E65 Motorway opens, strengthening Greece’s regional connectivity
The E65 motorway in Central Greece has officially opened, completing a 182-kilometre route linking the Athens–Thessaloniki motorway with Egnatia Odos and strengthening connections between Central Greece and Southeast Europe.
The final 46-kilometre section between Kalambaka and Grevena completes the motorway, which forms part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The project is expected to reduce travel times and improve access to Western Macedonia, Epirus and western Thessaly, while supporting regional economic activity and tourism.
The motorway is expected to benefit tourism by providing faster and safer access to destinations including Meteora, Lake Plastiras, Karpenisi and Trikala. The Athens–Grevena journey now takes around four hours, while previously more isolated communities across Central Greece, Thessaly and Western Macedonia gain improved road access.
The new route is also expected to strengthen Greece’s role as a regional logistics hub. The journey between the Port of Piraeus and the western Balkans is shortened by approximately two hours, while connections between the ports of Igoumenitsa and Volos are improved, supporting more efficient freight transport.
The completed E65 includes 14 interchanges and four half interchanges, five twin tunnels, 31 bridges and 114 overpasses, alongside traffic management systems, service areas and roadside assistance facilities. Environmental measures include dedicated wildlife crossings.
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