Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport (SKG)

Layover Guide

Making the most of your stopover at Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport — hotels, city tours and transit tips.

Your SKG Layover at a Glance

City AccessAccessible
Minimum layover for city4 hours

Best use of a long layover

Thessaloniki's waterfront promenade (Nea Paralia) and the White Tower are about 20–30 minutes away by taxi or rideshare, and both make for an easy, scenic quick visit.

Inside the airport

The Terminal 1 business lounge is the main sit-down option if you'd rather stay airside.

No hotel is attached to the terminal; the closest options are along the waterfront in central Thessaloniki, about 20–30 minutes away.

Greece is in the Schengen Area: EU/Schengen-exempt passport holders can come and go freely, but anyone needing a Schengen visa must have it arranged before arrival — there is no visa-on-arrival here.
Transit visa requirements vary by nationality and change frequently. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate of Greece before travel.

Layover Duration Guide

Under 3 hrs
Stay Airside

Grab a meal, use the lounge or rest. Not enough time to clear immigration and return safely.

3 – 6 hrs
Airport Exploration

Explore landside facilities, duty-free and airport dining. Consider a transit hotel if you need rest.

6 – 12 hrs
Quick City Visit

Enough time to visit Thessaloniki city centre if transit visa permits. Allow 3 hrs buffer for return and re-entry.

12 hrs+
Overnight Stay

Book a nearby hotel. You can explore Thessaloniki properly — consider a guided tour to maximise your time.

Hotels Near SKG

Staying close to the airport? Airport hotels and transit hotels let you rest without a long transfer.

Recommended · Hotels
Find Hotels Near SKG

Airport hotels, transit stays and Thessaloniki city centre options — free cancellation on most bookings.

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City Tours from SKG

Short on time? Layover tours are designed to fit your connection window — pickup from the airport, back before your gate opens.

Recommended · Tours
Thessaloniki Layover Tours

Half-day and layover-specific tours with airport pickup. See the highlights of Thessaloniki without missing your connection.

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Practical Tips for Your SKG Layover

Use left-luggage storage at Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport if you plan to leave the terminal — most airports offer coin lockers or staffed storage near arrivals.
Get a Greece eSIM before your layover so you have data for maps and translation the moment you land.
Download offline maps for Thessaloniki in advance — useful if you leave the terminal and connectivity is patchy.
Always allow at least 3 hours buffer before your next departure when leaving the airport — immigration queues are unpredictable.
Check your next airline's check-in deadline. Some require you to be at the gate 45–60 minutes before departure.
Recommended · eSIM
Stay Connected in Greece

Activate a Greece eSIM on Airalo before you travel — instant data, no SIM card queue at the airport.

Browse Greece plans →

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