Thessaloniki’s public transportation enters a new era today as Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in the presence of the President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, inaugurates the launch of Thessaloniki’s Metro. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for the city and its public transport system.
The handover of the Metro project for public use is taking place at the Pylea Depot, where the state-of-the-art control center for the safe operation of the Metro is also located.
The ceremony began with a blessing shortly after 12 noon, following the arrival of the Prime Minister and the President of the Republic. The first to take the podium was the CEO of Hellenic Metro S.A., Nikos Kouretas, who thanked Kyriakos Mitsotakis for his commitment to the realization of this major project.
Following the ceremony, the Metro will open its doors to the public, and until Tuesday, December 3, all passenger travel will be free. From Wednesday, December 4, the fare will be €0.60, which applies to both the Metro and city buses, a reduction of €0.30 from the current fare of €0.90 for city buses. The monthly travel card will cost €16.
In his speech, Thessaloniki Mayor Stelios Aggeloudis expressed his determination to propel the city further forward. He also thanked Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni for her contribution to the development of the archaeological site at the Venizelos station and the completion of the project. “Thessaloniki is transforming into a modern metropolis in Southeastern Europe,” he stated, adding, “Prime Minister, we hope that next year the city will inaugurate the extension to Kalamaria. Riding on the Metro rails, Thessaloniki dares to make a fresh start.”
Following him, Alexandros Exarchou, President & CEO of the AKTOR Group, and Carlo Bianco, CEO of the THEMA consortium, spoke about the progress and completion of the project.
The main line of Thessaloniki’s Metro, inaugurated today, spans 9.6 kilometers from the new Railway Station to Nea Elvetia, with two independent single-track tunnels, 13 stations, and the entire route taking 17 minutes. It is expected to serve 250,000 passengers daily.
The system includes 18 state-of-the-art, fully automated trains with air conditioning, operating without a driver but with an attendant, and automatic doors.
By the end of 2025, the extension to Kalamaria will be completed, adding five more stations. There are also plans for further expansions to the western and northern neighborhoods of Thessaloniki.
