Trains
The Greek railway network, run by OSE ( Organismos Sidherodhromon Elladhos ), is limited to the mainland, and with a few exceptions trains are slower than the equivalent buses. However, they're also much cheaper - nearly fifty percent less on non-express services, even more if you buy a return ticket - and some of the lines are enjoyable in themselves. The best, a real treat, is the rack-and-pinion line between Diakofto and Kalavryta in the Peloponnese . Timetables are sporadically available during May or June as small, Greek-only booklets; the best places to obtain them are the OSE offices in Athens at Sina 6, or in Thessaloniki at Aristotelous 18, or the main train stations in these cities. Always check the station schedule boards, or at information counters for photocopied addenda sheets, since with the once-yearly printing, changes often crop up in the interim. Trains tend to leave promptly at the outset, though on the more circuitous lines they're invariably late by the end of the journey. If you're starting a journey at the initial station of a run you can (at no extra cost) reserve a seat ; a carriage and seat number will be written on the back of your ticket. At most intermediate points, it's first-come, first-served. There are two basic classes: first and second. First class may be worth the extra money, insomuch as the wagons may be emptier and the seats more comfortable. An express category, the Intercity (IC on timetables), exists on certain routes between Alexandhroupoli, Thessaloniki, Edhessa, Volos, Kalambaka, Athens, Patra, Korinthos and Kalamata. German-made rolling stock is relatively sleek, and much faster than the bus if the timetable is adhered to; accordingly, stiff supplements are charged depending on the distance travelled. There is also one nightly sleeper (departs between 11pm and midnight) in each direction between Athens and Thessaloniki, again with fairly hefty surcharges; interestingly, private automobiles are carried on this departure as well. Note that any kind of ticket issued on board a train carries a fifty percent surcharge. Credit cards are accepted as payment at the midtown OSE offices of Athens, Larissa, Volos and Thessaloniki, as well as at the stations in Athens, Larissa, Volos, Thessaloniki, Alexandhroupoli and Patra. InterRail and Eurail Pass holders can use their pass in Greece but must secure reservations like everyone else, and may need to pay express supplements on a few lines. InterRail passes and Eurotrain tickets are available in Greece through the International Student and Youth Travel Service (ISYTS), Nikis 11, 1st Floor, Athens, USIT Etos, Filellinon 7, Syndagma, Athens, or at Wasteels, Mnisikleous 10a, Platia Mitropoleos, Athens.
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