Meteora, with its iconic monasteries precariously balanced on the top of limestone rock pillars, is one of the most spectacular sights in Greece. It attracts visitors from all over the world and Meteora is most often travelled to from Athens and Thessaloniki. Read on for more details on how to get to Meteora from Athens and Thessaloniki by both train and bus.
Where To Stay in Meteora
- Hotel Doupiani House: We stayed in this boutique size hotel close to the monasteries with great views, lovely rooms and a delicious breakfast. Check the prices here.
- Hotel Meteora: for both its views and gorgeous swimming pool situated under the backdrop of the monasteries. There’s nothing better than jumping into a pool after a hard day hiking! Check the latest prices here.
- Grand Hotel Meteora: We loved the very new Grand Hotel Meteora for its stunning views. Check the prices here.
How to get from Athens to Meteora
Meteora is serviced by trains and buses from Athens and it is also a relatively easy drive.
To travel from Athens to Meteora by train:
Trains for Meteora leave from the Athens Railway Station, the main train station in Athens, which is also known as Athens Larissa Station. From Athens, take the train to Kalampaka: Kalampaka is the closest train station to the Meteora monasteries and it is the last stop on the train route.
1 | Getting to Athens Larissa Railway Station
- Athens Larissa Station is located on the red line of the Metro
2 | Athens Larissa to Kalampaka, Meteora
The direct train to Meteora leaves at 8:20am and arrives in Kalampaka at 1:18pm, a journey time of 4 hours and 58 minutes. There are also 4 indirect trains with a switch at Palaeofarsalos which leave later in the day – the journey time varies and takes up to 5 hours 20 minutes at its longest.
3 | Kalampaka, Meteora to Athens Larissa
The direct train to Athens takes 4hours and 40minutes: it leaves Kalampaka at 5:32pm and arrives in Athens Larissa at 10:12pm. There is also an earlier indirect train with a switch at Palaeofarsalos which leaves at 5:42am and arrives in Athens 4hours and 41minutes later at 10:23am.
Tickets: available at Train OSE. Tickets purchased in advance are often cheaper and you’re guaranteed a spot on the train in busy periods.
To travel from Athens to Meteora by bus:
Buses depart from Liosion Station in Athens and travel to Trikala, a city near Kalampaka and Meteora.
1 | Getting to Liosion Station
- take the green line towards Kifissia and get off at Kato Patis station
- Liosion bus station is around 1km from Kato Patis station. Either walk or grab a taxi.
2 | Liosion Station to Trikala
- take the bus from Liosion to Trikala
- Buses depart at 7:30am, 10:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 6pm (5pm and 7pm on Friday) and 9pm everyday
- the journey time is 4hours 30minutes
3 | Trikala to Kalmapaka
- take the bus to Kalmapaka
Tickets: KTEL of Trikala SA
How to get from Thessaloniki to Meteora
Meteora is serviced by trains and buses from Thessaloniki and it is also a relatively easy drive.
To travel from Thessaloniki to Meteora by train:
Trains from Thessaloniki leave from the Neos Sidirodromikos Stathmos, the New Railway Station. From Thessalonki, take the train to Kalampaka: Kalampaka is the closest train station to the Meteora monasteries and it is the last stop on the train route.
1 | Getting to Thessaloniki New Railway Station
- Thessaloniki does not have a metro so you will need to walk or take a taxi or bus to the New Railway station.
2 | Thessaloniki New Railway Station to Kalampaka, Meteora
All trains from Thessaloniki to Kalampaka switch at Palaeofarsalos – the journey time varies with the quickest option taking 2hours 42minutes. The first train leaves at 5:13am and arrives in Kalampaka at 7:52am.
3 | Kalampaka, Meteora to Thessaloniki New Railway Station
The direct train to Thessaloniki takes 3hours and 5minutes: it leaves Kalampaka at 8:19am and arrives in Athens Larissa at 11:24am. There are also indirect trains with a switch at Palaeofarsalos.
Tickets: available at Train OSE. Tickets purchased in advance are often cheaper and you’re guaranteed a spot on the train in busy periods.
To travel from Thessaloniki to Meteora by bus:
Buses depart from Thessaloniki Bus Station and travel to Trikala, a city near Kalampaka and Meteora.
1 | Getting to Thessaloniki Bus Station
- take buses 1, 8, 12, 45, 80, 81, 82A, 82B, 82E, 82K, 89A and 89B or 78 from the airport
2 | Thessaloniki Bus Station to Trikala
- take the bus from Thessaloniki to Trikala
- Buses depart at 8:30am, 12pm, 3pm, 5:30pm and 9pm everyday
- the journey time is 2hours 30minutes
3 | Trikala to Kalmapaka
- take the bus to Kalmapaka
Tickets: KTEL of Trikala SA