How to Travel to Greece From the UK

EU citizens need only present their passport or national ID card with Latin characters to enter Greece; non-EU nationals should contact their embassy or consulate to determine visa requirements before travelling.

May to October are ideal times to travel in Greece as this is outside the tourist season and all of its main attractions remain open with more affordable rates available.

Flights

Mid-July to August is traditionally the peak summer travel period to Greece and accommodation rates and ferry costs can skyrocket, leaving few inexpensive flights. June and September offer better deals but may still prove challenging when making arrangements.

Domestic internal flights between the mainland and islands are frequent but may not always be the cheapest solution. Ferries run to most of the larger islands while local providers serve smaller ones.

Buses are plentiful, affordable, and reliable transportation in cities; on islands they may be less frequent but remain safe and convenient. Taxis are abundant both on the mainland and islands with most drivers speaking English fluently, driving on the right-hand side and adhering to European driving standards.

Trains

Plane travel is by far the fastest and simplest method of traveling around Greece, with several international airports throughout its various islands such as Santorini and Mykonos allowing convenient international connections as well as domestic services that are popular during tourist season.

Train travel is an ideal solution for long journeys, offering comfortable 1st and 2nd class seats as well as a cafe car offering complimentary meals (if travelling 2nd class). A journey between Athens or Larissa and Thessaloniki typically takes four hours.

KTEL provides both long-distance services and local buses; taxis are widely available within urban areas. As is common throughout Europe, drivers must possess both a valid driving license and insurance coverage, in addition to proof of identity or ownership if driving someone else’s vehicle.

Ferries

An extensive ferry network connects Piraeus and the Saronic Gulf with major Greek islands. High-speed catamarans offer fast travel times but may incur higher costs, while regular ferries tend to take longer but are cheaper options.

Car rental is an efficient way of traversing Greece’s countryside and smaller towns, but be sure to plan in advance and confirm your driver’s license is still valid; otherwise you may purchase an international driving permit through most car rental services.

Most cities and towns provide daily bus service, while smaller villages may only receive one service per week. Since many services are operated by private operators, their schedules may differ significantly; busses can sometimes become overcrowded so allow yourself plenty of time when boarding them; peak travel season typically coincides with higher fares and accommodation rates.

Buses

In peak summer months it is possible to fly directly into some of Greece’s main cities and islands; otherwise a bus or train ride into Athens may be necessary before connecting ferries provide access to larger Greek islands.

Minivan transfers are an increasingly popular way for private tours across Greece’s mainland, such as excursions to Epidaurus, Olympia, Nafplion and Delphi. Furthermore, minivans offer convenient transport solutions when reaching more distant ancient sites on some of Greece’s smaller islands where public transport may not reach.

Make sure that your trip to Greece includes Covid-19 cover. Booking it early will ensure the most cost-effective policies; shoulder season travel can often offer cheaper fares and accommodations than July and August travel.

Taxis

Greece offers enough attractions and charms to keep visitors coming back, whether that means gazing upon Athens’ Acropolis, watching baby turtles scurry away into the ocean on Zante’s beaches or sipping whiskey in an art gallery setting. But how best can one navigate their way around Greece?

At Greece’s railway system may not be as advanced as in other European nations, yet it still offers an affordable and easy way to explore. Trains are relatively comfortable; further enhancing your experience are some built on ancient sites built onto them!

Renting a car may also be an option within Athens; however, many island ports don’t permit cars and bus services may be limited during off-peak seasons. Railbookers offers expert trip planning with all your ferry and train travel arranged seamlessly – offering hassle-free travel arrangements for Greece trips of any length and type.