Trikala, a vibrant and bike-friendly city in Thessaly, makes for a great escape from the capital, whether you’re visiting Meteora or exploring northern Greece. It’s connected to Athens by both bus and train, with regular departures throughout the day. Travel time is 4–5 hours. The train is usually more comfortable and scenic, but often a bit slower and less reliable than the bus. The bus, on the other hand, might be quicker depending on traffic and also offers direct onward connections to Kalambaka and Meteora. Below you’ll find all you need to know about getting from Athens to Trikala by bus or train. Or, if you’d rather travel in comfort with door-to-door service, you can book a private transfer here.
Affiliation disclosure: By purchasing goods or services via the links contained in this post, I may be earning a small commission from the seller's profit, without you being charged any extra penny. You will be thus greatly helping me to maintain and keep enriching this website. Thanks!
Athens to Trikala by Bus
Buses to Trikala 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. City bus X93 from the airport also stops at Liosion Bus Terminal.
At the time of writing (May 2025), six buses depart daily at 06:30, 10:00, 13:30, 15:30, 18:30, and 21:00. The earliest one does not run on Sundays. Check the bus company’s website for possible updated schedules.
Tickets to Trikala cost €31 one-way or €54 return. Groups of three or more people get a discount. You can buy them at the station ticket counter or, if seats are available, directly on the bus. Online booking may also be possible, when their site works, here.
The bus drops you off at Trikala KTEL Station (location) in the city center. Buses from Trikala also continue toward Kalambaka and Meteora.
Athens to Trikala by train
Trains for Trikala depart from Athens’ central railway hub—Larissa Station (location)—easily reachable via the red metro line.
At the time of writing (May 2025), there are four trains daily at 07:58, 10:58, 14:58, and 17:58. They take you to Paleofarsala, where you change onto a bus for the rest of the trip. The total cost is €26.90. You can purchase the tickets at the station or online here.
Recommended Accommodations in Trikala
Splurge: Ananti City Resort — Overlooking Trikala from a nearby hilltop, this upscale resort offers spa services, an infinity pool, and panoramic views of the Thessalian plain. Rooms are stylish and come with large windows, air conditioning, and modern amenities. The rooftop restaurant is a bonus for sunsets and fine dining.
Comfort: Gallery Art Hotel — A cozy, mid-range option in a quiet part of the city, just a short walk from the river and Trikala’s pedestrian center. Rooms are modern and feature all essentials, including air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included.
Save: Trikala River House — A budget-friendly guesthouse in a peaceful riverside neighborhood. The rooms are simple but clean and well-equipped, with shared kitchen facilities and free Wi-Fi. Great for budget travelers or anyone seeking a more local feel.
Explore more places to stay on the map below:
Stay22 is a handy tool that lets you search for and compare stays and experiences across multiple platforms on the same neat, interactive map. Hover over the listings to see the details. Click on the top-right settings icon to adjust your preferences; switch between hotels, experiences, or restaurants; and activate clever map overlays displaying information like transit lines or concentrations of sights. Click on the Show List button for the listings to appear in a list format. Booking via this map, I will be earning a small cut of the platform's profit without you being charged any extra penny. You will be thus greatly helping me to maintain and keep enriching this website. Thanks!
