How to get from Thessaloniki to Halkidiki and other regions by bus? From Serbia to Thessaloniki, you can arrive with several bus carriers, as well as shuttle transport. Departures are almost daily, however, during the summer season, it is necessary to secure your ticket in advance. You can read more about the carriers here. After you arrive in Thessaloniki with one of the carriers from Serbia, your next stop is usually:

• Halkidiki (Kassandra, Sithonia, Athos),
• Thessaloniki region (Stavros, Vrasna, Asprovalta) or
• Olympic region and the direction towards Epirus and Athens.

However, you should know that there are two completely different intercity bus stations in Thessaloniki at two opposite ends of the city. To avoid wandering with your luggage, here is a key rule that you must remember:

• KTEL Macedonia (West entrance to the city): This is the main, large station for domestic and international traffic. From here, you also travel further to Athens, the Olympic region (Katerini, Leptokarya…), Epirus, as well as to Stavros, Vrasna, Asprovalta, and Kavala. Remember: Buses to Halkidiki do NOT depart from here!
• KTEL Chalkidikis (East exit from the city): This is a special, dedicated station from which only and exclusively all buses depart to Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos (e.g. to Pefkohori, Hanioti, Sarti, Nikiti…).

Therefore, your main task is to transfer to the appropriate station you need - either directly from where the transport from Serbia left you, or from the city center where you took a break. Here’s how to do it quickly and easily.

Step 1: How to get to the station for Halkidiki (KTEL Chalkidikis)?

Depending on where you are starting from, these are the best public transport options:

• Best option: Direct line 45 This line is a true lifesaver for tourists with suitcases as it connects two bus stations and passes through the city center. Bus Line 45 departs from the KTEL Macedonia station, passes through the main Egnatia street in the city center, and takes you directly to the KTEL Chalkidikis station. We highly recommend using this line.
• Alternative connection (via IKEA terminal): Lines 2K or 3K, then bus 36 If it’s easier for you or you are already in the city center, you can take bus 2K or 3K which go directly to the large IKEA terminal in the east. Once you arrive at the turnaround near IKEA, simply switch to the local bus 36 which takes you directly to the Halkidiki station.

When you arrive at the KTEL Chalkidikis station, you can buy a ticket for your resort at the counter or through their official website (ktel-chalkidikis.gr).

Step 2: How to get from the city center to the main station (KTEL Macedonia)?

(For the direction towards the Olympic region, Epirus, Athens, or for the return to Serbia) The main station KTEL Macedonia is located at the opposite, western entrance to Thessaloniki. If you spent your break walking in Aristotle’s Square, returning to it is extremely easy:

• Best option: Line 2K (sometimes appears as 02K on maps) Just climb up to the top of Aristotle’s Square (at the intersection with Egnatia Street). At the very top of the square, cross the street and head a bit to the left (westward). The bus stop for 2K is nearby. The ride takes about 20 minutes, but always allow for a little extra time as the duration of the ride depends on traffic congestion in the center. The bus drops you off directly in front of the KTEL Macedonia station.
• Night option: Line 01N If you need to get to the station late at night or during the night, you can catch the overnight express line 01N from the same spot. It is even a bit faster (arrives in about 18 minutes) because there is no traffic congestion at night.

Additional useful lines during your stay in Thessaloniki

How to get from the center to “Macedonia” Airport?

• Bus option: Express lines 01X (daytime) and 01N (nighttime) that traverse the entire city center (Egnatia and Cimiski streets) and go directly to the airport without any transfers.
• Metro + bus option: This is a great option to avoid traffic congestion in the center. Take the metro at any station in the center, ride to the last station Nea Elvetia, and then immediately switch to the new bus line 02X at the same terminal, which goes directly to the airport.

For shopping and eastern beaches

• Lines 2K and 3K: Both lines take you directly from the center to the IKEA terminal (near which is the Mediterranean Cosmos shopping center). From this terminal, you can also catch local buses to nearby places and beaches on that side of the Thessaloniki Gulf, such as Perea and Agia Triada.

Final tip: To instantly check the current schedule and find out which bus is coming first, install the Moovit app or simply use Google Maps (select the public transport icon). Both apps work excellently in Thessaloniki and accurately show stations, routes, and real-time waiting times.

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