• For buses: for minors, citizens over 65, unemployed individuals, and persons with disabilities (PWD), no documentation is required as eligibility is verified automatically through the AMKA system.

• For all other cases, the required documents depend on the ticket category. Documentation requirements for each reduced fare category will be posted on the OSETH portal here.

• For the Metro: Initially, issuing a personalized card requires presenting a valid ID and the relevant supporting documents at the Metro ticket office.

1. Old fare OASTH tickets will remain valid for buses only until December 31, 2024. The old validation system will continue operating during this period.

    

2. Unlimited travel cards already issued by OASTH will remain valid until December 31, 2024, but only for buses. For December 2024, the issuance of unlimited travel cards (both regular and discounted for eligible passengers) must be done at OASTH ticket offices, as before, at the new prices.

    

3. During this period, passengers can apply for the new personalized electronic card through the OSETH portal here to ensure they have it by January 1, 2025, when all old OASTH cards will cease to be valid. 

• If you have a smart reloadable ticket:

  • Approach the new validation machine located at each bus entrance.

  • Check the indicator or listen for the confirmation sound to ensure successful validation.

• If you have a personalized card with a loaded time-based product:

  • Hold your card close to the new validation machine at the bus entrance.

  • Verify the confirmation via the display or sound.

  • Note: Validation is mandatory. Failure to validate may result in a fine, even if you have a loaded card during an inspection.

• If you have a digital ticket in QR format (using the app – OSETH will announce the app’s launch):

  • Open the app on your phone and display the QR code.

  • Hold your phone near the lower part of the validation machine.

  • Check the screen display or listen for the confirmation sound.

• If you purchase a smart reloadable ticket from an onboard vending machine:

  • Immediately after purchasing the ticket, validate it using one of the new machines located at the bus entrances.

• During the transitional period (for old paper tickets):

  • If you have an old paper ticket (at old or new fares), validate it using the old mechanical validation machines, which will remain in buses until the end of the transitional period.

• For paper monthly unlimited travel cards (December 2024):

  • Continue using your card as before. Carry the original card with you and present it during inspections along with an ID for verification.

• On routes with mandatory front-door boarding:

  • Validate your smart reloadable ticket or personalized card at the nearest validation machine.

  • If you have a paper monthly unlimited travel card, show it to the driver upon boarding.

• By following these instructions, you ensure your compliance and seamless travel within the new fare system. Public transportation staff will be available at ticket offices and other locations to provide relevant information and guidance to passengers.

Purchasing and reloading smart tickets for buses in Thessaloniki is simple and easy and can be done through various options:

• Automatic Ticket Vending Machines on Buses

  1. New machines installed in every bus accept only credit or debit card payments.

  2. Additionally, 29 ticket vending machines will be strategically placed across the city and various municipalities, accepting payments in cash, credit, or debit cards.

• OASTH Ticket Offices

  1. Sell preloaded smart reloadable tickets in 10+1 ticket packages.

  2. Sell tickets for special bus routes (regular and discounted).

• Retail Points (Kiosks and Convenience Stores)

Until the end of 2024, paper tickets at the new prices will still be available, including:

1. A 70-minute standard ticket for the urban zone.

2. A 70-minute standard ticket for the suburban zone.

3. Corresponding discounted tickets.

• Digital Electronic Ticket via Mobile App

  1. Soon, passengers will be able to purchase digital tickets in QR code format through their mobile phones (a related announcement will follow).

• Ticket Reloading

  1. All the above locations (excluding retail points) provide the option to reload smart tickets.

  2. Paper tickets can be recharged up to 255 times and have a lifespan of 2.7 years from the date of first activation.

• Transitional Period for Old Paper Tickets

1. Existing OASTH paper tickets at old prices can be used until December 31, 2024.

2. The old validation system will continue to operate in parallel during this period and for as long as old-style paper tickets (with new prices) are available at retail points.

• Valid Travel Cards

  1. Existing travel cards will remain valid until December 31, 2024.

  2. Monthly unlimited travel cards for December can only be issued at OASTH ticket offices at the new prices.

The above options provide convenience for passengers, offering flexibility and modern methods for purchasing and reloading tickets and cards. Additionally, passengers are encouraged to reload tickets and cards to save costs and manage their usage effectively. 

Once your application has been processed by OSETH, you will receive an email to collect your personalized card from one of the ticket offices you selected during the application process.

1. PL. DIMOKRATIASΤ,  Lagada 2
2. AIRPORT, Ethniki Odos Airport - Thessaloniki
3. PAPANASTASIOU, Al. Papanastasiou 89 
4. GOUNARI, Tsimiski 113
5. LAGADAS TERMINAL, 1st km. Lagadas - Thessaloniki
6. V.OLGAS, Vas. Olgas 164 

The personalized ThessCard for buses offers convenience by providing multiple options and enabling the issuance of personalized, reloadable cards. It includes the holder’s photo, name, and profile details, such as eligibility for reduced or free fares, as well as the duration of these benefits.

You can apply for the card either in person at OASTH ticket offices** (find their locations here) or online through the OSETH portal here.

Once the application is completed online, the card can either be collected from a ticket office or mailed to the applicant’s address. In either case, you will receive an email notification regarding collection or dispatch.

**Personalized cards can be issued at the following 8 ticket offices:

1. VENIZELOU, Venizelou ,1 Mitropoleos 
2. N.S. STATHMOS, Monastiriou 28
3. A.S. IKEA, 12th km. Thessaloniki - Peraia
4. KTEL MACEDONIA, Giannitson 244
5. P.P.GERMANOU, Paleon Patron Germanou 46 (store)
6. ARISTOTELOUS -Egnatia, Vatikiatou 26
7. IHU SINDOS (University)
8. OASTH OFFICES, Al. Papanastasiou 90 – Ground Floor

The personalized card is mandatory for passengers using long-term fare products (e.g., monthly or 3- month passes) and passengers eligible for reduced fares (e.g., students, pupils) or free transportation (e.g., unemployed individuals, persons with disabilities, uniformed personnel) and should be issued separately for buses and the Metro.

No, Metro "smart" tickets and cards cannot be used on buses, and vice versa.