Piraeus Ferry Port near Athens

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Popular Ferry Routes

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Where is Piraeus Port?

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Piraeus ferry terminal, situated 10 km south of central Athens and 25 km west of Athens International Airport, is well-connected to the city center and airport via subway, train, and bus services. Traveling from central Athens to Piraeus takes approximately 20-30 minutes by metro (€1.40) or taxi (€25-€30).

Athens also has a secondary ferry port, Rafina, which offers fewer sailings and alternate routes compared to Piraeus. Rafina can be convenient for travelers with no need to visit central Athens, especially for trips to Mykonos. Reaching Rafina from Athens Airport takes approximately 20 minutes and costs about €40 by taxi (€55 between midnight and 5am) or 40 minutes and €4 by bus.

Piraeus Port Map

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Generally, ships serving the islands of the Cyclades will utilize ferry gates E6, E7, E8, E9, and E10; ferries to Crete will employ gates E2 and E3; Ferries to the Dodecanese will depart from E1. Cruise ships use the two gates at the far south end of the port – E11 and E12. (Always check your ticket for gate information as ships sometimes get relocated, especially during the high season.)

Transportation Between Piraeus Port and Central Athens

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The most suitable way to travel from central Athens to Piraeus port is normally via the metro system. If you have a significant amount of luggage, limited mobility, or are pressed for time, then taking a taxi may be a better choice because you can be dropped directly at your gate. When traveling from Piraeus port to Athens, considering booking Welcome Pickups vehicle service over a taxi as they can be pre-arranged, cost equivalent to a cab, and you’ll bypass waiting in the taxi queue.

Taking the Metro between Central Athens and Piraeus Port

Traveling between central Athens and the port by metro is affordable and straightforward. Taking the direct route from Monastiraki or Omonia stations is best, though transferring at Monastiraki is necessary when starting from Syntagma station. The Piraeus metro station is right across from the port. Be sure to validate your ticket by swiping it at the security gates before boarding, or you may face heavy penalties. Given the volume of tourists, pickpocketing can occasionally occur on this stretch of metro. Remain alert, avoid carrying valuables in back pockets, and hold bags securely zipped for protection.

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Finally, in Athens and the rest of Greece, public transit strikes periodically occur throughout the year on different occasions. These strikes can impact all forms of transportation including buses, trains, ferries, flights, and taxis. During strikes very few buses, ferries, and only a small number of trains and flights will depart on schedule (or at all); taxis tend to be the mode of transit least impacted. While strikes can occur at any time, there is consistently a huge strike on May 1st. It is advised to avoid scheduling any ferries, flights, or trains around that date.

  • The Metro takes 20-30 minutes to travel between central Athens and Piraeus Port and back again.
  • Metro tickets cost €1.40.
  • The metro functions from 5:30am until about midnight. If your ferry leaves at 7:30am, leaving downtown Athens at 6am should offer you plenty of time. ( Metro schedule)
  • There is direct metro access to Piraeus Port from Monastiraki and Onomia stations (green line/#1). If starting from Syntagma station, take the blue line/#3 to Monastiraki and transfer there to the green line/#1. This adds an extra 5 minutes to the trip.
  • The Piraeus metro station is located right across from the port entrance near gate E5. Use the crosswalk or the newly built pedestrian bridge to cross the street to the port. The primary ticket booths will be to your left once you pass through the gate but there are also several other ticket kiosks spread throughout the port.

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Taking a Taxi between Central Athens and Piraeus Port

For those pressed for time, traveling with bulky luggage, or having limited mobility, taking a taxi or car service into and out of Piraeus is recommended as drivers can deliver passengers directly to their gate. Utilizing such transportation will also offer a more comfortable experience than the often overcrowded subway system. Be certain to ensure the taxi meter is activated upon entering the cab, as failing to do so is a common tactic employed by some drivers to induce tourists into overpaying for their fare. It is not uncommon in Greece for additional passengers headed in a similar direction to be permitted entry, as they pay separate individual fares rather than dividing the original rider`s cost – though the first customer maintains the right to refuse this. If solely transporting those within your own traveling party is preferred, inform the driver accordingly. As mentioned previously, taxis tend to be among the least impacted modes of transit during various public transportation strikes held throughout the year, most notably on May 1st.

  • 20 to 30 minutes.
  • A taxi from central Athens to Piraeus port will cost approximately €25 to €30.
  • Greek taxis have a 4-passenger limit.
  • In Athens, hail a cab by flagging one down as it passes by or wait at a taxi stand at Monastiraki, Syntagma, and other major tourist squares.
  • At Piraeus, wait in line for a taxi at one of multiple taxi queues situated within the port.

Private Car Service at Piraeus Port

Welcome Pickups remains my favored ground transportation company in Athens, and presents itself as a quality choice compared to a taxi for anyone who has prepared their ferry travel in advance. Transport is prearranged, so everything is cared for before your arrival, and there’s no wait in line for a taxi or navigation to the taxi stand or metro station. Drivers converse in English, monitor the ferry schedules in case of delays, and are accessible by text to answer travel inquiries throughout your stay in Athens. They can also provide travel extras including SIM cards and maps. Child car seats can be pre-ordered prior to the commencement of your trip.

  • 20 to 30 minutes.
  • €25 to €30 ferry journey from Piraeus port into central Athens.
  • Welcome Pickups drivers operate 24/7.

    • Food included? Light bites to accompany the wines, but not a full meal

Getting from the Piraeus Cruise Ship Terminal to Central Athens

Cruise ships dock at the far southern end of Piraeus port, a 20-minute walk around the harbor from the metro station. If your cruise line does not offer shuttle bus service to central Athens, you may take a taxi that is arranged in advance, or the Χ80 Piraeus-Akropolis-Syntagma Express bus that connects the cruise terminals in Piraeus to the city center of Athens. Bus stops are located directly outside the cruise terminal gates at exits E12 and E11; the express bus route stops at the Piraeus Archaeological Museum, the Acropolis, and Syntagma Square from these locations.

  • The X80 takes 30 minutes to get from the cruise terminals to central Athens.
  • For this bus, you need a €4.50 24-hour transit pass.
  • During cruise season, buses run every 35 minutes from 7am to 9:30pm.
  • Tickets can be purchased onboard the bus (exact change only) or at any public transportation ticket kiosk.

Piraeus Port Video

Transportation between Piraeus Port and Athens Airport

The most practical way to travel from Athens airport to Piraeus Port is usually via the suburban train. Taking the train is safer, more comfortable, and more reliable than going by metro or bus, and costs significantly less than a taxi. However, trains from the airport to the port only run once per hour. Therefore, the bus, private car service, or taxi may be better options for those with little time to spare between their flight and ferry. Like most areas in Greece, Athens commonly experiences public transportation strikes throughout the year, affecting all forms of transit such as buses, trains, ferries, flights, and taxis. During strikes, few buses, ferries or trains operate on schedule (or at all); taxis tend to see less disruption. Nonetheless, there is always a major strike occurring on May 1st. It is advisable to avoid booking any ferries, flights, or trains for that date.

Taking the Suburban Train between Athens Airport and Piraeus Port

  • 65 minutes.
  • Train tickets cost €10.
  • Trains depart the airport hourly from 5:52 am until 10:50 pm.
  • Trains leave from Piraeus at a consistent hourly rate starting at 4:44am until 08:44pm.
  • The suburban train station and metro station in Piraeus are in the same location directly across from the port entrance near Gate E5 on Platform 3.
  • The suburban train at the airport uses the same station as the metro train, a 10-15 minute walk from the arrival gate, but is located on the other side of the platform.

Taking the Bus between Athens Airport and Piraeus Port

The bus is the most cost-effective option when traveling between Piraeus port and the airport. It usually takes about an hour, and there are many stops along the way. The bus is generally reliable, but often crowded and always uncomfortable. As mentioned above, buses are almost always affected by public transportation strikes, especially on May 1 each year.

  • 60-90 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Transportation fares for buses list children aged 6-18 and seniors over 65 at €3, and children under 6 as free, with the regular adult fare being €6.
  • The X96 bus runs throughout the day and night between Athens Airport and Piraeus port, departing every 15-30 minutes. ( Bus schedule)
  • At the airport, the bus stop is located just outside of arrivals, between exits 4 and 5.
  • At Piraeus port, the bus stop is located at an entrance gate E5 opposite the port entrance as marked on a map, just outside the metro station.
  • Tickets can be purchased from bus drivers, at the ticketing kiosk at the Athens airport bus departure area, and at airport and Piraeus metro stations.

Taking a Taxi between Athens Airport and Piraeus Port

Though it requires more monetary funds, hiring a taxi is one of the fastest ways to travel between the airport and Piraeus port, and the increased expense can be justified by the benefit of not needing to rely on train or bus schedules, as well as the comfort of not having to endure a lengthy ride in a crowded metro car or bus. One major advantage of taking a taxi from the airport is that the driver will be able to drop you directly at your Piraeus ferry gate – ideal if you’re pressed for time, are transporting a lot of luggage, or have limited mobility. Be sure that your driver turns the meter on when you enter the cab; not doing so is a common tactic that taxi drivers try to get tourists to overpay for their trip. Note that it’s not unusual in Greece for taxi drivers to allow additional passengers headed in a similar direction (they pay their own separate fare, not split yours) – but the original driver has a right to refuse this. If you’d prefer not to share a cab, let the driver know. Taxis are generally the method of travel that is least affected by public transportation strikes.

  • 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Standard taxis charge a fixed rate for trips between the airport and Piraeus: 54€ during the day (5am to midnight) and 70€ at night (midnight to 5am).
  • Greek taxis have a 4-passenger limit.
  • Upon arrival at the airport, taxi stands are located between Exits 2 and 3 in the arrivals hall.
  • At Piraeus, wait in line for a taxi at one of multiple taxi queues situated within the port.

Private Car Service between Athens airport and Piraeus Port

Welcome Pickups is my favourite car service in Athens, and provides a great pre-arranged alternative to taking a taxi. Transport is booked ahead of time, so everything is taken care of prior to your arrival; no need to stand in line for a taxi or navigate to the taxi rank or metro station. Drivers speak English, monitor the ferry timetables in case of delays, and can be reached by text to answer any travel inquiries throughout your stay in Athens. They can even supply extras like SIM cards and maps. Child car seats can be pre-ordered before your trip

  • Travel time between the airport and port of Piraeus generally took 40-60 minutes depending on traffic conditions, with car/taxi transportation being the swiftest options.
  • Flat rate for trips between the airport and Piraeus: 54€ in the daytime (5am to midnight) and 70€ at night (midnight to 5am).
  • Welcome Pickups drivers operate 24/7.
  • Transportation will be provided at the ferry gate or airport upon arrival, with a sign bearing your name.

Taking the Metro between Athens Airport and Piraeus Port

While one of the more affordable means, taking the metro between Athens airport and Piraeus port is not best advised; trains can be crowded and uncomfortable, requiring a transfer at the busy Monastiraki station. Bus, suburban train, car service, or taxi provide better alternatives.

  • 85 minutes.
  • Public transportation between the airport and Port cost 10€. Younger children under 6 go free.
  • The public transportation runs every half hour from 5:30 until around midnight. ( Timetable for public transportation)
  • To travel from Athens International Airport to Piraeus port by metro, take the blue line/#3 to Monastiraki station, where a transfer to the green line/#1 will get you to Piraeus. To travel from Piraeus back to the airport, reverse this process.
  • The metro station at Athens airport is only a 10-15 minute walk from the arrival gate, outside of the airport itself. Follow the signs up one level to the main station area to purchase your tickets, then go down the escalators to track level to board the train.
  • The rail station at Piraeus is situated precisely across the entrance to the harbor close to entrance E5. Upon arriving at Piraeus, follow the crowd across the street; ticket counters will be to your left once you pass through the gate.

Athens Airport Transportation Map

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Piraeus Port Ferry Tickets

How Early to Arrive for Piraeus Ferry?

  • Piraeus is a sizable port; arrive early to ensure enough time to collect your tickets and find your ship – an hour is a prudent estimate. Shuttles are available on site, but depending on the location of your ferry and shuttle schedule, walking to your gate could take 20 minutes or more. Many ticket booths are closed during off-peak seasons, so allow extra time in winter, early spring, and late fall.

Should I buy my ferry tickets in advance or at the port?

  • Larger ferries like the Blue Star have rarely sold all available tickets, but smaller, faster ferries that function like catamarans sometimes do, especially during the busiest summer season. If traveling between June and September on one of the smaller vessels, it`s wise to obtain tickets ahead of time. In spring, autumn, and winter, generally presenting at the port approximately one hour early to purchase tickets there has not been a problem. The site FerryHopper allows convenient research of ferry routes, schedules, and pricing, whether obtaining tickets in advance from their website or at the port. Ferryhopper does a superb job informing customers of any ferry modifications, cancellations, delays, so purchasing in advance through their website is advisable. When booking online an e-ticket will be received and usually tickets do not need collecting at the port.

Where are the ticket kiosks in Piraeus Port?

  • The primary ticket counters and travel agencies for most significant transport lines have sites inside the port gates, in a large building to the left of the vehicle entrance near entrance E7. Ferry operators also sustain smaller kiosks for accumulating already obtained ferry tickets near the port’s main pedestrian access (near the metro at entrance E6), as well as at individual ship gates. Numerous of these smaller ticket booths will be shut during the low season, so be certain to give yourself some extra time.

Do Greek ferries use e-tickets?

  • Most Greek ferry businesses currently offer electronic tickets, eliminating the necessity to collect physical tickets at the port. After reserving tickets on FerryHopper.com, a confirmation email with links to web check-in will be sent. After checking in online on the day of your departure, you are able to download your boarding pass to print yourself or keep on your phone/tablet to present at departure.

Can I get my Piraeus Port tickets delivered in advance?

Piraeus Port Ferry Schedules

FerryHopper.com will possess the most current schedules and costs for Greek ferries and is the best way to order ferry tickets. Most ferries do not sell out, but for comfort, reserve tickets 2 to 3 months in advance.

Popular Ferry Routes

Staying near Piraeus Port

Although making the journey between Piraeus and central Athens is straightforward, if you arrive on a late flight and need to catch an early morning ferry, you may opt to rest near the port in Piraeus. Great museums and a charming marina district make Piraeus an ideal place to stay for travelers who are looking to explore beyond the museums, ruins, and bustling squares of Athens – or are simply looking to avoid the hordes of tourists in the capital city.

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Piraeus Hotels

  • Best Traditional Greek Taverna: A restaurant named Geros Tou Moria in Plaka.

    • The best accommodation at the ferry dock. Cozy, contemporary rooms include walk-in showers and Egyptian linen sheets; some rooms and suites add balconies and sea perspectives. A buffet breakfast is offered daily as early as 6:30 a.m., and the on-site eatery offers Mediterranean fare until late in the evening. Perfect location across the footbridge from the ferries and next to the train station with connections in central Athens and the airport. The Alex hotel in Greece was listed as ” The Alex
    The top hotel in Piraeus. Upscale and ultra-modern boutique hotel amid the chic shops and restaurants of the Kastella neighborhood. Spectacular rooftop terrace with bar, restaurant, and incredible views over the yachts and fishing boats of Zea Marina. Shuttle service to Piraeus Port, about 2 km away.

  • Phidias Piraeus Hotel
    Spacious and contemporary lodgings capable of sleeping up to four guests. Situated in a quieter locale near the Archaeological Museum, Naval Museum, as well as the collection of shops and dining establishments at Zea Marina. Guests are provided a complimentary mobile telephone with unlimited calls and data access, plus transportation services to and from the port entry, X96 bus stop, and subway station.
  • One option is the Piraeus City Hotel
    Modern and recently-updated rooms (double, twin, triple, and family room with bunk beds), rooftop restaurant, quick 4-minute walk to port.
  • Hotel Achillon
  • Budget-friendly lodging located as near as possible to the port entrance. Room options include singles, quads that sleep four, and larger doubles that accommodate five guests. A brief 4-minute walk to gate E9.

    • Wil7 Boutique Hotel • Hotel contact number: +49 30 200037647 Roomy, contemporary, and nicely adorned home-like apartments in the center of Piraeus – a 10-minute walk from the port. All units have well-furnished kitchens, relaxed Cocomat beds, and rainfall showers; some feature spacious terraces. Two-bedroom apartments sleep up to six people.

  • The Piraeus Theoxenia may also be suitable.
    Clean, modern, and luxurious – though the decor and furnishings are starting to look slightly dated. Italian restaurant/bar on site, 24-hour front reception, breakfast buffet, rooftop pool and sun lounge chairs. Suites sleep four individuals. 6-minute stroll to the port (gate E9).

    • Hotel near port: Piraeus Port Hotel.
    Clean and contemporary mid-range hotel in central Piraeus. Comfortable and roomy rooms, all with terraces or with balconies; family rooms sleep 3. Great and reasonably-priced breakfast starts at 6am to accommodate early morning ferry passengers. 10-minute walk to the port and metro station.

  • Monogram Premium Suites Each of the six floors in the modern building features one suite with minimalist industrial decor and bold styling. Guests are provided smartphones pre-loaded with maps of the local area, restaurants, and points of interest. It is located in a quiet neighborhood near the beautiful Zea Marina. Transfer service to the port can be arranged through the concierge.

Piraeus Restaurants

  • Varoulko Seaside – Michelin-starred fine dining establishment situated in the scenic yet bustling Mikrolimano harbor area, serving elegant cuisine alongside beautiful ocean vistas. • +30 21 0522 8400
  • Paleo Wine Bar – Excellent wine establishment in a historic warehouse building near the port (gate E5) and subway station. The wine listing is extensive and well-curated, the food menu is abbreviated but tantalizing. • +30 21 0412 5204
  • Abakos Steakhouse – Stylish, casual, and reasonably priced steakhouse one block from the port (gate E9). Wood-fired meats, good wine selection, killer picanha (Uruguyan cut of beef). • +30 21 0452 5251
  • Arlekinos – Cozy and reasonably priced taverna, an 8-minute walk to the port (gate E9). The menu excels at grilled meats and traditional meze, including many Cretan dishes. • +30 21 0413 2555
  • Stoa Rakadiko – Charming and quirky taverna near the port, with a beautiful atrium interior of stone walls and floating umbrellas. Extensive mix of traditional and innovative dishes, with many vegetarian/vegan options. 6-minute walk to the gate E8. • +30 21 0417 8470
  • Street Souvlaki – The best souvlaki can be found in Piraeus at two locations of this eatery: one a block from the port (gate E10) and one near Zea Marina. Diners can sit at the indoor or outdoor tables, or order for take-away. Open from 11:30 until the late hours (3am Sunday-Thursday, 4am Friday and Saturday). • +30 21 0417 0866

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  • Bread Factory – Providing not just great bread but also an impressive variety of pastries, ice cream, snacks, sandwiches, and hot meals right across from gate E9 at the port. +30 21 0422 5318
  • Yperokeanio – It does not have a website but it does offer the finest seafood in Piraeus. Its name refers to an “ocean liner” and its nautical theme decor is charming yet authentic rather than excessive. This taverna is popular for sound reasoning, so reserve tables in advance. A 3-minute walk from the port (gate E12). • +30 21 0418 0030
  • Margaro – Casual tavern, renowned since 1944 for having the finest fried fish and Greek salad in the Athens area. (It’s so good that it’s all they offer.) Near the harbor by the cruise terminals at gate E12. • +30 21 0451 4226
  • Seafood and Snacks – Strange name, splendid fare. Waterfront oyster lounge near Zea Marina. Great ceviche, fantastic beverages and a great wine roster. • +30 21 0418 6683
  • Aposperitis Maereio – Wonderful, family-owned restaurant in the Peiraiki neighborhood. The family cooks (and with excellence!) while the sons offer exceptional hospitality and individualized care. • +30 21 0459 9207

Things to Do in Piraeus

  • The Archeological Museum of Piraeus is a small but insightful museum highlighting the evolution of the port of Piraeus (ancient Greece’s most important harbor) and the surrounding region from the 18th century BC to the 4th century AD. Artifacts on display from the 5th and 4th centuries B.C. involve pottery, bronze sculptures, and grave monuments, among other treasures – be sure to check out the ancient amphitheatre outside as well. Situated near Zea Marina, admission is €4. Open daily 8am-3pm November to April, 8:30am-4pm April to November. Closed on Tuesdays.
  • Hellenic Maritime Museum – Features artifacts and scale models from the region`s maritime and naval history, including many from World Wars I and II. Located near Zea Marina. €4 admission. Open 9am-2pm Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30am-2pm Saturday. Closed Mondays and Holidays.
  • Pasalamani/Zea Marina – Pleasant harbor area that was once among the primary ports for ancient Athenian warships. Now it offers a tranquil setting to observe Greek fishermen in colorful boats, enormous yachts, and shops, cafes, or snacks by the ocean at several waterside eateries, boutiques, and bars.
  • Bangkok Backstreet Food Tasting Tour – Chef-designed, evening walking trip sampling over 16 authentic, tasty, unique dishes from hard-to-locate restaurants and unassuming food stalls.
  • Peiraiki – This neighborhood is located just south of central Piraeus, starting approximately at the Piraeus port cruise terminals and wrapping south and east along the coastline to Pasalimani. It houses the Naval Academy and contains several of the finest fresh seafood restaurants in the region, like Margaro and Yperokeanio listed above. A pleasant walk along the coastal road to Pasalimani takes about an hour, especially enjoyable at sunset. More time may be needed if stopping for a bite at one of the many seaside eateries along the route.

Piraeus Port Photos

a crowd of people walking down a street with luggagea store that has a lot of food on the shelvespeople standing around a food trucka train that is parked on the side of the roada street sign on the side of a buildingpeople standing in front of a food trucka woman and a man standing on the side of a roada store front with a sign on the doorpeople standing in front of a bus stopa crowd of people standing on the side of a roadpeople walking down a street

Traveling to Piraeus from the Athens Airport

a public transit bus at a bus stationa sign that is on the side of a buildinga large screen tv sitting on top of a countera pair of scissors sitting on top of a tablea red double decker bus parked in front of a buildingpeople that are sitting on a busa street sign on a pole at nighta parking lot filled with lots of parked cars

Traveling to Piraeus port from central Athens

a crowd of people walking down a streeta smart phone is displayed on a screena train station with a train on the tracksa city street filled with lots of traffica boat floating on top of a body of water

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

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