Thessaloniki Airport
You’re landing in Thessaloniki and wondering what to expect at the airport. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. As the second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki has an airport to match. We’ll give you the lowdown on navigating the airport, transportation options, and insider tips to make your visit smooth sailing. From the sparkling new terminal to the tasty local food, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about using Thessaloniki Airport in 2024. Get ready for helpful advice to start your Greek adventure off right. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, our guide will make this airport easy and enjoyable.
An Overview of Thessaloniki Airport
Thessaloniki Airport is the second busiest airport in Greece, serving over 6 million passengers annually. Located about 15 kilometres south of Thessaloniki’s city centre, the airport has been undergoing major upgrades and expansion to accommodate increasing traffic.
Terminal Facilities
The airport currently has one main terminal building with 16 gates. The arrivals and departures areas feature a variety of shops and food outlets, as well as lounges for business class passengers. Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal.
Access and Transport
The airport is easily accessible by bus, taxi, and rental car. Bus 78 provides 24-hour service between the airport and city centre. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal, with the ride taking around 20 minutes depending on traffic. Major car rental companies have desks within the terminal, making it convenient to pick up or drop off a vehicle.
Future Developments
A new satellite terminal with additional gates is under construction and expected to open in 2024. This will significantly increase the airport’s capacity, allowing it to handle up to 10 million passengers per year. Plans are also in place to build a direct rail link connecting the airport to Thessaloniki’s main railway station, providing a quick transit option into the city.
Overall, Thessaloniki Airport provides a modern and efficient gateway for visitors to explore Greece’s second-largest city and surrounding regions. With ongoing upgrades, the airport is well poised to meet the needs of this growing tourist destination for years to come.
Navigating Thessaloniki Airport: Arrivals, Departures, Terminals
Thessaloniki Airport is pretty straightforward to navigate. There are two terminals: Terminal A handles domestic flights within Greece, while Terminal B is for international arrivals and departures.
Once you arrive, head to the baggage claim area in your terminal to collect your checked bags. If you only have carry-on luggage, you can proceed directly to the arrivals hall to meet your transportation.
Departing from Thessaloniki
For departing flights, arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time. Check which terminal your airline uses, then proceed to the correct check-in counter to check your bags and get your boarding pass.
After check-in, go through security and passport control, then make your way to the gate listed on your boarding pass. There are many shops and restaurants in both terminals if you have time to spare.
Getting To and From the Airport
The airport is only about 15 minutes from the city center. The easiest ways to get there are by taxi, bus, or train. Taxis are available just outside the arrivals hall of both terminals and cost around 20 euros. Bus 78 runs from the airport to the city center every 30 minutes. Or you can take the suburban rail to Thessaloniki Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi into the city.
Thessaloniki Airport isn’t huge, but following these tips will help you navigate it efficiently when traveling through this historic Greek city. With a little planning, you’ll be enjoying all that Thessaloniki has to offer in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions About Thessaloniki Airport
Will the airport be open 24 hours a day? Yes, Thessaloniki Airport will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means you can arrive or depart at any time of the day or night. However, some airport facilities like shops and restaurants may have more limited hours, especially overnight and early mornings. It’s a good idea to check with your airline regarding check-in counter hours and any recommendations for arriving before your scheduled flight.
How do I get to and from the airport?
Thessaloniki Airport will be located about 9 miles (15 km) southeast of Thessaloniki city center. The easiest ways to get to and from the airport are:
Bus: There will be regular bus service between the airport and Thessaloniki city center. The bus trip should take around 25-35 minutes depending on traffic.
Taxi: Taxis will be available for hire at the arrivals level of the terminal building. The Thessaloniki airport taxi fare into Thessaloniki should be around 20-30 Euros each way.
Rental car: Major car rental companies will have desks in the terminal building if you want to rent a car for exploring the area.
Train: There are no direct train services between Thessaloniki Airport and the city center. You would need to take a bus or taxi between the airport and the train station.
Will there be airport lounges?
Yes, Thessaloniki Airport will feature several airport lounges that provide comfortable seating, complimentary food, drinks and Wifi. Access to the lounges will typically require an annual membership or one-time pass that can be purchased. Some lounges may provide access to certain airline frequent flyers or business/first class passengers. The lounges will be a great option if you have a long layover or want to relax pre-flight.
Are there hotels near the airport?
Yes, there will be several hotels located within a few kilometers of Thessaloniki Airport, including budget hotels and larger chains. The hotels closest to the airport will provide shuttle service to and from the terminal building. Staying near the airport may be convenient if you have an early morning flight or late night arrival.
Conclusion
So there you have it – everything you could possibly need to know before flying into or out of Thessaloniki Airport in 2024. With the new terminal expansion and upgrades to amenities and services, your journey through SKG is sure to be smooth and stress-free. Just remember to arrive early, print your boarding pass in advance, and keep an eye out for airport signage to navigate your way effortlessly. Enjoy your upcoming travels through Greece’s second largest airport. With this insider knowledge in your pocket, you’ll breeze through like a pro. Safe travels!