How to get to Kozani

Kozani is a vibrant city in the Western Macedonia region of northern Greece, renowned for its historic mansions, famous carnival, and premium saffron production. If you are looking for information on how to get to Kozani, convenient routes are at your service: you can arrive by a domestic flight, travel by intercity bus, or drive via a modern highway. When planning your trip to Kozani, you will be able to enjoy picturesque mountain scenery along the way, regardless of the mode of transport you choose.

The fastest way to reach the region is by air. The city has its own Philippos National Airport (KZI), located just 4 km from the centre. It handles domestic flights, so travellers most often arrive here with a connection in Athens. This is a convenient option for those wishing to save time on ground transfers.

For international travel, the most popular route remains flying into Thessaloniki (Macedonia Airport), which is a major hub receiving aircraft from many countries. The distance from Thessaloniki to Kozani is approximately 120 km, and this journey is easily covered by bus or rental car via a modern highway. You can also consider flight options via the neighbouring cities of Kastoria or Ioannina, although flights to these destinations are less frequent.

Reaching Kozani exclusively by train is not currently possible, as there is no active railway station within the city or its immediate vicinity. The optimal option for railway enthusiasts is to travel to the train station in Thessaloniki, which serves as the key railway hub of Northern Greece.

The distance from Thessaloniki is about 105 kilometres, and this leg of the journey can be easily completed by transferring to an intercity bus or renting a car. Such a combined route will allow you to reach the region comfortably, enjoying the views from the train window, and then appreciating the beauty of the local roads on the final stretch of your trip.

Bus services in the region are excellently organised, and a trip on comfortable KTEL coaches is a great way to reach your destination. The most popular route runs from Thessaloniki: the bus covers the distance of 120 kilometres in approximately one and a half hours, travelling along a modern highway. This is an ideal option for those wanting to reach the centre of Western Macedonia quickly and economically.

Travellers coming from the west of the country can take a direct route from Ioannina, which takes about 2 hours and passes through picturesque mountain landscapes. It is also very convenient to travel from neighbouring Kastoria—the cities are separated by only 60 kilometres, so the travel time will be less than one hour.

Travelling by car through Northern Greece is a true pleasure thanks to the modern "Egnatia Odos" highway connecting the key cities of the region. The most popular route leads from Thessaloniki: the distance of 120 kilometres can be comfortably covered in just one and a half hours, while enjoying views of the plains and foothills. A taxi ride on this route will cost approximately 140–160 Euros, which can be a convenient alternative for small groups of travellers or families.

If you are departing from picturesque Ioannina, the journey will take just under two hours (about 135 km) and will be memorable for the drive through the impressive mountain tunnels of the Pindus range. You can arrive even faster from neighbouring Kastoria: the cities are only 60 kilometres apart, so the drive will take no more than 50 minutes. Renting a car in these parts offers the freedom for spontaneous stops in colourful villages, turning a standard transfer into an exciting part of your holiday.

Preparing for a trip to Kozani does not require complex efforts, but knowing local nuances will make your holiday much more pleasant and relaxed. We have compiled a list of practical recommendations to help you easily navigate the city and feel comfortable in this colourful part of Greece.

1. Clothing and Seasonality. The climate in the region is continental, so it differs from the typical island weather. Winters here can be cold and snowy, so a warm jacket and comfortable shoes are essential. Summers are hot, but evenings can be cool, especially in the mountains, so it is worth bringing a light windbreaker or jumper.
2. Transport. The historic city centre is compact and best explored on foot to ensure you don't miss the beautiful mansions. For trips to Lake Polyfytos or neighbouring villages, it is most convenient to rent a car or use taxi services, as the schedule of suburban buses may vary.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Euro. Major supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants in the city centre accept bank cards without issues. However, for purchases in small shops, paying for taxi rides, or visiting traditional coffee houses (kafeneio), it is recommended to always carry cash in small denominations.
4. Health and Safety. Kozani is a safe and friendly city, suitable for family visits. Pharmacies are marked with a green cross, and pharmacists often speak English, ready to assist with selecting medicines. In case of emergency, remember the pan-European emergency number — 112.
5. Communication. The main language of communication is Greek. Young people and tourism sector workers generally speak English well. However, when interacting with older people, a couple of learned phrases in the local language (for example, "efharisto" for thank you or "kalimera" for good morning) will evoke sincere sympathy and a smile.
6. Local Etiquette. Greeks live at a relaxed pace, so service in traditional dining establishments may be leisurely — please treat this with understanding. It is also important to respect the time of afternoon rest (siesta) from 14:30 to 17:30: during these hours, many shops close, and making noise on the streets is considered impolite.
7. What to Avoid. Do not visit active churches and monasteries in revealing clothing (shorts above the knee, tops with deep necklines). Also, try to avoid criticizing local traditions or politics in conversations with residents — Greeks are very patriotic and can be emotional in discussions.
8. Buying Souvenirs. While in this region, be sure to purchase the local red saffron ("Krokos Kozanis"), which is recognised as one of the highest quality in the world. It is not only an excellent gastronomic souvenir, perfect for adding distinct flavour to rice and other dishes, but also a healthy gift for loved ones.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor inconveniences and focus on the main thing — exploring the rich culture and nature of Western Macedonia. May your journey be filled only with positive emotions and bright discoveries!