Greece is farther from most of northern Europe than it first appears on the map, and the overland route is a genuine commitment: two days on trains through the Balkans, or a combination of rail and overnight ferry from Italy. But it is also one of the most rewarding journeys in Europe — the landscape shifts dramatically from the Alps to the Adriatic coast and the Greek mainland's mountains, and arriving by sea at Patras or Piraeus feels appropriately epic. This guide explains how to do it, how to get around once you are there, and why it is worth the effort.
Getting to Greece without flying
There are two main overland approaches from western Europe:
- The Balkans route by rail: from central Europe through Hungary, Serbia and North Macedonia (or Bulgaria) to Thessaloniki in northern Greece. The full journey from Vienna takes two to three days; from Paris or London, add another day. Direct services are limited and connections often require patience — international train services through the western Balkans are not as frequent as in western Europe. The route repays research on The Man in Seat 61.
- Train to Italy, then ferry to Greece: this is the more popular option for travellers from the UK, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Take the train to Venice, Ancona or Bari, then board an overnight ferry to Patras (around 14–21 hours depending on the route) or to Igoumenitsa in northern Greece. Operators including Anek Lines, Superfast Ferries and others serve these crossings. From Patras, buses and trains connect to Athens.
For a general introduction to car-free long-distance travel, see our flightless travel guide.
The ferry from Italy
The overnight ferry from Italy is the journey many slow travellers remember longest. Ancona to Patras takes around 20–21 hours; Bari to Patras is a shorter crossing of around 14–16 hours; Venice (Fusina) to Patras is the longest at around 24 hours. Cabin options range from aircraft-seat style "airplane seats" (adequate for sleeping) to private cabins, to deck-class in summer.
Patras is where most ferries from Italy dock. From Patras, you can take the bus to Athens (around 3 hours, several daily) or the train via the OSE network, though the Greek rail network on the Peloponnese is limited. For Athens, the intercity bus from Patras is often the more practical choice.
Igoumenitsa in northwestern Greece is served by some ferry routes from Ancona and Bari and is useful if your destination is the Epirus region or you plan to travel directly north into Albania or North Macedonia. If Athens is your target, Patras is the more straightforward ferry port.
Athens and the rail network
Greek railways are operated by Hellenic Train (formerly TrainOSE). The network is smaller and less comprehensive than many visitors expect, having suffered from years of underinvestment and infrastructure damage. That said, the main line from Athens Larissa station to Thessaloniki — around 350 km — has been significantly upgraded and the service now runs at higher speeds, with journey times of around 3h30–4 hours.
Athens itself has an excellent metro system — the line 3 (blue) runs from the airport to central Athens and the port of Piraeus, making it easy to arrive without a taxi. The metro serves the main sightseeing areas, and a day ticket makes exploring straightforward.
From Athens, the rail line runs south toward Corinth on the Peloponnese. Services to the Peloponnese interior — Nafplio, Kalamata, Patras — are a mix of trains and replacement buses; check the current state of each line before planning your trip, as Greek rail has been subject to disruption and closures on various sections.
Thessaloniki and the north
Thessaloniki is Greece's second city and an underrated travel destination — Byzantine churches, a vibrant food culture, a long waterfront promenade and a very different atmosphere from Athens. It is also the natural base for visiting Meteora, one of Greece's most extraordinary landscapes: monasteries perched on top of geological rock pillars. Getting to Meteora from Thessaloniki involves a train to Kalambaka (the town at the base of the rocks), taking a few hours; from Athens it is a similar distance in time.
From Thessaloniki, the onward train routes north to North Macedonia, Serbia and beyond are the Balkans rail connections mentioned above. If you are building a longer overland loop, arriving in Greece via Italy by ferry and departing overland through the Balkans (or vice versa) makes for a satisfying circular journey.
Getting to the Greek islands without flying
Greece's islands are reached by ferry from the mainland — and ferry travel in Greece is a world unto itself. Piraeus, the port of Athens, is the hub for most island connections, including the Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros), the Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos), Crete, and the eastern Aegean islands. Sailings range from a few hours (Aegina, Hydra) to overnight crossings (Rhodes, Crete).
The main operators include Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, Seajets (high-speed) and various smaller lines. Booking in advance, particularly for cabin berths and summer sailings, is strongly recommended. The high-speed catamarans are faster but more expensive and more affected by rough weather — conventional ferries are more reliable in poor conditions.
- Santorini: around 4–8 hours from Piraeus depending on the vessel type and route.
- Mykonos: roughly 2.5–5 hours from Piraeus.
- Crete (Heraklion): an overnight crossing from Piraeus, typically 7–9 hours.
- Rhodes: a long overnight crossing of 14–18 hours from Piraeus, or shorter from Crete.
Inter-island hopping is a joy — many travellers build a loose chain of islands, moving eastward or northward, catching ferries every few days. The schedules become less frequent outside peak summer months, so plan around what runs in the shoulder season if you are travelling in May or October.
The Peloponnese by bus and occasional rail
The Peloponnese — the large peninsula hanging below Corinth — is one of Greece's richest areas for history and landscape but is not well served by rail in most of its extent. The main approach by public transport is by bus (KTEL) from Athens to Nafplio, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Sparta, Kalamata and other centres. KTEL buses are inexpensive and reasonably frequent; they connect most larger towns. A combination of bus travel and short taxi rides for more remote sites (the Palace of Nestor, Mystras) works well for those without a hire car.
The Interrail pass covers Greek rail, including ferries operated by Attica Group (which includes Blue Star Ferries) with a pass discount — worth checking if you are building a wider European trip that includes Greece.
When to go and how long to allow
Greece peaks in July and August — crowded, hot, and ferry tickets tight. May, June and September are excellent: warm, the sea swimmable, accommodation easier and notably cheaper. October is increasingly popular for those who want quiet. January and February are mild on the islands and in Athens, but some ferries run reduced schedules.
A satisfying overland trip from northern Europe, including travel time and time in Greece, works well at three weeks minimum — allowing the journey there (two to three days), a few days in Athens, the Peloponnese or northern mainland, and at least a week on the islands.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best overland route from the UK to Greece?
Most travellers from the UK find the combination of train to Italy (via Paris, or via Brussels and overnight to Italy) followed by an overnight ferry to Patras the most practical. The full journey takes two days comfortably. An alternative is the Balkans rail route through Serbia, which takes similar time but requires more planning.
How do I get around the Greek islands without flying?
By ferry. Piraeus is the main hub for Aegean island connections. Booking ferry tickets in advance for peak season is important, especially for cabin berths on overnight crossings. Timetables and booking are available from Greek ferry operators directly and through aggregator sites.
Is there a train from Athens to Santorini?
No — Santorini is an island, so the only link is by ferry or hydrofoil from Piraeus (or Rafina). From central Athens, take metro line 1 to Piraeus port. Journey times from Piraeus to Santorini range from about 4 hours by high-speed catamaran to around 8 hours on a conventional ferry.
Can I visit Meteora by public transport?
Yes. Trains run from Athens Larissa station and from Thessaloniki to Kalambaka, the town at the foot of the Meteora rocks. Local taxis and organised tours cover the monasteries from Kalambaka, as the roads between rock formations are not easily walked in the time available.
Sources and further reading:
- Hellenic Train — timetables and tickets for Greek rail services.
- Blue Star Ferries — main operator for Aegean island connections from Piraeus.
- The Man in Seat 61 — detailed routing for overland approaches to Greece.
- Interrail — pass options including ferry discounts with Attica Group.