New ETR trains offer an exciting journey from Athens to Thessaloniki

A unique comfort experience

Many factors make traveling from Athens to Thessaloniki exciting with the new ETR trains. However, comfort clearly stands out among them and is ensured above all by the thoughtful structure of the trains in 9 wagons: three first class carriages (class A), five economy class carriages (class B) and one carriage which serves as a restaurant and bar. The capacity offers capacity to carry 475 passengers.

Travelers will enjoy a unique travel experience thanks to the new ETR trains comfortable and relaxing seatsseating area with coffee table (lounge) for families and groups and outlets everywhere, while first class passengers get complimentary coffee/soft drinks, water and snacks. In addition, thanks to the improved services offered, specialized personnel take over disabled access/AMK people in stations and on trains. In addition, it is possible to transport small animals without financial burden (for large animals there are costs except for only guide dogs).

Finally, another improved service concerns baggage. In particular, in addition to the luggage spaces inside the trains, passengers have the possibility storage of hand luggage in special lockers -both at Athens and Thessaloniki stations, as well as at Larissa station.

Routes, timetables and information

The Athens-Thessaloniki route with the new ETR trains is improved thanks to the special care given to routes, timetables and information. The objective set, as underlined Theodoros Tolias – director of passenger transport at TRAINOSE – was every 2 hours there is a trip in each direction. Variety provided by the increase in the number of pairs of trains running per day.

This is of course also a very important parameter the precision of the travel times. The first morning route departs from Athens on 07:22makes an intermediate stop in Larissa at 09:58 and arrives in Thessaloniki at 11:20. The next ETR470 route departs from Athens on 17:22. The stop in Larissa is at 8:00 p.m., while the arrival at Thessaloniki station at 21:21. Accordingly, the first morning route from Thessaloniki departs at 07:08 with an intermediate stop in Larissa at 08:09 am and arrival at Athens station at 11:03. The next route from Thessaloniki departs on 17:08 with a stop in Larissa at 6:08 p.m. and an arrival in Athens at 21:04.

At the same time, care has also been taken to minimize the waiting time, as well the planned stop for Larissa will last only 2 minutes. Finally, concerning the information of the traveling public, it was decided that it should be continuous – not only on the docksbut also on the trains themselves, Going through filter where everything about the trip will be written. In order to further strengthen it, in fact, it also began to work telephone service line exclusively for ETR trains. Those interested can therefore call 213 012 1010 (local rate) from Monday to Sunday, from 08:00 to 20:00.

All these details articulate a train journey unlike any we’ve ever experienced. Which not only reduces the transit time from Athens to Thessaloniki, but also transforms the overall experience giving it exciting new dimensions.