If you spend the summer months in Thessaloniki or explore the Thessaloniki region in Greece, and wish to escape for a swim, we bring you all the information about the taxi boat transport from Thessaloniki to Perea, Nei Epivates, and Agia Triada for the season of 2026:
- departure point
- schedule
- ticket prices.
Probably the first thought for going to the beach is the city bus number 72 from Ikea. However, swaying in the heat and traffic congestion has a much better alternative. From the very center of Thessaloniki, you can go to the beach by boat.
These regular lines are operated by taxi boats known as Karavakia Thessaloniki.
However, do not let the name “taxi” deceive you: this is not an expensive, private transport that you rent only for yourself, but a regular scheduled boat transport (water bus) that has its fixed schedule, stops, and fares.
Important distinction: Taxi boats (Karavakia) are not the same as boat-bars
Before we go into details, we must resolve a common misconception among tourists. In Thessaloniki, there are two completely different types of boats:
- Taxi boats (Karavakia): Serve as a means of transportation from point A to point B. They take you from Thessaloniki to the resorts and beaches of Perea and Nei Epivates.
- Boat-bars near the White Tower: These are touristic boats (like the “pirate” ones) that are used exclusively for sightseeing. They do not transport you anywhere — they depart from the White Tower, cruise around the Thermaic Gulf for about an hour, and return you to the same place. Recently, they have introduced an entrance fee (ticket), but the prices of drinks on them are much more affordable.
If your goal is a full day of swimming and beach time, your target are the taxi boats.
Stops and locations: Where to catch a taxi boat in Thessaloniki?
The advantage of this transport is that you can board it right in the heart of the city. The boats have the following stops:
- Port of Thessaloniki: The first departure point, ideal if you have chosen accommodation in Thessaloniki on the western side, around Aristotelous Square or in Ladadika.
- White Tower: The second stop in the city, located on the waterfront in front of the tower.
- Neoi Epivates: The first stop in the suburb, where the boat drops you off right next to the beach and promenade.
- Perea: The next stop, also connected to the beach and numerous taverns, ideal for those who have booked accommodation in Perea.
- Agia Triada: Lines to this place are in preparation and are expected soon.
Ticket prices for the taxi boat (Season 2026)
Tickets are purchased directly on the boat before departure, and soon online reservation will also be available through their official website. Payment on board is possible in cash (it is advisable to have smaller denominations).
- One way: €10 per person
- Round trip: €20 per person (equivalent to two individual tickets: €10 + €10)
- Children up to 5 years old: €2 per person
- Persons with disabilities (PWD): €5 per person
- 10-ride card: €60 per person (an excellent option if you plan to go multiple times, as this way one ride costs €6 instead of €10)
Group ticket discount
If you are traveling in a larger group or as an organized group of 20 or more people, the ticket price is €8 per person one way, with a discount that you get when making a reservation.
Schedule and exact departure times
The journey from Thessaloniki to Perea takes about 50 to 60 minutes. It’s actually a mini-cruise and a great way to see the cityscape from the sea, so time passes much faster than when taking a bus.
The boats operate on a daily schedule that you can check here:
IMPORTANT:
- 1. There are no sailings on Tuesdays in the pre-season! This is a common practice in the pre-season due to regular technical maintenance and vessel servicing.
- 2. After the season (second half of September)\, there are no late afternoon departures.
During the season, the schedule often expands to the entire week, but the timing often changes, so be sure to check the current schedule on-site or here check the current schedule.
Insider tip for boarding near the White Tower
At the White Tower, there are two boarding times within the same hour, and for a good reason.
The boat constantly circulates and actually operates in cycles. When returning from the beaches (from Perea and Nei Epivates), it first stops at the White Tower to unload passengers and pick up new ones, then continues to the main Port where it makes a semi-circular turn and an official new departure, and then on the way back to the beaches, it again stops at the White Tower.
So, do not be confused if you see different schedules on the board with a twenty-minute gap: feel free to board at any of the listed times near the White Tower. If you board a boat heading to the port, you will simply get a “double” mini-sightseeing tour of the Thessaloniki waterfront before the boat heads back to the beaches. Just add those twenty minutes to your planned travel time and enjoy the ride on the water.
Departure dependency on weather conditions
Since it is a voyage in an open gulf, the schedule entirely depends on weather conditions. If the weather is bad (strong wind or rough seas), departures may be altered, delayed, or completely canceled with subsequent notification for the safety of passengers. Our advice is to arrive at the station 10-15 minutes before the scheduled departure.
Plus tip: How to organize a perfect day trip
Perea and Nei Epivates are connected by a long seaside promenade, full of taverns, cafes, and organized beaches with sunbeds. To make the most of your day, read our detailed guide to Perea, where we recommend the best beaches and restaurants.
Our advice is to take a taxi boat in the morning, spend the day at the beach, have fresh fish for lunch at one of the taverns right by the water, and return to Thessaloniki in the evening by boat. You will catch a beautiful sunset at sea, which is the perfect end to a day in Thessaloniki.
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