Hellenic Train: Temporary changes to the Athens-Thessaloniki route What is changing

In June 2026, Hellenic Train announced temporary changes to its train schedules on the Athens-Thessaloniki axis due to planned infrastructure restoration work being carried out by the Greek Railways Organization (OSE). These modifications will take effect between June 22 and June 24, 2026, specifically affecting the section between Leianokladi and Larissa. The decision was made as part of a broader effort to restore railway infrastructure in Thessaly, which had been damaged by extreme weather phenomena known as Daniel and Elias earlier in the year. This infrastructure repair project is considered essential for the progress and completion of related works.

The changes involve substituting rail services with bus routes along the Leianokladi-Thessaloniki segment and vice versa. For trains traveling from Athens to Thessaloniki, such as IC50 and IC56, passengers will board these buses at Leianokladi with destinations including Thessaloniki, Platý, Kateríni, and Palaiofársala-Larissa. Additionally, a bus service departing from Palaiofarsala will serve the stations of Larissa, Kateríni, and Platý, ultimately heading towards Thessaloniki. Departures from Palaiofarsala will occur at 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM.

For trains going from Thessaloniki to Athens, such as IC51 and IC57, passengers will initially travel via bus from Thessaloniki and intermediate stops to Leianokladi before transferring to a train for the remainder of their journey to Athens. Specific bus departures include direct services from Thessaloniki to Leianokladi at 5:55 AM and 4:49 PM, from Platý to Leianokladi at 6:20 AM and 5:14 PM, from Kateríni to Leianokladi at 6:43 AM and 5:37 PM, and from Larissa-Palaiofarsala to Leianokladi at 7:26 AM and 6:20 PM. An additional bus route will also operate, serving the stations of Thessaloniki, Platý, Kateríni, Larissa, and Palaiofarsala, with final destination Leianokladi, departing from Thessaloniki at 5:55 AM and 4:49 PM.

Meanwhile, suburban services on the Larissa-Thessaloniki-Larissa segment will continue to run normally without interruption. Hellenic Train has emphasized its commitment to providing the best possible service during this period and urges passengers to check the company's official communication channels for updates before planning their trips. Detailed information can be found on the company’s website, digital platforms, and customer service center at 14511.

The temporary schedule adjustments reflect a strategic approach to maintaining passenger mobility while allowing necessary infrastructure improvements to proceed. These changes are part of a larger initiative aimed at restoring and enhancing the railway network in Thessaly, ensuring long-term reliability and efficiency of transport services in the region.

The infrastructure restoration efforts are part of a comprehensive program addressing damage caused by severe weather conditions. This includes repairing tracks, signaling systems, and other critical components affected by the extreme weather events. The OSE, responsible for implementing these repairs, has coordinated closely with Hellenic Train to minimize disruption to travelers while ensuring that the necessary upgrades are completed effectively.

Passengers are advised to plan their journeys carefully, considering the new schedules and alternative transportation options available. Hellenic Train has taken steps to ensure that all affected travelers receive timely and accurate information about the changes, helping them make informed decisions regarding their travel plans. The company remains focused on delivering reliable service despite the temporary disruptions caused by the ongoing infrastructure projects.

Looking ahead, the successful implementation of these temporary measures will pave the way for further enhancements to the railway system in Thessaly. Once the current phase of repairs is complete, regular train operations on the Athens-Thessaloniki axis are expected to resume as usual, reflecting the ongoing commitment to improving Greece's rail infrastructure and passenger experience.