Thessaloniki Airport, officially named Makedonia Airport, serves as a key gateway to Greece’s second-largest city and the scenic Chalkidiki region. Located 13 kilometres southeast of Thessaloniki’s city centre in Thermi, the airport is easily accessible by multiple transport options. Public buses, including OASTH lines 1X (day) and 1N (night), connect the airport to the city centre, railway station, and KTEL Makedonia bus terminal in 40–50 minutes for £1.80, with departures every 30 minutes. Line 79 links to the IKEA transfer point for eastern destinations. Tickets are available from vending machines on board or at the terminal’s ticket booth.
Taxis, available 24/7 outside the arrivals hall, reach the city in 25–30 minutes for £20–£30, with fares doubling between midnight and 5:00 am. Car rentals from Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Sixt are located on the ground floor, though off-site vehicle pick-up may require a short shuttle ride. For passengers with mobility needs, assistance is available if booked 48 hours in advance, with ramps and lifts ensuring accessibility.
The airport features two interconnected terminals, with Terminal 1 handling arrivals and departures and the newer Terminal 2, opened in 2021, adding 28 check-in counters and 12 gates. The ground floor of Terminal 1 hosts arrivals, split into domestic and Schengen areas, while the second floor serves departures, including 34 check-in counters and a small shopping area. The third floor offers dining with runway views, and Terminal 2 enhances capacity with additional gates and facilities. The layout is clear, with a footbridge linking the terminals, though bus-boarding for all flights means a short walk to aircraft, which can be inconvenient in bad weather.
Security queues may extend to 30 minutes during peak summer months, so arriving 2 hours before domestic flights and 2.5 hours before international ones is advisable. Passport control for non-Schengen flights can add 20–40 minutes, particularly for arrivals.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with real-time updates available via Flightradar24 or the airport’s website. Delays may occur due to summer crowds or winter weather, such as fog or strong winds. The airport serves 141 destinations across 58 airlines, including Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, and Lufthansa, with frequent flights to Athens, London, and Berlin. Minimum connection times are around 30–45 minutes, making transfers efficient, though non-Schengen passengers should account for border checks.
Dining and retail options are practical and varied. Terminal 1’s second floor features coffee shops like Everest and FloCafe, open from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, serving sandwiches and salads. Terminal 2’s expanded area includes Café Rosin and a duty-free shop with perfumes and alcohol. The third floor houses two restaurants offering Greek cuisine and runway views, though no 24-hour dining is available. A newsstand and pharmacy provide essentials, but prices can be high, so bringing snacks is a budget-friendly option.
Facilities cater to traveller needs effectively. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, though power outlets are limited, prompting some to share sockets during busy periods. The Skyserv Manolis Andronikos Lounge in Terminal 1, open 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, offers seating and snacks for £30 for economy passengers. A children’s play area is absent, but a mother-and-child room and prayer room are available. Baggage services include lockers and a lost property desk on the ground floor.
Over 2,285 parking spaces, including short-term (P4) and long-term (P6, P7, P8) options, start at £4 per hour, with discounts for pre-booking. Nearby hotels like Iris Hotel, 3.7 kilometres away, suit layovers, as the airport remains open 24/7 but lacks rest zones. Assistance for passengers with reduced mobility is comprehensive, with wheelchairs and staff support.
