You are visiting the vivacious Thessaloniki, but you don’t know what are the best ways of getting around in Thessaloniki? Read further, because our ultimate guide on how to get around in Thessaloniki by bus, foot or taxi will help you get around like a pro! 

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What is the best way of getting around in Thessaloniki? 

source: @tripvago

If you are wondering how to get around in Thessaloniki city center, you should know that the best way of moving around is on foot, since the most important tourist attractions are located within short walking distance in the center of the city.  Historic Thessaloniki city center offers many UNESCO World Heritage Sites and museums with themes ranging from Archeology to Contemporary Sports.

Insider’s Tip:  How to orientate yourself in Thessaloniki

It is quite simple to orientate yourself in Thessaloniki as almost all streets in the city center are parallel or perpendicular to the sea. Hence, just simply go downward every street and it will lead you to the waterfront. The main streets in Thessaloniki city center, such as Tsimiski and Egnatia, are parallel to Leoforos Nikis street, the main road on the waterfront, and as locals call it “paralia”.  

Getting around in Thessaloniki by bus

source: @katerinakatopis

Getting around in Thessaloniki by bus is perfect since no city point is more than 30 minutes away from the center by public transportation. The Organization of Urban Transportation of Thessaloniki (OASTH) is a public bus provider that connects the entire Thessaloniki via 224 buses and 75 bus routes. 

Where can I buy tickets for buses in Thessaloniki?

You can buy the bus tickets at OASTH ticket kiosks, commercial kiosks, grocery stores or vending ticket machines inside the buses and the price is the same at all selling points. The operating hours are from 05:00 to 00:30 with a particular number of routes performed in night shifts. Most of the bus stops have a responsive telematics system that informs passengers about the arrival of the bus. 

The most used lines are  12, 72, 23, 72Α, 45Α. Generally, getting around in Thessaloniki by bus transportation is considered as reliable, safe and cheap compared to other European touristic cities. All further information regarding getting around by bus is available at OASTH’s official website and mobile phone application that can be checked on the following link. 

Interesting information to know when Getting around in Thessaloniki by bus

• If you are looking for a particular bus schedule, you could download the Moovit App. Moovit application includes all OASTH direction lines and time schedules in Thessaloniki and it provides helpful step-by-step navigation.  The app also tells you the time, hence it makes getting around in Thessaloniki a piece of pie!
• The number of OASTH’s information centers is 11085 with working hours from 07:00 to 22:00.
• Be careful – the ticket publishing machines inside the buses do not give back change. Therefore, make sure that you have the exact amount of price ticket with you. 
• Children under the age of seven are beneficiaries of free travel. 
• Sometimes, in order to reach the desired destination, you would have to combine two or three buses. 

Bus coverage map: 

Getting around Thessaloniki city center – Cultural Bus (Line no 50) 

source: @yorgos.triantafyllou

If you wonder how to get around in Thessaloniki cheaply, but still cross-off all the must-sees in one day, the Cultural bus is what you need! In order to get to know the historical and cultural heritage of Thessaloniki, the OASTH introduced the Cultural route with the bus line 50.  

The 50/60 minute route that departs from the White Tower has 15 stops from where you can see 46 symbolic monuments, neighborhoods and attractions that played a significant role in building Thessaloniki’s history, from ancient Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine times until today.  

The tour, including all optic material, is available in both in English and Greek. The regular price ticket is 1.80€, but the reduced ticket fee of 0.90€ is offered to students, pupils, large-family members, passengers over 65 and people with disabilities. Tickets can be purchased on the board.    

Insider’s tips: 

• Bus no. 50 is actually the cheapest way to get around in Thessaloniki center and discover Thessaloniki’s popular sites. 
• Check the guide of Cultural Route 50 online. 
• Children under the age of six are not charged with ticket fees. 

Getting around in Thessaloniki by taxi 

If you are looking for a fast way of getting around in Thessaloniki, then you should take advantage of Thessaloniki taxi services. There are more than 2000 taxi cars in Thessaloniki and you can catch them everywhere around the city center. They operate 24 hours a day and you can pick up one at the taxi stops around touristic spots such as Aristotelus square, White tower or Ladadika district.  

The taxi vehicles are easily identified with “Taxi” signs and dark blue or blue colors with a white roof. The minimum fare is 3.40€ and the ride is charged per meter (0.78€/km). The more expensive night rate starts from 00:00 to 05:00.  

Insider’s Tips:

• It is common for passengers to share a ride, so do not be confused if the taxi stops and picks up new customers. 
• It is a rule to always get the first taxi in line at taxi stations. 
• Some taxis could charge more if you have luggage. 
• Ensure that the taximeter is turned on and check if it shows tariff 1 during the daytime. Also, it is usual from taxi drivers in Greece to not distribute a receipt, but you can always ask for it. 

Insider’s Tip: Download FreeNow application that offers cheaper taxi-based transportation. You can order your ride, check the ratings of the driver and track the car approaching you on the digital map. An additional benefit is that you can pay with a card, which is not the usual paying method when getting around in Thessaloniki by taxi.