Tourists who use the bypass around Thessaloniki to reach the resorts in Greece should prepare for increased congestion and longer travel times. This is due to a major highway construction project called Flyover, which is expected to cause intermittent traffic jams and delays on the bypass around Thessaloniki.
Once the project is completed, the journey from Evzonoi to the airport and Halkidiki will be much easier and faster.

What is the Flyover project and what does it entail?

The project known as “Flyover” was initiated as an ambitious endeavor to alleviate the chronic problem of traffic congestion in Thessaloniki. This project involves the construction of a 13-kilometer elevated highway, including 9 different levels of intersections, 4 kilometers of continuous bridge, 8 new bridges, and 3 tunnels. The aim is to enable faster and safer passage of vehicles, improve access to the airport, southern Thessaloniki, and Halkidiki, and reduce the number of traffic accidents that are common on existing roads.

The total value of the project amounts to 478 million euros, and the plan is for the construction to last 4 years. It is expected that “Flyover” will be able to accommodate 10,000 vehicles per hour in each direction, significantly reducing traffic congestion in the city.

Although much larger congestion was expected, the situation is quite good for now (June 2024).

How to avoid congestion due to construction on the Thessaloniki bypass?

Tourists coming from Serbia use the bypass around Thessaloniki not only to travel to Halkidiki but also when traveling to other popular destinations such as Thassos, Stavros, and Asprovalta. The bypass provides easier and faster access to these places, avoiding congestion in the center of Thessaloniki.

To avoid congestion on the way to Halkidiki, especially during the summer season when the influx of tourists is highest, consider the following recommendations:

Which routes to take to avoid congestion on the Thessaloniki bypass?

While the main road to Halkidiki provides the fastest and most direct access, consider alternative routes that may have less traffic.
Alternative routes:

1. If you are traveling to Thassos, it is best to travel through Bulgaria. We believe that traveling to Thassos through Bulgaria is a better option not only because of the construction in Thessaloniki but in general. By going through Bulgaria to Thassos, you will bypass the mentioned congestion and arrive faster. Read more about traveling to Thassos through Bulgaria by clicking on the link: Driving to Thassos through Bulgaria

2. As an alternative to the Thessaloniki bypass, it is recommended to use routes through the industrial zone and the city center, through Egnatia street or Nikis Avenue (the street along the coast). This route, which is already popular among tourists on their way to Halkidiki, can also be more enjoyable for lovers of Thessaloniki. You can take the opportunity to take a break in Thessaloniki.
The good news is that the works on Egnatia street have been completed, and all traffic lanes are now available, and the police have increased their presence and enforce a parking ban on Egnatia, Tsimiski, and Nikis streets for better traffic flow.

3. You can always use the Dojran border crossing to completely bypass Thessaloniki.

When is the best time to avoid congestion on the Thessaloniki bypass?

Travel off-peak hours: avoid traveling on the bypass and through the city between 7:00 and 10:30 in the morning and from 3:00 to 5:00 in the afternoon. If possible, avoid traveling on weekends or holidays around 10:00 in the morning when congestion is at its peak due to a large number of Thessaloniki residents going on day trips to the beaches.
Traveling on weekdays, as well as weekends, especially early in the morning (before 7:00 Greek time or late afternoon after 19:00), can significantly reduce the time spent in traffic.

How to know when and where there is a traffic jam on the Flyover bypass?

Follow live updates: The Ministry of Infrastructure has created the Flyover Real Time platform where traffic on the bypass around Thessaloniki can be monitored live. At the same time, it provides information on how long it takes to travel from the western part of the city to the eastern part via the bypass, Egnatia, and Megalou Alexandrou boulevard along the sea. And vice versa, from the eastern to the western part of the city via the bypass, Egnatia, and V. Olgas and Tsimiski. The platform is currently only available in Greek, but we hope it will be translated into English by the beginning of summer. Access the platform by clicking here: Flyover Real Time
The platform is easy to navigate, so all you need to know is that:
-Red table represents the names of roads: Periferiaki, Egnatia, Paraliaki (Nikis Avenue, street along the sea)
-Blue table represents the passing time in minutes
-Green table: speed at which vehicles are currently passing (km/h)

Note. Data collection for travel time estimation along alternative routes is done in 15-minute intervals. Therefore, the display of traffic conditions on alternative routes is based on travel times calculated during the previous 15-minute interval. Due to the fact that traffic congestion in the season can be created in shorter time intervals, its display can be delayed by up to 15 minutes. This means that you cannot completely rely on the Flyover app

Use technology: Use navigation apps that offer alternative route options and can provide real-time updates on traffic congestion. Apps like Google Maps, Waze, or similar ones can give you real-time information on traffic congestion and suggest the fastest routes to your destination.

An additional tip is to plan your trip in advance if possible. Be careful not to book accommodation with a check-in date on Friday and Saturday and a check-out date on Sunday, as well as during holidays when congestion is highest. We also advise you to avoid vacationing in the second half of July and until August 18 if possible. This way, you will avoid congestion at the border and on the way to the resorts.

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