How to cross the road in Greek style?

To be honest Greece is very specific country not only because of people who live there...but also because of their style - e.g. crossing the street.

Classical rules say:

• Find the safest place to cross then stop.
• If available cross the road at a zebra crossing, traffic light crossings or at traffic islands or where there is a police officer or a traffic warden. Wait on the pavement until the traffic has completely stopped.
• If not available, choose a place where you can see clearly along the roads in all directions, and where drivers can see you. Never cross on turns.
• Wait until it's safe: Wait patiently and let the traffic pass.Cross when there is a safe gap and you are sure there is enough time. Don't cross if you are not sure.
• When it's safe, walk directly across the road.
• Keep looking & listening while crossing.
• Never run! 

Greek rules are totally opposite! :D
If you want to cross the road within few seconds and don't want to wait hours then follow simply rules:

• Find the best place for crossing, no matter if it's safe or not, the best for you and follow other Greeks - they always know how to cross the street without waiting!
• Don't panic when car will start honking, they often greet each other in this style, and most of the time the honk it's not directed to you.
• Watch out because motors are everywhere!
• Always try to run, because it's a faster way of crossing the road on.. red light! So you won't be hit by vehicle.
• Lights red/green are only put because of EU restrictions :P  People always cross the street no matter which light is shown!
• There is no need to watch carefully, and wait untill the whole traffic completely stop - otherwise you'll stuck in one place for long minutes.
• Sometimes it's impossible to see the whole road clearly along in all directions.
• Don't expect that someone will help you (hard to find policeman e.g.) - you always count on yourself!
• The driver is often busy with other things while driving (listening to music, smoking, talking on the phone) but I was really impressed that they always saw people crossed the street in weird places! I guess that kind of alertness is in their blood.

How to Read a Greek Bus Schedule

Even when the site is in English, the schedules may still show Greek names for the days. At the bus station itself, it almost definitely will. Here's my help: 

ΔΕΥΤΕΡΑ - Deftera - Monday
ΤΡΙΤΗ - Triti - Tuesday
ΤΕΤΑΡΤΗ - Tetarti - Wednesday
ΠΕΜΠΤΗ - Pempti - Thursday
ΠΑΡΑΣΚΕΥΗ - Paraskevi - Friday
ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ - Sabato - Saturday
ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ - Kyriaki - Sunday

The Greek days of the week are a classic case of a little knowledge being a dangerous thing. If you see "Triti" and look at the root as "tria" or "three", the temptation is to think, ah, the third day of the week, must mean my bus leaves Wednesday. Wrong! Greeks count Sunday, Kyriaki, as the first day of the week - so Triti is Tuesday.

Bus schedule in Sounio

What Day is it? Um, What Month Is It?

No, this has nothing to do with how much raki or ouzo or Mythos you put away last night. Remember that Greece puts the day first, then the month, opposite to what is standard in the United States (except, oddly, on the customs forms you fill out coming back into the United States). While it's unlikely you'll think "18" or "23" stands for a month instead of a day, unfortunately, the summer months make perfect 'sense' when reversed, so please be careful when booking that ferry ticket that you want August 7th when you select 07/08.

 

What do you mean the 15th is a Tuesday? I checked the Calendar!

Glancing at the calendar on the wall of the Greek bus or ferry office - or at your hotel? Please remember that Greek calendars start with Sunday unless they are designed to be bought by tourists for use back home, and even that isn't a sure thing.
Greek bus and other schedules use a 24-hour day. Here's help with that,too.

 

Reading 24-Hour Timetables & Schedules in Greece

Midnight/12:00am = 00:00
1 am = 01:00
2 am = 02:00
3 am = 03:00
4 am = 04:00
5 am = 05:00
6 am = 06:00
7 am = 07:00
8 am = 08:00
9 am = 09:00
10 am = 10:00
11 am = 11:00
Noon/12:00pm = 12:00
1 pm = 13:00
2 pm = 14:00
3 pm = 15:00
4 pm = 16:00
5 pm = 17:00
6 pm = 18:00
7 pm = 19:00
8 pm = 20:00
9 pm = 21:00
10 pm = 22:00
11 pm = 23:00

 

PM means AM and MM means PM

One last area for confusion, though the 24:00 time system makes this less frequent. In Greek, the abbreviation for "morning" is not AM for ante-meridian as it is in Latin, but PM for Pro Mesimbrias or πριν το μεσημέρι (prin to mesimeri) (before noon - think of the "pro" standing in for "prior to"). Afternoon and evening hours are MM for Meta Mesimbrias - if you like the candies, maybe you can think of M&Ms are chocolate and therefore MM means the "darker hours". In speech, however, hours are used normally - for example, someone will arrange to meet you at 7 in the evening, not 19:00 hours.

26 Simple Rules of Survival on the Greek Roads

Driving in Athens can be challenging at first but once you get out of the city you should be fine as long as you PAY ATTENTION. If you love to drive you will love driving in Greece. The roads are pretty good (better than in Poland, yuck!) and there is very little of the US Interstate-Autobahn kind of highway driving that makes driving boring. If you are not a good driver then you will probably be terrified at first but the practice of paying attention may make you a better driver.

Driving in Athens

Traffic jam in Athens

 

Driving in mainland Greece and on the Greek islands is a pleasure for those who know how to drive and especially those who know how to drive defensively. Driving in Athens is different. The most important thing to know is that following the rules is seen as a weakness of character by many Greek men who drive with the patience and consideration of a 13 year old drug addict in need of a fix. There are lots of people on the road who could not pass a road test if they had to, yet they are driving and some of them are driving fast. There are many scooters and motors in every street, so all you need to do is.. to watch your car mirror! :D

Follow 26 simple rules how to survive on the Greek roads and I bet, you will be fine with driving your own car in big city:

1) You must always keep in mind that you may be the only person on the road who actually took and passed a road test. Many of your fellow drivers rather than go through the inconvenience of taking the test or risk failing it simply bribed the people administering it. Just assume that nobody but you knows how to drive and you have to make up for their lack of ability by driving more defensively.

2) There are lanes but these can get blurred in certain places so keep your eyes on the car in front of you. There is especially a lack of lane discipline at night. The double lines in the middle of the road mean no-passing just like at home but don't be surprised to see someone else passing in fact they may be coming right towards you. Just take it to mean that you should not pass and that you should be extra alert for someone who is passing from the opposite direction because the rule does not apply to them. When driving on the National Road and in the countryside remember the advice: Keep to the right. Some Greek drivers do not like to be told what to do and they see the double white center line as a challenge to them to cross it and assert their individuality. 

3) If you decide to stop when the light turns orange be aware that the guy behind you may have already decided he is going to go through it and brace yourself. That does not mean that you should race through yellow lights to avoid being rear-ended. It means you should slow down and that you should definitely not decide at the last instant not to go through. Make your decision early. It is better to have the guy behind you swearing at you than on top of you :D

4) Motorbikes don't obey any lanes or rules and there is usually one or more somewhere nearby. Watch out for them especially on the islands where tourists who have never driven a motorbike in their lives are doing so now and are possibly drunk too. Motorcycles are responsible for the greatest number of accident victims in Greece.

5) Watch out for people opening their doors without looking while parked or double parked. Expect the unexpected.

6) In the mountains and rural areas, driving can be treacherous due to narrow roads, blind curves, and unprotected embankments sometimes on the edge of 1000 foot cliffs that fall to the sea, or even worse, the ground. Watch out for people parked in unbelievably stupid places like when you come around a mountain bend and someone is relievimg himself or taking a picture of his girlfriend while his car is parked halfway in the road.

7) Road signs are mostly in Greek and English but that does not mean you will always see them, especially in central Athens. Its good to have someone sitting next to you who will be watching signs while you will be focused on road and other driver's moves.

8) There are certain days and times when traffic is terrible, beyond belief. The days and times and directions vary but correspond to working and shopping hours so you may want to familiarize yourself with them. Keep in mind that demonstrations can have an undesirable effect on your plans to travel in and out of Athens. Most are in the Syntagma Square area but they often march somewhere. Strikes and demostrations are usually announced in the English language Kathimerini Daily. 

9) Leaving Athens by car on the Friday before a holiday weekend and returning after a holiday weekend is a nightmare, no matter where you are going. This is especially true of Easter and the beginning of August when many Athenians take their vacations. If you can stay in Athens and leave when everyone is returning then do that. 

10) If you have never driven in mountains before you may want to practice using your gears to downshift and reduce your speed instead of using your brakes and then not having any when you need to actually stop.

11) Always wear your seatbelt. If you have toddlers ask the rental agency for a car seat before you leave home and if they don't have one, bring one. Kids under 18 years old are not allowed to drive. Children under 10 must sit in the back seat. 

12) The Speed limit in Greece is 100-120 kmph on highways unless otherwise posted and 50 kmph in residential areas unless otherwise posted. Most road signs are pictures that are pretty self explanatory.

13) When asking directions expect to hear something like: Go about 3 kilometers, take a right at the traffic light and ask someone else. Directions, no matter how precise always include asking someone else, thus increasing the possibility of being given the wrong directions. Make sure you have a map. A compass is not a bad idea either.

14) If you are staying in Athens and renting a car for an overnight trip or longer ask the rental agency to pick you up at your hotel and when you return to meet you there.

15) If you plan to do daytrips by car while staying in Athens each night try to find a hotel with parking or ask the hotel where the closest parking garage is. It is almost impossible to find a parking spot in downtown Athens. A legal one anyway. If you park illegally the police will take your plates and it will cost 150 euros to get them back. Paying the money is the easy part.

16) Young Greeks with nice cars drive fast. They do have excellent reflexes which gets them out of trouble as fast as they get into it, probably having something to do with a diet rich in cafeine and nicotine. That means you will have some close calls, almost guaranteed, but if you are attentive and they are not fighting with their girlfriend or mother on the cell phone, chances are you won't have any major accidents. But they do happen. The peak time for accidents in Athens is from 5 to 9 pm as tired drivers return home from work. Many fatalities occur late at night when speed, alcohol and youth are factors. 

17) It is easier to rent a car as you need it on each island, then it is to rent a car and take it on and off the ferries to several islands. With the cost of ferry tickets now it is more economical too. Driving a car on a ferry can be a little intimidating at first because usually you have to back in and follow instructions in Greek that will enable you to squeeze your car into a space you never would have thought possible. Getting off is easier but often you have to wait for the car next to you to move so you can open the door and get in. By then you may have asphyxiated from carbon-monoxide, but if you haven't the rest is easy.

18) Gas stations are common but be aware that in many cases they don't accept credit cards. 

19) There is an Emergency Line for Visitors to Greece: Dial 112 for information in English, French and Greek regarding ambulance services, fire brigade, police and the coast guard (I guess in case you fall into the sea :D). For roadside assistance call ELPA at 10400 and chances are good there will be someone who speaks English. If you are renting a car be sure you have a 24-hour line or cell phone number for the rental comany so you can contact them in an emergency or hastle them if the car is a piece of junk.

20) To rent a car in Greece you only need a valid license from your home country. But according to Greek law you need a valid U.S. license as well as an International Driving Permit. The U.S. Department of State has authorized two organizations to issue international permits to those who hold valid U.S. driver's licenses: AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance. Vehicles may be rented without an international license, but the driver will be penalized for failure to have one and insurance coverage would not be provided in the event of an accident. Fines are high. EU citizens can use their national driving license. 

21) Fines are strict for breaking traffic laws in Greece. Running a red light or ignoring a stop sign is 700 euros. Not using a seatbelt in a car or wearing a helmet on a motorbike is a fine of 350 euros. Talking on a mobile phone without a hands-free kit is 100 euros. Driving under the influence depends on how you score on the breathalyser and can be from 200 to 1200 euros. Most of these fines also come with a loss of license for 10 days to 6 months.

22) The Greek police do use road-blocks to administer breathalyser tests.

23) The cheapest cars are generally the most dangerous. Greece has one of the highest rates of traffic fatalities in Europe and just because you are only here for a couple weeks does not mean you are exempt. On the small islands you can get by with a small car which is usually Catagory A since any collisions are more likely to be with another small car or a motorbike. But on the mainland or the larger islands send a little extra and get a bigger, safer car. Make sure it has seatbelts and they work. Ask about air-bags too.

24) In case I have discouraged you from driving and have decided to walk everywhere keep in mind that Greece also has one of the highest number of pedestrian deaths in the European Union. Because there is a shortage of parking spots many drivers park cars over curbs and sidewalks so pedestrians are forced to walk in streets. Drivers who run lights are a danger and collisions between pedestrians and motorbikes are common. So please take my little advice - and look while crossing the street carefully TWICE!

25) If you rent a car and it has a serious problem don't wait til you return it to report it. For example if you get a car and the air-conditioning does not work, call the agency and tell them you want a new car delivered right away. It is best to know if there are any problems before you drive off and checking the AC is pretty easy to do. Cold air comes out or it doesn't. In the summer when rental cars go out as fast as they come in a problem may not be reported by the previous renter and not caught by the rental agency. But that should not be your problem. It is however your responsibility to report the problem right away. Even if it is not serious and does not require a new car think about the person who will get it next. At the very least make a list of anything that does not seem right to keep minor problems from becoming serious ones and causing major problems for the next person who rents the car. 

26) If you happen to break the law and get a ticket (rare) police may not speak your language. Even if they do arguing with them is useless and not recommendable. If you do not agree, just take the ticket, go to the traffic police station and talk to the chief and if you are lucky he will speak English. You should also call the rental agency and ask them to help you because if you leave it is just as likely that the police will come after them too. Remember that no matter how outrageous the fine seems you can pay half price by paying it within 5 days.

Practical Info about Traveling by Bus in Greece

In this post I gathered some practical info about traveling by bus in whole Greece, I collected my thoughts below:

– KTEL buses are either green or blue and white, or orange and white in a variety of designs. Look at the design of yours when the bus takes a rest break to make sure you re-board the correct one or look at the destination sign in the front window, you can also ask bus driver (they all know English in min. basic level)

κτελ αττικης - KTEL Attikis (orange bus in route to Sounio)

– The majority of buses are modern, air conditioned and comfortable; sometimes it’s too cold, which is great in summer

ΚΤΕΛ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗΣ - central bus station in Thessaloniki

– Luggage will be taken by the bus driver or you will be instructed to place it in a large compartment underneath the bus when the door opens. Passengers can bring suitcases, bicycles, boxes, furniture (within reason). I’ve never seen KTEL impose weight limits.

– Overhead storage inside the bus is limited and not normally large enough for a carry-on suitcase. Most people use them for small backpacks, fanny packs, snacks/drinks, umbrellas, coats, helmets, hats, briefcase.

– Look for your seat number (thesi) on the actual seat you’ll be sitting in, usually marked above or behind the seat or on the aisle in pairs.

– Buses traveling a distance will make a food/smoke/rest stop midway, during which the bus is locked. (for e.g. Athens - Thessaloniki 6hrs route)

– Food at Greek-owned rest stops are typically overpriced and substandard in quality, and the bus driver gets a commission — bring your own snacks/food/drink or pray for a name-brand fast food chain (rare).

– Bus tickets to islands include a ferry ticket, unless you are disembarking before it crosses (i.e. Zakynthos, Kefallonia, Corfu/Kerkyra).

Bus ticket on route Nafplio - Archea Mikines

– An unlimited or multi-ride pass does not exist at this time for the entire KTEL network. However, some individual networks have weekly, monthly and three-month regional travel cards, such as KTEL Argolida

– Purchasing a round-trip or return ticket will save you approximately 20 percent

– Round-trip or return bus tickets are typically valid for 30, 60 or 90 days. Length of validity varies by KTEL location, so inquire with the ticketing agent if this is a concern. Also you need to exchange your return ticket (when you buy return ticket the price for return journey is 0 euro - it will be corrected straight away in the day when you will take return journey, same with entering exact hour of the bus arrival) when you decide to take return journey in exact ktel agency from which you've bought your ticket (e.g. KTEL Thessalonikis)

– Be aware that many cities have two or more bus terminals. If you tell someone where you want to go, they should direct you to the correct one.

– Summer schedules typically run from April-October and winter from November-March, although the transport ministry can announce differently at any time.

– Tickets can be purchased online with limited (not all) KTEL websites but only in Greek. Most people show up early to get a ticket/seat and do not reserve one, although it is free. Busy routes demand you be present and buy a ticket at least a half hour before departure if you are embarking at a terminal; others allow you to buy a ticket from the driver at no extra charge, as long as there is a seat on the bus (I’ve even seen drivers take standing passengers). In summer, I recommend showing up at least an hour in advance.

- KTEL buses run on holidays (New Year’s, Easter, Christmas) in some areas but with a curtailed schedule; others do not. There’s no way to know in advance which will run; most people call or visit the station to inquire the day before or day of departure. Sorry, that’s how Greece is.

There's also one thing confusing while traveling by bus in Greece - reading Greek schedules - that's why I posted few tips here.

KTEL Buses of Greece

KTEL (Greek: Κοινά Ταμεία Εισπράξεων Λεωφορείων) is the main intercity public transport bus service in Greece. It is a cooperation of 62 regional bus companies, usually named after the regional unit they serve, e.g. KTEL Imathias for Imathia. KTEL was founded in 1952.
The majority of KTEL buses are like modern tour buses, with comfortable seats and room for luggage underneath the bus and in racks inside. Seats are assigned, so match the ticket number to the number on your seat.
KTEL bus ticket offices usually have someone who understands English and other languages.

The KTEL companies provide 80% of all passenger transportation in Greece. Interregional transport, e.g. to Athens, is provided by most of the KTEL companies.

KTEL, the long-distance bus network of Greece, is a vital part of traveling in the country since the terrain and austerity cutbacks limit destinations reachable by train. With the rising price of fuel, high road tolls and gas station strikes, even car travel can be cost prohibitive or impossible at times.

Another bonus is KTEL buses can be counted on to serve travelers when ferries, public transport and trains are on strike.

Things to Know about Greek buses

Some bus routes may be direct, while others to the same place may have extra stops or even require a bus change, which can be difficult with luggage and with the stress of knowing where to get off. There is usually a posted schedule. If you see that the bus you want seems to be take longer to get to its destination than the buses to the same place listed above or below, it's a good hint that you may have extra stops or a bus change on that particular departure. While you want to tell the driver where you are going, he may or may not remember to tell you at the crucial moment. A good strategy is to talk with your fellow passengers. If there is a language barrier, pointing to yourself and saying the name of the town you are going to may get you a helpful tap on the shoulder if you're about to miss getting off at your stop.
Official KTEL Websites - Each area's operator is actually a separate company. These websites seem to come and go, and sometimes only the Greek language pages will be available.

Here you have the link to KTEL Official Webiste: http://ktelbus.com

The detailed list of KTEL buses in Greece:

Athens:

KTEL Athens
Terminal ‘A’ (Kifissou Street)
Departs from Athens to Alexandroupoulis, Argos (see Nafplio), Arta, Astros/Leonidios, Corfu/Kerkyra, Corinthos/Korinth, Dimitsana, Epidavros (Ligourio), Florina, Githio, Igoumenitsa, Ioannina, Ithaki, Kalamata, Kalavryta, Kastoria, Kavala, Kefallonia, Lefkada, Loutraki, Messolongi, Methoni, Monemvassia, Nafpaktos, Nafplio/Mycenae (Mykines), Neapolis, Olympia, Parga, Patra, Preveza, Pylos, Pyrgos, Sparta/Sparti, Thessalonki, Tripoli, Veria, Xanthi, Xilokastro, Zakynthos
Terminal ‘B’ (Liosson Street)
Departs from Athens to Agios Konstantinos, Aidipsos (Evia), Amfissa, Delphi, Distomo, Galaxidi, Halkida, Kamena Vourla, Karditsa, Karpenissi, Katerini/Litochoro, Kimi (Paralia)/Skyros, Lamia, Larissa, Livadia, Thiva, Trikala/Meteora (Kalambaka), Volos/Pylio
KTEL Attikis (ΚΤΕΛ Αττικής) – Travel within Athens (ktelattikis.gr)
Ag. Andreas, Ag. Apostoli, Ag. Dimitrios, Agia Marina, Ag. Nikolaos, Ag. Theodori, Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos), Alepoxori, Anavyssos, Anatoli, Ancona, Avlaki, Dilesi, Erythres, Grammatiko, Halkoutsi, Kakia Thalassa, Kalamos, Kalenzi, Kalyvia, Kamariza, Kapandriti, Keratea, Koropi, Kouvara, Lagonissi, Lavrio, Legraina, Lykouriza, Marathona, Markati, Markopoulo, Mati, Megara, Mazi, Nea Makri, Oropos, Paiania, Pallini, Paralia Fokaias, Pikermi, Plaka, Polydendri, Porto Germeno, Porto Rafti, Psatha, Rafina, Saronida, Schinia, Sikamino, Souli, Sounio, Thymari, Varnava, Vilia, Vlastos, Vravrona, Zouberi

*During 24-hour transport strikes, KTEL Attikis sometimes runs ‘emergency’ bus routes between the Athens International Airport and Omonia Square and Syntagma Square. Tickets cost 5 euros per person and can be purchased on the bus. — To Vima (in Greek)

Rest of Greece:
KTEL Achaias (ΚΤΕΛ Αχαΐας) (achaiaktel.gr – Greek only)
Aigio, Argos, Arta, Athens, Halkida, Ioannina, Kalamata, Karditsa, Lamia, Larissa, Patra, Pefkou, Pyrgos, Thessaloniki, Volos

KTEL Aegina (ΚΤΕΛ Αίγινας) (ktel-aiginas.gr – website down)
KTEL Argolidas (ΚΤΕΛ Αργολίδας) (ktel-argolidas.gr)
Ancient Asini, Argos, Asklipio Theater, Drepano, Epidavros (Epidaurus), Galatsas, Hermioni, Hydra, (Ydra), Isthmos, Kalloni, Kilada, Kiveri, Kosta, Kranidi, Ligourio, Methana, Mycenae (Mykines), Nafplio, Nea Kios, Patra, Poros, Porto Heli, Spetses, Tirintha (Tiryns), Tolo, Tripoli, Trizina
KTEL Arkadias (ΚΤΕΛ Αρκαδίας) (ktelarkadias.gr in English or Greek)
Astros, Athens, Corinth/Korinth Canal, Dafnoula, Kalamata, Kleitoria, Leonidio, Loutra, Megalopoli, Olympia, Patras, Piraeus, Poulithra, Pyrgos, Tripoli, Tropea, Vitina, Zaha
KTEL Chios (ΚΤΕΛ Χίου) (Summer schedule and Winter schedule)
Ag. Fotini, Ag. Galas, Ag. Georgios, Amades, Armolia, Didima, Elata, Emporios, Flatsia, Giari Beach, Kalamoti, Kalimasia, Kampia, Kardamyla, Kataraktis, Kini, Komi, Lagada, Limenas Lithi, Meston, Mesta, Mirmigki, Nagos, Nenita, Olympi, Pagida, Pantoukios, Paparia, Patrika, Pirama, Pyrgi, Pytios, Sykiada, Tholopotami, Vessa, Viki, Volissos, Vouno
KTEL Corfu/Kerkyra (ΚΤΕΛ Κέρκυρας) (ktelkerkyras.gr)
Schedules between Corfu/Kerkyra and Acharavi, Afiona, Ag. Georgios Padi, Ag. Gordios, Ag. Ilia, Ag. Stefanos, Argyrades, Arilla, Athens, Ermoni, Glyfada, Issos, Kassiopi, Kavos, Larissa, Marvela, Messoghi, Paleokastritsa, Pyrgi, Roda, Sidari, Spartera, Thessaloniki, Varvati, Ypsos
KTEL Crete (ΚΤΕΛ Ηρακλείου Λασιθίου Α.Ε.) (ktelherlas.gr or bus-service-crete-ktel.com)
Ag. Nikolaos, Ano Archanes, Anogia, Arkalochori, Chania, Hersonissos, Ierapetra, Irakleio (Terminal A and Terminal B), Kastelli, Lassithi, Malia, Mires, Rethymno, Sitia
KTEL Etoloakarnanias (ΚΤΕΛ Αιτωλοακαρνανίας) (ktel-aitol.gr in Greek only)
Ag. Apostoli, Ag. Ilia, Ag. Paraskevi, Ag. Varvara, Agaliano, Aggelokastro, Agridi, Agrinio, Aktio, Alevrada, Amfiloxia, Amfissa, Amorgiani, Ampelia, Amvrakia, Anin, Ano Karasovo, Ano Makrynou, Anoixiatiko, Antirrio, Argyro Pigadi, Arta, Astako, Chrysovergi, Dafnia, Efinochori, Ellinka, Empesso, Etoliko, Filippiada, Fyties, Galata, Gavalou, Gouriotissa, Grevena, Halki, Halkiopouli, Ioannina, Itea, Kakavia, Kallithea, Katouna, Kechrinia, Kerasia, Kompoti, Kormeki, Konista, Kozani, Krikelo, Kryo Nero, Kryo Vrena, Kyparissia, Lamia, Lampiri, Larissa, Lefkada, Lithovouni, Livadia, Machala, Makrynia, Malesiada, Malevro, Menidi, Mesarista, Mesolongi, Mystika, Nafpaktos, Neromana, Orfano, Orestiada, Palaiokarya, Palaiomannina, Panaitolio, Patiopoulo, Patra, Pentekorfo, Perista, Peristeri, Plagia, Plakoti, Platano, Platygiali, Podagora, Preveza, Samari, Sardinia, Sargiada, Sitaralona, Sitomena, Skoutera, Spartia (village), Stamatogianneka, Stamna, Theriakisio, Thermo, Thessaloniki, Thiva, Thyamo, Trichonida, Tsapournia, Tsouka, Valto, Varka, Volos, Vonitsa
KTEL Evia (ΚΤΕΛ Ν. Ευβοίας Α.Ε) (eviaportal.gr)
Aidipsos, Aliveri, Amarinthos, Arkitsa, Athens, Gymnou, Halkida, Halkis, Ioannina, Istiaia, Karystos, Kymi, Limni, Loutsa, Manikia, Mantoudi, Patra, Prokopi, Psachna, Rovies, Skyros, Thessaloniki
KTEL Evros (ΚΤΕΛ Ν Έβρου) (ktelevrou.gr in Greek only)
Alexandroupoli, Didimoteicho, Ferres, Kavala, Orestiada, Provatonas, Soufli, Thessaloniki, Xanthi
KTEL Fokida (ΚΤΕΛ Ν. Φωκίδας) (ktel-fokidas.gr)
Amfissa, Athens, Delphi, Itea, Lamia, Lidoriki, Nafpaktos, Patra, Thessaloniki
KTEL Fthiotida (ΚΤΕΛ Φθιώτιδος) (ktelfthiotidos.gr in Greek only)
Lamia to: Agrinio, Amfissa, Athens, Grevena, Halkida, Ioannina, Karditsa, Karpenisi, Larissa, Patra, Pyrgos Ileias, Thessaloniki, Trikala, Tripoli, Volos, Zakynthos
KTEL Halkidiki (ΚΤΕΛ Χαλκιδικης)(oasth.gr and chalkidiki.com/ktel, both in English)
Ag. Mama, Dionysiou, Epanomi, Flogita, Gerakini, Hanioti, Ierisos, IKEA Thessaloniki, Kalamitsi, Kalikratia, Kalyves, Kassandra, Kriopygi, Marmara, Moundania, Mt. Athos, Olynthos, Ouranoupoli, Paliouri, Pefkoxori, Plagia, Polygyros, Potidea, Sikia, Simantra, Sithonia, Skioni, Sozopoli, Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki airport, Toroni, Tripti
KTEL Ileia (ΚΤΕΛ Ηλείας) (ktelileias.gr – Multilingual website)
Ag. Ilias, Alfeiousa, Amaliada, Andritsaina, Athens, Elaiona, Figaleia, Fonaitika, Hospital, Ioannina, Kaiafa, Kalamata, Karatoula, Katakolo, Katarahi-Spiantsa, Kolipi, Krestena, Kyparissia, Kyllini, Lampeti, Lechaina, Olympia, Patra, Pyrgos, Thessaloniki, Varda, Vounargo, Zacharo
KTEL Imathia (ΚΤΕΛ Ημαθίας) (ktelimathias.gr in Greek only)
Ag. Triada, Aggelochori, Agkathia, Aidypsos, Akrolimni, Alexandria, Almyros, Arachos, Athens, Daskio, Edessa, Episkopi, Fyteia, Giannitsa, Kalochori, Kastania, Katerini, Kavasila, Kefalochori, Kleidi, Korinos, Krya Vrysi, Ksechameni, Kypseli, Lamia, Larissa, Lefkadia, Lianovergi, Loutros, Makrochori, Marina, Meliki, Monospita, Naoussa, Neokastro, Niseli, P. Skylitsi, Palaiochori, Platy, Prasinada, Rapsomaniki, Schoinas, Schimatari, Seli, Stavros, Stenimachos, Stylida, Sykia, Thiva, Trilofia, Vergina, Veria, Zervochori
KTEL Karditsa (ΚΤΕΛ Καρδιτσας) (ktel-karditsas.gr in Greek only)
Schedules from Kardita to: Athens, Ioannina, Larissa, Mouzaki, Patra, Thessaloniki, Trikala, Volos
Local timetable for Ekkara and Sofades
KTEL Kefallonia (ΚΤΕΛ Κεφαλονιάς) (ktelkefallonias.gr in Greek* or kefallonia.net.gr in English)
Ag. Efthimia, Ag. Nikolaos, Argostoli, Athens, Atheras, Dipinata, Divarata, Fiskardo, Irinna, Ithaca, Katelio, Kato Leivatho, Kioni, Kontogenada, Kyllini, Lassi, Lixouri, Makriotika, Metaxata, Myrtos, Patra, Poros, Poulata, Pyrgi, Sami, Skala, Skineas, Soularoi, St. Gerasimo, Valsamata,Vathi, Xaliotata, Xi
*Has English version but can be confusing for anyone unfamiliar with Greek-English transliterations
KTEL Komotini/Rodopis (ΚΤΕΛ Ροδόπης) (ktelrodopis.gr in Greek, no schedules; ktelkomotinis.gr broken)
Schedules below are in Greek and come from a different location. Click the link you need according to destination, and put into a translator if necessary.
Schedules from Komotini to/from: Athens, Kavala, Thessaloniki, Xanthi (Porto Lagos or Iasmou)
Schedules from Komotini to/from: Amaxades, Ambrosia, Askites, Fanari, Galini, Gratini, Maroneia, Salpi, Sapes
KTEL Korinth/Corinth (ΚΤΕΛ Κορινθίας) (ktel-korinthias.gr *)
Ag. Anargyroi, Ag. Ioannis, Ag. Theodoroi, Ag. Vasileios, Almyri, Assos, Athens, Athikia, Bisia, Bozika, Bolati, Corinth/Korinthos, Derveni, Ellinochori, Galataki, Goura, Halki, Isthmia, Kalamaki, Kaletzi, Kallianoi, Kalyvia, Kastania, Kastraki, Kiato, Kinneta, Klenia, Kontostavlo, Korfos, Kryo Vrysi, Lavka, Limnes, Loutraki, Manna, Matzani, Mesogeia, Mikros Valtos, Nemea, Perachora, Pyrgos, Schoinos, Skoteini, Sofiko, Souli, Stimagka, Syvista, Tarsos, Thalero, Titani, Trikala, Vasiliko, Voxaiko, Vraxati, Vrysoules, Xartsanika, Xiliomodi, Xylokastro, Zevgolatio
*Has Greek and English but transliterations can be confusing; I found it easier to look at the Greek version.
KTEL Kos (ΚΤΕΛ Κώς) (www.kosisland.gr – Winter schedule and Summer schedule in English)
Airport, Antimacheia, Asfendiou, Kardamena, Marmari, Mastichari, Paradeiso, Pyli, Tigaki, Zia
KTEL Kozani (ΚΤΕΛ Κοζάνης) (ktelkozanis.gr in Greek only)
Ag. Dimitrios, Aiani, Aigyptsos, Anthotopo, Athens, Chromio, Ektakto, Eratyra, Florina, Gallatini, Grevena, Ioannina, Kastoria, Larissa, Lefkara, Livera, Mathitiko, Metamorfosi, Neapoli, Pontokomi, Ptolemaida, Rymnio, Serbia, Siatista, Sidera, Sparto, Thessaloniki, Tsotyli, Velvendo, Veria, Volos, Xteni
KTEL Lakonia (ΚΤΕΛ Λακωνίας) (ktel-lakonias.gr in Greek/English) *Schedules only in Greek
Areopoli, Athens, Gerolimenas, Gytheio, Keem, Molaoi, Monemvasia, Neapoli, Sparta/Sparti
KTEL Larissa (ΚΤΕΛ Λάρισας) (ktellarissas.gr in Greek only)
Agia, Aidypsos, Ampelonas, Athens, Elassona, Farsala, Gonnoi, Ioannina, Larissa, Katerini, Kerkyra, Makrychori, Sykourio, Thessaloniki, Tyrnavos, Verdikousa, Volos
*There is an Athens-Larissa Express bus departing 3-4 times daily, taking only 3 hours, 35 minutes. Frequent travelers can get a Loyalty Card that entitles them to one free ride for every five paid rides.
KTEL Lefkada (ΚΤΕΛ Λευκάδας)
(vasiliki.eu) — Aktio, Athens, Igoumenitsa, Lefkada, Lefkas, Preveza, Vasiliki
(lefkada.gr) — Lefkada to/from: Ag. Nikitas, Ag. Petros, Athens, Igoumenitsa, Karia, Ligia, Nidri, Nikiana, Patra, Preveza, Thessaloniki, Vasiliki, Vlycho
KTEL Lesvos/Lesbos (ΚΤΕΛ Λέσβου) (lesvos.com/buses)
Agiasos, Agra, Antissa, Argeno, Eressos, Gera, Kalloni, Kapa, Kleio, Mantamados, Mesotopos, Molyvos, Nifida, Parakoila, Pelopi, Petra, Plomari, Polichnitos, Sigri, Skala Sykamia, Skalla Eressos, Skalla Kalloni, Taxiarchis, Vatera, Vrisa, Ypsilometopo
KTEL Livadeias (ΚΤΕΛ Λιβαδειάς) (ktel-livadeias.gr in Greek only – Website down)
Schedules from Livadeias to: Antikyra, Arachova, Agrinio, Arta, Athens, Desfina, Nafpaktos, Ioannina, Messologio, Parnassos, Patra
KTEL Makedonia (ΚΤΕΛ Μακεδονία) (ktel-makedonia.gr)
Use the Destinations Map under ‘Bus Information,’ and click destination for schedule, ticket prices and travel time. Easily the best KTEL website in existence.
Schedules from Thessaloniki to: Achaia, Alexandroupoli, Amfissa, Arkadia, Arta, Chalkidiki, Derveni, Drama, Edessa, Elassona, Florina, Giannitsa, Goumenissa, Grevena, Halkida (Evia), Ioannina, Igoumenitsa, Kalamata, Karditsa, Kastoria, Katerini, Kavala, Komotini, Kerkyra (Corfu), Kilkis, Kleidi, Korinthos (Corinth), Kozani, Lamia, Larisa, Lefkada, Meliki, Moundania, Naoussa, Orestiada, Pella, Platanos, Polykastro, Preveza, Ptolemaida, Pyrgos, Serres, Soufli, Touba, Trikala, Veria, Volos, Xanthi, Zakynthos
KTEL Messinias (ΚΤΕΛ Μεσσηνίας) (ktelmessinias.gr in Greek and English)
Athens, Gargalianoi, Ioannina, Kalamata, Koropi, Kyparissia, Messini, Methoni, Oitylo, Patra, Pylo, Sparta/Sparti, Thessaloniki, Xora
Local routes: Akrogiali, Alagonia, Androusa, Arfara, Aris, Aristomeni, Avramiou, Chora, Dorio, Dyraxi, Exochori, Filia, Filiatra, Foinikounta, Gardiki, Gargalianoi, Iklaina, Kalamata, Kefalovryso, Kitries, Kokkinou, Koroni, Kynigou, Kyparissia, Lada, Logga, Melpeia, Methoni, Milioti, Nedousa, Oitylo, Paniperi, Petralona, Pylos, Rematia, Strefi, Trikorfo, Tseria, Valyra, Vasilitsi, Voutena, Xatzi
KTEL Mykonos (ΚΤΕΛ Μυκόνου) (mykonostour.com and ktelmykonos.gr — website down
Ag. Yannis, Ag. Stefanos, Ano Mera, Elia, Kalafati, Kalafati, Νeo Limani, Ornos, Paradise, Paranga, Platis Yiallos, Psarou
KTEL Naxos (ΚΤΕΛ Νάξου) (naxosnet.com — new link)
Agersani, Ag. Anna, Ag. Prokopios, Ampram, Apeiranthos, Apollonas, Danako, Eggares, Filoti, Galandro, Galini, Glinako, Halki, Kastraki, Kinidaros, Komiaki, Koronos, Melanes, Mesi, Mikri Vigla, Moni, Moutsouna, Myloi, Plaka, Potamia, Pyrgaki, Sagkri, Skado, Tripodes, Tsikalario
KTEL Paros (ΚΤΕΛ Πάρου) (ktelparou.gr)
Alyki, Dryos, Golden Beach, Kamares, Kostos, Lefkes, Livadi Beach, Logaras, Marathi, Marmara, Marpissa, Naoussa, Parasporos, Paroikia, Pounda Antiparos, Pounda Beach, Prodromos, Voutakos
KTEL Pellas (ΚΤΕΛ Πέλλας) (ktelpellas.gr in Greek only)
Aridaia, Athens, Edessa, Giannitsa, Krya Vrysi, Skydra, Thessaloniki
KTEL Rhodes/Rodos and RODA (ΚΤΕΛ Ρόδου) (oasis-hotel.gr)
Ag. Dimitrios, Ag. Ioannis, Analipsi, Apollona, Archangelos, Afantou, Damatria, Embona, Faliraki, Fanes, Gennadi, Kalavarda, Kalithea, Kalythies, Kamiros, Katavia, Kolymbia, Koskinou, Kritinia, Laerma, Lardos, Lindos, Malona, Maritsa, Massari, Messanagros, Monolithos, Paradissi, Pastida, Pefki, Psinthos, Rhodes Town, Rodini, Salakos, Soroni, Theologos
KTEL Salamina (ΚΤΕΛ Σαλαμίνας) (ktelsalaminas.gr )
KTEL Samos (ΚΤΕΛ Σάμου) (samos-online.com)
Ag. Konstantinou, Airport, Ambelos, Arvanites, Avlakia, Drakei, Hora, Ireon, Kallithea, Karlovasi, Kastania, Kokkari, Kondeika, Koumeika, Lekka, Lemonakia Beach, Marathokampos, Mavratzei, Mytilini, Ormos, Pagondas, Platanos, Potokaki, Pyrgos, Pythagorio, Samos Town, Spatharei, Tsamadou Beach, Tsambou Beach, Votsalakia, Vourliotes, Ydrousa
KTEL Santorini/Thira (ΚΤΕΛ Θήρας) (ktel-santorini.gr – Click flashing ‘Timetable’ at top right)
Airport, Akrotiri, Athinios Port, Fira, Imerovigli, Kamari, Monolithos, Oia, Perissa, Vlyxada
KTEL Syros (ΚΤΕΛ Συρου) (syros.com.gr in English ktel-syrou.gr in Greek)
Ano Mana, Ano Syros, Azolimnos, Bissa, Chroussa, Danakos, Ermoupoli, Finikas, Galissas, Kini, Megas Gyalos, Pagos, Parakopi, Poseidonia, Vari
KTEL Thessaloniki (ΚΤΕΛ Θεσσαλονίκης)
(ktel-thes.gr)
Select buses offer free Wi-Fi as of March 31, 2011. Schedules as follows:

• Athens/Piraeus to Thessaloniki
• Thessaloniki to Athens/Piraeus

For other routes, Thessaloniki to _____ , see KTEL Macedonia.
KTEL Thesprotia (ΚΤΕΛ Θεσπρωτιας) (ktel-thesprotias.gr in Greek only)
Schedules from Igoumenitsa to: Athens, Ioannina, Larissa, Lefkada, Mavromati, Paramythia, Parga, Perdika, Syvota, Thessaloniki
KTEL Trikala (ΚΤΕΛ Τρικάλων) (ktel-trikala.gr – Timetables and Ticket Prices only in Greek)
Athens, Farkadona, Elati, Grevena, Ioannina, Kalambaka/Meteora, Karditsa, Larissa, Mouzaki, Neoxori, Neraidoxori, Oixalia, Patra, Pyli, Thessaloniki, Trikala, Volos

KTEL Volos – Magnisia (ΚΤΕΛ Βολου) (ktelvolou.gr – Greek only)
Almyros, Athens, Ioannina, Kozani, Lamia, Larissa, Patra, Pylio, Thessaloniki, Trikala, Velestino 
KTEL Xanthi (ΚΤΕΛ Ξάνθης) (ktelxanthis.gr in Greek only)
Schedules from Xanthi to: Athens, Drama, Komotini, Mandra, Thermes, Thessaloniki
KTEL Zakynthos (ΚΤΕΛ Ζακύνθου) (ktel-zakynthos.gr)
Click your selection, then scroll down the left menu and choose your route.
Long-distance routes: Agrinio, Amfiloxia, Arta, Athens, Grevena, Ioannina, Kozani, Mesologgi, Patras, Thessaloniki, Veria
Local routes: Ag. Leon, Ag. Nikolaos, Agalas, Agrilia, Alykes, Argassi, Ekso Xora (Exo Chora), Galaro, Gerakaria, Gyri, Kalamaki, Kambi, Katastari, Keri, Kypseli/Kipseli, Korithi, Laganas, Lithakia, Maxairado, Nerotsoulithres, Tragaki, Tsilivi, Vasilikos, Volima, Zakynthos Town