Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and in close proximity to Mount Olympus. Due to its international airport, many travelers visit Thessaloniki all year round, making it a popular tourist destination. To visit Mount Olympus first you have to pass through Litochoro, a traditional Greek village found at the foothill of the mountain. Litochoro can be easily reached by car, bus or train from Thessaloniki. If you’re planning a trip to Mount Olympus, you’re in for a treat. The journey is relatively straightforward and offers various transportation options:
Taking a Train from Thessaloniki to Olympus
The closest train station to Mount Olympus is the Litochoro Train Station. To reach Litochoro by train, you’ll need to take a train from the New Railway Station, or “Neos Sidirodromikos Stathmos” in Thessaloniki. You may take a taxi or a public bus to get to the train station.
If you are arriving to Thessaloniki by plane, then you may take the bus line 01X or 01N that makes a stop at the railway station before its final stop at KTEL Bus Station. Other bus lines that stop at the railway station include: 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 14, 17, 19, 37, 38, 40, 51, 52, 54, 56, 64.
The train for Litochoro departs from the station almost every day and tickets can be bought right from the station. Please note that the Litochoro Train Station is located 6.5 kilometers east of the village, by the sea. The car ride from Litochoro Train Station to the village is about 5 minutes and the taxi ride costs about 9€.
For more information on all train routes to Mount Olympus, refer to this guide.
Getting a Transfer from Athens to Olympus
Taking a Bus from Thessaloniki to Olympus
To reach Olympus from Thessaloniki by bus, you’ll need to take a bus with Greece’s national bus service, KTEL. Each major city has its own designated KTEL bus station, creating a network of bus lines that connect almost every city in the country. To reach the Thessaloniki KTEL Bus Station you can take any of the public city buses from several areas throughout the city. From the airport you may take line 01X (01N for night line) that goes directly from the airport and ends at the bus station. If you are not reaching the KTEL Bus Station from the airport, you may still get there by taking any of the following bus lines: 1, 12, 45, 80, 80Β, 81Β, 81Κ, 82Κ, 82Ν, 89A, 89B.
Bus tickets for the public bus cost 0.90€ and can be purchased at any street kiosk or mini market. Tickets from Thessaloniki to Litochoro may only be bought from the KTEL Bus Station. The bus for Litochoro departs almost every hour and makes a stop in the city of Katerini before arriving at Litochoro.
For more information on all bus routes to Mount Olympus, refer to this guide.
Driving from Thessaloniki to Olympus
Driving to Olympus from Thessaloniki is rather easy and straightforward. The distance is about 90 kilometers and the majority of the ride is spent on route A1 on the national highway, called Egnatia Road. Be sure to keep change in the car, as there are a couple of toll stops along the way.
To begin, follow the signs for A1 heading towards Katerini. You will then remain on the A1/E75 route for about an hour before taking the exit for Dion-Museum. Upon exiting the highway, the drive to Litochoro is approximately ten minutes.
As you drive from Thessaloniki to Mount Olympus, you’ll witness the diverse landscapes of northern Greece, from plains to mountains. The anticipation builds as you approach Litochoro, the gateway to the mythical realm of Mount Olympus.
Once you arrive at the village of Litochoro, you may either leave your car in the public parking and explore the town or follow the signs up to Prionia, the highest and last road on Mount Olympus accessible by car.
Location of Mount Olympus
Frequently Asked Questions
You can reach Mount Olympus from Thessaloniki by car, bus, train, or organized tours.
The drive from Thessaloniki to Mount Olympus takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and your destination within Olympus.
While there are no direct buses from Thessaloniki to Mount Olympus, you can take a bus from Thessaloniki to Katerini, the closest town to Mount Olympus. From Katerini, you can take a local bus or a taxi to reach the specific area of Mount Olympus you wish to explore.
You can take a train from Thessaloniki to Litochoro, a town located at the foothills of Mount Olympus. From Litochoro, you can arrange for local transportation to go further into the mountain.
Yes, it is possible to visit Mount Olympus as a day trip from Thessaloniki. However, keep in mind that the mountain offers a range of trails and attractions, so a longer stay is recommended to fully appreciate the beauty and serenity of the area.