How to Travel to Greece From the UK
Traveling to Greece from the UK can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. You’ll discover an incredibly diverse country with plenty of things to see and do.
There are various ways to get to Greece, from flying or taking a train or ferry. All offer stunning Greek landscapes and an intimate getaway.
Flying
Greece is a popular holiday destination for UK visitors, particularly during the spring and autumn. Flights run several times daily, making it easy to travel around the country.
Many airlines operate flights to Greece’s capital city of Athens as well as other airports throughout Greece, including those on the islands. Most provide various ticket types with great value fares.
For the best deals, shop around between May and October when fewer people are travelling and rates and prices often drop by up to 25% or more. Furthermore, this period is ideal for getting flights from the US since non-stop fares to Athens become much more competitive during these months.
If you plan to stay in Greece for longer than 90 days, make sure your passport is stamped when entering or exiting Schengen area. This will help border guards verify your visa-free stay and guarantee there’s not an overstay.
Train
Traveling by train to Greece can be an amazing way to experience this country. It’s fast, secure and comfortable compared to buses or cars.
Trains, for instance, are much more reliable and spacious than buses.
Traveling by train has its drawbacks; for instance, your rail pass might not be valid if you’re visiting certain cities in Greece and journey times tend to be slower than on buses or cars.
Additionally, you could end up paying more than on a bus or car trip.
If you want to take advantage of all that a train journey has to offer, but lack the time to book it yourself, Railbookers is an ideal solution! They will take care of all booking for you and have earned excellent reviews in the process!
Ferry
Ferries are vessels that transport people or goods across water, usually by river, bay or strait. While typically designed as ships, ferryboats may also be aircraft.
Ferries can be an economical and comfortable way to travel from port to port. Just remember, ferry rides have no guaranteed direction so make sure you know which way you’re headed before embarking on your voyage!
Travelling from London to Greece typically takes around 45 hours, though weekend and holiday schedules may differ. Services available onboard the London Underground, Eurostar and Belgian Railways range in duration and frequency.
If you’re traveling to Greece from the UK, it’s wise to double-check that your tickets are valid and that you have enough time to reach the port. Ferry schedules can change at short notice, so make sure yours are verified prior to leaving.
Car
For the ultimate Greek road trip experience, renting a car is essential. This will give you the freedom to stop and explore all of the exciting spots along the way.
In Greece, you can rent cars from major international car rental companies like Europecar, Sixt, Hertz and Thrifty as well as smaller family-run businesses. Oftentimes these rates are cheaper than their larger counterparts.
In Greece, you must be over 18 and possess a full driving license in order to legally drive. Drivers under 21 must be accompanied by an experienced licensed driver aged 25 or older.
In urban areas, cars and motorcycles must adhere to a speed limit of 50 kph; on non-urban roads it is 90 kph. To further ensure your safety while driving your vehicle, be sure to carry a warning triangle, first aid kit and fire extinguisher in case of an emergency.
To drive in Europe, you’ll need both a valid EU driving license and international driving permit. Both can be easily acquired in your home country by applying for the permit online.