The monasteries of Meteora, located on the tops of ancient rocks, have long been perceived as a symbol of Greece. Therefore, it is impossible to visit Thessaloniki and not go to the legendary Meteora. There are many ways to get to the monasteries from the northern capital of Greece, but the most popular is by bus. How to get from Thessaloniki to Meteora by bus?

Thessaloniki - Meteora: distance

Meteora, located in the mountains of Thessaly (a historical region in the northeastern part of Greece), are located at a distance of 230 km from Thessaloniki . You can get to the monasteries in about 2 hours and 50 minutes. 3 km from Meteora is the city of Kalambaka, through which tourists usually get to the monasteries. Kalambaka is a convenient "transit point" with excellent infrastructure, including hotels, taverns and shops.

Buses Thessaloniki - Meteora

Buses run from KTEL Makedonias station to the city of Trikala , located 22 km from Meteora. They depart five times a day, starting at 8:30. The last one leaves at 21:00. The price of a one-way ticket is 20 euros, and a return ticket is 31 euros. Buses from Thessaloniki arrive in Trikala in 2 hours and 25 minutes. In Trikala, you can take a taxi or take a bus to Kalambaka, from where you can also get to the monasteries by bus or taxi in a matter of minutes. Buses on the route Trikala - Kalambaka depart 1-2 times per hour.

The easiest way is to immediately buy a bus ticket Thessaloniki - Kalambaka. It transits through Trikala four times a day: at 8:30 am, 12:00 pm, 3:15 pm and 5:30 pm. The bus arrives in Kalambaka in 2 hours 45 minutes. The price of a one-way ticket is 21 euros, a return ticket is 32 euros.

Arriving in Kalambaka, you need to take a bus to Meteora. The stop is located near the fountain in Plateia Dimarcheiou square. But buses to the monasteries rarely run (at 8-9 in the morning and after 13:00), so it's better not to wait and take a taxi. Cars usually stand next to the fountain. The price of a trip by bus is about 2 euros, by taxi - from 10 euros.

Helpful Hints

  • It is better to come to Meteora by the earliest bus. This is one of the most popular attractions in Greece, so there is always a large flow of tourists in the monasteries. As an option, you can spend the night in Trikala or Kalambaka, and in the morning go to Meteora;
  • You can return to Thessaloniki not only by bus, but also by train with a change in Paleofarsalos. It leaves from Kalambaka;
  • If you are going to visit one or more monasteries, you should know in advance the schedule of their work. It depends on the season. In addition, the monasteries are closed to the public on different days: some on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, others on Fridays and Thursdays.