Kalambaka—the picturesque gateway town to the world-famous site of the Meteora Monasteries—is easily reachable from Athens by public transport. Several bus and train routes run daily between the cities. As of December 2024, none of them is direct. The train is quicker and slightly cheaper. Below you’ll find detailed information on how to get from Athens to Kalambaka and Meteora by either bus or train. But if you instead prefer a comfortable and affordable private transfer, you can book it here.
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Although it’s possible to complete the round trip in a single day, I advise against it. Meteora is an extensive area with significant distances between the town and the monasteries, as well as among the monasteries themselves. In addition to spending over 10 hours on the road, you would need to rush through Meteora in a taxi. If your schedule is really too tight for an overnight stay, you better join one of these tours. They cost about the same (or less) than tickets plus taxis, offering greater comfort and more time to explore.
Athens to Meteora by train
The trains to Kalambaka depart from Athens’ central Larissa Railway Station (location). The red-line Larissa Station metro station is situated in front of it.
At the time of writing (December 2024), direct connections between Athens and Kalambaka are temporarily suspended. As things stand, the train brings you to Paleofarsala, where you transfer to a bus. Four trains depart daily from Athens at 07:58, 10:58, 14:58, and 17:58. The complete trip takes 5 hours, and a one-way ticket costs €30.90. You can buy it at the station’s booths or online. Go to the train company’s official website for ticket purchases and possible updated schedules.
Athens to Meteora by bus
The buses to Kalambaka depart from Liosion Bus Terminal in Athens (location). The terminal is a 10-minute walk from Kato Patisia or Agios Nikolaos green-line metro stations. Bus X93 from the airport also stops at Liosion Bus Terminal.
At the time of writing (December 2024), there are no direct routes to Kalambaka. You have to change at Trikala. Six buses depart daily at 06:30, 10:00, 13:30, 15:30, 18:30, and 21:00. The 06:30 route is excluded on Sundays. Check for possible updated schedules on the bus company’s official website.
The full ticket to Kalambaka costs €32.50 one-way and €56.50 round-trip. You can buy tickets at the station, on the bus, or online here. The trip takes roughly six hours.
Recommended Accommodations in Kalambaka
Splurge: Divani Meteora Hotel
Located in Kalambaka, Divani Meteora Hotel offers luxurious accommodations with modern amenities, including an outdoor pool, indoor pool, and sauna. Guests can enjoy rooms with wooden floors and verandas, providing stunning views of the Meteora rocks.
Comfort: Hotel Doupiani House
Situated in Kastraki, Hotel Doupiani House provides cozy, well-furnished rooms with free Wi-Fi and balconies offering panoramic views of Meteora. Its proximity to the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas makes it a convenient choice for travelers.
Save: Mythos Guesthouse
Located at the edge of the Old Town of Kalambaka, Mythos Guesthouse offers authentic, simple accommodations with hospitable staff. Guests can enjoy shuttle services and bike rentals, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for exploring Meteora.
Hostel: Meteora Central Hostel
Meteora Central Hostel, located in the heart of Kalambaka, is a budget-friendly option for travelers seeking a communal and social experience. The hostel features shared dorms, a cozy common area, and helpful staff who can assist with planning visits to the Meteora monasteries. Its central location ensures easy access to local restaurants and transportation.
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