Meteora is one of the most breathtaking destinations in Greece, famous for its towering rock formations topped with centuries-old monasteries that seem to float in the sky. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only a place of extraordinary natural beauty but also of deep spiritual significance. Whether you’re planning a cultural pilgrimage, a hiking adventure, or simply want to marvel at one of the most surreal landscapes in the world, the first step is figuring out how to get there. This guide breaks down the best ways to reach Meteora — from international routes to local connections — so you can arrive relaxed and ready to explore this magical part of Greece.
Where Is Meteora?
Meteora is located in central Greece, near the town of Kalambaka, in the region of Thessaly. It sits roughly 350 km (217 miles) northwest of Athens and about 230 km (143 miles) southwest of Thessaloniki. The monasteries themselves perch on giant sandstone rock pillars that rise dramatically above the valley floor, creating one of the most iconic landscapes in the country.
The town of Kalambaka serves as the main gateway to Meteora, with plenty of accommodation, restaurants, and services. Nearby, the village of Kastraki offers a quieter, more traditional base with stunning views of the rock formations. Since Meteora doesn’t have its own airport, reaching it requires traveling first to a major Greek city and then continuing by train, bus, or car.
Getting to Meteora from the United States
If you’re traveling from the U.S., there are no direct flights to Meteora. The journey involves two main steps:
- Fly from the U.S. to Greece (Athens or Thessaloniki are your best gateways).
- Travel onward from Athens or Thessaloniki to Meteora via train, bus, or car.
From major U.S. cities like New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Washington, D.C. (IAD), or Los Angeles (LAX), you’ll find regular transatlantic flights to Athens International Airport (ATH). Some airlines also fly into Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG), though usually with a European connection.
Depending on your itinerary, you may choose Athens for its rich history and sightseeing opportunities, or Thessaloniki for a shorter onward journey to Meteora. Either way, you’ll need an additional 3–5 hours of ground transport to reach Kalambaka.
Travelers visiting in summer (May–September) will find more frequent international and domestic connections, making this the easiest time of year to coordinate flights and onward journeys.
Traveling from Athens to Meteora
By Train
Taking the train is the most popular and convenient way to reach Meteora from Athens. The journey lasts about 4 to 5 hours and offers scenic views of the Greek countryside.
- Departure Point: Athens Larissa Station (also called “Athens Railway Station”), located in the city center and easily accessible by metro.
- Arrival Point: Kalambaka Railway Station, within walking distance of the town center.
The national railway company, Hellenic Train (OSE), operates direct trains from Athens to Kalambaka daily. Some departures require a change in Paleofarsalos, so when possible, book direct trains to avoid the hassle.
Trains offer both first-class and economy tickets, with reserved seating. During the high season, it’s wise to book in advance, especially if you want specific seats or are traveling with a group.
Travel tip: Sit on the left side of the train (when facing forward) for better mountain views as you approach Meteora.
By Bus
Another option is to take a KTEL bus from Athens to Trikala (a nearby city), and then transfer to a local bus or taxi for the short ride to Kalambaka. The total travel time is about 5 to 6 hours, making it slightly longer than the train.
- Departure Point: KTEL Liosion Bus Station in Athens.
- Arrival Point: Trikala Bus Station, then onward to Kalambaka.
While less convenient than the train, buses may be a good backup if train tickets are sold out. They’re also reliable and fairly comfortable.
By Car
Driving from Athens to Meteora gives you the most flexibility. The trip takes about 4 to 5 hours via the E65 highway. Roads are modern and well-maintained, though tolls are common. Having a car also makes it easier to visit multiple monasteries, trailheads, and viewpoints at your own pace once you arrive.
Parking is available near each monastery, though spots can be limited during busy summer weekends.
Traveling from Thessaloniki to Meteora
Thessaloniki is geographically closer to Meteora than Athens, making it a great option if you prefer a shorter overland journey.
By Train
The train from Thessaloniki to Kalambaka takes about 3 hours. Like from Athens, direct trains are available but limited, so check schedules in advance.
By Bus
Buses run from Thessaloniki to Trikala, where you’ll transfer to Kalambaka. The total journey usually lasts 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
By Car
Driving from Thessaloniki is the quickest option, taking about 3 hours. The route passes through scenic countryside and gives you flexibility for stops along the way.
Getting to Meteora from Other Greek Destinations
While most travelers start from Athens or Thessaloniki, you may also want to reach Meteora from other parts of Greece.
From Santorini, Mykonos, or Other Islands
Since Meteora is inland, you’ll first need to return to Athens or Thessaloniki by plane or ferry before continuing overland. There are no direct ferry or flight routes linking the islands to Meteora.
- Island to Athens: Direct flights from most Cycladic islands take 40–60 minutes.
- Island to Thessaloniki: Fewer direct flights, but available seasonally from Santorini, Rhodes, or Crete.
From there, follow the train, bus, or car options above.
From Delphi
Meteora and Delphi are two of Greece’s most iconic mainland destinations. While there’s no direct train, you can travel between them by car (about 3.5 to 4 hours) or by bus with a connection in Lamia. Many travelers combine both sites in a single trip, as their spiritual and cultural significance complements each other beautifully.
Arriving in Meteora
All routes to Meteora lead first to Kalambaka, the bustling main town at the foot of the rock formations. Many travelers choose to stay here because it offers the widest selection of hotels, restaurants, and amenities. Just a short distance away lies the smaller village of Kastraki, which has a quieter atmosphere and traditional charm, while also offering the advantage of being within walking distance to some of the monasteries.
Transportation Tips for Meteora
Getting around Meteora depends on how you want to experience it. Hiking the trails between the monasteries is a rewarding way to take in the scenery, while cars and taxis provide the fastest and most flexible option for visiting multiple sites in a day. Guided tours and shuttle buses are also widely available from Kalambaka for those who prefer a more structured visit. If you plan to arrive by train, it’s best to book tickets early during the busy summer months, as they can sell out quickly. Once there, carry cash for the small monastery entry fees (around €3 each), and remember to dress modestly—men should wear long pants, and women are expected to wear skirts below the knee with shoulders covered. To truly appreciate the monasteries, hikes, and viewpoints, plan on spending at least one or two nights, and consider reserving a car in advance if you want maximum flexibility.
Travel Options to Meteora
| Starting Point | Type of Transport | Destination | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA (via Athens) | Flight + Train/Bus | Kalambaka | 11–14 hours + |
| Athens | Train | Kalambaka | 4–5 hours |
| Athens | Bus | Kalambaka (via Trikala) | 5–6 hours |
| Athens | Car | Meteora | 4–5 hours |
| Thessaloniki | Train | Kalambaka | ~3 hours |
| Thessaloniki | Bus | Kalambaka (via Trikala) | 3.5–4.5 hours |
| Thessaloniki | Car | Meteora | ~3 hours |
| Delphi | Car | Meteora | 3.5–4 hours |
Final Thoughts
Getting to Meteora takes a little planning, but it’s part of the adventure. Whether you choose the scenic train ride through the Greek countryside, the flexibility of driving, or the budget-friendly bus routes, the journey is rewarding in itself.
If you’re short on time, Thessaloniki is the quickest starting point. If you want to combine your trip with Athens’s historic treasures, the capital makes the most sense. No matter how you arrive, standing beneath Meteora’s towering cliffs and exploring its monasteries will make you realize the effort was worth it.
A trip to Meteora isn’t just about reaching a destination — it’s about experiencing one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world, where nature, history, and spirituality come together in a way found nowhere else.
