Litochoro is the main access point to Mount Olympus and the default place to stay if you’re heading up the mountain. It’s also technically possible to visit on a very long day trip from Athens if all you want is a brief look at the lower slopes and the town itself, but anything more than that realistically requires staying locally. Below you’ll find all info you need to carry out the trip by either bus or train.
👉 Info about hiking Mount Olympus from Litochoro
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From Athens to Litochoro by Bus
The bus is generally the better option for reaching Litochoro from Athens. It’s usually faster and cheaper than the train—especially if you book a return trip—and drops you off right in the town center.
The trip involves two buses. You first take a long-distance bus to Katerini. This departs from Liosion Bus Terminal (📍map), which can be easily reached from the Kato Patisia or Agios Nikolaos metro stations (Green Line), as well as by the X93 airport bus.
The one-way ticket costs €37, or €55 return, with discounts available for students. Travel time is approximately 5 hours and 10 minutes. You can buy the ticket at the station or—if you are lucky enough to get their dysfunctional site to work—online here.
Below is the timetable at the time of writing (February 2025). You can find the most up-to-date official schedule here.
Athens to Katerini Bus Timetable
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 15:30 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 18:00 | ✓ | ||||||
| 21:00 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
From Katerini, you transfer to a local bus to Litochoro. The ride takes about 25 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs €3. Services are frequent throughout the day, making the connection straightforward even if your long-distance bus is slightly delayed. Here is the official up-to-date schedule.
Katerini to Litochoro Bus Timetable
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:35 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| 08:05 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 09:05 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 10:05 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 12:05 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 13:05 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 14:35 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 16:05 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| 17:05 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 18:05 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 20:35 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Recommended Accommodations in Litochoro:
Splurge: Cavo Olympo Luxury Hotel & Spa
Located just outside town by the sea, this is the most upscale option in the area. It makes sense if you want comfort and quiet after hiking or if you’re pairing Olympus with some downtime on the coast.
Comfort: Olympus Mediterranean Boutique Hotel
A solid mid-range choice in central Litochoro, within easy walking distance of restaurants, shops, and trailheads. Comfortable rooms and a good base for exploring both the mountain and town.
Save: Hotel Olympiades
A straightforward and well-priced hotel in Litochoro, within walking distance of the town center. Rooms are simple but tidy, and it’s a practical choice if your priority is Mount Olympus rather than hotel amenities. Good value for hikers and anyone spending most of their time out on the mountain.
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From Athens to Litochoro by Train
Litochoro can also be reached by train, though the route is less convenient than the bus. All services run toward Thessaloniki, and you get off at Litochoro station, which sits on the coast about 6 km from the town itself. From the station, you’ll need a taxi to reach Litochoro proper; the ride takes around 10 minutes and usually costs €8–10.
At the moment, there are three daily rail options from Athens to Litochoro station, all involving one or more connections. The slowest is a night train with multiple changes, taking 8+ hours and priced at €35.70. During the day, there are two faster routes with a single connection in Larissa, taking roughly 5–6 hours and costing €38.50. Search for routes and book train tickets here.
