Transportation

Getting around Thessaloniki is fairly easy. Buses and taxis are the main means of public transportation in the city and they can get you anywhere within the city limits and the neighbouring areas. Both buses and taxis are cheap (or relatively cheap), and also quite punctual as well as reliable. Therefore, you shouldn't worry about finding your way around Thessaloniki as there is always a bus stop nearby. 

Buses

Bus transportation in Thessaloniki is provided by Organisation of Urban Transportation of Thessaloniki (OASTH). The company operates in the wider Thessaloniki metro area, buses can also take you to the beach on the outskirts of the city. 

Bus tickets can be bought at OASTH booths, which are located in several places around the city, and at any newsagent's on the street. A single ticket costs 80 cents (40 cents reduced). Keep in mind that your Greek student card entitles you to reduced fares on OASTH buses (both on single and season tickets). Remember to VALIDATE your ticket after you get on the bus. If you haven't bought your ticket before boarding, you can do it directly on the bus. Ticket machines DO NOT give change and tickets sold by them are 10 cents more expensive. 

Getting a season ticket is worth considering, especially since it entitles you to free journeys on all OASTH buses and they are huge money savers. In order to get one, you need to go to one of the OASTH booths. I know there are OASTH booths located on Aristotle Square, in Kamara, and on the bus terminal next to Ikea. You will be asked to provide one passport-size picture and your Greek student card. A monthly ticket costs €30 adult and €15 reduced and it's valid for one calendar month. Make sure to buy your monthly ticket before the end of the first week of the month, otherwise you will not be able to buy a ticket. Other types of season tickets include 3-month and annual tickets which cost respectively: €86 adult & €43 reduced, and €320 adult & €165 reduced.

If you are in possession of a student ticket, bear in mind that you need to carry your student card with you at all times when you travel on OASTH buses. Ticket inspections are not frequent but they take place. 

Many bus stops in Thessaloniki are equipped with real-time bus information system which displays buses approaching the bus stop (service number & time left until the bus reaches the bus stop). Unlike what we know from many other European countries, buses in Thessaloniki do not stop at every bus stop. In order to get off on the next stop, you need to press one of the stop buttons located next to every door. 

Taxi

Taxi services in Thessaloniki are a quick, reliable and quite cheap way to get around the city. They are the best option for getting to and from parties if you live further away from the city centre. If you gather 3 or 4 friends to share a taxi, it shouldn't cost each of you more than €2 or €3. I lived quite far away from the main pub/club areas and I seriously doubt that I ever paid more than €3 when traveling with 3 other people. 

There is absolutely no need to ring any taxi company to get a cab. Many taxis are owned by private drivers anyway. There are always taxis parked on the streets (usually near main junctions and squares). Sometimes it is good to set up the price upfront, especially when after a party you don't have much money on you. Some drivers are happy to give you a lift for agreed sum of money. You can also get a cab by raising your hand on the street.