Discover Athens Central Railway Station: Gateway to Greece’s Mainland

Athens serves as a vital link for travelers exploring mainland Greece and beyond, thanks to its well-organized intercity bus system. Operated by KTEL, Greece’s regional bus companies, the intercity network connects Athens to every corner of the country. The city’s main bus stations, Kifissos, Liosion, and the smaller KTEL Attikis, ensure seamless travel to destinations across the Peloponnese, Central Greece, Thessaly, and even international cities.

Key Intercity Bus Stations in Athens

Athens’ intercity bus network is anchored by two primary terminals: Kifissos and Liosion.  KTEL Attikis, doesn’t really has a terminal as it serves destinations within the Attica region with buses departing from various locations within the city.

1. Kifissos Central Bus Station (KTEL Kifissos)

• Location: Kifissos Avenue, Egaleo, approximately 7 km west of central Athens.
• Routes Served:
  • Peloponnese: Patras, Kalamata, Nafplio.
  • Western Greece: Ioannina, Agrinio, Preveza.
  • Northern Greece: Thessaloniki, Kavala, Alexandroupoli.
  • Ionian Islands: Igoumenitsa, connected to Corfu, Patra, connected to Zakynthos, and Kefalonia via ferries.
• Facilities:
  • Ticket offices for each region’s KTEL.
  • Cafes, kiosks, and ATMs.
  • Parking for visitors and taxis.
• Access:
  • By Bus:
    • X93: Direct from Athens Airport.
    • 051: From Omonia Square (Red Metro Line).
    • 420: From Piraeus Port.
  • By Taxi: ~€15 from the city center.

2. Liosion Bus Station (KTEL Liosion)

• Location: Liosion Avenue, Patisia district, about 5 km north of central Athens.
• Routes Served:
  • Central Greece: Lamia, Delphi, Arachova, Leivadia.
  • Thessaly: Volos, Larisa, Trikala, Kalambaka (for Meteora).
  • Evia: Chalkida, Karystos.
• Facilities:
  • Ticket counters for all destinations.
  • Cafeteria and luggage storage.
  • ATMs and basic kiosks.
• Access:
  • By Bus:
    • X93: Direct from Athens Airport.
    • A10 and B10: From Larissa Station.
    • 420: From Piraeus Port.
  • By Taxi: ~€10–€12 from the city center.

3. KTEL Attikis Departures

• Location: Multiple departure points in Athens serve KTEL Attikis routes, each catering to specific destinations in the Attica region.
  

  Primary Departure Locations and Routes Served

  1. Nomismatokopeio Metro Station (Blue Line)

  • Routes Served: Rafina, Lavrio, Marathon, Porto Rafti
  • Facilities:
    • Ticket offices for all destinations.
    • Limited kiosks offering snacks and essentials.
  • Access:
    • Easily reachable via Metro Line 3 (Blue Line).

  2. Thiseio Area (Green Line)

  • Routes Served: Megara, Nea Peramos, Alepochori, Porto Germeno
  • Facilities:
    • Nearby kiosks and waiting areas.
  • Access:
    • From Thiseio Station on Metro Line 1 (Green Line), a short 180-meter walk leads to the designated bus stop.

  3. Pedion tou Areos (Mavromateon Street)

  • Routes Served: Sounio, Elefsina, Kinetta, Lavrio
  • Facilities:
    • Ticket offices and basic kiosks.
  • Access:
    • Located near Victoria Station on Metro Line 1 (Green Line), a 10-minute walk via Heiden Street to Mavromateon Street.

  Additional Information:

  • KTEL Attikis Main Office:
    • 68 Patission Street and 2 Kotsika Street, Athens 104 34.
  • Contact:
    • Phone: +30 210 880 8000.

International and Long-Distance Bus Services

Athens is also a hub for international routes to major cities across Europe and the Balkans. Buses from operators like FlixBus connect Athens to destinations like Sofia, Tirana, Bucharest, and as far as Amsterdam and Barcelona.

Key Departures

• Karaiskaki Square (Metaxourgio): Main hub for international bus routes, accessible via the Red Metro Line.
• Stops: Some buses also stop at Kifissos Station or Athens Airport.

Facilities and Services at the Bus Stations

Amenities

• Food and Drinks:
  • Limited options include kiosks, cafes, and snack bars.
  • For longer journeys, it’s advisable to pack your own provisions.
• Luggage Storage: Lockers are available at both Kifissos and Liosion for short-term use (~€5/day).
• Parking: Nearby parking is available at Kifissos and Liosion, with fees depending on duration.

Tips for Travelers

1. Arrive Early: Arrive 30–45 minutes before departure to find your bus and check in.
2. Carry Cash: Not all ticket counters or kiosks accept credit cards.
3. Check Routes Carefully: Routes are region-specific; make sure you know whether your bus departs from Kifissos, Liosion, or KTEL Attikis.
4. Plan for Limited Amenities: Food and shopping options are minimal, so stock up before arriving.

Future of Athens Bus Travel: New Central Station

By 2025, Athens plans to consolidate all intercity bus operations into a new central terminal in the Egaleo district. This modern facility will streamline travel and serve as a single hub for all KTEL routes, making it even easier to explore Greece by bus.

Popular Routes from Athens

Domestic Routes

• Athens to Thessaloniki:
  • ~6 hours, multiple departures daily from Kifissos.
• Athens to Patras:
  • ~3 hours, frequent service from Kifissos.
• Athens to Delphi:
  • ~3 hours, departures from Liosion.

Experience Greece Through Its Roads

Athens’ intercity bus system provides more than just transportation—it offers a window into the country’s diverse landscapes and vibrant regional cultures. Whether you’re heading to the sun-soaked Peloponnese, the serene monasteries of Meteora, or the bustling streets of Thessaloniki, Athens’ bus hubs connect you to every corner of Greece.

Start your journey at Athens’ intercity bus stations and uncover the stories waiting in every destination.