TRANSPORT
TRAIN
crossed, this will also be the
case in the near future.Classes
There are two types of serv-
ice: regular (slow) trains
that stop at all stations and
faster, modern intercity
(IC) trains that link most
major cities. The slow trains
represent the country’s
cheapest form of public
transport: 2nd-class fares
are absurdly cheap, and
even 1st class is cheaper
than bus travel.
The IC trains that link the
major Greek cities are an
excellent way to travel. Theservices are not necessarily
express – Greece is far too
mountainous for that – but
the trains are modern and
comfortable. There are
1st- and 2nd-class tickets
and a cafe-bar on board. On
some services, meals can
be ordered and delivered to
your seat. The night service
between Athens and Thes-
saloniki also off ers a choice
of couchettes, two-bed
compartments and single
compartments.Train Pass e s» (^) Eurail and Inter-Rail cards
are valid in Greece, but it’s
generally not worth buying
one if Greece is the only
place where you plan to
use them. See p 779 for
more details. For IC and
sleeper cars, you still
require a costly supplement.
» (^) On presentation of ID
or passports, passengers
over 60 years-old are
entitled to a 25% discount
on all lines except in July,
August and over the Easter
week.
» (^) Whatever pass you have,
you must have a reservation
to board the train.