THESSALONIKI AIRPORT TRANSFER (SKG) 2026
Arrange your holiday transfer!
Are you worried about how you will get there or how you will leave Thessaloniki airport? Then, keep in mind that there are many ways and means for you and your family and that you do not need to be stressed. Some ways to get you to and from the airport, which should be noted that it is 15 km from the city of Thessaloniki, are the following:
Check out availability at Hotel Odysseas – Polyhrono, Halkidiki, Greece:
A few local tips before you choose
As a hotelier in Halkidiki, I see the same question every season: what is the easiest way to reach Kassandra and your hotel without losing half a day. The right option depends on your landing time, your luggage, and who you are travelling with. If you arrive late, have small children, or you just want to start your holiday calmly, door-to-door transport is usually the smoothest.
Also, remember that roads in summer can get busy, especially on Fridays and Sundays. Around Thessaloniki ring road and the exits towards Halkidiki, traffic can build up fast, so allow a bit of extra time. It sounds obvious, but people still get caught out every year, even regular visitors.
Taxi
- Taxi: It is worth noting that there are a variety of taxi services for your transfer to and from Macedonia Airport. The reservation can be made most of the time either through a form or by phone. Experienced drivers can take you safely and comfortably to the desired destination and make sure to provide you with the best possible service. Also, in most cases, you can choose the taxi vehicle with which you wish to be transported.
A standard taxi works well if you are travelling light and want the simplest option straight from the arrivals area. You can usually take one from the official taxi rank, or pre-book if you prefer to know who is meeting you. In peak season, pre-booking helps, especially if your flight lands at a popular time.
If you are heading from the airport to Kassandra, the drive is straightforward and mostly on main roads. Once you get closer to the resorts, streets can be narrower and parking can be tight. A local driver will know where to stop comfortably for your hotel, which makes check-in much easier, even if you arrive when it is still very hot.
When a taxi makes the most sense
- Couples and solo travellers with hand luggage or one suitcase each.
- Arrivals late at night when bus connections are limited.
- Guests who prefer a direct trip without changing vehicles.
City Buses
- City Buses: The city buses connect the airport of Thessaloniki with the New Railway Station, with the centre of Thessaloniki, as well as with the Intercity Station of Macedonia (KTEL). Departure is usually every 30 minutes and the ticket price is around 2 euros. Children up to 6 years old can travel for free. The routes in detail are the following:
Directly to the city centre and the opposite:
- No 01X “KTEL – Airport”
- No 01N “KTEL – Airport” (Night line)
By transfer to the KTEL of Halkidiki, the center or the eastern areas of the Prefecture of Thessaloniki and the opposite (via the IKEA Transfer Station):
- No 45 “KTEL Macedonia – KTEL Halkidiki”
- No 01X “KTEL- Airport”
- No 01N “KTEL – Airport” (Night line)
To the eastern areas of Thessaloniki
- No 79 “IKEA – Airport”
For further information, refer to the site of ΟΑΣΘ
The airport bus is a good budget-friendly start, especially if you are planning to spend a night in Thessaloniki before coming down to Halkidiki. It is also handy if you want to pick up friends from the city centre, or if you have a late check-in and you prefer to arrive in the area the next morning.
If you are continuing to Halkidiki the same day, the usual flow is airport bus to the intercity bus station, then KTEL onwards. Just keep in mind that with suitcases and children, the changes can feel a bit long. In July and August, the heat in the middle of the day is real, so carry water and wear a hat, even for short waits. It sounds small, but it can save your mood.
Connecting onwards to Halkidiki (KTEL)
Many guests use KTEL to reach Kassandra and Sithonia. It is reliable and it is used by locals too, but you do need to watch the timing and the stops. If you are staying in a village like Polychrono, you may need to get off at the right point and then take a short taxi ride to the hotel, depending on where your accommodation is located.
- If you are travelling as a group, compare the total cost of multiple bus tickets plus taxis at the end.
- If you land with sports gear, prams, or lots of luggage, you may find a direct transfer easier.
- Always check the official station information close to your travel date because schedules can change.
For official background and practical travel context, you can also look at the Greek National Tourism Organisation site, which is a solid starting point when planning your route.
MINI VAN-TAXI
- MINI VAN-TAXI: Your transfer to and from Thessaloniki airport can be undertaken by companies that have taxis-vans, which are spacious, comfortable, convenient and can transport a large number of people. The range of vehicles is wide and the price range varies depending on the people or the services they will provide you.
For families and groups, a mini van-taxi is often the sweet spot. You have space for luggage, you can keep everyone together, and you avoid the stress of splitting into two cars. If you are travelling with grandparents, this option is also kinder, because you can do one easy load and unload, without stairs or long walks.
You can request extras depending on the provider, like a child seat or a larger boot for bulky bags. Just mention it when you book, not when you land, because in high season vehicles get assigned quickly.
Private transfer: what you gain in real life
People sometimes think a private transfer is only about comfort, but for Halkidiki it is also about time. Once you leave the airport, you want to be on the beach, not standing in a queue for tickets or waiting for the next connection. After a flight, even small delays feel bigger, and that first hour sets the tone for your holiday, honestly.
- Door-to-door arrival with no changes and no carrying bags between stops.
- A calmer start if you have kids who are already tired.
- Flexible stops if needed, for a quick supermarket run or a short break.
- Better planning for early return flights, when you do not want surprises.
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FROM HOTEL ODYSSEAS IN POLYCHRONO
At our hotel, we constantly take care to offer you the best possible service and care. We consider your needs and expectations and adapt our services accordingly. For this very reason, you have the opportunity to book from our site your transfer to and from Thessaloniki airport. You can also organize an excursion of your choice with the luxurious and safe van and cars that we have. Our staff is at your disposal for anything you need.
How our guests usually use our transport services
- Airport pick-up and drop-off, especially for families and small groups.
- A day trip into Thessaloniki for shopping, food, and a walk on the seafront.
- Easy local exploring around Kassandra, without worrying about parking in busy spots.
- Short evening outings for dinner in neighbouring villages, if you do not fancy driving back after a glass of wine.
Polychrono and Kassandra: what to expect when you arrive
Polychrono sits on the Kassandra peninsula, the first “leg” of Halkidiki, so it is a popular base for beach holidays. In summer the sea is usually clear and calm in the mornings, and you often get a light breeze later in the day. That breeze is a relief in the heat, but it can make the road feel dusty when it is very dry, so keep sunglasses handy when you are walking around after arrival.
If you are arriving in July or August, the roads into the villages can be slow at peak times. It is normal. People are checking in, looking for parking, stopping for a coffee. If you can, aim to travel outside the busiest changeover hours, but if you cannot, do not worry, you will still get here. Just take it easy and do not rush.
Seasonal feel: timing your transfer
May and early June are easier for transfers. Less traffic, easier parking, and the drive feels quick. Late June to the end of August is the busiest period, with more cars on the motorway and more movement around the resorts. September is my favourite for relaxed arrivals. The sea stays warm, the light is softer, and everything feels more spacious, even on weekends.
- If you land midday in high season, expect more heat and more traffic.
- If you land late evening, roads are quieter, but plan ahead for food and check-in.
- If you travel in spring or autumn, you may want a light layer for the evening, even if the day is warm.
For weather patterns and what to pack, it is worth checking an official source like the National Observatory of Athens weather service before you fly, because conditions can shift quickly with winds from the north.
Practical arrival checklist (small things that help)
- Keep some water accessible, not buried under luggage. You will thank yourself.
- If you are using buses, have small change and keep your tickets safe.
- If you are meeting a driver, switch your phone on after landing and check messages.
- For families, pack a small snack for the ride. Kids get hungry at the worst moments.
- If someone in your group gets car sick, sit them in the front and keep the air flowing. Works most times.
If you want to combine your transfer with a bit of sightseeing
Some guests like to break the journey, especially if they land early. Thessaloniki is close to the airport and easy to visit for a few hours, and it gives you a different side of Northern Greece before you settle into beach mode. A walk by the waterfront and the White Tower area is a classic, and it is simple even if you are only there briefly.
If you are curious about the city’s main sights, the Municipality of Thessaloniki website is useful for official visitor info and current updates. For a quick bit of history and context, the Thessaloniki page on Wikipedia is also handy when you are planning what to see.
Who each option suits best
- Taxi: best for couples, short stays, and travellers who want speed without planning much.
- City bus plus KTEL: best for budget travellers who are comfortable with changes and light luggage.
- Mini van-taxi: best for families, groups, and anyone with extra bags or child equipment.
- Hotel-arranged transport: best if you want one point of contact and a smoother arrival to Polychrono.
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