Buses in Igoumenitsa & Thesprotia: KTEL Routes, Schedules & Tickets (2026)

Igoumenitsa is the main transport gateway to northwestern Greece, connecting ferry passengers from Italy, Corfu and Paxos with the Greek mainland. If you are travelling without a car, the Greek intercity bus network — known as KTEL — is the most efficient, safe and budget-friendly way to reach your destination.

This independent guide covers the bus station location, the most popular routes, ticket prices, travel times and practical booking tips for 2026 — written locally, with every departure time below checked against the timetables that the bus operators publish themselves.

Igoumenitsa buses at a glance

• Operator: KTEL Thesprotias (green, air-conditioned coaches).
• Station: Pindarou Street, Igoumenitsa 461 00 (the operator’s official address) — show on map.
• To Athens: 3 buses a day (08:30, 12:00, 20:30). From 1 November 2026 the 20:30 leaves at 17:30.
• To Thessaloniki: 2 buses a day (09:30 and 15:00).
• To Ioannina: 4 buses a day (08:45, 14:00, 17:30, 20:30), about 1.5 hours.
• To Sivota, Perdika and Parga: Monday to Friday only on the current timetable, two buses a day on each line.
• Tickets: at the station counter or online via the KTEL Thesprotias e-ticket page.
• Info line: +30 26650 22309.

Times are the operator’s published timetables, last checked on 7 October 2026. They are not live departures and can change without notice — always confirm before you travel. See sources and disclaimer.

• Igoumenitsa buses at a glance
• Arriving by ferry: why the bus matters
• The Intercity Bus Network (KTEL Thesprotias)
• Where is the Igoumenitsa Bus Station Located?
• Just arrived in Igoumenitsa by bus?
• Popular Bus Routes, Schedules & Ticket Prices
• Tickets & Available Discounts
• Bus Travel vs. Car Rental in Epirus
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Explore More of Igoumenitsa
• Practical tips for using the bus
• Sources, last check and disclaimer

Arriving by ferry: why the bus matters

Igoumenitsa is one of the most important maritime gateways in Western Greece, so public transport here is closely tied to ship arrivals. The port handles major domestic and international routes every day:

• Ionian Islands: frequent local ferries link Igoumenitsa directly with Corfu and the smaller island of Paxos.
• Adriatic routes (Italy): large international ferries arrive daily from Bari, Ancona, Venice and Brindisi.

Most foot passengers stepping off the ferry immediately look for a bus to continue toward the big Greek cities or the coastal resorts. If your ship docks outside normal daytime hours, check the schedules in advance or arrange a transfer. For sailing times and the layout of the harbour, see our Igoumenitsa ferry port guide and our overview of ferries to Corfu & Italy.

The Intercity Bus Network (KTEL Thesprotias)

Long-distance and regional bus travel in the area is run by KTEL Thesprotias. The fleet is made up of modern, green, air-conditioned coaches that handle both national routes and local coastal transfers.

Main destinations from Igoumenitsa:

• National routes: Athens and Thessaloniki (daily), Lefkada (Fridays and Sundays).
• Regional hubs (Epirus): Ioannina and Paramythia (daily), Arta (Thursdays and Saturdays, on the Athens bus).
• Local lines: Sivota, Perdika and Parga (Monday to Friday), Filiates, Mavromati and Agios Vlasios.

⚠️ Seasonality: schedules change through the year. The times on this page are the timetables published in October 2026. Summer services to coastal resorts such as those in our Sivota travel guide and the historic town of Parga may differ, so check again closer to a summer trip.

We found no timetable from Igoumenitsa to Patras, Preveza, Larissa or Volos on the operator’s website when we checked on 7 October 2026. If you need one of these, ask the station which connection to use.

Where is the Igoumenitsa Bus Station Located?

The main KTEL bus station is on Pindarou Street (official address: Pindarou, Igoumenitsa 461 00), close to the heart of town.

• From the international ferry terminal (New Port): arriving from Italy, you reach the station on foot or by taxi. We have not timed the walk ourselves, so open the walking route in Google Maps from where you are standing. With heavy luggage, take a taxi from the port’s rank.
• From the domestic ferry docks (Old Port): arriving from Corfu or Paxos, use the same walking-route link to see the distance from your quay.
• To the town centre: the terminal sits on the edge of the urban core, so many hotels and apartments in Igoumenitsa, waterfront cafés and tavernas are minutes away on foot.

With a couple of hours to spare before your bus, it is easy to explore the best things to do in Igoumenitsa or take a quick dip at one of the beaches near Igoumenitsa.

Bus station on the map

Just off the ferry? Getting to the bus station

Every KTEL Thesprotias departure on this page is timetabled from the Igoumenitsa bus station, not from the ferry terminals. Here is how to bridge the gap:

• On foot or by taxi: use the walking-route button above, or see our Igoumenitsa taxi guide.
• Finding your way around the port: the Igoumenitsa port guide covers the layout of the harbour.
• Onward ferry tickets: see ferries and tickets, or the REVIS TRAVEL ticket agency in town.
• Bus not until tomorrow? See the hotels in Igoumenitsa and other places to stay.
• No bus where you are going? Compare car rental in Igoumenitsa.

Available Discounts

KTEL Thesprotias offers several official discount categories. You will need to present valid documentation at the ticket office:

• ΑΜΕΑ (Disability card): 50% discount
• Student card (Greek universities): 50% discount
• Student card (other): 25% discount
• Military (ΓΕΣ): 15% discount

Ask at the ticket counter — the staff are used to international travelers and can help.

Just arrived in Igoumenitsa by bus?

Popular Bus Routes, Schedules & Ticket Prices

The departure times below are the timetables published by KTEL Thesprotias on its official website, last checked on 7 October 2026. They are published timetables, not live departures: services can be changed or cancelled at short notice, and holiday periods run on different schedules. Always confirm with the station (+30 26650 22309) before you travel.

Also on this page: Patras, Preveza and other destinations · Town buses

Igoumenitsa to Athens

The Athens line uses the Ionia Odos motorway and terminates at the Kifisos Bus Station in Athens, where the X93 express bus connects to Athens International Airport.

• Igoumenitsa → Athens (daily): 08:30 (via Paramythia), 12:00 (via Plataria), 20:30 (via Plataria).
• Athens → Igoumenitsa (daily): 07:30 (via Plataria), 12:00 (via Paramythia), 20:30 (via Plataria).
• Change from 1 November 2026: the operator has announced that the 20:30 from Igoumenitsa will leave at 17:30.
• Pets: according to the timetable, accepted only on the 08:30 from Igoumenitsa and the 07:30 from Athens.
• Journey time and fare: not shown on the timetable page. Our June 2026 review recorded about 5.5–6 hours and around €53.20 one way; we could not re-confirm either figure in October 2026, so check the current price when you book.
• Source: KTEL Thesprotias published timetable. Last checked: 7 October 2026.

Igoumenitsa to Thessaloniki

The Thessaloniki line follows the Egnatia Odos motorway across northern Greece, via Grevena, Kozani (Drepano) and Veria, and arrives at the Macedonia Intercity Bus Station.

• Igoumenitsa → Thessaloniki (daily): 09:30 and 15:00.
• Thessaloniki → Igoumenitsa (daily): 09:00 and 15:00.
• Pets: according to the timetable, accepted only on the morning services.
• Journey time and fare: not shown on the timetable page. Our June 2026 review recorded about 4–4.5 hours and around €41.10 one way; we could not re-confirm either figure in October 2026.
• Source: KTEL Thesprotias published timetable. Last checked: 7 October 2026.

Igoumenitsa to Ioannina

This is the route to take for Ioannina city, day trips into Epirus, or onward travel toward Ioannina airport (IOA).

• Igoumenitsa → Ioannina (daily): 08:45, 14:00, 17:30 and 20:30.
• Ioannina → Igoumenitsa (daily): 09:00, 14:15, 18:00 and 20:30.
• Journey time: about 90 minutes, as shown in the KTEL Ioanninon booking system for the Ioannina → Igoumenitsa direction.
• Fare: not shown on the timetable page. Our June 2026 review recorded around €12.20 one way; check the current price before you travel.
• Sources: KTEL Thesprotias published timetable, cross-checked with the KTEL Ioanninon booking system. Last checked: 7 October 2026.

Igoumenitsa to Sivota & Perdika

• Igoumenitsa → Sivota → Perdika (Monday to Friday): 06:00 and 14:30.
• Perdika → Sivota → Igoumenitsa (Monday to Friday): 07:00 and 15:30.
• Weekends: no Saturday or Sunday service appears on the current timetable.
• Good to know: times are departures from the first stop; the time the bus passes Sivota is not published.
• Journey time and fare: not shown on the timetable page. Our June 2026 review recorded 30–40 minutes to Sivota and local fares of roughly €3.50–7; we could not re-confirm these in October 2026.
• Source: KTEL Thesprotias published timetable. Last checked: 7 October 2026.

Heading for the coast? See the best beaches in Sivota, where to stay in Sivota and where to stay in Perdika.

Igoumenitsa to Parga

• Igoumenitsa → Parga (Monday to Friday): 06:15 and 13:30.
• Parga → Igoumenitsa (Monday to Friday): 07:30 and 15:00.
• Weekends: no Saturday or Sunday service appears on the current timetable.
• Journey time and fare: not shown on the timetable page.
• Source: KTEL Thesprotias published timetable. Last checked: 7 October 2026.

Igoumenitsa to Paramythia

• Igoumenitsa → Paramythia (Monday to Friday): 06:00 and 12:30, via Parapotamos and Menina.
• Igoumenitsa → Paramythia (daily): 08:30, 08:45, 14:00 and 17:30, via the Egnatia Odos (the 08:45, 14:00 and 17:30 are the Ioannina buses).
• Paramythia → Igoumenitsa (Monday to Friday): 08:30 and 14:00, via Menina and Parapotamos.
• Paramythia → Igoumenitsa (daily): 15:15 and 18:00, via the Egnatia Odos.
• Unclear on the timetable: a 16:00 departure from Paramythia is listed without operating days. Confirm it with the station before relying on it.
• Source: KTEL Thesprotias published timetable. Last checked: 7 October 2026.

Igoumenitsa to Filiates

• Igoumenitsa → Filiates (Monday to Friday): 06:15, 07:30, 09:30, 11:30, 13:00, 14:15 and 19:30.
• Igoumenitsa → Filiates (Saturday and Sunday): 09:30 only.
• Filiates → Igoumenitsa (Monday to Friday): 07:15, 08:30, 10:30, 12:30, 14:00, 15:00 and 20:00.
• Filiates → Igoumenitsa (Saturday and Sunday): 10:30 only.
• Source: KTEL Thesprotias published timetable. Last checked: 7 October 2026.

Igoumenitsa to Lefkada

• Igoumenitsa → Lefkada: Friday 11:00 and Sunday 16:00.
• Lefkada → Igoumenitsa: Friday 13:30 and Sunday 13:30.
• Sources: KTEL Thesprotias published timetable, cross-checked with the KTEL Lefkadas website. Last checked: 7 October 2026.

Igoumenitsa to Arta

• Days: Thursdays and Saturdays, according to an operator announcement dated 30 July 2025.
• Igoumenitsa → Arta: on the 08:30 Athens bus.
• Arta → Igoumenitsa: on the bus that leaves Athens at 12:00. The time it passes Arta is not published.
• Good to know: this is an older announcement, so confirm with the station that the arrangement still applies.
• Source: KTEL Thesprotias announcements. Last checked: 7 October 2026.

Local lines: Mavromati and Agios Vlasios

• Igoumenitsa → Mavromati (daily): 06:15, 10:00 and 15:30.
• Mavromati → Igoumenitsa (daily): 07:15, 10:50 and 16:30.
• Igoumenitsa → Agios Vlasios (Monday to Friday): 07:15, 08:30, 11:00, 13:00, 14:15, 17:00 and 19:30. Saturday: 12:00 and 14:00.
• Agios Vlasios → Igoumenitsa (Monday to Friday): 07:45, 09:00, 11:30, 13:30, 14:45, 17:30 and 20:00. Saturday: 12:30 and 14:30.
• Sunday: no Agios Vlasios service appears on the current timetable.
• Source: KTEL Thesprotias published timetable. Last checked: 7 October 2026.

Patras, Preveza and other destinations

The operator’s website did not list a timetable from Igoumenitsa to Patras, Preveza, Larissa or Volos when we checked on 7 October 2026, and the KTEL Prevezas booking system showed no Preveza–Igoumenitsa service for that date. Ask the station (+30 26650 22309) which connection to use before you build plans around these destinations.

Is there a town bus in Igoumenitsa?

We could not find an official timetable or route map for an urban (town) bus network in Igoumenitsa, so this guide does not list one. Within town, plan to walk or take a taxi.

Tickets & Available Discounts

Tickets can be bought at the windows inside the main station with cash or international credit/debit cards, or online in advance through the official KTEL Thesprotias e-ticket page. For short regional runs such as Ioannina, buying at the counter just before boarding is perfectly fine; for long national routes in mid-summer, book ahead.

Standard Ticket Discounts:

• Children: Free or 50% discount depending on exact age brackets (usually under 6 travel free).
• Students: 25% to 50% off for holders of Greek University IDs or valid International Student Identity Cards (ISIC).
• Large Families & Military: Special reduced rates apply upon showing valid local European documentation.
• Return Tickets: Booking a round-trip (return leg) ticket at the terminal counter usually secures a 10-15% discount compared to buying two separate one-way tickets.

How to Buy Tickets & Station Amenities

Tickets can be purchased directly at the ticket windows inside the main KTEL Bus Station (Google Maps Location) using cash or international credit/debit cards.

On-Board Comforts Include:

• Full climate control (essential for hot Greek summer days).
• Large, free-of-charge under-bus luggage compartments.
• Standard, pre-assigned numbered seating.

💡 Local Tip: If your travel plans coincide with the peak summer months of July and August, or land near major Greek religious holidays like Easter and Christmas, booking your seats a few days in advance is an absolute must to secure your preferred departure time.

Bus Travel vs. Car Rental in Epirus

The right choice depends entirely on your travel style:

• Take the bus if you are solo, backpacking, on a budget, or simply moving in a straight line from the ferry port to a major hub like Ioannina, Thessaloniki or Athens.
• Rent a car if you want the real magic of Epirus. Buses will not take you to the hidden, unorganised beaches, the stone villages of Zagori, or the famous springs of the Acheron River.

If you value total freedom to explore at your own pace, see our local car rental in Igoumenitsa guide. For the days when neither fits, our Igoumenitsa taxi guide covers fares and the station rank.

Honest limitations & things to know

We would rather you plan well than be caught out, so here are the genuine downsides of relying on the bus in this region:

• Local lines are weekday-focused. Sivota, Perdika and Parga are largely Monday–Friday on the standard timetable; weekends are limited or non-existent outside summer.
• Winter service is sparse. Off-season frequencies drop sharply, and some coastal runs nearly disappear.
• Holiday timetables differ. Christmas, Easter and the August 15th period run on special schedules.
• No direct port → resort link. Everything routes through the downtown station first.
• Schedules move. Official online timetables are not always perfectly up to date — a quick phone call is the only reliable confirmation.
• Plan your return. With only a couple of runs a day on some lines, check the last bus back before you set out, and keep a taxi number as backup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there a direct bus from Igoumenitsa to Athens?

Yes. KTEL Thesprotias runs direct buses to Athens (Kifisos terminal) every day, year-round, with three departures a day on the current timetable (08:30, 12:00 and 20:30; from 1 November 2026 the 20:30 moves to 17:30). The timetable does not give a journey time; our earlier review recorded about 5.5–6 hours via the Ionia Odos motorway.

How much is the bus from Igoumenitsa to Athens?

Our June 2026 review recorded about €53.20 one way. We could not re-confirm the fare in October 2026, so treat it as a guide only and check the current price on the operator’s e-ticket page or at the station before you travel.

How long does the bus from Igoumenitsa to Thessaloniki take?

There are two buses a day on the current timetable, at 09:30 and 15:00, arriving at the Macedonia Intercity Bus Station. The timetable does not give a journey time; our earlier review recorded about 4–4.5 hours along the Egnatia Odos and a fare of around €41.10, neither of which we could re-confirm in October 2026.

Can I get a bus straight from the ferry terminal to Sivota?

No. There is no direct bus from the ferry docks to Sivota. First walk or take a short taxi to the main KTEL station downtown, then board the local coastal bus south. If you are staying over, plan where to stay in Sivota before you arrive.

Is there a bus from Igoumenitsa to Ioannina airport?

The Igoumenitsa–Ioannina line has four buses a day on the current timetable (08:45, 14:00, 17:30 and 20:30) and takes about an hour and a half. It drops you in Ioannina city; from there a short local bus or taxi reaches Ioannina airport (IOA). Our June 2026 review recorded a fare of around €12.20; check the current price before you travel.

Where is the Igoumenitsa KTEL bus station?

On Pindarou Street in Igoumenitsa (official address: Pindarou, Igoumenitsa 461 00). Use the map and the walking-route button to see the distance from your ferry terminal.

Can I buy KTEL Thesprotias tickets online?

Yes — long-distance tickets can be booked through the official KTEL e-ticket platform, or bought at the station with cash or international cards. For short regional runs, the counter is fine.

Do I need to book Greek bus tickets in advance?

For short regional routes, no. For long national routes (Athens, Thessaloniki) in July–August or around Greek holidays, booking a few days ahead is strongly recommended.

Do buses to Sivota, Perdika and Parga run on weekends and in winter?

On the timetable published in October 2026, the Sivota–Perdika and Parga lines run Monday to Friday only, with two buses a day in each direction and no Saturday or Sunday service. Summer timetables can differ, so check again before a summer trip.

Is there a bus from Igoumenitsa to Parga?

Yes, on weekdays. The current timetable shows buses at 06:15 and 13:30 from Igoumenitsa and at 07:30 and 15:00 from Parga, Monday to Friday, so check the last bus back before you set out.

How do I get from Igoumenitsa to Corfu?

Corfu is reached by ferry, not bus. Frequent local ferries link Igoumenitsa port directly with Corfu and Paxos, and the port is a walk or a short taxi ride from the bus station. See our ferries to Corfu & Italy guide.

Are there luggage limits on KTEL buses?

No strict weight limit for normal holiday suitcases. Large bags go free into the under-bus compartments; a small backpack can stay with you at your numbered seat.

Is there a taxi rank at the bus station?

Yes — a designated rank sits right outside the terminal, with cars usually waiting to match scheduled bus arrivals. See our taxi guide for fares.

What is the cheapest way from Igoumenitsa to Athens?

The KTEL bus is the direct public-transport option. Our June 2026 review recorded about €53.20 one way; check the current fare before you book.

Bus or rental car — which is better for Epirus?

Take the bus for budget, solo or point-to-point travel between the port and major hubs. Rent a car if you want hidden beaches, the Zagori villages or the Acheron springs, which buses do not serve.

Explore More of Igoumenitsa

To maximize your journey through northwestern Greece, feel free to explore our deep-dive local travel resources:

• 🏖️ Beaches near Igoumenitsa – Discover the best bays for a swim right outside the town.
• 🏨 Where to Stay in Igoumenitsa – Top-rated hotels and apartments near the port and station.
• 📌 Things to Do in Igoumenitsa – Local attractions, dining spots, and hidden secrets.
• 🌅 Sivota Travel Guide – Plan your visit to the stunning coastal resort just down the road.
• 🏡 Where to Stay in Sivota – Find the best hotels, villas, and apartments in Sivota.
• 🚗 Car Rental Igoumenitsa – Book a car to explore Epirus without restrictions.

Practical tips for using the bus

• Travel midweek for the local lines to get the fullest coastal timetable.
• Carry small cash for local fares, even though long-distance tickets can be bought online or by card.
• Confirm before you go — a quick call to +30 26650 22309 can save a wasted trip to the station.
• Arrive a little early in peak season; popular departures fill up.
• Keep your ticket handy — seats are numbered and may be checked.

Sources, last check and disclaimer

• Timetables: KTEL Thesprotias, official website ktel-thesprotias.gr, for every line listed above.
• Cross-checks: the KTEL Ioanninon booking system (Ioannina line) and the KTEL Lefkadas website (Lefkada line).
• Station location: the operator’s official address and its Google Maps listing.
• Last checked: 7 October 2026.
• Not confirmed at the last check: ticket prices, discount rules, journey times (except Ioannina) and walking times from the ferry terminals.

Disclaimer: IgoumenitsaSTAY is an independent travel guide. We do not operate buses, sell bus tickets or represent KTEL or any other operator. The times on this page are published timetables copied on the date above, not live departures. Operators can change, add or cancel services without notice, and holiday periods run on special schedules. Before you travel, confirm your departure with KTEL Thesprotias on +30 26650 22309 or at ktel-thesprotias.gr.