The Kalamaria extension has opened for passenger service on the Thessaloniki Metro, extending Greece’s first fully automated, driverless metro network to additional parts of the city.

Driverless Thessaloniki Metro train during testing
A driverless Thessaloniki Metro train during testing. Archive photo. Photo: Voria.gr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0

Kalamaria extension adds five new stations

The 4.8km underground extension branches from the existing line at 25 Martiou and adds five new stations: Nomarchia, Kalamaria, Aretsou, Nea Krini and Mikra. It is intended to improve connections for residents and visitors across the wider Thessaloniki area while supporting sustainable urban mobility and the city’s longer-term transport needs.

Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling for the extension was supplied by Hitachi Rail. The technology enables Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4) operation, supporting fully automated, driverless service.

Working in a joint venture with Aktor, Hitachi Rail delivered the signalling solution. The system integrates with the existing Thessaloniki Metro network and is intended to provide a consistent passenger experience across the line.

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Thessaloniki Metro network development

The Kalamaria extension forms the next stage in the development of the Thessaloniki Metro. The existing system, Greece’s first fully automated rapid transit network, was delivered under a turnkey contract by the AIASA joint venture comprising Aktor, Webuild and Hitachi Rail.

The network consists of a 9.6km underground line with 13 stations running between New Railway Station and Nea Elvetia.

Map of Thessaloniki Metro Line 2 and the Kalamaria extension
Map of Thessaloniki Metro Line 2 after the Kalamaria extension opened on 27 August 2026. Photo: AntoniosVamv590 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

What changes for passengers

Passenger service on the Kalamaria extension officially began at 15:00 on 27 August 2026. Its opening also returned the Thessaloniki Metro to its full operating schedule, with services running from 05:15 to 00:30 from Monday to Thursday and on Sunday, and until 02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

The new branch provides a direct metro connection between Kalamaria and central Thessaloniki. Greece’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport estimates that the extension will serve at least 60,000 passengers a day.

A Hitachi Rail spokesperson said:

“The opening of the Kalamaria Extension marks another important milestone for urban mobility in Thessaloniki.”

“By delivering our proven CBTC technology, we are helping expand a fully automated metro network that provides reliable and sustainable transportation for the city and its growing communities.”

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