How to Travel to Meteora
Travel to Meteora is easier than ever, with excellent transport links from Athens, Thessaloniki, and most other regions of Greece. Whether planning a day trip or a multi-day getaway, reaching this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site is simple, fast, and flexible.
Located in the heart of mainland Greece, Meteora enjoys short travel times from many of the country’s largest cities and tourist hotspots. Its central position makes it a perfect base not only for exploring the awe-inspiring monasteries but also for day trips to top destinations like Mount Olympus, Delphi, Pelion, and Volos.
You can travel to Meteora by train, intercity bus, private car, or a combination of these options. Each method offers its own advantages—comfort, scenic routes, flexibility—and caters to different travel styles and budgets.
To help you plan your journey in detail, below we include all the essential travel information you’ll need to travel to Meteora.
Travel by Train
Trains are more energy-efficient per passenger mile than planes or cars, making them one of the most eco-friendly transportation. Meteora is a destination connected to Athens and Thessaloniki via train, making it easier to travel to Meteora.
Travel by Bus
It’s always a bit confusing to find the proper public bus around Greece simply because every prefecture of Greece has its own private bus company. This bus company for Meteora is known as the KTEL Trikalon. Whenever you see (KTEL) this means that you are dealing with one of many such bus companies around Greece. Check the interactive map for buses you most likely need to organize a bus trip to Meteora and around.
Travel by Car
Only a decade ago to travel to Meteora and around Greece by car it will be an adventure on its own. Nowadays Greece has managed to efficiently connect the different places by overcoming the obstacle of the mountainous terrain through constructing a modern highway system implementing numerous tunnels and gorge bridges. Drivers now can also use GPS to navigate easily from point to point. Check the interactive map to have a first look at the main routes.
Travel from Athens
Athens is the capital of Greece and from it, you have plenty of options to travel to Meteora. Thanks to the Metro system getting a train to Meteora is most probably the easiest way to go. No matter where you are, there will be a metro station nearby and once you are in there, getting to the train station is easy as pie.
Travel from Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki on the north lies some 230 km away from Kalambaka and Meteora and it takes just 2 ½ hours to travel that distance with busses, trains or with a private car. There are 2 main routes to reach Meteora from Thessaloniki. The first seaside route is via Katerini-Larissa-Trikala (E75 road). The second is through Egnatia road (E90) through Veria-Kozani-Grevena. The E90 route is considered to be easier with a modern highway in most part and an hour shorter in time while the distance remains the same for both available routes.
Find Tours From Athens, Delphi or Thessaloniki
2-Day Meteora Tour from Athens 198 reviews
Let us take care of transportation and hotels as you enjoy the hidden gems of Meteora.
3-Day Meteora and Delphi Tour from Athens 160 reviews
Visit 2 of the most important sites of mainland Greece, Meteora, and Delphi, hustle-free!
Two Days Tour to Meteora from Thessaloniki 53 reviews
Discover the beauty and the history of the Meteora Monasteries.FAQ: How to Travel to Meteora and Make the Most of Your Visit
What is the easiest way to travel from Athens to Meteora?
Under normal conditions, the train from Athens to Kalambaka is a scenic and popular choice. However, due to ongoing disruptions caused by Storm Daniel, direct trains are currently not operating.
🚍 For a stress-free alternative, we offer a top-rated Day Trip from Athens to Meteora by bus — including round-trip transportation, expert local guides, and all logistics handled. It’s the safest and most convenient way to experience Meteora in one day.
Can I drive from Athens or Delphi to Meteora?
Yes! Driving gives you flexibility and takes about 4.5 hours from Athens or 3 hours from Delphi. Be prepared for mountain roads and parking challenges near the monasteries.
🚐 Prefer to sit back and enjoy the ride? Our Private Transfers and multi-day tour packages let you travel in comfort with local experts.
What’s the best way to explore Meteora once I’m there?
Walking is possible, but distances between monasteries can be long and uphill. Taxis are available but expensive.
🚍 The best option? Our guided Sightseeing Tours take you to 4+ monasteries, panoramic viewpoints, and even the hidden hermit caves — all in one smooth itinerary.
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