Best Train Routes to Athens from Major Cities in Europe

Traveling to Athens by train is an adventure in itself. While Greece isn’t as rail-connected as France, Germany, or Italy, you can still make your way there using a mix of international trains and ferries. If you prefer slow travel over flying, these routes will take you through some of Europe’s most scenic landscapes before arriving in the Greek capital.

Below, I’ll break down the best train routes to Athens from key cities like Rome, Milan, Paris, Berlin, Vienna, and Budapest, plus the essential Thessaloniki to Athens train, the only high-speed rail option in Greece. Keep reading to discover the most efficient train routes from key cities across Europe, so you can choose the best option based on travel time, budget, and scenery.

Western Europe to Athens (Paris, Berlin, Rome, etc.)

If you're traveling from Paris, Berlin, Rome, or elsewhere in Western Europe, reaching Athens by train takes some planning. There are no direct trains to Greece, but you can still make the journey using a mix of rail and ferry connections. Whether you prefer a scenic Balkan route or a train-ferry combo from Italy, this guide breaks down the best options for getting to Athens overland. Below are the best train routes to Athens from Western Europe, along with local insights, pro tips, and alternative options.

Train + Ferry: The Best Route from Italy to Athens

For travelers coming from Italy, France, or Switzerland, the fastest and most convenient way to reach Athens is by combining train and ferry. This route lets you skip long train transfers through the Balkans while still enjoying a relaxed, scenic journey.

Recommended Route: Italy → Greece by Train & Ferry

1. Train from Rome, Milan, or Florence to Bari, Ancona, or Venice

2. Overnight ferry from Italy to Patras (operated by Superfast Ferries and Anek Lines)

3. Domestic train or bus from Patras to Athens.

Why This Route?

✅ The fastest way to reach Athens from Western Europe by train
✅ Easy connections from major Italian cities
✅ Scenic Adriatic ferry experience
✅ Eurail Pass covers some ferries (discounts available).

👉 If you're using a Eurail or Interrail pass, some ferry operators offer free or discounted tickets between Italy and Greece. Always check ferry policies before booking!

Alternative: The Scenic Balkan Rail Route to Athens

If you're up for an overland adventure, the Balkan route is a great way to explore multiple countries before arriving in Greece. While there are no direct trains from Paris, Berlin, or Vienna to Athens, you can connect through Eastern Europe with a few train changes.

Example Route: Berlin → Vienna → Budapest → Belgrade → Thessaloniki → Athens

• Berlin → Vienna (high-speed train, 4h)

• Vienna → Budapest (railjet train, 2h 40m)

• Budapest → Belgrade (overnight train, 8h, sleeper car available)

• Belgrade → Thessaloniki (overnight train, currently seasonal)

• Thessaloniki → Athens (Intercity Express, 4h, best train option in Greece!)

This route is ideal for slow travelers and Eurail pass holders looking to experience multiple countries along the way.

👉 The Belgrade to Thessaloniki train is seasonal and doesn’t run year-round. If unavailable, you’ll need to take a bus between these cities.

Key Tips for Booking Your Journey

• No single ticket covers the whole route. You'll need to book trains and ferries separately.

• Italian train tickets to book via Trenitalia or Italo for the best rates.

• Ferry tickets. Reserve in advance with Superfast Ferries or Anek Lines.

• Greek trains. Use Hellenic Train for Thessaloniki → Athens connections.

• Overnight trains. Consider sleeper cabins for comfort, especially on long-haul legs like Budapest → Belgrade.

👉 If you're traveling with a Eurail pass, make sure to check seat reservations, as some legs (like Italy → Austria) require them.

Eastern Europe to Athens (Sofia, Bucharest, Belgrade, etc.)

If you’re traveling from Eastern Europe to Athens by train, the journey takes patience, but it’s possible with the right route. While Greece doesn’t have direct international trains from major cities like Bucharest, Sofia, or Belgrade, there are connections through Thessaloniki that make train travel an option.

Below, I break down the best train routes from Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, and beyond, along with seasonal train availability, ticket booking tips, and the best budget-friendly options.

Best Train Route to Athens from Eastern Europe

The most efficient rail routes to Athens are:

• Bucharest → Sofia → Thessaloniki → Athens

• Sofia → Thessaloniki → Athens (best for travelers from Bulgaria)

• Belgrade → Thessaloniki → Athens

👉 Direct trains from Sofia to Athens no longer operate year-round, so travelers must transfer in Thessaloniki. The Sofia to Thessaloniki train is seasonal (April-October), but buses run when it’s unavailable.

Bucharest to Athens by Train

There’s no direct train from Bucharest to Athens, so you’ll need to travel via Sofia and Thessaloniki.

Route Breakdown:

1. Bucharest to Sofia → Direct train (~9 hours)

2. Sofia to Thessaloniki → Seasonal train (~7 hours) or bus

3. Thessaloniki to Athens → Direct train (~4-5 hours).

If the Sofia-Thessaloniki train isn’t running, the best alternative is to take a direct bus, which operates year-round and offers a reliable connection between the two cities. Buses are frequent, affordable, and typically faster than waiting for a seasonal train service to resume, making them the most practical backup option for travelers heading to Athens by rail.

👉 The Bucharest-Sofia train has sleeper cabins, making it a good overnight option.

Sofia to Athens by Train: What You Need to Know

While Sofia to Athens used to have a direct train, today, you must transfer in Thessaloniki.

Best Option: Sofia → Thessaloniki → Athens

• Sofia to Thessaloniki Train (Seasonal: April-October)

• Thessaloniki to Athens Train (Daily, fast service)

Is the Sofia-Thessaloniki Train Running? Although many websites claim this train no longer exists, it operates seasonally from April to October. Outside this period, a direct bus is the easiest alternative.

👉 This is one of the cheapest ways to reach Athens from Eastern Europe, with train tickets costing significantly less than flights.

Serbia to Athens by Train (Belgrade Route)

For those traveling from Serbia, train options have changed significantly. The direct Belgrade-Thessaloniki train is no longer running, so you’ll need to take a multi-leg journey.

Best Route: Belgrade → Thessaloniki → Athens

1. Belgrade to Thessaloniki: Overnight train (when available) or bus

2. Thessaloniki to Athens: Fast train (~4-5 hours).

For an alternative route, consider traveling via Budapest or Vienna and connecting to Thessaloniki using a sleeper train. This option is ideal for those looking for a comfortable overnight journey, allowing you to cover long distances while saving on accommodation costs. From Thessaloniki, you can then take the direct Intercity train to Athens, making it a smooth and scenic way to reach Greece by rail.

👉 For scenic, slow travel, take this alternative route: Vienna → Budapest → Belgrade → Thessaloniki → Athens

Taking the train from Eastern Europe to Athens requires some planning and flexibility, but it’s a budget-friendly, scenic alternative to flying. If you’re traveling in peak season (April-October), you’ll find the best connections via Sofia and Thessaloniki, while off-season travelers should be prepared to use buses as backup options.