The Halkidiki peninsula rightfully occupies one of the first places in Greece in terms of the number of tourists who prefer a relaxing beach holiday. All travelers initially arrive at Thessaloniki airport, and then continue their journey to Halkidiki. However, there are several of the most popular options, with the help of which you can easily get from Halkidiki to Thessaloniki with a minimum of effort.
From Halkidiki to Thessaloniki by bus
Perhaps the best way to get from anywhere on the peninsula to Thessaloniki is to use the services of local bus carriers. In total, there are two large companies in Greece that carry out bus services between different settlements in Greece. Among them, the following are distinguished:
- OASF;
- "KTEL".
The first company is responsible for the transportation of passengers within Thessaloniki and its suburbs. Such buses leave from the KTEL Halkidiki station several times a day with an interval of 30-40 minutes. A ticket for this type of transport can be purchased at specialized kiosks or directly from the drivers. A one-stop ticket will cost you 90 cents, and a daily coupon for unlimited travel costs 4-6 euros. Those who plan to stay in Greece for a long time are advised to purchase a bus card for a period of 20, 30 or 60 days. This way you can save a lot. Travel time directly depends on the starting point of departure and will be approximately 1-2 hours.
As for the second carrier, they are intercity and are popular with tourists planning to travel to several cities in Greece. KTEL buses are distinguished by an increased level of comfort, including modern air conditioning, soft reclining seats and a dining area for each passenger.
Tickets for such buses are purchased, as a rule, on the websites. This is a convenient and fast option. In addition, it assumes significant discounts when buying tickets in two directions at once.
It should be noted that in the summer, the number of flights increases due to the active influx of tourists wishing to visit Thessaloniki. Conductors work in the bus cabins to help load luggage and warn about the next stop.
From Halkidiki to Thessaloniki by car
Car enthusiasts should try their hand at traveling across the peninsula to Thessaloniki in a rented car. This trip has several advantages:
- The ability to move freely and stop wherever you see fit;
- The opportunity to enjoy the picturesque landscapes along the track;
- Reduced travel time.
However, this type of movement has its own nuances. The first thing you need is an international driver's license. Without them, no self-respecting company will allow you to rent a car. Also, do not forget that car rental in Greece is a very popular service. Therefore, it is better to book the transport you are interested in in advance. For this, ideal conditions have been created, including pre-rental on the websites of numerous companies and the presence of a developed network of rental points in Halkidiki.
The rental price directly depends on the type of car and the timing. If you rent a car for a week, then you will pay in less than 2-3 days. This trend is common among local companies. On average, a small car will cost you 220-350 euros per week. You will be required to deposit a certain amount in a deposit, which will be returned after you return the car. It is considered important that traffic violations in Greece are strictly punishable by law and involve heavy fines. Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with their features in advance so as not to get into a difficult situation.
The highways between Halkidiki and Thessaloniki are notable for the good quality of the road surface and meet international safety requirements. Most of your route will be along the coast. Be prepared for the fact that in some places the road may be toll and have one-way traffic. It should also be borne in mind that there are enough gas stations along the Greek roads.
From Halkidiki to Thessaloniki by taxi
Another way to cover the target distance is to take a taxi. This type of transport is known in the country for its accessibility and low cost. Taxis can be ordered in advance on the website, at the company or at the hotel where you are resting. The price for one trip depends on factors such as the capacity of the car, the length of the distance, the type of car and the level of service you want to receive. Firms specializing in the selection of taxis always meet their customers halfway and are guided, first of all, by individual preferences.
For example, you can book a car by filling out the request form on the website, indicating the parameters that are important for you. After that, an employee of the company will contact you and clarify the information you are interested in.
The cost of services of this kind is fixed and amounts to 1-2 euros for boarding passengers, 1-4 euros for paying for baggage. The rest of the amount is calculated based on the mileage on the counter. An option with payment by agreement is possible, but this is currently unlikely. In general, a taxi ride from Halkidiki to Thessaloniki will cost you from 35 to 70 euros.
Tourists distinguish Greek taxis not only by their appearance, but also by their color. In Crete, cars are painted blue, in Thessaloniki, white cars can be seen, and in Athens, the symbol of taxis is yellow.
The service of ordering a taxi from Thessaloniki airport to Halkidiki and back is not very popular. Firstly, you will automatically overpay, as for local taxi drivers tourists are a "gold mine". Secondly, it is not a fact that you will be able to negotiate an adequate cost with the driver. Therefore, it is better to pre-order a car from a trusted company that transports foreign passengers.
