Greece - Korina Miller [609]
TRAIN
Trains are operated by Greek Railways Organisation (Organismos Sidirodromon Ellados; www.ose.gr), always referred to as the OSE. You’ll find information on fares and schedules on the website. Information on domestic departures from Athens or Thessaloniki can be sought by calling 1440.
The biggest problem with the Greek railway network is that it is so limited. There are essentially only two main lines: the standard-gauge service from Athens to Alexandroupoli via Thessaloniki, and the Peloponnese network Click here. Despite these limitations the train is an excellent way to get around most of the major towns in Northern Greece (Macedonia and Thrace) – mountainous Epiros being the only mainland prefecture lacking train tracks. The train is also a useful way to get from Patra to Athens if arriving by ferry from Italy, and the round-Peloponnese rail ride is an attraction in itself. Trains also run to Kalambaka (Meteora) and the Pelion port of Volos for onward links to the Sporades islands. The services that do exist are of a good standard, and are improving all the time.
Classes
There are two types of service: regular (slow) trains that stop at all stations and faster, modern intercity (IC) trains that link most major cities.
The slow trains represent the country’s cheapest form of public transport: 2nd-class fares are absurdly cheap, and even 1st class is cheaper than bus travel.
The IC trains that link the major Greek cities are an excellent way to travel. The services are not necessarily express – the Greek terrain is far too mountainous for that – but the trains are modern and comfortable. There are 1st- and 2nd-class tickets and a cafe-bar on board. On some services, meals can be ordered and delivered to your seat.
Costs
For a 2nd-class slow-train trip from Athens to Thessaloniki expect to pay €28 (six hours). A trip from Thessaloniki to Alexandroupoli costs €9 (eight hours).
Ticket prices for IC services are subject to a distance loading charged on top of the normal fares. Seat reservations should be made as far in advance as possible, especially during summer. Sample 2nd-class fares: Athens to Thessaloniki €36 (five hours); and Athens to Alexandroupoli €49 (10 hours). There is an additional nonstop Athens–Thessaloniki express service for €48 (four hours).
A comfortable night service runs between Athens and Thessaloniki, with a choice of couchettes (from €20), two-bed compartments (€31) and single compartments (€54).
Train Passes
Eurail and Inter-Rail cards are valid in Greece, but it’s generally not worth buying one if Greece is the only place where you plan to use them. Prices for Inter-Rail passes are tiered, depending on which countries you plan to travel in. For Greece and a host of other countries (including ferries between Greece and Italy), three/eight days’ train travel within a month costs €71/149 for travellers 26 years-old and under, and €109/229 for those over 26. For fewer countries (and no ferries), a three-/eight-day pass valid for a month costs €45/90 for those 26 and under, and €69/139 for those over 26-years. In addition to this, you’ll have to pay supplements for IC and sleeper car tickets and these can be costly. Whatever pass you have, you must have a reservation to board the train. On presentation of ID or passports, passengers over 60 years-old are entitled to a 25% discount on all lines except in July, August and over the Easter week.
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Island Hopping
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CONTENTS
PRACTICALITIES
The Greek Fleets
Operators
Tickets
CONNECTIONS
Athens
Crete
Cyclades
Dodecanese
Evia & The Sporades
Ionian Islands
Northeastern Aegean Islands
Northern Greece
Peloponnese
Saronic Gulf Islands
Individual Islands & Mainland Ports
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In Greece, getting there really is half the adventure and island hopping remains an essential part of the Greek experience. Whether you’re sailing into a colourful harbour, sitting on the sun-drenched deck with the surf pounding below, or flying low over the azure waters in a propeller-driven