Thessaloniki Airport

You’re heading to Greece and flying into Thessaloniki Airport. We get it – airports can be stressful places, especially when it’s your first time visiting a new one. But don’t sweat it, we’ve got you covered. In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your experience at Thessaloniki Airport as smooth and enjoyable as possible. From navigating the terminals to transportation options for getting into the city, we’ll provide helpful tips and recommendations. You’ll land with confidence, ready to start your Greek adventure. With this insider knowledge, you can breeze through this airport like a pro.

An Introduction to Thessaloniki Airport

Thessaloniki Airport, also known as Macedonia International Airport, is the second busiest airport in Greece. Located only 15 km from Thessaloniki city center, it serves over 6 million passengers annually. ###Arrivals and Departures

The airport has one terminal building with 16 gates in total. It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The arrivals hall is located on the ground floor, while the departures area is on the first floor. ###Facilities

Thessaloniki Airport offers various services to make your trip pleasant. There are many shops, restaurants, cafes, ATMs, currency exchange offices, car rentals, and free WiFi. ###Transportation

The airport is well connected to the city via public transport. Bus 78 offers service every 30 minutes from the airport to downtown Thessaloniki. Taxis are also available 24/7 in front of the terminal building. The ride takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

For those traveling within Greece, there are daily flights from Thessaloniki Airport to major destinations like Athens, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes and more. Numerous airlines such as Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Eurowings offer direct flights to European cities like London, Paris, Vienna, Berlin, and others.

With its location close to the city center, variety of facilities and good transportation connectivity, Thessaloniki Airport ensures a pleasant travel experience. Next time you visit Northern Greece, you’ll surely find it most convenient.

Navigating Thessaloniki Airport: Arrivals, Departures, Terminals

Arriving at Thessaloniki Airport

When you first arrive at Thessaloniki Airport, head to the arrivals hall on the ground floor to claim your luggage and go through customs. The airport has two terminals – Terminal A for domestic flights and Terminal B for international arrivals and departures. Most major airlines like Aegean Airlines, Ryanair and Wizz Air operate out of Terminal B.

Checking in for Your Flight

Check-in counters open 2 to 3 hours before scheduled departure times. Make sure you arrive at the correct terminal for your flight. The check-in areas and departure gates for Terminal A and B are in two separate buildings, so double check which terminal your airline uses to avoid missing your flight!

Security and Passport Control

After you’ve checked in, proceed to the security check and passport control in your terminal. Security screening uses X-ray scanners for your hand luggage. Be prepared to remove laptops, liquids, belts and jackets. The queues can get long during peak season, so make sure to arrive for your flight with plenty of time.

Shopping, Dining and Other Amenities

Once you’re through security, you’ll find various shops, cafes, restaurants, lounges and other amenities airside to enjoy before your flight. There’s a variety of Greek specialties as well as familiar fast food options. If you have a long layover, it’s worth exploring all the airport has to offer!

Boarding and Departing

Listen for announcements in the departure lounge for your boarding time and gate number. Most airlines start general boarding around 30 to 40 minutes before scheduled departure. Make your way to the gate for a final document check before walking down the airbridge to your plane. Your Thessaloniki adventure begins!

Frequently Asked Questions About Thessaloniki Airport

When is the best time to arrive at the airport?

As with any airport, give yourself plenty of time before your flight to check in, go through security, and get to your gate. For domestic flights, arrive at least 1 to 1.5 hours before departure. For international flights, get there 2 to 3 hours early. The airport can get very busy, especially during the summer season and holidays. Better safe than sorry – you don’t want to miss your flight!

What facilities does the airport offer?

Thessaloniki Airport has everything you need to make your travel experience smooth and comfortable. There are restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, ATMs, currency exchange, information desks, nursing rooms, showers, and more. If you have a long layover, there’s even a small museum showcasing the local history and culture. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal so you can stay connected.

How do I get to the city center from the airport?

The airport is located about 9 miles from Thessaloniki city center. The easiest ways to get into the city are:

• Bus 78: Runs every 30 minutes and will take you to the main bus station in Thessaloniki. Travel time is about 45 minutes.
• Taxi: A taxi ride into the city center will cost around 25 to 30 euros and take 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis are available right outside the arrivals terminal.
• Rent a car: Several car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar have desks at the airport if you want to drive into Thessaloniki yourself.

Can I get a VAT refund at the airport?

Yes, if you are traveling outside of the EU, you can get a VAT refund for goods purchased in Greece. To qualify, you must spend at least 50 euros at participating stores and get a special receipt or invoice. Bring your receipts to the Customs VAT Refund counter at the airport before checking in your luggage. They will review and process your claim – if approved, you’ll get your refund in cash immediately. The VAT rate in Greece is 24% so you can get a sizable amount back.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a complete rundown of Thessaloniki Airport. From transportation options to navigate your way there, to terminal maps and amenities inside, you’re now equipped with everything you need to know for a smooth journey through SKG. With this guide in your pocket (or on your phone), you can breeze through this airport like a pro on your next trip through Greece’s second largest city. And just remember, when in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask the friendly staff for help. They’re always happy to point you in the right direction! Safe travels!