing by ferry from Italy to Greece

The best ferry service from Bari to Patras is jointly run by Blue Star Ferries and Superfast Ferries.  This is the Blue Star 1 at Patras.

 

On deck next morning!

A 2 or 4 berth cabin on the Italy-Greece ferry  

2 or 4-berth cabin with private toilet & shower.

 

Relaxing on deck...

The ferry to Greece, at sea on the Adriatic   Taking the ferry from Italy to Greece.  Wonderful!

Steady as she goes...

 

At sea, passing Cephalonia and Ithaca

How much does it cost?  Full details...

Each part of the journey is ticketed separately, so add up the fares for each stage for the class or accommodation type you want.  If you want to stop off in  Paris or Milan, this doesn't cost any more.  Incidentally, the cheapest way to make this journey is with low-cost advance-purchase tickets as shown here, not with an expensive railpass, as passes don't cover Eurostar and incur some hefty additional fees, such as a €55 passholder fee for the Paris-Milan TGV, when regular fares for this train start at €29 without a pass.

 1. London to Paris

 by Eurostar...

 From £39 one-way, £69 return 2nd class.

 From £107 one-way, £189 return 1st class.  Child, youth, senior fares 

 

 2. Paris to Milan or Turin

 by daytime TGV...

2nd class

1st class

 Cheap one-way fares:

From £26

From £32

 Cheap return fares:

From £52

From £64

 Full-price one-way fare:

£101

£121

 Full-price child fare:

£47

£61

 Railpass fare:

£52

£70

 Domestic animals:

£32

£32

Cheap fares = Prems or Leisure fares = Book ahead, price varies, no refunds or changes.

Full-price fare = Refundable and flexible.  There are no senior or youth reductions.

Child fare = Child 4-11 years (use an adult special fare if cheaper). Children under 4 free.

Railpass fare:  What you pay if you have railpasses (Eurail, Interrail, etc) covering both Italy & France.

Check actual prices for your date of travel at www.raileurope.co.uk or www.voyages-sncf.com.

 3. Milan to Bari

 by Frecciabianca train

 Booked online at www.trenitalia.com:

 2nd class Super-Economy fares from €39 (£33) each way.

 2nd class Base full-price fare €89 (£75) each way.

 1st class Super-Economy fares from €59 (£50) each way.

 1st class Base full-price fare:  €120 (£102) each way.

  

 4. Bari to Patras

 by Superfast Ferries- 

 Blue Star Ferries...

 Booked online at www.superfast.com:

 Fares vary by season and accommodation - here's some examples:

 With a basic deck place:  €56 (£49) one-way, €95 (£83) return;

 With reclining seat:  €78 (£68) one-way, €129 (£112) return;

 With berth in cabin: From €118 (£103) one-way, €190 (£165) return

  

 5. Patras to Athens by bus

 A bus costs around €20 per person.  Buy your bus ticket when you get to Patras.

How to buy tickets online...

The easiest and cheapest way to book a journey from the UK to Greece is online, just follow the step-by-step instructions below.  As it involves 3 or 4 websites, do a dummy run on all sites to check prices and availability before booking for real.  It's pretty easy, but make sure you get your dates right for each leg of the journey.  It can help to jot down the date and departure time for each individual booking before you start, the how to plan an itinerary & budget page may help.  Hotel accommodation in Milan or in Greece can be booked before booking your trains risk-free if you use a site like www.booking.com with free cancellation.

How to buy tickets by phone...

Tailor-made train travel + hotel arrangements...

If you want a compete tailor-made trip from the UK to Greece with all your rail travel and ferries expertly booked for you and good quality hotels arranged, UK residents can call www.railbookers.com on 020 3327 0761.  US & Canadian residents can call them toll-free on 1-800-408-3280 or see website.  Australian residents can call their Sydney office toll-free on 1300 971 526 or see www.railbookers.com.au.  New Zealand residents call toll-free on 0800 002 034 or see website.  Just tell them what you want, and they'll advise you on the best trains, ferry routes & hotels and sort it all out for you, hassle-free.  They get very positive reviews and take good care of their guests.

Traveller's report...

Traveller Nick Stone returned to London from Athens this way:  "We travelled from Athens to London.  The ferry ride was relaxing and we enjoyed beers and a lovely ΰ la carte meal for €34 including drinks.  We were both impressed with quality of the meal and service.  We arrived 2 hours late in Bari, but made the 11:03 train to Bologna with 5 minutes to spare, and celebrated by having the set €26 menu lunch on the train and a bottle of wine.  Spent a 5 hours in Bologna which a great place for a short break before taking the sleeper overnight to Paris and the Eurostar home.  It was great trip and we thoroughly enjoyed it."

Alternative ferries from Brindisi or Ancona...

Superfast Ferries from Bari is recommended rather than ferries from Brindisi for several reasons.  Superfast Ferries and their partners Blue Star Ferries use modern ships and sail daily to a convenient schedule with good connections possible from Paris, London, and most Italian cities.  Superfast Ferries sail from a terminal next to Bari's pleasant old town, and you can walk there from the station.  In Brindisi, most ships now use a new terminal a couple of miles out of town, reached by taxi or courtesy minibus from the shipping company offices in town.  Since 2004, there are few scheduled sailings from Brindisi, most go from Bari.

Information on Patras-Athens trains...

Narrow gauge trains used to run between Patras & Athens Peloponnese station, a very scenic though not very fast ride.  The first stage of a new fast standard-gauge line has opened between Kiato (near Korinthos) and Athens main station, and until July 2010 you could still travel by narrow-gauge train from Patras to Kiato, changing onto a standard gauge train for the remainder of the journey to Athens.  Now the narrow gauge line has closed completely for rebuilding to standard gauge.  Greek railways are providing buses between Patras & Kiato.  One option is to use a direct bus between Athens main bus station and Patras.  The other option is to use the Greek railways bus/train connecting service from Patras to Kiato to Athens.

To find Patras-Athens or Athens-Patras train+bus times, go to www.trainose.gr, click the UK flag top right for English, then click 'Journeys', then look for the 'ROUTES - Suburban and National Network Services' box and click it.  This brings up a journey planner.  Typing 'Ath...' allows you to select 'Athina'.  Typing 'Pat...' allows you to select 'Patra'.  In the results, the Kiato-Patras 'trains' are now in fact buses.

Traveller Guy Aston reports:  "The Patras-Kiato narrow gauge railway is now very much closed, the tracks having been ripped up over lengthy sections, but OSE are running replacement buses between Patras & Kiato as shown in the OSE timetable (where they appear as trains!).  In August they were also running some non-stop buses which weren't in the official timetable. The Patras-Kiato buses take about 2 hours, and connect with the hourly Kiato-Piraeus standard gauge train service, which takes another 90 minutes to Athens. A Patras-Kiato ticket costs €10 including a seat reservation on the bus, Kiato-Athens/Piraeus costs €5 (second class only). The Patras booking office sold me the two tickets stapled together for €15, so I didn't have to risk missing the connection in Kiato with queuing at the ticket office there.  Coming back, however, the Piraeus booking office could only do a ticket to Kiato.  This bus-train combination seems ideal if you're heading for Piraeus and the islands, since it takes you directly to the port in Piraeus without having to change in Athens. The trains are reasonably comfortable air-conditioned diesel multiple units.  One thing you might also want to mention is the possibility of breaking the Patras-Kiato timetabled bus journey halfway at Diakopto, and taking a trip on the spectacular narrow-gauge rack railway up the gorge to Kalyvryta (4 trains a day: 70 minutes for 15 miles!).

London to Athens by train all the way...

DEPRESSING NEWS FOR 2011, 2012, 2013

Greece cancels all international trains connecting it with the rest of Europe...

Greece has cut itself off from the rest of Europe.  With their economic situation dire, their government has implemented massive rail cuts.  This includes the cancelling from 13 February 2011 until further notice of all international trains between Greece and Sofia, Belgrade, Bucharest & Istanbul.  Greece is now cut off from the rest of Europe, except by ferry from Italy.  So much for Greece being part of Europe, let alone in the EU!  It has become an island!  So I currently recommend taking the train to Italy then the ferry to Greece, see the section above.

However, it's still possible to take a train all the way from London or Paris to Sofia in Bulgaria, stay overnight, then take a long bus ride across the border to Thessaloniki in Greece for an onward train to Athens.  This option is shown below.

Update July 2012:  New weekly train Skopje-Thessaloniki from 14 July to 30 September.  A glimmer of hope? They have just reinstated a weekly train between Skopje and Thessaloniki, at least until September.  It departs Skopje at 05:05 every Saturday from 14 July to 30 September, arriving Thessaloniki 10:24.  Northbound, it departs Thessaloniki every Sunday 14 July to 30 September at 20:11 arriving Skopje at 23:11.  For trains between London/Paris/Munich and Skopje, see the Serbia & Macedonia page.  You will need to stay overnight in Skopje.  The fare is around 756 dinars, about €10.

Update to the update:  It seems this new weekly service didn't even start running, no-one is quite sure why.  So Greece remains cut off!

 

London to Greece overland, by train and the odd bus...

This is an overland adventure through the Balkans, via Paris, Munich, Vienna, Budapest, Transylvania, Bucharest and Sofia (if you'd prefer the route via Belgrade, see the Bulgaria page).  Once past Budapest, don't expect western standards such as air-conditioning on the trains, and bring you own supplies of food, water, wine or beer.  But if you book a sleeper you'll have a safe and comfortable journey, rediscovering some of the mystery, intrigue and romance of long-distance sleeping-car travel across Europe.  You'll also see some great Balkan scenery with your feet up and a beer or glass of red in your hand.  Sadly, the withdrawal of all international trains to and from Greece means that the trains end in Sofia, and you'll now need a bus for the Sofia to Thessaloniki section, picking up a train again from Thessaloniki to Athens.

London ► Greece

Can I stop off on the way?

Of course!  Each train is ticketed separately, so feel free to book each leg of the journey on whatever dates you like, spending time in Paris, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest, Brasov, Bucharest or Sofia on the way.  It makes little or no difference to the cost.  If you plan to stop off, you can arrange all your reservations in advance from the UK, or you can buy tickets as you go, it's up to you. 

Greece ► London

Introducing the City Night Line sleeper train from Paris to Munich ...

The Paris-Munich overnight train is one of the German Railway's excellent City Night Line sleeper trains.  Called the Cassiopeia, it has a modern Comfortline sleeping-car (1, 2 & 3-berth deluxe compartments with private shower and toilet and 1, 2 & 3-berth economy compartments with washbasin), modern air-conditioned couchettes (choose between a berth in a 4 or 6-berth compartment), and ordinary seats (not recommended).  In the sleeping-car, there is a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in economy sleepers, and all sleepers have power-points for laptop computers.  The sleeping-car fare includes a light breakfast. More pictures & information about this train.  

Dinner before boarding?  For a good meal in a classic Parisian brasserie before boarding the sleeper train in Paris, catch the earlier 14:01 Eurostar & try the Brasserie Terminus Nord directly across the road from the Gare du Nord.  For a cooked breakfast in Munich (or evening meal before boarding the Paris-bound sleeper on your return) try the Mongdratzerl restaurant, located in the hauptbahnhof itself.

Sleeping-car compartment (1 2 or 3 berths)   4-berth couchette compartment on Paris-Munich overnight train   6-berth couchette compartment on Paris-Munich overnight train  

The sleeping-car on the Paris-Munich overnight train boarding at the Gare de l'Est

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper: The most comfortable & civilised option, with proper beds & washbasin.

 

4-berth couchettes:  Ideal for families, much more space per person than 6-berth couchettes.

 

6-berth couchettes:  A very economical option, far better than a seat for just a few euros more...

 

"Night train to Munich":  The Comfortline sleeping-car of the Paris to Munich sleeper train boarding at Paris Gare de l'Est...

More pictures & information about this train...

Introducing the Munich - Budapest RailJet...

RailJet is Austria's brand-new high-speed train, linking Munich, Vienna & Budapest, now also linking Zurich, Innsbruck & Vienna.  Designed to run at up to 230 km/h (143 mph) on sections of upgraded track, it currently reaches 200 km/h on part of the route, but in other parts snakes around beautiful scenery at a more sedate pace.  Look out for great views of Salzburg citadel & castle on the right as you cross the river Salzach approaching Salzburg.  RailJet has three classes, Economy (2nd class), First (1st class), and Business (€15 supplement over normal first class, welcome drink included).  It has a bistro-restaurant car providing drinks, snacks and hot dishes, which are served on proper china at your seat in first and business classes.  TV screens in each car tell you the train's speed & location, with a list of next station stops and times.  A great way to travel.  More pictures & information about this RailJet train.

The morning RailJet train has arrived in Vienna.   Premium class seats on the Munich-Vienna RailJet train   Economy class seats on the Munich-Vienna RailJet train

"The RailJet has landed..."  The morning RailJet train from Munich has arrived in Budapest Keleti spot on time...

 

Business class costs €15 more than normal 1st class...

 

Economy class on RailJet, comfortable open saloons with large picture windows.  Some seats are around tables, some are unidirectional.

From Budapest to Bucharest on the EuroNight sleeper train Ister...

The Ister from Budapest to Bucharest has a smart modern air-conditioned Romanian sleeping-car with carpeted 1, 2 or 3-berth compartments with proper beds & washbasin, plus several 1, 2 or 3 bed deluxe compartments with private toilet & shower, see the photos below.  Travelling in the sleeping-car is safe, comfortable & civilised.  The Ister also has a Romanian couchette car with 6-berth & 4-berth compartments, providing seats by day which convert to bunks for night time use with rug, sheet & pillow.  Couchettes are fairly basic, and a proper bed in the sleeper is much more comfortable and secure yet costs very little extra, so is the recommended option.  The Ister also has several air-conditioned seats cars, but an ordinary seat is not recommended.  There's a modern Romanian restaurant car on most departures, serving dinner and a cooked breakfast, but taking some supplies of your own is always a good idea.

En suite toilet & shower on EuroNight sleeper train Ister to Bucharest   Single-berth sleeper on the EuroNight sleeper train 'Ister' to Bucharest   EuroNight sleeper train 'Ister' from Budapest to Bucharest

Deluxe sleeper...  The en suite toilet & shower in a deluxe sleeper from Budapest to Bucharest.  Photo courtesy of Andy Brabin.

A sleeper set up as a  single-berth compartment with the middle & top berths folded away against the wall.  Photo courtesy of Andy Brabin.

 

The Budapest-Bucharest 'Ister':  This is the train's modern air-conditioned Romanian sleeping-car.  The letters above the windows say 'Voiture-Lits - Sleeping-car - Carrozza Letti - Vagon de Dormit'...  Welcome to your hotel on rails:  Some compartments have an en suite toilet & shower!  Photo courtesy of Andy Brabin.

... by sleeper train Bucharest-Sofia, bus Sofia-Thessaloniki, then InterCity train from Thessaloniki to Athens...

The White Tower in Thessaloniki (Salonika)   2nd class seats on an InterCity train from Thessaloniki (Salonika) to Athens   Great scenery from the train:  In the mountains between Athens and Larissa

The White Tower, one of Thessaloniki's best-known landmarks.

 

The journey from Thessaloniki to Athens by modern air-conditioned Greek InterCity train.  These trains link Thessaloniki (Salonika) to Athens in as little as 4½ hours, with superb scenery through the mountains between Larissa & Athens.  But hurry, as in a few years time a new 125mph section of line will by-pass these scenic mountain sections, cutting the Athens-Salonika journey time to little over 3 hours...

More mountain scenery, and the Gorgopotamos Viaduct...   Thessaloniki to Athens InterCity train at Athens   The main Larissa railway station in Athens

This is the famous Gorgopotamos viaduct in the mountains between Larissa & Athens, one of those blown up by the British S.O.E. during world war 2.

 

After a great journey, the Greek InterCity train arrives in Athens...

 

Journey's end:  The main (Larissa) station in Athens, over 2,000 miles from London St Pancras...

How much does it cost?

Each train is ticketed separately, so just add up the price for each leg of the journey...

 1. London to Paris

 by Eurostar

 From £39 one-way, £69 return 2nd class.

 From £107 one-way, £189 return 1st class.  Child, youth, senior fares 

 

 2. Paris to Munich

 by sleeper train, per person

In a

seat

In a couchette

Economy sleeper

Deluxe sleeper

6-bunk 

4-bunk 

3-bed 

2-bed 

1-bed 

2-bed

1-bed

 Savings fare one-way from:

€43 (£36)

€59 (£49)

€69 (£58)

€84 (£70)

€104 (£87)

€144 (£120)

€134 (£112)

€174 (£145)

 Savings fare return from:

€86 (£72)

€118 (£98)

€138 (£116)

€168 (£140)

€208 (£174)

€288 (£240)

€268 (£224)

€348 (£290)

 Full price one-way:

€147

€163

€173

€188

€208

€248

€291

€331

 Railpass supplement*

€11.50

€27.50

€37.50

€55

€75

€115

€75

€115

 Children under 15**

€4

€20

€30

£71

€65

€105

€65

€105

 Child under 6 without berth:

Child under 6 sharing a berth travels free

Berths are sold individually, so one ticket means one bed.  The other beds in your compartment will be sold to other passengers.

For sole occupancy, simply book 1 ticket in a 1-berth sleeper or 2 tickets in 2-berth sleepers or 4 tickets in 4-berth couchettes & so on.

* This is the supplement you pay if you have a railpass, a 1st class pass is required for deluxe sleepers.

** Children under 15 travel free if accompanied by a fare-paying adult, but must pay the berth supplement shown here.

Savings fare = advance-purchase fare, price varies, limited availability, no refunds, no changes to travel plans.

Full price = fully flexible, refundable, buy any time.

Youth fares: 25% off full price (not Savings fares) using www.raileurope.co.uk if you're under 26, Savings fares usually cheaper!

Senior fares: 20% off full price (not Savings fares) using www.raileurope.co.uk if you're over 60, Savings fares usually cheaper!

 3. Munich to Budapest

 by RailJet

 Economy class from €39 (£34) each way.

 First class fares from €69 (£59) each way.

 

 4. Budapest to Bucharest

 Booked in the UK...

 £87 each way in 6-berth couchettes, £95 each way in 4-berth couchettes.

 £99 each way in 3-bed sleeper, £112 in 2-bed sleeper, £198 in single sleeper.

 £162 each way in 2-bed deluxe sleeper with shower, £209 in single-bed deluxe.

 All per person, berths sold individually, you don't need to fill the whole compartment.

 Bought online at MAV-start.hu...

 From €39 with a bed in a 6-bunk couchette;

 From €59 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper;

 From €97 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper;

 From €182 with a single-bed sleeper

 

 5. Bucharest to Sofia

 Exact price not know, but approx £25-£30 each way.

 

 6. Sofia to Thessaloniki by bus

 Not known, likely to be around €25 (£22) each way.

 

 7. Thessaloniki to Athens by train

 From €9 to €39 in 2nd class.

 From €39 in 1st class.

 Booked at the station or online at www.trainose.gr.

How to buy tickets, the easy way...

Click the button (or click here) and a booking form will appear which lists all the specific trains you need to book, at least as far as Sofia.  Fill in the form & email it to sales@europeanrail.com.  European Rail will make the reservations and call you back to confirm the cost, which you can then accept or decline.  If you accept, you can give them your credit card details over the phone and they will send you the tickets.  European Rail is an experienced agency whose staff are used to making more exotic bookings like this.  They are equipped with the German Railways reservation & ticketing system, so have access to all the cheap fares for travel via Germany & Austria.  They charge a £35 booking fee which includes postage to any UK address, or they can send to any address worldwide if you pay the courier fee.  Seat61 gets some commission if you buy tickets using this form.

Bus tickets from Sofia to Thessaloniki can be bought at Sofia's main bus station desk 3, open 08:00-18:00 Monday-Friday, 08:00-16:00 weekends.  They cannot be booked online.  Bus tickets from Thessaloniki to Sofia can be booked at Thessaloniki station special international OSE bus booking window, open 06:00-24:00 daily except Tues & Sat when it opens 06:00-14:00.  Buy train tickets from Thessaloniki to Athens when you reach Thessaloniki, at the station.  This section cannot be booked online or by UK agencies.

  

 

How to buy tickets online...

Anyone from any country can buy tickets online this way direct from the train operators at the cheapest prices, at least as far as Bucharest.

How to buy tickets by phone...

If you'd prefer to book by phone, just call Deutsche Bahn's UK office on 08718 80 80 66 (lines open 09:00-20:00 Monday-Friday, 09:00-13:00 Saturday & Sunday, no booking fee, 2% credit card charge, no charge for debit cards), or a booking agency such as European Rail on 020 7619 1083 (lines open 08:30-18:00 Mon-Fri, 09:00-13:00 Saturdays, £35 booking fee).

Bus tickets from Sofia to Thessaloniki can't be bought outside Bulgaria, so just buy this at Sofia's main bus station desk 3, open 08:00-18:00 Monday-Friday, 08:00-16:00 weekends.  They cannot be booked online.  Bus tickets from Thessaloniki to Sofia can be booked at Thessaloniki station special international OSE bus booking window, open 06:00-24:00 daily except Tues & Sat when it opens 06:00-14:00.  Then buy train tickets from Thessaloniki to Athens at the station when you reach Thessaloniki, as this section cannot be booked by UK agencies.

London-Athens by train & cruise ferry via Venice

  A Minoan Lines ship passing St Marks Square, Venice, en route to Greece...

The civilised way to reach Greece...  A Minoan Lines cruise ferry sails past the gondolas in St Mark's Square in Venice, heading for Greece.  You can buy Italy-Greece ferry ticket online at the Seat61 Ferry ShopPhoto courtesy of Andy Brabin of www.railbookers.com

   

Taking a ferry to Greece from Venice rather than Bari means the London-Athens journey will take 3 nights rather than 2, but the simplicity of taking Eurostar to Paris, an overnight sleeper to Venice, then a direct cruise ferry along the Adriatic to Greece makes it a wonderful and leisurely option.  With a free day in Venice (stop off for longer if you like), a two-night Adriatic cruise on a modern ferry with cruise ship facilities, less train travel necessary through Italy and a simpler booking process involving just two websites not three, it's an alternative that's well worth considering.  You could do the journey over a weekend!

London ► Greece

Greece ► London

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets...

The easiest & cheapest way to book this journey is online, just follow these step-by-step instructions.  This journey involves three websites, so do a dummy run on each site to check prices and availability before booking for real.  Make sure you get your departure dates right for each leg of the journey outward and back.  It can help to jot down the date and departure time for each separate booking before you start, the how to plan an itinerary & budget page may help.


London to Salonika & Larissa

The overland route from London to Athens passes through Salonika (Thessaloniki in Greek) and Larissa.  However, it's currently blocked by the Greek government.  See the London to Athens section above for details.

Alternatively, you could travel from London to Athens by train and ferry via Italy, then take a train from Athens north to Larissa and Athens. See the London to Athens section above, then use the Greek Railways website, You can check train times for this section at www.trainose.gr for train times between Athens, Larissa and Salonika.


London to Meteora (Kalambaka)

Meteora is a spectacular monastery perched on a huge rock, near the town of Kalambaka.  Kalambaka is at the end of a railway branch line from Paleofarsolas on the main Thessaloniki-Larissa-Athens rail line.  There are two direct trains from Athens to Kalambaka every day (about 4 hours 45 minutes), plus regular trains throughout the day from Athens, Larissa and Thessaloniki with a change of train at Paleofarsolas.  For train times from Athens or Thessaloniki to Kalambaka, see You can check train times for this section at www.trainose.gr and use their journey planner.


London to Corfu

By train & ferry via Bari or Brindisi...

By train & ferry via Venice...

You might prefer to catch the ferry from Venice.


London to Kefalonia (Cephalonia)

Made famous by the book and film 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin', it's easy to reach Kefalonia all the way from London in less than 48 hours, without flying.


London to Crete (Heraklion & Chania)

  Ferries from Piraeus to Crete, seen at Heraklion
 

Pictured below:  Ships of rival ferry operators Minoan Lines and Anek Lines in Heraklion harbour.  Photo courtesy of Walter Smith.

To reach Crete, you first need to travel to Athens, then use one of of the overnight ferries from Piraeus, port of Athens, to Crete.

 

London to Rhodes & the Greek Islands

  Ferries from Piraeus to Crete, seen at Heraklion
 

Anek ferry at Samos. Courtesy of Sue Smith.

Ferries to Rhodes and most Aegean islands leave from Piraeus, the port of Athens.


Send your luggage in advance

Enjoy your journey without heavy luggage... 

Let www.carrymyluggage.com deliver your bags door to door.

If you'd like to enjoy your train journey free of heavy luggage, making it easy to get on and off trains with nothing more than a lightweight daypack or handbag, www.carrymyluggage.com will collect your luggage at your home address a few days before you leave, and will deliver it to addresses all over the EU, so it will be waiting at your hotel when you arrive.  It's not cheap, you can reckon on around £78 per case each way, but this is door to door, covering collection from your home in the UK or other EU country and delivery to an address in another EU country.  I've also arranged a 10% discount if you use the Promo code 'seat61' when booking your bags online.  www.carrymyluggage.com are a reliable company, they also work with companies such as Great Rail Journeys, Virgin Trains, First Great Western, Hull Trains, and South West Trains.


The Thomas Cook European Timetable

Thomas Cook European Timetable -  click to buy onlineThomas Cook Rail Map of Europe - buy onlineThe Thomas Cook European timetable has train & ferry times for every country in Europe plus currency & climate information.  Published since 1873, it costs £14.99.  It's essential for any serious traveller and an inspiration for armchair travellers.  Still not convinced you need one?  More information on what the Thomas Cook Timetable contains.  You can buy the latest monthly edition online at www.thomascookpublishing.com with worldwide delivery or buy it in person from selected UK branches of Thomas Cook (ask at the bureau de change), or from W H Smiths in Victoria station in London.  Or buy the twice-yearly independent traveller's edition with laminated cover from Amazon.co.uk:  Summer/Autumn 2013 edition (June to Dec 2013) or (when published) Winter/Spring 2013/14 edition (Dec 2013 to June 2014)

The Thomas Cook Rail Map of Europe is the best and most comprehensive map of train routes right across Europe, from Portugal in the west to Istanbul, Moscow & Ukraine in the east, from Finland in the north to Sicily & Crete in the south.  High speed & scenic routes are highlighted.  Highly recommended!  Buy online at www.amazon.co.uk (worldwide delivery).  See an extract from the map.


Guidebooks

Paying for a guidebook may seem an unnecessary expense, but it's probably only a tiny fraction of what you're spending on your whole trip.  You will see so much more, and know so much more about what you're looking at, if you have a decent guidebook.  For independent travel, I recommend either the Lonely Planet or Rough Guide.  Both have plenty of background historical and cultural information, with all the practical information you need.

Click the images to buy at Amazon.co.uk

My own book, an essential handbook for train travel to Europe based on this website called "The Man in Seat 61", was published in June 2008, and is available from Amazon with shipping worldwide.Lonely Planet Greece - click to buy online

 

 

 

 

 


Find hotels in Athens or anywhere in Greece

 

◄◄◄◄ Search all the main hotel booking sites at once...

Finding the right hotel just got a whole lot easier - HotelsCombined.com

I'm a big fan of www.hotelscombined.com as it checks all the main hotel booking sites (Opodo, Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels.com, AsiaRooms, LateRooms etc.) to find the widest choice of hotels & the cheapest rates.  Try it and see!

Other hotel sites worth trying...

Backpacker hostels...


Travel insurance & health card...

 

 

Columbus direct travel insurance

Get travel insurance, it's essential...

Never travel without insurance from a reliable travel insurer with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover loss of cash (up to a limit) & belongings, and cancellation. An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year (I have an annual policy myself).  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, though, see the advice on missed connections here.  Here are some suggested insurers, Seat61 gets a little commission if you buy through these links, and feedback from using insurance for rail & ferry travel is always welcome.

In the UK, use www.confused.com to compare prices & policy features across major insurance companies.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over 65 (no age limit), see www.JustTravelCover.com.

        If you live in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland or the EU, try Columbus Direct's other websites.

   If you live in the USA or Canada, try Travel Guard USA.

Get an EU health card, it's free...

If you're a UK citizen travelling in Europe, you should apply for a free European Health Insurance Card, which entitles you to free or reduced rate health care if you become ill or get injured in many European countries, under a reciprocal arrangement with the NHS.  This replaced the old E111 forms as from January 2006.  The EHIC card is available from www.ehic.org.uk.  It doesn't remove the need for travel insurance, though.

Get a spare credit card, designed for foreign travel with no currency exchange loading & low/no ATM fees

Taking out an extra credit card costs nothing, but if you keep it in a different part of your luggage you won't be left stranded if your wallet gets stolen.  In addition, some credit cards are better for overseas travel than others.  Martin Lewis's www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money explains which UK credit cards have the lowest currency exchange commission loadings when you buy something overseas, and the lowest cash withdrawal fees when you use an ATM abroad.

You can avoid ATM charges and expensive exchange rates with a Caxton FX euro currency Visa Card, or their multi-currency 'Global Traveller' Visa Card, see www.caxtonfx.com for info.

Get an international SIM card to save on mobile data and phone calls...

Mobile phones can cost a fortune to use abroad, and if you're not careful you can return home to find a huge bill.  Consider buying a global pre-paid SIM card for your mobile phone from www.Go-Sim.com, which can slash costs by up to 85%.  Go-Sim cuts call costs in 175 countries worldwide, and you can receive incoming calls and texts for free in 75 countries.  It's pay-as-you-go, so no nasty bills when you get home.  It also allows cheap data access for laptops & PDAs.  A Go-Sim account and any credit on it doesn't expire if it's not used between trips, unlike some others, so a Go-Sim phone number becomes your 'global phone number' for life.

 


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