Greek Government Plans Single Ticket for Upcoming Thessaloniki Metro and City Buses

Thessaloniki metro, Nea Elvetia stop. Photo source: Transport Ministry

The Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport announced that commuters in Thessaloniki will soon be able to use a single ticket for both the city’s new metro line and bus services.

Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Nikos Tachiaos, recently stated to Greek media that the Thessaloniki Metro is set to begin operations at the end of November. He also mentioned that further details regarding the “uniform ticket” system, which will allow seamless travel between the metro and city buses, will be announced on September 3.

According to Tachiaos, the price of the uniform ticket is expected to be around 1 euro.

Greek Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Nikos Tachiaos.

A similar ticketing system is already in place in Athens, where commuters can travel on city buses, trolleys, trams, and the Athens Metro (excluding the airport station) for 90 minutes with a 1.20 euro ticket. The Thessaloniki Metro will collaborate with the Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organization (OASTH) to implement a comparable system.

Expansion plans

When asked about the metro’s expansion to the Kalamaria area, Tachiaos confirmed that it is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. This extension will add five new stations—Nomarchia, Kalamaria, Aretsou, Nea Krini, and Mikra—along a 4.78 km underground line.

Thessaloniki Metro map (the main line is in red color).

Elliniko Metro SA, the state-owned company responsible for developing the metro network, is planning to expand the Thessaloniki Metro further with the addition of a second line and 26 new stations. This future expansion aims to extend the metro’s reach to the suburbs of Stavroupoli – Nea Efkarpia and the city’s airport, connecting areas like Ano Evosmos or Kordelio with Agia Kyriaki.

Regarding the Venizelos Metro station, which has been at the center of controversy due to the removal and restoration of ancient ruins, Deputy Minister Tachiaos noted that the station’s ‘minus one’ level will serve as a “globally unique and exquisite example of an archaeological site coexisting with a modern public transportation system.”

Tachiaos also announced that on October 30, an archaeological conference will be held in Thessaloniki, showcasing the artifacts discovered during the metro excavations.