Getting There By Rail
The Greek railway service is run by the Hellenic Railways Organisation (OSE) Karolou 1 (tel: 210 529 7777 (international services); website: www.osenet.gr). Greek trains have first- and second-class accommodation and there are luxury sleeper trains on selected routes. However, the rail service is limited to the northern and eastern mainland and parts of the Peloponnese. Trains are cheaper than buses but generally much slower. Reservations are available for no extra charge and there is a 20% rebate on return fares. Touring cards, issued by the OSE, entitle the holder to unlimited second-class travel at a reduced cost for ten, 20 or 30 days – there are further discounts for groups. The main railway stations in Athens are Larissis (tel: 210 529 8837) and Pelopónnisos (tel: 210 513 1601), both situated off Dheliyáni. Facilities at these stations are minimal, basically left-luggage and a couple of bars.
Rail services: The domestic railway network is limited to the mainland and is generally slower than travel by road. Destinations include Patra (journey time – 4 hours), Kalamata (journey time – 7 hours) and Argos (journey time – 3 hours). Trains to the Peloponnese depart from Pelopónnisos station. Trains for destinations in northern Greece, Evia and the rest of Europe – including London (journey time – 3.5 days) depart from Larissis station. International trains are limited to services for Bulgaria, FYROM (the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) and Turkey and require a change at Thessaloniki (journey time – 6 hours).
Transport to the city: Buses and taxis are readily available at both stations, while Larissis station is connected directly to the centre (Syntagma) by metro (Line 2).
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