How to Get to Chalkidiki from Thessaloniki
― all your transport options, with exact times and costs ―
Getting to Chalkidiki from Thessaloniki is straightforward by car — it's one of the most direct drives in the region, mostly motorway. But there are options for travellers without a vehicle, and a few things worth knowing about traffic in peak season before you leave. Here's everything you need.
By Car
The standard route: from central Thessaloniki, take the E75 motorway south toward Athens. After about 40 km, follow signs to "Χαλκιδική / Chalkidiki" at the Nea Moudania junction. From there, the road splits: left (west) goes to Kassandra, right (east) to Sithonia and Athos. Distances from central Thessaloniki:
| Destination | Distance | Drive time (off-peak) |
|---|---|---|
| Nea Moudania (junction) | 62 km | 50 min |
| Kassandra (Nea Potidaia) | 67 km | 53 min |
| Kassandra (Kallithea) | 86 km | 65 min |
| Sithonia (Nikiti) | 97.5 km | 80 min |
| Sithonia (Neos Marmaras) | 118 km | 98 min |
| Athos (Ouranoupoli) | 130 km | 110 min |
Tolls
There is one toll on the E75 between Thessaloniki and the Chalkidiki junction, at Malgara. Cost: around €2.80 for a standard car. Pay by cash or card. The toll is in both directions.
Peak Season Traffic
On Friday afternoons in July and August, traffic leaving Thessaloniki for Chalkidiki can add 30–60 minutes to your drive. The worst spot is the E75 south of Thessaloniki and the Nea Moudania junction. On Sunday evenings, the same delay applies in reverse. Leave before 14:00 on Fridays to avoid it.
By Bus (KTEL Chalkidikis)
KTEL Chalkidikis runs regular services from Thessaloniki's Macedonia Intercity Bus Terminal to multiple Chalkidiki destinations. In summer, there are departures throughout the day to Kassandra and Sithonia resorts.
- Departures from: Macedonia Bus Terminal, Thessaloniki (Monastiriou area)
- Journey time to Kassandra resorts: approximately 1.5–2 hours depending on stops
- Ticket price: approximately €8–15 one way depending on destination
- Frequency: multiple daily in summer; reduced in winter
Check current schedules and buy tickets at ktel-chalkidikis.gr or at the terminal. Buses can fill up on summer weekends; book a day or two ahead for Friday departures.
By Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi from central Thessaloniki to Kassandra beaches runs approximately €60–90 one way depending on the exact destination and meter rates. To Sithonia: €90–130. Not economical solo but reasonable split between 4 people for a day trip. Uber operates in Thessaloniki but taxis typically have more drivers for longer intercity routes. Negotiate a fixed price before departing.
From Thessaloniki Airport
If you're flying in and heading directly to Chalkidiki, the airport is on the south side of Thessaloniki, already much closer to Chalkidiki than the city centre. A taxi from the airport to Kassandra costs approximately €50–70. By car, take the ring road south then follow Chalkidiki signs — the airport position saves you 20–30 minutes vs starting from central Thessaloniki.
Tips
- Rent a car if at all possible — Chalkidiki is not well-suited to public transport once you're there. The best beaches require a car.
- Fuel up in Thessaloniki or Nea Moudania; petrol stations in southern Sithonia are sparse.
- Google Maps works well for navigation throughout Chalkidiki, including the unpaved access roads to beaches.
