Reaching: Meteora

Air Travel & Transfers

Major Airports

Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG) sits approximately 230 km (143 miles) north of Meteora. Athens International Airport (ATH) is approximately 350 km (217 miles) south.

Airport Services

Standard facilities: car rentals, ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, cafes, Wi-Fi.
Lounges and baggage services available.
Airlines: Major European carriers, Ryanair, Wizz Air. Aegean and Olympic Air for domestic and international.

Transfer Routes

Planning your transfer from the airport to Kalambaka (the town at the base of Meteora) is important.

Airport to Kalambaka

From ATH: Suburban rail to Larissis Station, then direct Hellenic Train. Approx 4-5 hours.
From ATH: X93 express bus to Kifissos, then KTEL long-distance bus to Trikala, then local bus to Kalambaka. Longer.
Car Rental: Available at both ATH and SKG. Drive approx 4-5 hours from ATH, 2.5-3 hours from SKG. Tolls apply.

Train Travel

Hellenic Train: Direct service from Athens offers comfort and scenery. Booking in advance is advisable.

Bus Connections

KTEL network: Modern, reliable buses. Often change in Trikala. More frequent departures from some locations.

Self-Drive

International Driving Permit for non-EU citizens. Highways are well-maintained, but winding roads near monasteries.

Driving Details

Driving Requirements

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally necessary for non-EU citizens alongside their valid national driving license.
Most rental car companies require a credit card for deposit purposes.
The minimum age for renting is usually 21-23, and young driver surcharges may apply.
Consider a travel GPS device or a reliable smartphone navigation app with offline maps downloaded.

Road & Safety

Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
Speed limits are enforced.
Be aware of local driving habits, which may differ. Exercise caution and maintain safe distances.
Parking lots are available at each monastery, though they can fill up quickly during peak season.

Rental Vehicle Comparison

Car Rental

Available from international chains and local agencies in Kalambaka. Typical price range €30-€70 per day (excluding fuel/insurance). DiscoverCars.com offers competitive rates.

Motorcycle/Scooter

These are available for rent in Kalambaka. A valid motorcycle license is necessary for motorcycles. Helmets are mandatory.

Bicycle Rental

Bicycle rental shops operate in Kalambaka and Kastraki. Roads around Meteora can be hilly, making electric bicycles a good choice for easier climbs.

Departure Logistics

Sea/River Travel Note

Meteora is an inland destination. Direct sea or river access to the monasteries is not applicable.

Post-Ferry Travel

Travelers arriving by ferry (e.g., from Italy or Greek islands) still need land transportation.
Use train, bus, or car from your disembarkation port to reach Meteora.
This applies to any water-based arrival point in Greece when heading to Meteora.

Departure Information

There are no specific exit fees or taxes that travelers pay when departing Greece from its airports or land borders. Any applicable taxes are usually included in your flight or ticket price.

Timing Your Departure

Train or Bus Departures from Kalambaka: Arrive at the station at least 15-30 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
Airport Departures: Allow 2-3 hours for international flights and 1.5-2 hours for domestic flights.
Factor in travel time from Kalambaka to the airport, which can be 3-5 hours depending on transport.
Always check your airline's specific recommendations for arrival times at the airport.

Departure Checklist

Passport and all visa/ETIAS documentation ready.
Boarding passes or e-tickets accessible.
Check luggage allowances and restrictions before packing.

Any remaining local currency, plan for airport purchases.
Phone charged, essential contacts saved.
Familiarity with your route to the departure point.

Traveler's Final Tip

Careful planning of arrival and departure logistics ensures a smooth and stress-free journey to and from Meteora.

Reaching Meteora