Trip to Istanbul

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Train trips found

Trains from Athens to Istanbul

🚂 Embark on a scenic train journey from Athens to Istanbul covering a distance of 1,046 km in approximately 16 hours and 57 minutes with a transfer along the way. 🚌 The first step involves taking a bus from Athens to Thessaloniki, with a travel time of about 5 hours and 30 minutes. Departure is from Station Kifisou and arrival is at Station Makedonia. The agency for this leg of the journey is KTEL Thessalonikis SA. 🌉 The second step includes a bus ride from Thessaloniki to Istanbul, lasting approximately 9 hours and 15 minutes. Departure is from Thessaloniki - BS Mac and arrival is at Istanbul Bus Station. The agency for this part of the trip is Arda Tur.

Where to stay in Istanbul

There are over 4053 hotels to stay in Istanbul. Prices range from $6 per night.

Accomodation
  • There are two main companies that provide train routes from Athens to Istanbul. For Route 1, travelers will need to take a bus from Athens to Thessaloniki with KTEL Thessalonikis SA, and then transfer to another bus operated by Arda Tur to reach Istanbul. This journey takes approximately 16 hours and 57 minutes covering a distance of 1,046 km. For Route 2, passengers can take a direct bus with Arda Tur from Piraeus in Athens to Istanbul, which takes around 15 hours and 30 minutes to cover the 947 km distance.
  • The fastest train route between Athens and Istanbul is Route 2, which takes approximately 16 hours and 17 minutes to reach Istanbul covering a distance of 947 km. This route involves a direct bus journey from Piraeus in Athens to Istanbul Bus Station with Arda Tur. On the other hand, Route 1, while slightly longer at 16 hours and 57 minutes, requires a transfer in Thessaloniki, adding to the overall travel time.
  • There are two main train routes available between Athens and Istanbul. Each route consists of a combination of bus journeys operated by KTEL Thessalonikis SA and Arda Tur. Route 1 involves a transfer in Thessaloniki, while Route 2 offers a direct bus journey from either Athens or Piraeus to Istanbul Bus Station. Both routes provide travelers with options to journey from Athens to Istanbul by train.
  • The first train departing from Athens to Istanbul takes around 5 hours and 30 minutes to reach Thessaloniki as per Route 1 provided through KTEL Thessalonikis SA. The last train involved in the journey to Istanbul departs from Thessaloniki to Istanbul, taking about 9 hours and 15 minutes with Arda Tur. For Route 2, the only step is a direct bus from Piraeus to Istanbul lasting approximately 15 hours and 30 minutes with the last bus departing in the evening to arrive at Istanbul Bus Station.
  • There are no direct train trips available between Athens and Istanbul. Both Route 1 and Route 2 involve bus transfers to reach Istanbul from Athens, with Route 1 requiring a transfer in Thessaloniki and Route 2 offering a direct bus from Piraeus to Istanbul. Travelers should plan for the bus journey itinerary as there are no direct train connections between these two cities.

Will you be returning to Athens by train?

If you are looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Istanbul to Athens

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