Metered taxis reach central Thessaloniki from SKG in about 20–30 minutes.

From Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia (SKG), licensed taxis line up outside the arrivals area of Terminal 2, with typical rides into the city center taking around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. You pay per car, not per person, so the 20–25 EUR fare usually makes sense if you’re two or more people with luggage.

The standard daytime cost runs roughly 20–25 EUR for a one-way trip to central spots like Aristotelous Square, while late-night or holiday surcharges can push it slightly higher. Have smaller bills ready in euros; most drivers accept cash first and only some cars have working POS terminals for cards.

Taxis operate 24/7 at SKG, and after late arrivals around 23:00 you’ll still see a dedicated taxi queue outside the main exit of Terminal 2. During busy arrival banks, waits can stretch to 10–15 minutes, so factor that into your timing if you’re catching an evening train or bus from the city.

Always use the official taxi rank at the terminal exit rather than accepting offers from drivers inside the building, and check that the meter starts close to the standard airport starting fee before you leave the curb. For a rough sense check: a normal daytime ride of 20–30 minutes into town should not exceed the mid-20s EUR unless traffic is unusually heavy.

For families or groups with two checked bags per person, a regular sedan taxi may feel tight once four passengers and four suitcases are on board. If you’re three or four people with larger luggage and landing at SKG during the afternoon peak between 15:00 and 18:00, consider waiting an extra 5–10 minutes at the rank for a station wagon–style taxi when one pulls up.

One practical tip: write your exact hotel address, including street and number, on paper or have it ready on your phone in Greek characters if possible, then show it to the driver as you depart Terminal 2 to avoid detours and backtracking in Thessaloniki’s one-way streets.