Transport Prices in Greece 2026: Taxi, Bus, Ferry and Airport Transfer — What Everything Costs
A taxi in Greece 2026 starts at ~€1.30 with ~€0.90/km by day and a double tariff at night; a Thessaloniki city-bus ticket is ~€0.90, a KTEL coach to Halkidiki €10–15, the Keramoti–Thassos ferry ~€3 per person (car ~€13), and a taxi transfer from SKG airport to Kassandra €100–130. The full transport price list plus how to save.
Once you arrive in Greece, transport can be a hidden cost — especially if you fly and need a transfer, or take a ferry to an island. A taxi in 2026 starts at ~€1.30 with ~€0.90/km by day and a double tariff at night / outside town, a Thessaloniki city-bus ticket is ~€0.90, the Keramoti–Thassos ferry is ~€3 per person (car ~€13), and a taxi from SKG airport to Kassandra is €100–130. Here is the full transport price list for northern Greece plus money-saving tricks.
Taxi prices in Greece 2026
Greek taxis run on the meter, with a fixed start and a per-kilometre rate. Key point: Tariff 1 applies by day in town (05:00–24:00), while Tariff 2 (nearly double) applies at night (24:00–05:00) and outside built-up areas — long-distance trips are usually charged at Tariff 2.
| Item | Price 2026 | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Flag-fall (start) | ~€1.30 | Fixed, at the start |
| Tariff 1 (day, in town) | ~€0.90/km | 05:00–24:00, built-up area |
| Tariff 2 (night / out of town) | ~€1.25/km | 24:00–05:00 or rural |
| Minimum fare | ~€4.00 | However short |
| Radio call / booking | €2–4 | Surcharge when you call |
| Airport surcharge | ~€4 | Special airport fee |
| Luggage over 10 kg (per piece) | ~€0.50 | Per suitcase |
⚠️ Always check the meter is on and shows Tariff 1 by day in town (display „1"). For longer trips (e.g. airport → coast) agree a fixed price in advance — it's legal and often cheaper than the meter on Tariff 2.
Bus — city and intercity (KTEL)
City transport in Thessaloniki is cheap; intercity routes are run by KTEL (green stations). For the coast and islands, KTEL is the cheapest option if you're not driving your own car.
| Route | Ticket 2026 | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Thessaloniki — city bus (1 ticket) | ~€0.90 | Slightly more on board |
| KTEL Thessaloniki → Kassandra (Halkidiki) | €10–13 | Halkidiki KTEL, ~2 h |
| KTEL Thessaloniki → Sithonia | €13–15 | Longer, fewer services |
| KTEL Thessaloniki → Katerini (Olympic Riviera) | €8–9 | Then local bus to Paralia |
| KTEL Thessaloniki → Kavala | €15–16 | ~2 h |
| KTEL Thessaloniki → Athens | €40–45 | ~6 h |
Ferries to the islands 2026 (focus: Thassos)
The nearest island from the northern direction is Thassos — reached by ferry from Keramoti (closest, cheapest) or from Kavala. Tickets are bought on the spot at the port; for a car in peak season (August) arrive early as it fills up.
| Line | Passenger | Car | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keramoti → Thassos (Limenas) | ~€3 | ~€13–14 | ~40 min, frequent |
| Kavala → Thassos (Skala Prinos) | ~€6 | ~€20 | ~1 h 15 min |
| Children / return | Under 4s free; return = 2× one-way | — | |
💡 For Thassos, Keramoti is almost always the better choice: shorter crossing and lower price. No reservation is needed on these lines — just turn up at the port and buy a ticket. Other islands (Sporades, Cyclades) sail from different ports and cost more.
Airport transfer: SKG (Thessaloniki) → coast
If you fly into Thessaloniki (SKG), you have four options to your accommodation. A taxi is fastest but priciest; a private transfer (van) pays off for a group; a rental car is best for freedom; KTEL is cheapest but with a change.
| To | Taxi | Private transfer (van) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thessaloniki centre | €20–25 | — | ~16 km |
| Olympic Riviera (Paralia) | €90–110 | €80–110 | ~90 km |
| Kassandra (Hanioti) | €100–130 | €90–130 | ~110 km |
| Sithonia (Sarti) | €120–160 | €110–150 | ~120–140 km |
| Kavala / Thassos (port) | €140–170 | €130–160 | ~160 km |
💡 For a family or group, a rental car often beats a transfer: ~€30–50/day gives you transport for the whole stay, not just the arrival. Details in fuel prices 2026 and our excursion guide.
Parking in Greece 2026
- Thessaloniki (centre): controlled („blue") zones ~€2/h; private garages ~€1–2/h, ~€8–12/day.
- Coast and villages (Halkidiki, Thassos, Pieria): street parking is mostly free, except by the busiest beaches and centres in peak season.
- Beaches with a beach bar: parking is usually free for guests; some luxury clubs charge.
How to save on transport
- Drive your own car. For two or more, driving usually beats flights + transfer + local transport. See fuel prices 2026.
- Agree a fixed taxi price for long trips (airport → coast) — avoid Tariff 2 on the meter.
- For Thassos pick Keramoti over Kavala — shorter and cheaper.
- KTEL instead of a taxi on intercity routes if you have no car — many times cheaper.
- Rent a car for a group — one daily rental covers both the arrival and every excursion.
FAQ — the most common questions
How much does a taxi in Greece cost in 2026?
The start is ~€1.30, then ~€0.90/km by day in town (Tariff 1) and ~€1.25/km at night or outside town (Tariff 2). The minimum fare is about €4.
How much is the ferry to Thassos?
From Keramoti: passenger ~€3, car ~€13–14, crossing ~40 min. From Kavala (Skala Prinos): passenger ~€6, car ~€20, ~1 h 15 min. Tickets are bought at the port, no reservation.
How much is the transfer from SKG airport to Halkidiki?
A taxi to Kassandra is €100–130, to Sithonia €120–160; a private van transfer is similar or slightly cheaper for a group. A rental car (~€30–50/day) often pays off more.
Is a bus or a taxi cheaper?
For intercity routes the KTEL coach is many times cheaper (Thessaloniki→Halkidiki €10–15 vs a taxi €100+). A taxi makes sense for short city trips or when there are several of you sharing a fixed price.
Do I need a car in Greece?
If you want to explore several beaches and towns — yes, as the finest beaches are often poorly served by bus. If you stay in one seaside spot, you can manage without, with the occasional taxi/KTEL.
Conclusion
Transport in Greece 2026 isn't a big cost if you plan: KTEL and ferries are cheap, and the biggest item is the airport transfer (€100+) — which a rental car or driving your own car easily avoids. If you drive from home, within Greece you're left with just fuel, the odd toll and a ferry to an island. Check accommodation prices 2026 too to round out your budget.
Next up: accommodation prices, fuel prices, excursion prices and internet in Greece 2026. Browse the accommodation listings too.
