From Thessaloniki to Athens Pride 2026: how to get there on June 13

Athens Pride 2026 peaks on Saturday, June 13 in Syntagma, with events starting at 12:00 and the parade beginning at 19:00. From Thessaloniki, you can get there by train, KTEL, plane, or car, and the key is to book early and arrive comfortably before the afternoon. Here you’ll find your options, how to get from the station to Syntagma, and how to combine both Pride events.

And don’t forget: one week later, our own Pride is coming. Everything you need for that is in the full guide to Thessaloniki Pride.

Athens Pride 2026: the basics

• Festival: the Athens Pride events started on May 17.
• Parade day: Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Syntagma.
• Times: events from 12:00, parade at 19:00.
• Theme: “It's About You”.

You’ll find the detailed schedule, route, and latest announcements on the official site, athenspride.eu. Check it shortly before you travel, because some details may change at the last minute.

How to get from Thessaloniki to Athens Pride 2026

You have four main options. None of them is “the right one”: it depends on your time, your budget, and whether you’re traveling alone or with friends.

Train

The train is the most relaxed option: you sit comfortably, walk down the aisle, and watch the country pass by through the window. You depart from Thessaloniki railway station and arrive at Larissa Station in Athens, which has its own metro station. Book your seat early, because the Pride weekend fills up, and check the timetables on the railway company’s site shortly before you leave.

KTEL bus

The intercity KTEL buses depart from Thessaloniki’s central bus station and have many departures throughout the day. It’s usually the most affordable option and works well if you want to travel early in the morning and be in Athens at your own pace. From the arrival station, continue by public transport or taxi.

Plane

From “Macedonia” airport there are flights to Athens “Eleftherios Venizelos” airport. It’s the fastest option if you’re short on time, for example if you work on Friday. From Athens airport, the metro takes you directly to Syntagma. Book early, because seats get fewer as Pride gets closer.

Car or shared ride

If you’re going with friends, the car splits the costs and gives you flexibility on the way back. Just remember that in central Athens, and especially around Syntagma on parade day, parking is very difficult. Leave the car where you’re staying and get around by metro.

From the station to Syntagma

Whichever way you choose, the metro is your friend. Syntagma is a hub of the Athens metro, and you can get there easily from both Larissa Station and the airport. On parade day, expect lots of people on the trains and at the exits, so give yourself some extra time.

A practical tip: don’t plan to arrive in Athens just before 19:00. Come from midday, leave your things where you’re staying, and head to Syntagma at a relaxed pace, so you can also enjoy the daytime events that start at 12:00.

Accommodation and return

If you’re staying overnight, look for accommodation in an area with easy metro access to Syntagma, so you can get back without stress after the parade. Book as early as you can: demand rises during Pride weekend.

For the return trip, the most comfortable option is to leave on Sunday. If you want to go back the same evening, check the last departures in advance, because the parade and the celebration afterward go on late. For general tips on LGBTQ+ travel, from documents to safety, read LGBTQ+ travel: everything you need to know.

First time at Pride? Take a look at your first Pride: what to wear, what to bring, how to stay safe. Water, sunscreen, a charged phone, and a meeting point with your friends make all the difference, especially in a city you don’t know well.

Two Pride events in one week: Athens and Thessaloniki

June 2026 gives you a great opportunity: two Pride events, two cities, within one week. Athens Pride 2026 has its parade on Saturday, June 13, and right after that, from June 15 to 20, Thessaloniki Pride arrives with the theme “Break the Code” and a parade on Saturday, June 20, 18:30–21:00, by the waterfront.

Head back to Thessaloniki on Sunday, rest, and jump straight into our Pride week. For where to stand during the parade, see the Thessaloniki Pride 2026 parade route. And when the march is over, we’ll be waiting for you at Enola, at Valaoritou 19, open every day from 23:30.