Athens to Larissa: 355 km, tolls 15.20 € 2026

Quick answer: the distance from Athens to Larissa is 355 km, the driving time is approximately 3 hrs 30 mins without stops, and tolls are 15.20 € for a single journey. Prices are updated for September 2026.

The Athens to Larissa route is one of the most frequent on the Greek road network, and the first question is always the same: how many kilometres is it, how long does it take, and how much will it cost in tolls and fuel. Here you will find all the numbers compiled, along with the route, worthwhile stops, and accommodation suggestions for when you arrive.

Athens to Larissa: distance, time, and cost at a glance

Item	Price
Distance	355 km
Driving time (without stops)	3 hrs 30 mins
Tolls (single journey)	15.20 €
Fuel cost (single journey)	approx. 48 €
Total single journey	approx. 63 €
Total return journey	approx. 126 €
Toll stations	7

Calculations based on average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km and a fuel price of 1.92 € per litre. Toll prices are updated periodically by concessionaires; consider these numbers a realistic estimate, not an official price list.

How much it costs per person

With four people in the car, the return journey cost drops to approximately 32 € per person, an amount which, for most routes, is cheaper than the bus and clearly cheaper than flying. With two people, we're talking about 63 € each. If the car is diesel or hybrid, deduct 25-35% from the fuel cost.

The route step by step

A simple route entirely on the A1, with Larissa located a few kilometres after the Nikaia junction.

There is no substantial alternative; the old road via Domokos is only used locally.

Toll stations on the route

You will encounter 7 stations: Afidnes, Thiva, Tragana, Bralos, Pelasgia, Agia Triada, Moschochori. Keep coins ready or use an electronic transponder; e-pass lanes are significantly faster on weekends and public holidays.

Worthwhile stops

• Thermopylae
• Lamia
• Nea Anchialos for seafood by the sea

The rule for long journeys is to stop every two hours of driving, even if you don't feel tired. Fifteen minutes of walking and a coffee are enough to regain concentration.

How much it costs by other means: comparison

The car is not always the cheapest solution, especially when travelling alone. The table shows realistic prices and times for the Athens to Larissa route, so you can compare based on how many people you are.

Means	Time	Cost per person	Advantage
Car (2 people)	3 hrs 30 mins	approx. 63 €	Freedom of movement at destination
Car (4 people)	3 hrs 30 mins	approx. 32 €	The most economical scenario
KTEL (bus)	approx. 4 hrs 35 mins	20-26 € single journey	Zero driving fatigue
Diesel / hybrid car	3 hrs 30 mins	approx. 49 € for two	25-35% less fuel

The car is worthwhile when you are travelling two or more people and when you plan to move around at your destination. The KTEL (bus) has a fixed cost and saves you fatigue, but leaves you without transport once you arrive. The train, where connections exist, is the most relaxing solution and often the cheapest for a single passenger.

For distances under 430 kilometres, the car almost always wins in overall cost and flexibility, which is why it is the most popular choice for this route. See also our guides for cheap flight tickets.

What to see in Larissa

Larissa is one of the largest cities in the country, with a pedestrianised centre, an ancient theatre, and vibrant nightlife.

It primarily serves as a base: Pelion, Meteora, and Mount Olympus are all within an hour's drive.

Alkazar, next to the Pinios River, is a favourite walking spot for residents.

Where to stay in the wider area

If your journey ends with an overnight stay, the following options are in the Volos area and are among the best in the wider region:

• Domotel Xenia Volos, a solution for an overnight stay on the route
• Aegli Hotel Volos, a solution for an overnight stay on the route
• Volos Inn Hotel, a solution for an overnight stay on the route
• 1910 Lifestyle Hotel, a solution for an overnight stay on the route
• 1910 Legacy Hotel, a solution for an overnight stay on the route
• Admitos Hotel, a solution for an overnight stay on the route
• Azur Hotel Volos by GHH, a solution for an overnight stay on the route
• Volos Palace, a solution for an overnight stay on the route

Prices vary greatly by season: during peak season, expect to pay 90-160 € per night for a double room in a good four-star hotel, while off-season the same options drop to 60-100 €. If travelling on a Friday, book at least two weeks in advance.

For detailed information by area, see our guide: where to stay in Volos.

When to make the trip

The same journey can take an hour more or less, depending on the day and time. The most challenging times are Friday afternoons, the mornings before long weekends, and Sunday returns between 17:00 and 21:00. If you have the flexibility, start on a Saturday morning or return on a Monday morning.

The route is short enough to be comfortably done even as a day trip, with a coffee stop in the middle. In winter, always check the weather: in the mountainous parts of the network, fog and ice are more frequent problems than snow.

In summer, conversely, the issues are temperature and traffic towards the ports. Start before 8 AM or after 8 PM, check tyre pressure, and allow extra time at the exits of major cities.

Tips for the road trip

• Start before 8 AM or after 11 AM to avoid rush hour at the exits of Athens.
• Sunday returns after 5 PM have the heaviest traffic; prefer earlier or late at night.
• Fill up your tank off the motorway; the price difference can be as much as 8-10 cents per litre.
• In winter, check weather conditions in mountainous areas, especially in Bralos and the highlands of Epirus.
• Stick to the speed limit: cameras and police patrols on the A1 and Olympia Odos are now frequent.

Driving with children and pets

With children, the golden rule is a stop every one and a half hours, even if you lose time: a ten-minute walk at a service station prevents half the hassle of the journey. Always have water, fruit, and something savoury with you, as prices at service stations are double. For babies, prefer departing at nap time, so the major part of the journey is cry-free.

If travelling with a pet, the journey requires a special crate or seatbelt for dogs; it is mandatory by the Highway Code. Stop every two hours for water and toilet breaks, never leave the animal in a closed car in summer, and check before booking that the accommodation accepts pets, as policies vary greatly.

Five mistakes most people make

The first mistake is an overly ambitious schedule. Three destinations in two days means you'll mostly see roads. Choose one base and make excursions up to forty minutes around it. The second is booking accommodation based solely on price: a 15 € difference per night for a better location saves time and fuel every day.

The third mistake is arriving late at night in small settlements, where kitchens close at 10:30 PM and the reception does not operate 24/7. The fourth is ignoring local weather: in mountainous and island destinations, conditions change within hours, and strong winds can cancel ferry services.

The fifth and most common: not asking locals. The best tavern, the quietest beach, and the time an attraction empties are information not found on lists, but given freely in a chat at reception or in a cafe.

Budget: how much does the getaway ultimately cost

A two-day trip for two people by car typically ranges from 180-280 €: 60-140 € for accommodation, 40-70 € for fuel and tolls, 50-80 € for food and coffee. With children, add 30-50 € for admissions, ice creams, and small activities. A three-day trip does not increase the cost by 50%, but by approximately 35%, as transport remains constant.

The biggest savings opportunities are two. First, the day of arrival: Sunday to Monday, accommodation prices drop by up to 40% compared to Saturday. Second, meals: a good lunch at a tavern outside the central square costs 15-20 € per person, while in the tourist centre it exceeds 30 €.

If booking accommodation with free cancellation, reserve a room early and recheck ten days before departure; it is very common for a better price to appear for the same accommodation or a better category for the same expense.

What to pack

For short getaways, one small bag per person is enough, but there are things that make a difference. Comfortable walking shoes are first: even in a city, walks on cobblestones and uphills are tiring with the wrong footwear. A light windbreaker is useful almost all year round, especially in mountainous and coastal destinations where the temperature drops significantly at night.

Practical items: power bank, car charger, reusable water bottle, a small first-aid kit with painkillers and plasters, and sun cream regardless of the season. If travelling with children, add snacks, wet wipes, and a toy or tablet for the journey.

In winter, for mountainous routes, keep snow chains or snow socks, an ice scraper, and a blanket in the boot. You won't need them most of the time, but the one time you do, they'll save the day.

How to book accommodation at the right price

Accommodation prices in Greece are dynamic, so booking time matters more than the choice itself. The rule that works: for summer islands, book February to April; for mountainous destinations, October to November; and for long weekends, at least six weeks in advance, because demand skyrockets then.

Always read recent reviews, not just the overall rating. Accommodation with an 8.6 and recent comments about cleanliness and quiet rooms is a better choice than a 9.2 with three-year-old reviews. Emphasise three points: soundproofing, breakfast, and parking, these are the three that aren't visible in photos.

Finally, choose an option with free cancellation even if it's a few euros more expensive. On road trips, the weather often changes plans, and flexibility is worth more than the small discount of a non-refundable rate.

Frequently asked questions

How many kilometres is Athens to Larissa?

The distance is approximately 355 kilometres from city centre to city centre, following the fastest route.

How long does the Athens to Larissa journey take?

Without stops, approximately 3 hrs 30 mins. With one stop for coffee and fuel, allow an extra 20-30 minutes.

How much do I pay in tolls from Athens to Larissa?

Approximately 15.20 € in each direction, meaning around 30.40 € for a return trip, across 7 stations.

How much does fuel cost for the journey?

For a medium petrol car, approximately 48 € for a single journey and 96 € for a return trip, with fuel priced at 1.92 € per litre.

Is there a route without tolls?

There is almost always an alternative via old national roads or provincial roads, but it adds from 45 minutes to two hours. It's only worthwhile if you want a scenic route.

What is the best time to depart?

Early in the morning for long journeys and outside of peak hours on Fridays and Sundays, when the exits and entrances of Athens are congested.

How much does it cost by KTEL (bus) instead of car?

A ticket is around 20-26 € for a single journey and the travel time is approximately 4 hrs 35 mins. For one person, it's worthwhile; for three or four, the car works out cheaper.

Can I pay tolls with a card or e-pass?

Yes, all stations accept cards and there are electronic toll lanes. With a transponder, you save time and often get discounts on frequent passages.

Is it worth staying overnight on the route?

It's not necessary, as the journey can be comfortably done within half a day, but an overnight stay at the destination completely changes the experience.

Read also

• All distances and tolls from Athens
• Nearby road trip destinations from Athens
• Where to stay in Volos
• Cheap flight tickets