Train service
NTV
Italo (NTV) is Italy’s first private high-speed rail operator, offering a competitive alternative to Trenitalia since 2012.
Flixbus
FlixBus is a German intercity bus company offering affordable, tech-driven travel across Europe and beyond.
Train tickets
Omio
Omio connects you with over 1,000 transport providers - trains, buses, flights, and more - to simplify your travel planning.
Trainline
Trainline sells rail and coach tickets worldwide on behalf of major UK and European transport companies.
Raileurope
Rail Europe is a leading travel tech company specializing in European train bookings for over 15,000 travel professionals worldwide.
Rail pass validity
There is no direct train service between Rome and Athens due to the geographical barrier of the Adriatic Sea. Instead, the journey typically involves a combination of train travel and either a ferry or bus service. The Interrail Global Pass is valid for the train portions in both Italy and Greece but requires residents of the European Union. The Interrail One Country Pass would not be valid for this journey as it covers only a single country. The Eurail Pass, which is available to non-EU residents, is also valid for the train portions in Italy and Greece. However, neither pass covers the ferry or bus service required to complete the journey between the two cities.
Getting around
Upon your arrival in Athens by train, you will most likely be at the Athens Railway Station, also known as Larissa Station. From here, you have several options for navigating the city using local transportation. The Athens Metro is a convenient and efficient way to travel, with three main lines that connect many key areas. The Red Line (Line 2) can be accessed directly from Larissa Station, providing links to downtown Athens and beyond. You can transfer to the Blue Line (Line 3) at Syntagma or Monastiraki stations for travel to areas including Athens International Airport. The Green Line (Line 1) connects key areas like Piraeus and Kifisia and also intersects with the Red and Blue lines at Omonia and Monastiraki stations, making transfers straightforward.
If your travels require reaching coastal areas, the tram is an ideal choice. Athens has three tram lines that operate from Syntagma Square to destinations such as Glyfada, Voula, and the Peace and Friendship Stadium near Piraeus. The tram is particularly useful for scenic trips along the coast and is well integrated with the metro network. For more direct travel, taxis are plentiful and relatively affordable, whether hailed on the street or booked via phone or app. It's helpful to know, though, that from midnight to 5:00 a.m., taxi fares increase to account for nighttime rates.
Ridesharing services like Uber also operate in Athens, offering an alternative to traditional taxis. These can be booked via a mobile app and generally provide clear pricing and payment options. Public buses and trolleybuses provide another comprehensive option for areas not accessible by metro or tram and are particularly useful for travel to suburban areas. Tickets for buses, trolleys, the metro, and tram are integrated and must be validated at machines prior to boarding. They are available at various points, including metro stations and some convenience stores.
Onward connections
Athens serves as a key hub in Greece's rail network, offering connections to various domestic and international destinations. Domestically, the main rail route is the Athens to Thessaloniki line, operated by Hellenic Train. This line constitutes the backbone of Greek rail travel, with multiple daily high-speed services taking approximately 4 to 5 hours. Key stops along this route include Larissa and Katerini. Another important domestic route is the suburban rail service, connecting Athens to the nearby port city of Piraeus, as well as to Athens International Airport, allowing convenient access to air travel connections.
Internationally, direct train services are not as prevalent due to the geographical terrain and historical developments in regional rail infrastructure. However, travelers can journey from Athens to Thessaloniki and then transfer to international rail connections. From Thessaloniki, there are indirect connections to countries such as Bulgaria and North Macedonia. The Thessaloniki to Sofia line allows for a gateway to Bulgaria, while connections to Skopje facilitate travel to North Macedonia. Travelers aiming to continue further into the Balkan region or towards Central Europe usually travel through these connecting services, often requiring multiple transfers or the use of additional transport modes at border crossings.
While rail improvements and cross-border services are continually developing, travelers should verify current schedules and available routes due to frequent changes and seasonal variations in service offerings.
Best time to visit
The best months to visit Athens are generally late spring (April to early June) and early fall (September to October). During these periods, the weather is pleasantly warm without the extreme heat of summer, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. In terms of costs, these are considered shoulder seasons, so accommodation and travel prices tend to be lower than during the peak summer months. Visiting during these times also means you can enjoy the city without the large crowds typical of the high tourist season. Additionally, certain cultural events and festivals, like the Athens Epidaurus Festival running from June to August and the Athens Marathon in November, can offer unique experiences. If you are arriving by train, these months also provide a more comfortable travel experience as trains tend to be less crowded compared to the peak season.
Frequently asked questions
What affects the cost of a train ticket from Rome to Athens?
According to EveryRail, train ticket prices from Rome to Athens are dynamic. Prices vary by demand. Higher demand leads to higher prices. Booking in advance often reduces cost. Prices fluctuate with seasons. Peak travel seasons increase costs. Prices differ based on class of service. Discounts affect ticket prices. Promotional offers can lower costs. Prices are influenced by time of booking. Weekend travel generally costs more.
What trains run from Rome to Athens?
There are no direct trains from Rome to Athens. NTV does not operate trains from Rome to Athens. Trenitalia does not operate trains from Rome to Athens. Flixbus operates bus services from Rome to Athens.
How long does the train from Rome to Athens take?
According to EveryRail, the train from Rome to Athens takes 7 to 8 hours. This duration is an estimate. Travel times may vary.
When is the best time to travel from Rome to Athens?
The best time depends on crowds. Avoid peak tourist seasons. Prices tend to be higher then. Demand affects ticket availability. Off-peak periods usually offer better deals. Trains are less crowded then. Weather can impact comfort. Consider personal convenience and schedule.
What’s the best route or train to take from Rome to Athens?
No direct train or bus services operate on this route. Travelers can create connecting journeys by combining operators that depart from Rome with operators that arrive at Athens. NTV and Flixbus depart from Rome.
What rail passes can I use to travel from Rome to Athens?
According to EveryRail, no rail pass covers a route from Rome to Athens, as Athens is in Greece, not Italy.