Getting to Halkidiki | Airport Transfers, KTEL Bus & Car Rentals 2026

Getting to Halkidiki: The Complete 2026 Transportation Guide

Your step-by-step manual for airport transfers, bus schedules, and car rentals to reach paradise.

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Halkidiki is a vast region, and while it feels like an island paradise, it is firmly attached to the Greek mainland. Most journeys begin at the gateway of Northern Greece: Thessaloniki. Whether you are landing at the airport or arriving by train, knowing your transport options is the first step to a stress-free vacation. In this guide, we break down how to reach the three peninsulas—Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos—using every available means of transport.

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1. Arriving by Air: Thessaloniki Airport (SKG)

The Thessaloniki Airport "Makedonia" (SKG) is the closest international airport to Halkidiki. It is modern, easy to navigate, and located on the south side of the city, making it perfectly positioned for a quick exit toward the peninsulas.

Airport Transfers & Taxis

If you haven't pre-booked a car, taxis are available 24/7 outside the arrivals terminal. However, for a guaranteed price and a professional driver, we highly recommend Private Transfers.

• Estimated Travel Times: To Kassandra (45-60 mins), To Sithonia (75-90 mins), To Ouranoupoli (100-120 mins).
• Cost: Prices typically range from €80 to €150 depending on your final destination and the number of passengers.

💡 Pro Tip: Always confirm the price before getting into a taxi if you haven't booked a fixed-rate transfer online. For groups of 4 or more, booking a private minivan is often cheaper than taking two separate taxis.

2. Car Rentals: The Key to Freedom

We cannot stress this enough: Halkidiki is best explored by car. While buses exist, many of the most beautiful spots we feature on Halkidiki Vibes, such as Kavourotrypes or the "Myti" of Poseidi, are difficult or impossible to reach by public transport.

Why Rent a Car?

• Flexibility: Stay at a beach as long as you want without checking the clock for the last bus.
• Hidden Gems: Access mountain villages like Arnaia where bus routes are less frequent.
• Cost-Effective: For families or groups of four, a rental car often costs less per day than multiple transfer tickets.

Rental Tips for 2026

For the summer of 2026, demand is expected to be high. We recommend booking your vehicle at least 3 months in advance. Most major international agencies (Hertz, Avis, Sixt) operate at the airport, but local agencies often provide competitive rates and more personalized service.

3. KTEL Halkidiki: The Public Bus Network

If you are a budget traveler or solo adventurer, the KTEL Halkidiki bus system is your best friend. It is reliable, modern, and connects Thessaloniki with almost every major village in the region.

Important: The KTEL Station Location

Please note that the buses for Halkidiki do not leave from the main Thessaloniki Intercity Bus Station (Macedonia Station). They depart from a dedicated KTEL Halkidiki Station located on the road to Polygyros (9th km Thessaloniki-Thermi).

How to get to the KTEL Station from the Airport:

• Take Bus No. 79 from the airport to the "A.S. IKEA" station, and then switch to Bus No. 36 which takes you directly to the KTEL Halkidiki station.
• Alternatively, a taxi from the airport to the KTEL station takes about 10-15 minutes and costs roughly €15-20.

📅 Timetables: Bus schedules change between the "Winter" and "Summer" seasons. Always check the official KTEL Halkidiki Website for live updates before your journey.

4. Traveling Between the "Legs"

A common mistake travelers make is thinking it's easy to move from Kassandra to Sithonia. There is no coastal road connecting the peninsulas. To go from one to the other, you usually have to drive back up towards the "hub" of Polygyros or Nea Moudania and then back down the other side.

• Kassandra to Sithonia: Approx. 1 hour drive.
• Sithonia to Athos/Ouranoupoli: Approx. 1.5 hours drive.

5. Reaching the Holy Mountain (Athos)

For those heading to the third peninsula, your main destination will be Ouranoupoli. From there, pilgrims take the ferry to the monasteries, while tourists can take "Mount Athos Cruises" to see the architecture from the sea. The drive from Thessaloniki is about 120km and takes nearly 2 hours through a scenic mountain road.

6. Summary Checklist for Your Arrival

1. Pre-book your car: Especially for July/August.
2. Download Offline Maps: Signal can be spotty in the mountainous parts of Sithonia.
3. Check the "Friday Traffic": If arriving on a Friday afternoon, allow extra time for traffic leaving Thessaloniki.
4. Have Euros: Bus tickets and small tolls are best paid in cash.

Halkidiki Vibes Transport Rating

🚗 Best Way to Explore: Rental Car

🚌 Best for Budget: KTEL Bus

"The journey is part of the experience. Enjoy the olive groves and the sea views!"