E65 Motorway Completed: The New Route Transforming Travel Across Central Greece

The completion of the E65 Motorway marks far more than the delivery of another major infrastructure project. For the first time, drivers can travel continuously between Lamia and the Egnatia Motorway on a modern, high-speed road, creating a new north-south transport corridor through the heart of mainland Greece.

For travelers, the biggest improvement is not simply a shorter journey. The new motorway offers a safer, more comfortable and more predictable driving experience by replacing sections of the older road network that previously connected Kalambaka with the Egnatia Motorway.

Beyond everyday travel, the project is expected to strengthen tourism, freight transport and regional economic development by improving access to destinations that were previously less connected to Greece's primary motorway network.

What Has Changed?

The Central Greece Motorway (E65) now extends for approximately 182 kilometres, linking the Athens–Thessaloniki Motorway (A1) near Lamia with the Egnatia Motorway west of Grevena.

The final section, approximately 46 kilometres long, completes the northern part of the motorway between Kalambaka and the Egnatia Motorway.

Until now, drivers leaving the E65 at Kalambaka had to continue their journey on the older regional road network before reaching the Egnatia Motorway. With the final section now open, the entire route operates as a continuous motorway, offering uninterrupted travel toward Western Macedonia, Epirus and Northern Greece.

This transforms the E65 from a regional motorway serving Thessaly into one of Greece's most important strategic transport corridors.

A Project Nearly Twenty Years in the Making

The E65 is one of Greece's largest transport infrastructure projects of the past two decades.

Originally designed as a continuous motorway connecting Lamia directly with the Egnatia Motorway, construction was significantly affected by Greece's financial crisis. Funding challenges, revised concession agreements and phased construction delayed the project's completion for many years.

The central section between Xyniada and Trikala was completed first, followed by the southern connection to Lamia. The northern extension toward the Egnatia Motorway was delivered later with financial support from both the Greek Government and the European Union.

With the final section now in operation, the motorway finally delivers the original vision that was first proposed almost two decades ago.

How Travel Will Change

The most immediate benefits will be felt by drivers travelling between Athens, Thessaly and Western Macedonia.

Previously, journeys beyond Kalambaka required using conventional roads with lower speed limits, intersections and more demanding driving conditions before reaching the Egnatia Motorway.

Today, the route becomes much simpler:

Athens → Lamia → E65 Motorway → Karditsa → Trikala → Kalambaka → Grevena → Egnatia Motorway

Current estimates place the driving time between Athens and Grevena at approximately four hours, depending on traffic conditions and planned stops.

The greatest advantage, however, goes beyond saving time. Continuous motorway travel reduces driver fatigue, improves safety and provides far more consistent journey times compared with the previous route.

New Opportunities for Tourism

The completed E65 also changes the way visitors can explore mainland Greece.

Destinations such as Meteora are now more conveniently connected with Western Macedonia and Epirus, making it easier to combine several regions within a single road trip. Travelers can move more efficiently between Meteora, Grevena, Zagori and Ioannina without relying on slower regional roads.

For international visitors renting a car, this creates greater flexibility when planning multi-day itineraries across mainland Greece instead of returning along the same route.

Improved accessibility may also encourage tourism growth in mountain destinations and smaller communities that have traditionally received fewer visitors because of longer travel times.

Infrastructure alone, however, does not create tourism success. The long-term impact will depend on how effectively local destinations transform improved accessibility into memorable visitor experiences that encourage travelers to stop, explore and stay longer.

What It Means for Western Macedonia

The connection between the E65 and the Egnatia Motorway provides Western Macedonia with a stronger direct road link to southern Greece.

For Grevena and the surrounding region, easier access may support tourism, facilitate freight transport and improve business connectivity. At the same time, the motorway strengthens the resilience of Greece's national road network by providing an additional high-capacity route between central and northern parts of the country.

Its broader economic impact will ultimately depend on complementary investments, improved local infrastructure and the ability of regional communities to capitalize on the opportunities created by significantly better road access.

What Drivers Should Know Before Using the E65

Although the completion of the E65 makes travelling easier, good preparation remains essential.

The northern section crosses mountainous terrain where snow, ice and dense fog may occur during the winter months. Before travelling, especially between late autumn and early spring, drivers should check weather forecasts and any traffic updates issued by the relevant Greek authorities.

Because this is a newly opened motorway section, some navigation apps may require time to update their mapping data. Official road signs should always take priority over GPS instructions.

If you are renting a car in Greece, it is also advisable to confirm your rental company's policy regarding toll payments, roadside assistance and winter equipment where required.

Tolls and Journey Costs

Like most major motorways in Greece, the E65 is a toll road.

The total cost depends on both the vehicle category and the route you choose. Drivers travelling from Athens should remember that the overall journey includes toll stations on both the Athens–Thessaloniki Motorway (A1) and the E65.

The most accurate way to calculate the total cost is by using the official toll calculators provided by the motorway operators.

While tolls are an additional travel expense, the benefits of shorter journey times, improved safety, reduced driver fatigue and more predictable travel often outweigh the extra cost.

What It Means for Car Rental Companies

The completion of the E65 also creates new opportunities for Greece's car rental industry.

Travelers can now plan more efficient road trips connecting Athens, Thessaly, Meteora, Grevena, Zagori and Epirus through a continuous motorway network.

For international visitors, this makes one-way itineraries and multi-day self-drive holidays more attractive, allowing them to explore mainland Greece with greater flexibility and comfort.

As demand for road trips continues to grow, improved motorway infrastructure is likely to encourage longer vehicle rentals and a broader distribution of tourism beyond Greece's traditional coastal destinations.

The Real Challenge Starts Now

The completion of the E65 closes one of the last major gaps in Greece's national motorway network.

For the first time, Lamia and the Egnatia Motorway are connected by a continuous modern motorway, significantly improving mobility across Central and Northern Greece.

The project's long-term success, however, will not be measured simply by daily traffic volumes.

Its real value will depend on whether improved accessibility stimulates tourism, supports regional businesses, strengthens freight transport and creates new economic opportunities for communities that have historically been less connected to the country's main transport corridors.

The motorway itself is now complete.

The next chapter is ensuring that better infrastructure translates into lasting benefits for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the E65 Motorway?

The Central Greece Motorway (E65) is approximately 182 kilometres (113 miles) long.

Where does it connect to the Egnatia Motorway?

The northern section joins the Egnatia Motorway west of Grevena, providing direct access toward Epirus, Western Macedonia and Northern Greece.

How long does it take to drive from Athens to Grevena?

The journey now takes around four hours, depending on traffic conditions, weather and planned stops.

Does the E65 have tolls?

Yes. The motorway operates as a toll road, with charges depending on the vehicle category and the sections used.

Is the motorway safe during winter?

Yes. The E65 is a modern motorway built to high safety standards. However, because parts of the route pass through mountainous areas, drivers should always monitor weather conditions and follow official travel advice during winter.

WheelDot Editorial Team

This article was prepared using official information published by Kentriki Odos, the Hellenic Government, the European Commission and other public authorities. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, travelers should always consult the latest official announcements before travelling, as road conditions, toll information and operational details may change over time.