The walk
From Victoria Square and the Heyden area, the walk to Larissis Station is short and fairly level. With a small suitcase it is usually easy. With larger luggage, leave yourself a little more time.
Route 1 — Via Ioulianou (recommended)
Walk west along Ioulianou, cross Acharnon, continue toward Filis and then head for the station. Allow roughly 6-8 minutes from 50 Ioulianou. See the Ioulianou walking guide.
Route 2 — Around the Pedion Areos perimeter
Go by Patission / 28th October Street and around the park side. It is a slightly longer route, but on wider and more visible streets.
Route 3 — Direct via Filis Street
More direct on the map, but not always the most pleasant with luggage. Better in daylight and if you already know the area.
What is at Larissis Station
- Hellenic Train intercity — long-distance trains to Thessaloniki, Patras via Korinth and Kalambaka for Meteora.
- Proastiakós (Suburban Rail) — connection to the airport and other Attica destinations. See the Proastiakós guide.
- Athens Metro Line 2 (red) — Larissa Station metro stop, with signs connecting the rail and metro areas.
- Cafés and a bakery inside the main hall.
- Ticket counters and vending machines.
- Luggage services — check on the day what is operating.
- Taxi rank at the main entrance.
Trains worth knowing about
Athens → Thessaloniki
Usually around 4-5 hours by intercity, depending on the service. Prices change according to class, demand and how early you book.
Athens → Kalambaka (Meteora)
Usually around 5 hours, often with a change at Paleofarsalos. Check the current timetable before booking.
Athens → Patras
Usually a combined train and bus journey via Kiato or Korinth, depending on the period and rail works.
Athens → Airport (Proastiakós)
There are Suburban Rail services to the airport. Journey time and frequency can vary, so check the timetable on the day you travel.
Buying tickets
- hellenictrain.gr — book intercity tickets online. It is recommended for Thessaloniki and Meteora, especially at busy times.
- Station counters — useful if you need help, but queues can be longer before departures.
- Vending machines — for Suburban Rail and shorter regional tickets. Cards and cash are usually accepted.
- Apps and machines — for metro and Suburban Rail, check which ticket applies to your zone, especially for the airport.
The metro connection
Larissis Station is on Metro Line 2. The metro entrance connects to the rail station through an internal route with clear signs. From there:
- To Syntagma via Omonoia and Panepistimio.
- 1 stop to Omonoia.
- Direct connection south toward the Acropolis area.
Travel scenarios where Larissis saves time
When Larissis Station saves you time
- Airport connection. The Suburban Rail can be practical if the timetable fits your departure or arrival.
- Travel onward to Meteora. Services to Kalambaka or via Paleofarsalos leave from the main station.
- Regional trips. The Suburban Rail helps for some trips within Attica and nearby areas.
- Continuing to Thessaloniki. The intercity train can be a practical option if you prefer to avoid airport transfers.
- Combining airport and rail. If you have enough time between arrival and departure, changing at Larissis is usually straightforward.
Practical station tips
- Arrive 20-30 min before departure for intercity trains, especially if you have not used the station before.
- Platforms can change last-minute — watch the departure boards.
- Announcements are usually in Greek and often in English on larger services; on the Suburban Rail, rely on the screens as well.
- Bring water and snacks — onboard catering on Greek trains is limited or absent.
- Allow a margin. On longer routes there can be delays, so avoid very tight connections.
Station safety and atmosphere
Larissis is a major transport hub with steady movement through the day. In daylight it is busy and easy to use. In the evening it becomes quieter but stays lit. Use the normal station precautions for phones, wallets and luggage.
Eating at or near the station
- Inside the station: bakery, café, kiosk for basics. Adequate for travel snacks.
- 5-10 min walk: traditional tavernas in the Larissis / Sepolia residential streets — much better food than station fare.
- Coming from Victoria, eat in your neighbourhood before walking — better quality, better prices.
Left-luggage
Luggage services can change, so check what is operating in the station on the day you travel. If nothing is available at Larissis, private luggage services in central Athens often have partner points near metro stations.
Accessibility
The station has lifts and accessible routes between platforms and the metro, but it is still wise to check in advance that everything is working on the day you travel. For wheelchair use or special assistance, contact Hellenic Train before departure.
From Angel Athens (Ioulianou 50)
From Larissis Station to Ioulianou 50, allow around 6-8 minutes on foot via Ioulianou. If you are arriving from the airport on the Suburban Rail, check the timetable, get off at Larissis and continue east. On the day you leave, do the same route in reverse and leave a little extra time if you have luggage.
FAQ
Is the walk from Victoria to Larissis safe?
Yes in daytime. In the evening, stay on the better-lit main streets and, after about 23:00, take a taxi if you have heavy luggage. The distance is short; the suitcase is usually the bigger issue.
Should I walk or take the metro from Victoria?
Usually walk. From Victoria to Larissis, the metro would normally involve a line change, so walking is usually simpler and faster.
Are train tickets cheaper in advance?
For intercity routes, often yes. Book earlier on hellenictrain.gr, especially for Thessaloniki or Meteora. For the Suburban Rail and airport journeys, check the current fare before you travel.
Can I use my Athens metro card?
ATH.ENA products work on the Suburban Rail inside the urban zone, while the airport requires the airport-zone fare. Intercity Hellenic Train journeys need separate tickets.
What if my train is cancelled?
Hellenic Train issues refunds or rebookings. Strikes occasionally affect rail; check the morning of travel. (See strikes guide.)
Sources:
— Kathy
