Rental car desks at Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia (SKG) are Car rental desks are in the arrivals hall of the main terminal, to the left after exiting baggage reclaim. The rental car park is in the parking area directly outside the terminal, a 3-minute walk.. Major companies include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt. The fastest transfer to Thessaloniki is by OASTH Bus (01X) (40 minutes).
Car rental desks are in the arrivals hall of the main terminal, to the left after exiting baggage reclaim. The rental car park is in the parking area directly outside the terminal, a 3-minute walk.
Book your rental car at SKG at least 2-3 weeks ahead for the best prices, especially during summer.
Compare prices from all companies at SKG to find the best deal:
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| Transport | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| OASTH Bus (01X) | 40 minutes | EUR 2 | Express bus to KTEL bus station and Thessaloniki city center |
| Taxi | 20-30 minutes | EUR 20-25 | Metered fare; flat rate at night (EUR 30) |
| Bus (78/78N) | 50 minutes | EUR 1.50 | Regular bus to Thessaloniki center; 78N runs overnight |
| Private Transfer | 20 minutes | EUR 25-35 | Pre-booked transfers to city or Halkidiki resorts |
Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia is Greece's second-busiest airport, located 15 km southeast of Thessaloniki city center on the Thermaic Gulf. It handles over 8 million passengers and serves as the main airport for northern Greece and the popular Halkidiki beach peninsula.
Renting a car at Thessaloniki gives you access to an extraordinary range of destinations in northern Greece. The monasteries of Meteora — perched on impossible sandstone pillars — are 2.5 hours west. The ancient capital of Vergina (burial site of Philip II of Macedon) is 1 hour southwest. The three-fingered Halkidiki peninsula, with some of Greece's best beaches and the monastic republic of Mount Athos, is 1-2 hours southeast.
Northern Greece is less visited than the islands and Athens, which means quieter roads, lower prices, and a more authentic experience. The E75 motorway runs south toward Athens, the Egnatia Odos crosses northern Greece east to west, and the road network is generally good, though mountain roads in the Pindus range require careful driving.
The first finger (Kassandra) starts about 60 km southeast (1 hour). The second finger (Sithonia) is 1.5 hours, and the third finger (Mount Athos — men only, permit required) is 2 hours.
Yes, Meteora is about 230 km west (2.5 hours each way). It makes a long but rewarding day trip. Alternatively, stay overnight in Kalambaka for a more relaxed visit.
About 500 km south (5 hours) via the E75 motorway. Tolls total approximately EUR 25 one-way.
The base town of Litochoro is 1.5 hours south of Thessaloniki. You can drive to the Prionia trailhead (1,100m) and hike higher. The summit requires a full day or overnight stay in a mountain refuge.
Country-by-country driving requirements, packing list, and emergency contacts — all in one PDF.
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