Metro & Local Buses Thessaloniki – Tickets
Integrated Travel: The New Thessaloniki Metro (2026) & Local bus
As of early 2026, Thessaloniki’s Metro is fully operational and seamlessly integrated with the city’s bus network. This means you can explore the city using a single, unified ticketing system. Whether you are heading to the Upper Town by bus or zipping across town on the underground, getting around has never been easier.
Ticket prices
The Thessaloniki Transport Authority (OSETH) has standardized fares across both the metro and OASTH buses. Whether you prefer digital convenience or a physical ticket, you have several options:
- Single Integrated Ticket: €0.60 (Valid for 70 minutes with unlimited transfers between the metro and buses).
- 10+1 Bundle: €5.80 (Load 10 journeys onto your ThessTicket and get the 11th for free).
- 24-Hour All-Access Pass: €2.50 (The best value for a full day of sightseeing, excluding special lines).
- ThessCard: If you plan to stay in the city for a week or more, consider getting this personalized plastic card for easy reloading and long-term passes.
- Special Lines: Note that the Airport Express (01X/01N) and the Cultural Route (50) still require a special €2.00 ticket.
Tickets & Where to Buy Them
By 2026, Thessaloniki has phased out traditional paper tickets in favor of rechargeable electronic options:
- ThessTicket: This is a paper-based but electronic rechargeable ticket. You can buy it at any metro station vending machine or OASTH Ticket Kiosk. Look for these blue booths at major hubs like Aristotelous Square, the Railway Station, or near the White Tower. These kiosks accept both cash and cards.
- On-Board Vending Machines: Most buses feature automated machines. Note that these typically require exact change in coins and do not provide change.
- Contactless “Tap2Ride”: In 2026, many buses now allow you to simply tap your contactless credit card or smartphone on the validator when you board.
- The OASTH App: For the most seamless experience, buy and store your QR-code tickets directly on your phone.
Tip: Always validate your ticket immediately upon boarding at the orange or yellow machines to avoid heavy fines. If you use a paper ticket, ensure the machine stamps it correctly!
We have experienced difficulty scanning the QR-code tickets on our phones at the machines. We always inform the driver about this, so we won’t get fined!
Tips for a Smooth Journey
Getting around Thessaloniki by bus and metro is highly affordable, but planning your route through official channels can be frustrating. The official websites for the bus network (OASTH) and the metro are notoriously confusing, outdated, and difficult for visitors to navigate.
To save time and avoid getting lost, we strongly recommend bypassing the official sites entirely. Instead, use Google Maps or the Moovit app on your smartphone. Both apps are fully integrated with Thessaloniki’s transit data, offer reliable step-by-step directions, and provide much more accurate, user-friendly routing than the local transit platforms.
Moovit App
- Android Link (Google Play)
- iOS Link (Apple App Store)
- View the desktop planner on the Moovit Web Site.
Essential Metro Station Museums for Sightseeing
- Agia Sofia Station: Use this stop to reach the Metropolitan Church of Saint Gregory Palamas or to start your shopping spree on Tsimiski Street.
- Venizelou Station: A “must-visit” in itself, this station doubles as an open-air museum showcasing the Byzantine highway discovered during construction.
Railway Station Thessaloniki
New Railway Station (S.S. Stathmos): The main hub connecting the metro to national trains and many bus lines. This is the start of the metro line in Thessaloniki.
