Booking Train Tickets for Athens in Greece & on International Routes

Booking train tickets to Athens can be straightforward if you know where to look. Greece’s rail system is not as extensive as in France, Germany, or Italy, but there are still reliable options for domestic and international train travel. Whether you’re planning to take the Thessaloniki to Athens train, connect from Eastern Europe, or combine a train and ferry route from Italy, here’s how to book your tickets efficiently and save money.

Best Websites for Booking Trains to Athens

When planning a train journey to Athens, choosing the right booking platform can make a big difference. Whether you’re traveling within Greece or coming from Germany, France, Italy, or Eastern Europe, the following websites will help you find the best tickets, connections, and Eurail pass options:

Domestic Greek Train Tickets

For trains within Greece, always book directly with Hellenic Train (formerly TrainOSE), the country’s official railway operator. They manage routes like the Thessaloniki to Athens high-speed train and offer discounted fares when booked in advance.

👉 Domestic train tickets in Greece are cheaper when booked online rather than at the station.

Best Sites for Multi-Country Train Travel to Greece

If you’re traveling to Athens from other European countries, using a rail pass can be a smart choice. The Eurail Greece Pass (for non-EU travelers) and the Interrail Pass (for EU residents) allow flexible travel across multiple borders.

👉 Some routes to Greece require ferry crossings (like Italy to Greece). A Eurail Pass often includes discounts on ferries!

Best Websites for International Train Routes to Greece

Finding direct train routes to Greece can be tricky, but the following railway operators provide reliable international connections:

• Deutsche Bahn (DB) is ideal for routes from Germany to Balkan hubs. My advice is to use DB’s website for real-time schedules, but book Greece-bound tickets via local providers for better fares.

• ÖBB (Austrian Railways) is best for Austria to Greece train connections, often via Belgrade or Sofia. I advise you to check night trains from Vienna to Balkan cities, then continue by train or bus to Thessaloniki.

• Hellenic Train (TrainOSE) handles international train routes from the Balkans, including: Sofia to Thessaloniki (direct train) and Belgrade to Thessaloniki (seasonal trains). Balkan routes are often not bookable online, so you might need to buy tickets at the station or check local agencies.

With the right booking websites and route planning, getting to Athens by train can be a smooth and affordable experience, especially if you take advantage of Eurail/Interrail passes, ferry discounts, and key railway connections!

Where to Book International Tickets in Person

If you prefer buying train tickets in person or encounter issues with Hellenic Train’s website (which is often glitchy, with reports of payment failures, unavailable routes, or system crashes), booking at a station is the safest option. Since Greek train stations have fewer self-service kiosks than those in France, Germany, or Italy, it’s best to carry both cash and a card when purchasing tickets at the counter.

Athens Larissis Station, The Main Train Hub

The Athens Larissis railway station is the central hub for trains in Greece, including domestic and international routes. If you’re already in Athens and planning a trip to Thessaloniki or beyond, this is the best place to purchase tickets.

👉 Arrive early, especially during peak travel seasons, as queues at the ticket counters can be long. The staff speak basic English, but having your travel details written down can help speed up the process.

Thessaloniki Central Station, Ideal for International Routes

If you’re traveling from Northern Greece to Europe, Thessaloniki Central Station is your best bet for international train tickets. It offers connections to Sofia (Bulgaria), Skopje (North Macedonia), and Belgrade (Serbia), with occasional seasonal routes to other Balkan destinations.

👉 Some cross-border train routes aren’t bookable online, so visiting the Thessaloniki station in person can be the only way to secure a seat.

Key Travel Agencies – The Hidden Alternative

Major cities in Greece, including Athens, Thessaloniki, and Patras, have authorized travel agencies that specialize in booking international train tickets. Look for TrainOSE (now Hellenic Train) offices or agencies that specifically handle Eurail and Interrail passes.

👉 Some agencies charge a small booking fee but can help navigate complex train-ferry combinations if you’re traveling from Italy to Greece via Bari, Ancona, or Venice.

By planning ahead and knowing where to book your international train tickets, you can avoid last-minute stress and secure the best fares for your journey to or from Athens.

How to Book Train Tickets for Eastern Europe to Athens

Traveling from Eastern Europe to Athens by train requires some additional planning, as not all routes offer online booking. Depending on your departure city, you may need to book in advance or buy tickets directly at the station.

Where to Book Your Train Tickets

• Bucharest to Sofia – Book through CFR Călători (Romanian Railways). Online booking is available, but tickets can also be purchased at Bucharest’s Gara de Nord station.

• Sofia to Thessaloniki – Use BDZ (Bulgarian State Railways). Online booking is not always reliable, so it’s best to buy tickets directly at Sofia Central Station.

• Thessaloniki to Athens – Book through Hellenic Train, Greece’s main railway operator. Online booking is available, and this is the most reliable leg of the journey.

Pro Tips for Booking Train Tickets to Athens from Eastern Europe

Checking train schedules in advance is essential, as some routes only operate a few times per week, particularly during the off-season. Unlike Western European rail networks, where trains run frequently, Eastern European routes can have limited availability, making early planning a must. If your itinerary depends on a specific train, always verify departure times a few days before your trip, as last-minute schedule changes are common.

If you’re taking an overnight train, booking a sleeper ticket early is highly recommended. Routes such as Bucharest to Sofia have limited couchette and sleeper compartments, and they tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak travel months. A sleeper ticket ensures a more comfortable journey, giving you a bed instead of a standard seat for the long ride.

Some Eastern European railway companies still require paper tickets, even when booking online. While digital tickets are becoming more common, certain routes — especially those crossing international borders — may still demand a printed version. Always check the ticketing policies of your chosen rail operator and print your ticket if needed to avoid issues at the station.

If you’re traveling from cities like Belgrade, Skopje, or Sofia, consider looking for combination tickets. Some train stations offer multi-leg rail passes that allow you to book several segments of your journey at once, often at a discounted price. This can be a more convenient and cost-effective way to travel, especially if you’re covering long distances.

👉 Save Money on Train Tickets. Buying train tickets at the station is often cheaper than booking online, especially in Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia. Many Eastern European rail operators still prioritize in-person sales, and some discounts are only available at ticket counters. If you’re flexible with your dates, ask about promotional fares, as railway companies occasionally offer last-minute discounts on international routes.

Planning to travel overland from Eastern Europe to Athens? While it takes time, this train journey is an experience in itself. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy slow travel, breathtaking landscapes, and a deeper look into local train culture.

Best Time to Book for the Lowest Price

Booking your train to Athens isn’t as competitive as securing flights, but if you want the best seats at the lowest price, a little planning goes a long way.

When booking Greek train tickets, there’s no need to rush, as they don’t typically sell out quickly. However, if you’re looking for the best fares, discounts often appear at least two weeks in advance, making early booking a smart choice.

This is especially important for the Thessaloniki to Athens train, the busiest rail route in Greece. Trains can get crowded, and while you might still find last-minute tickets, securing your seat in advance ensures a more comfortable journey, particularly on weekends and holidays.

👉 Greek train schedules change seasonally, and updates aren’t always announced in advance. Double-check your departure times a day before traveling on the TrainOSE website or at the station. If you’re using a Eurail or Interrail pass, seat reservations might be required on some routes, especially in summer.

If you’re planning to travel from Italy to Greece by train and ferry, booking early becomes even more crucial. Ferries, especially those with cabin options, fill up quickly during peak season. Reserving your spot ahead of time guarantees better availability and a smoother transition between train and ferry, making your journey to Athens hassle-free.

👉 Greek trains often run late, sometimes by 30 minutes or more. If you’re connecting to a ferry or flight, give yourself a buffer to avoid stress. If you’re arriving late at night, check if your accommodation offers late check-in, or book a place near the station for convenience.

Seat Reservations & Discounts for Train Travel to Athens

When traveling by train to Athens, understanding seat reservations and potential discounts can save you money and ensure a smoother trip. While regional and suburban trains in Greece may not require reservations, most long-distance routes, including the Thessaloniki to Athens train, do.

Quick Check: Do You Need a Seat Reservation?

✅ Required on high-speed and long-distance trains, including the IC (Intercity) train from Thessaloniki to Athens.
❌ Not required on local and regional trains, but arriving early is recommended for a good seat.
❔ If using a Eurail/Interrail pass, some trains still require an extra seat reservation. Always check before boarding.

👉 Booking in advance is a smart move, especially during peak travel seasons or national holidays when seats fill up fast. If you plan on traveling last minute, checking seat availability before heading to the station is a must.