Transport in Greece: what actually matters to know

From real experience

• Travelers report that charter flights carry higher risks of unnotified cancellations. For complex routes (e.g., via Istanbul), booking a single ticket (e.g., Turkish Airlines + Aegean) is preferred for baggage through-check and protection against delays. Low-cost carriers like Pegasus are cheaper but offer minimal comfort and services. Note: ferry routes (Bodrum-Kos, Marmaris-Rhodes) remain viable contingency options.
• For exploring Mykonos, especially for island-wide travel and excursions to Delos and Milos, renting a car or quad bike is recommended for convenience and flexibility. The main town is walkable. Public transport is available, but may not cover all areas efficiently. Taxis are an option, but can be costly. Consider transport needs for airport transfers to the hotel.
• Prices for travel services like ferry tickets (e.g., Patras-Bari) and hotel bookings can exhibit significant dynamic variations (up to 30%) based on the geographic location of the purchase (e.g., buying from Moscow versus Greece). This applies even for identical dates, passengers, and vehicle types on official websites. Travelers are advised to compare prices from different locations, at various times, and potentially using a VPN. If a substantial price difference is found, consider canceling the original purchase (often with a small penalty, e.g., 5%) and re-booking at the lower price.
• Public transport from Rhodes city center to the airport: use the blue and white buses departing near Hondos Center. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the green booth near the stop; onboard payment is not available.
• When renting ATVs or motorcycles in Milos, Greece, standard Russian driving licenses are generally accepted, even without an International Driving Permit (IDP). While having an IDP is recommended, local rental agencies often do not strictly enforce the requirement for non-Greek citizens if they possess a valid national license. Greek citizenship may further simplify the process, though it's always advisable to confirm with the rental company beforehand.
• When booking ferries in Greece, online platforms may not list all available options and often include markups. If your travel schedule is flexible, it's advisable to go directly to the port. This allows for a wider selection of ferries and potentially better prices.
• If flight details change after submitting visa documents, notify the consulate immediately. Email the consulate with the subject line 'Change of flight details, application contract #XXXXX'. Include an explanation of the cancellation/change from the airline/travel agency, and attach the new flight confirmation. If connections are tight, inform airline staff or airport personnel upon arrival for priority handling (short connection).
• Choosing transportation from Athens Airport to the city center: - **Bus X95:** The most recommended option for its direct route to Syntagma Square, ease of access right outside the terminal, and reasonable price (€5.5). The journey takes approximately one hour. - **Train:** An alternative at €9, but may involve longer waiting times. - **Metro:** Accessible but requires a walk and potential transfers. - **Taxi:** The most convenient but significantly more expensive option at around €56.
• Expert assistance is available for relocating pets to and from Greece, including guidance on required documents, flight bookings, vaccination recommendations, and courier delivery services (air or land).
• Renting vehicles in Greece, such as quad bikes, requires a valid driver's license. Rental companies will not provide vehicles without a license. A standard Russian driver's license is generally accepted; international driving permits are typically not mandatory.
• Taxis are readily available at Thessaloniki Airport. Upon exiting the terminal, you will find a taxi stand with a waiting line. Payment is typically in cash. While ride-sharing apps like Freenow operate, taking a taxi directly from the airport queue is convenient and generally comparable in price. Hotel transfer services are an option but usually more expensive.
• When booking ferry tickets from Bari to Corfu, use reliable platforms. While Omio can be useful, cross-reference information with the ferry company's official website or consider direct booking with companies like Superfast or Ferryhopper for accurate schedules and direct communication regarding any changes or cancellations.
• For Mykonos, beach clubs and premium venues like Scorpios require advance reservations. Pre-booking sunbeds is essential during high season. Be prepared for deposit requirements at major nightlife spots. Consult local hotel staff for reliable transportation, such as pre-arranged minivans or private drivers.
• For flights with layovers in Turkey, online check-in availability for connecting flights (e.g., Istanbul to Athens) depends on the airline operating the second leg. If it's a codeshare flight operated by a different airline (e.g., Turkish Airlines), in-person check-in at the airport might be necessary. Ensure all necessary visas or travel documents are valid for the entire itinerary to avoid issues during check-in.
• To find ferry routes between Albania and Greece (Saranda-Corfu-Igoumenitsa), use aggregators like Rome2Rio or Ferryhopper for scheduling, but purchase tickets directly from the ferry operator's website to avoid third-party commissions. Prices are generally standardized.
• Recommended itinerary balance: 3-4 days in Milos for beach exploration (e.g., Sarakiniko) and 2-3 days in Santorini. For Santorini, Imerovigli offers a better balance of cost and caldera views compared to Oia. To avoid peak tourist crowds ('cruise ship effect'), visit main hubs like Fira and Oia early in the morning (pre-11:00 AM) or late at night.
• Port fees for ferries between Turkey and Greece (e.g., Fethiye/Marmaris to Rhodes) vary by operator. Fees may range from 5 to 10 EUR and are either included in the ticket price or payable at the port terminal. Same-day return trips often exempt passengers from the Greek port fee. It is recommended to check the specific ferry company's policy and payment terms.
• Car rental in Crete (e.g., Malia, Stalida) is often cheaper with local companies than major international chains. Many local providers accept non-credit card payments. Full insurance is standard, but in case of an accident, a police report is strictly required to validate coverage. Beach safety is critical: tourists should strictly adhere to warning flags, as rip currents (reverse currents) are common even in seemingly shallow rocky inlets.
• Airlines, including Turkish Airlines, may request physical proof of the payment card used for ticket purchase during check-in or boarding to prevent credit card fraud. Passengers are advised to carry the physical card, a clear photograph of it, or digital transaction confirmation if they paid via a third party or aggregator.
• To get from Athens Airport to the city center, consider the following transport options: - **Bus X95:** Runs to Syntagma Square. Cost is approximately €5.5, and the journey takes about an hour. - **Train:** Connects to Athens city center. The ticket price is around €9, and the travel time is approximately one hour, with trains running every 25-30 minutes. - **Metro:** Accessible but may involve a walk and waiting times. - **Taxi:** The most convenient but also the most expensive option, costing around €56.
• When renting a car in Rhodes, particularly for a stay in Faliraki for 5 days, travelers can choose between local rental agencies and international chains. Local agencies may sometimes offer more competitive pricing or flexible terms, while international chains often provide a wider selection of vehicles and standardized service. It is recommended to compare rates, insurance options, and customer reviews for both types of providers before making a booking. Booking in advance, especially during peak season, is advisable.
• Transport to Rhodes from Dalaman Airport (DLM): Fethiye is more cost-effective than Marmaris. Approximate taxi/shuttle costs: DLM to Fethiye port ~60 TRY, DLM to Marmaris port ~120 TRY. The ferry from Marmaris takes approximately 1 hour. Pre-booking ferry tickets during the high season is highly recommended.
• For ferry travel between Greek islands like Crete and Santorini, especially during peak season (early September), it is advisable to book tickets in advance through platforms like ferries.gr. When choosing accommodation on Santorini, both Fira and Oia offer beautiful views; Oia is described as cozier but can be crowded. For ferry tariffs, baggage is often handled within the cabin for shorter routes.
• To get a taxi from Rhodes Port to your hotel, proceed to the taxi stand located directly at the port. If available, you can also find a phone number displayed on a poster to call for a taxi. Apps are generally not used for booking taxis in this specific location.
• Early morning buses are available from central Athens to Athens International Airport (ATH). The travel time and fare vary depending on the specific bus route and time of day.
• Using hotel bookings solely to obtain a visa for a transit country (e.g., booking a long stay in Athens with immediate plans to fly elsewhere) carries a significant risk of visa rejection or future refusal from that country. Cases where individuals received a visa based on a fabricated long hotel booking and then immediately canceled it and traveled to another country often result in a permanent ban from obtaining further visas from the transit country. It is strongly recommended to provide a genuine travel itinerary and avoid deceptive booking practices.
• When traveling to Greece via Turkey, be aware of border control procedures. Greek passport stamps are less prominent than Turkish ones. Fingerprint scanning is standard. For travel between Istanbul's airport and bus station, especially late at night, verify public transport schedules as metro lines may close. Taxis are an alternative but can be expensive.
• Many car rental companies at Thessaloniki (SKG) airport officially close at 22:00, but some (e.g., Avance) can accommodate late arrivals if pre-arranged. Travelers arriving after 20:00 should contact the rental company directly to confirm their flight details and ensure the desk will remain open.
• Visa applications should request a start date corresponding to the planned entry into the country. Ferry ticket exchange policies are strict; rebooking may be denied due to lack of availability. Some Turkish online booking platforms offer specific insurance policies that cover such eventualities (e.g., ferry ticket exchange due to unforeseen circumstances).
• When visiting Crete, travelers can explore nearby islands. From Heraklion port, one can travel to Anafi and Santorini. From Chania port, the island of Antikythera is accessible. Flights from Sitia port go to Folegandros and Karpathos. Crete itself boasts excellent seas, with many beaches awarded the 'Blue Flag'. Public transportation, including buses, is well-developed on the island, with cities like Heraklion reachable within an hour or slightly more from other locations.
• To purchase ferry or catamaran tickets from Bodrum (Turkey) to Kos (Greece), use platforms like Ferryscanner or check directly with ferry companies. 'Open-time' tickets, which allow flexibility due to potential delays, are uncommon. When arriving in Greece, expect queues at passport control and aim to disembark promptly to expedite the process.
• In Greece, ride-hailing apps are largely absent. Recommendation: Use Google Maps to locate local taxi services in the specific town/region. Contact them via WhatsApp or Viber for bookings. Official airport taxis are regulated and licensed; illegal 'private' cabs are not a common issue.
• Ferry transport from Crete (Heraklion) to Santorini: options include high-speed ferries (approx. 2 hours) and standard ferries (approx. 4 hours). Tickets can be purchased online via portals like Ferries.gr or FerriesinGreece.com.
• Old Greek identity cards lacking a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) will cease to be valid travel documents after August 3, 2026. Citizens must obtain new ID cards or use their passports for international travel.
• Avoid purchasing 'travel cards' advertised in Greece. Information on attractions and navigation is readily available through free resources like Google Maps, which offers offline functionality. These free tools are sufficient for exploring the country.
• If your name on Aegean Airlines tickets appears concatenated with titles like 'MR' or 'MS' (e.g., 'MRJOHN DOE'), this is generally acceptable. Airlines and travel agencies often format names this way. The key is that the name itself is recognizable.
• Travel options from Rhodes Airport to Faliraki include taxis available directly at the airport exit. Private transfers can be booked via platforms like Booking.com, GetTransfer, or KiwiTaxi before arrival.
• Standard Russian domestic driver's licenses (the plastic cards with translations into French/Latin script) are generally accepted for car rental in Greece. International Driving Permits (IDP) are not strictly required, though some rental agencies may prefer them. Old-style Russian paper licenses are not recommended for international use.
• Travel guide for Greek islands: 1. Use high-speed boats (speedboats) for faster transit to islands like Agistri. 2. Renting a car is essential for exploring beyond bus-accessible beaches. 3. Most public beaches are free, but some in the Athens area (Voula, Vouliagmeni) are private/paid. 4. Booking excursions through local agencies is safer than relying on Uber, which is not widely available on smaller islands.
• When arriving in Athens late, compare taxi options. Hotels may offer rides for an extra fee (e.g., €15-€35 for 12 km), citing late hours and driver familiarity. It's often cheaper to use ride-sharing apps like Freenow or take a taxi directly from the airport queue. Nighttime taxi service in central Athens is generally reliable, with cash payment being common.
• Online ride-hailing services like Uber or Free Now are largely unavailable in rural Greece and smaller towns. To arrange transportation: 1. Ask a local shopkeeper or tavern staff to call a taxi. 2. Most local service providers and taxi drivers prefer Viber or Facebook Messenger over WhatsApp. 3. Buses (KTEL) are the primary intercity transport; always check local schedules and bus terminal locations in advance, as they may differ from online mapping service defaults.
• Uber and similar ride-sharing apps have limited availability in Corfu, Greece. For transportation, it is recommended to research and pre-book local taxi services or arrange for rides through your hotel or local tavernas. Google Maps can be useful for finding local taxi contact information.
• There is no requirement to strictly adhere to the initial hotel booking after the visa has been issued. Travelers are permitted to change accommodation or travel within Greece after entry. Visa revocation for such itinerary changes is extremely rare if the traveler has legally entered the country and the initial intent was genuine.
• Hiking the Samaria Gorge requires physical preparation. The total route is approximately 19-23 km. The most challenging descent is the first 5-7 km due to slippery terrain. Recommended for experienced hikers; beginners are advised to start with the Imbros Gorge. Infrastructure includes water points, toilets, and occasional observers for safety.
• Aegean Airlines operates short-haul flights with complimentary snacks and occasional amenities for children. Due to limited overhead bin space, flight crews frequently request passengers to check carry-on bags into the hold voluntarily to expedite boarding.
• Car rental availability at airports and ports in Crete and Santorini during late July is generally good, especially for manual transmission vehicles. While booking in advance is recommended for the best selection and peace of mind, renting directly upon arrival is often feasible. In Iraklio, car rentals were successfully secured on-site.
• When choosing transportation from Athens Airport: - **Bus X95:** Directly accessible outside the airport, runs to Syntagma Square. Tickets can be purchased at a ticket office or machine; cash is not accepted on the bus. - **Metro:** Requires walking and descending to the platform, with potential waiting times. - **Train:** Also provides access to Athens city center and is often considered more comfortable than the metro with fewer passengers. - **Payment:** Bus tickets can be bought with foreign bank cards from machines or ticket sellers. Cash payment on the bus is not accepted.
• A speeding violation (137 km/h in a 120 km/h zone) on the Athens-Lamia highway resulted in a 150 EUR fine. The driver was stopped by traffic police and initially warned of a potential 20-day license suspension. Payment was required at an ELTA post office. Using navigation apps like Waze is recommended to detect speed cameras and police patrols.
• Skopelos is a beautiful Greek island offering peaceful retreats and scenic beauty. While recent weather disruptions affected nearby Skiathos, Skopelos is experiencing improving conditions. Sea water is cool in the mornings, warming by evenings. Jellyfish, though non-venomous, have appeared, particularly on Skiathos. Accommodation options are more plentiful in the main town, with bus access to beaches. Loutraki and Neo Klima are also recommended areas. The island is gaining popularity among Russian tourists.
• For Belarusians planning a car trip to Greece via Turkey, consider the following route options: Serbia offers better roads but involves border crossings. Separate insurance is required for Serbia and North Macedonia, which may need to be arranged remotely. The Romania-Bulgaria route has poorer road conditions and winding roads but offers Schengen borders and fewer additional insurance requirements. Factor in charging infrastructure if traveling by electric vehicle.
• In case of a ferry cancellation causing a Schengen visa overstay, secure official written documentation from the ferry operator and the local Port Authority. Presenting these documents at the border as proof of force majeure is essential to avoid overstay penalties and future visa issues.
• Aegean Airlines strictly enforces carry-on weight (8kg) and quantity limits sporadically. Passengers should be prepared to pay excess baggage fees at the gate if carry-on dimensions or weight exceed the fare limits. Always have a contingency plan to consolidate items.
• According to European Regulation 2019/1157, old Greek ID cards (without machine-readable zones) will no longer be valid for international travel within the EU/Schengen area after August 3, 2026. Travelers must use a valid passport or the new biometric ID card. The old ID remains valid for domestic use within Greece only.
• Public transport tickets for the X95 bus in Athens can be purchased at kiosks/ticket machines located at the bus stop. Payments inside the bus or via the driver are often not possible. Tickets should be validated upon boarding. For taxis, pre-booking 'to-the-time' is recommended for early morning flights to ensure availability.

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