Piraeus Ferry Port near Athens

Greece › Athens › Piraeus Port
Updated: June 3, 2024
By Santorini Dave

See Also

• Athens – Where to Stay
• Athens – Best Hotels
• Athens Riviera – Best Hotels
• Athens – Family Hotels
• Athens – Airport Car Rental

Popular Ferry Routes

• Piraeus to Mykonos
• Piraeus to Santorini
• Piraeus to Naxos
• Piraeus to Paros
• Piraeus to Milos
• Piraeus to Crete

Helpful Links

• Best for buying ferry tickets: FerryHopper.com
• Rental cars: Piraeus Ferry Port
• Rental cars: Central Athens
• Rental cars: Athens Airport
• Taxi service: Welcome Pickups
• Greek Ferry Guide

Where is Piraeus Port?

Piraeus ferry port, 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 metro, train, and bus services. Traveling from central Athens to Piraeus takes about 20-30 minutes by metro (€1.40) or taxi (€25-€30).

Athens also has a second ferry port, Rafina, which offers fewer sailings and different routes compared to Piraeus. Rafina can be convenient for travelers not needing to visit central Athens, particularly for trips to Mykonos. Reaching Rafina from Athens Airport takes around 20 minutes and costs about €40 by taxi (€55 between midnight and 5am) or 40 minutes and €4 by bus.

Piraeus Port Map

Generally, ships serving the Cyclades islands will use ferry gates E6, E7, E8, E9, and E10; ferries to Crete will use 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 shuffled around, especially during the high season.)

Transportation Between Piraeus Port and Central Athens

The best way to get from Central Athens to Piraeus Port is generally via metro. If you have a lot of luggage, limited mobility, or are short on time taxi is a better option because you can be dropped directly to your gate. To get from Piraeus port to Athens, consider Welcome Pickups car service over a taxi: they can be pre-booked, cost the same as a cab, and you’ll skip waiting in line at the taxi rank.

Taking the Metro between Central Athens and Piraeus Port

The metro is a cheap and easy way to get between central Athens and the port. It’s a direct route from most central Athens stations, and the Piraeus metro station is located just across the street from the port. Scan your ticket to enter the platform gates, but don’t throw it away, as you will need to scan it again to get back out.

When waiting at the platform, it’s crucial to know that the color of the train will not necessarily match the color of the train line. The “blue line” train might have an orange stripe, and a “green train” might sport a blue stripe. Always refer to the electronic sign on the front of the train (and not the train color) to determine its route. On the digital platform displays, the next train arriving will always appear at the top. Usually they are numbered 1, 2, 3, etc. before the name of the train’s destination. (Note here that the number on the display does not refer to the line number, but to the order in which the trains is arriving.) The numbers after the destination indicate the number of minutes until the next train arrives. Nine minutes will be written as 09’00” even though they don’t really count the seconds (seconds will always be 00).

Be aware that on this heavily-touristed stretch of metro, pickpockets are not uncommon; if you keep your wits about you, your wallet out of your back pocket, and a hand on your zipped bag you should be fine.

The pedestrian overpass from the Piraeus metro station to the port. An elevator is available on both sides.

Lastly, in Athens and the rest of Greece, public transportation strikes occur on various dates throughout the year. These strikes can affect all forms of transit, including, buses, trains, ferries, flights, and taxis. During strikes no buses, no ferries, and only a handful of trains and flights will depart on time (or at all); taxis tend to be the least affected mode of transport. Though strikes can occur at any time, there is always a huge strike on May 1. Avoid booking any ferries, flights, or trains that day.

• The Metro takes 20-30 minutes to get from Central Athens to Piraeus Port and vice versa.
• Metro tickets cost €1.40.
• The metro runs from 5:30am until about midnight. If your ferry leaves at 7:30am, leaving downtown Athens at 6am should give you plenty of time. (Metro timetable)
• There is direct metro access to Piraeus Port from central Athens via the blue line/#3 (Evangelismos, Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Keramikos stations) and green line/#1 (Omonia, Monastiraki, Thissio, Patralona).
• The Piraeus metro station is located opposite and near the port entrance by gate E5. Use the crosswalk or the brand new pedestrian overpass to cross the street to the port. The main ticket booths will be to your left once you pass through the gate but their are several other ticket kiosks spread about the port.

Taking a Taxi between Central Athens and Piraeus Port

If you’re pressed for time, are traveling with a lot of luggage, or have limited mobility, taking a taxi or car service to/from Piraeus is recommended; the driver will be able to drop you directly at your gate. Going by taxi will also be more comfortable than taking the metro, which is often extremely crowded. Be sure that your driver turns the meter on when you get in the cab; not doing so is a common way that taxi drivers try to get tourists to overpay for their trip. Note that it’s not uncommon in Greece for taxi drivers to let in 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. As mentioned above, taxis tend to be the least affected mode of transportation during a public transportation strike, held at various times of the year, with the largest strike always held on May 1.

• 20 to 30 minutes.
• A taxi from central Athens to Piraeus port will cost €25 to €30.
• Greek taxis have a 4-passenger limit.
• In Athens, hail a cab by flagging one down as it goes 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 ranks located within the port.

Private Car Service at Piraeus Port

Welcome Pickups is my favorite car service in Athens, and is a great alternative to a taxi for those who have planned their ferry trip in advance. Transport is pre-booked, so everything’s taken care of before your arrival, and there’s no standing in line for a taxi or navigating to the taxi rank or metro station. Drivers speak English, monitor the ferry schedules in case of delays, and are available by text to answer travel questions throughout your stay in Athens. They can even provide travel extras such as SIM cards and maps. Child car seats can be pre-ordered in advance of your trip.

• 20 to 30 minutes.
• €25 to €30 from Piraeus port into central Athens.
• Welcome Pickups drivers operate 24/7.
• Drivers will meet you at the ferry gate, holding a sign with your name.

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, take a taxi, pre-booked car service, or the Χ80 Piraeus-Akropolis-Syntagma Express bus that connects Piraeus cruise terminals with Athens city center. Bus stops are located at the cruise terminal gates directly outside of gates E12 and E11; from there, the express bus route stops at the Piraeus Archaeological Museum, the Acropolis, and Syntagma Square.

• 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 ticket.
• During cruise season, buses run every 35 minutes from 7am to 9:30pm.
• Tickets can be purchased on board the bus (exact fare only) or at any public transport ticket kiosk.

Piraeus Port Video

Transportation between Piraeus Port and Athens Airport

For most travelers, the best way to get from Athens airport to Piraeus Port is via the new metro, Line 3, that runs between the Athens International Airport and the Piraeus ferry port. The metro is frequent, reliable, and cheap, and avoids any danger of traffic delay. While a taxi or private car service might get you there a bit faster, unpredictable traffic means that’s not a guarantee. (Though it’s guaranteed that a taxi will be significantly more expensive.) That said, if you’re toting a lot of luggage or have limited mobility, a taxi or car service will be much more convenient and comfortable. As in most of Greece, Athens is subject to public transportation strikes on throughout the year, which affect all forms of transit, including, buses, trains, ferries, flights, and taxis. During strikes no buses, no ferries, and only a handful of trains and flights will depart on time (or at all); taxis tend to be the least affected mode of transport. Though strikes can occur at any time, there is always a huge strike on May 1. Avoid booking any ferries, flights, or trains that day.

Taking the Metro between Athens Airport and Piraeus Port

Fast, cheap, and convenient, this is the best way to get between Athens airport and Piraeus port for travelers who are not toting a lot of luggage. Line 3/blue is the airport metro line. But it also stops at stations in central Athens, most importantly at Monastiraki and Syntagma, so you can also use it to reach any hotels in town.

You will scan your ticket to enter the platform gates, but don’t throw it away. You will need to scan it again to get out of the gates at your destination station.

When waiting at the platform for your train, note that the color of the train will not necessarily match the color of the train line. The “blue line” train might have an orange stripe, a green stripe, or maybe even a blue stripe. Always refer to the electronic sign on the front of the train (and not the train color) to determine its route. On the digital platform displays, the next train arriving will always appear at the top. Usually they are numbered 1, 2, 3, etc. before the name of the train’s destination. (Note here that the number on the display does not refer to the line number, but to the order in which the trains is arriving.) The airport train will pop up with the word “next” in front of it sometimes. The numbers after the destination indicate the minutes until the next train arrives. Nine minutes will be written like 09’00” even thought they don’t count the seconds (seconds will always be 00).

• 60 minutes.
• A metro ticket between the airport and Port cost 9€. Children under 6 are free.
• Metro trains depart every 5-10 minutes throughout the day, but a little less frequently after midnight on weekends. From Piraeus to the airport, the metro runs from 5:30 a.m. to midnight Sun to Thursday (and until 1:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays). From the airport to Piraeus, Line 3 runs from 6:10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. every day. (Metro timetable)
• To get to Piraeus port from the Athens airport on metro, take the blue line/#3 toward “Dimotiko Teatro,” and get off at Piraeus, which is the second to last stop on the route. To get from Piraeus to the airport, do the reverse. Make sure the digital sign on the train says “Airport”, not all line/#3 trains go all the way to the airport and the airport is the route’s final destination.
• 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 buy your tickets, then go down the escalators to track level to board the train.
• The metro station at Piraeus is located directly opposite and near the port entrance by gate E5. After arriving at Piraeus, follow the crowd across the street; ticket booths will be to your left once you pass through the gate.

Taking a Taxi between Athens Airport and Piraeus Port

Though it costs more, a taxi is one of the fastest modes of travel between the airport and Piraeus port, and the increase in price can be justified by the convenience of not having to rely on a train or a bus timetable, as well as the comfort of not having to endure a long ride in a crowded metro car or bus. One big 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 traveling with a lot of luggage, or have limited mobility. Be sure that your driver turns the meter on when you get in the cab; not doing so is a common way that taxi drivers try to get tourists to overpay for their trip. Note that it’s not uncommon in Greece for taxi drivers to let in 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 flat rate for trips between the airport and Piraeus: 54€ in the day (5am to midnight) and 70€ at night (midnight to 5am).
• Greek taxis have a 4-passenger limit.
• At the airport, the taxi stand is located at the arrivals area, between Exit 2 and 3.
• At Piraeus, wait in line for a taxi at one of multiple taxi ranks located within the port.

Private Car Service between Athens airport and Piraeus Port

Welcome Pickups is my favorite car service in Athens, and is a great pre-planned alternative to a taxi. Transport is booked in advance, so everything’s taken care of before your arrival; no standing in line for a taxi or navigating to the taxi rank or metro station. Drivers speak English, monitor the ferry schedules in case of delays, and are available by text to answer travel questions throughout your stay in Athens. They can even provide travel extras such as SIM cards and maps. Child car seats can be pre-ordered in advance of your trip.

• 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic – car service and taxi are the fastest ways to get between the airport and Piraeus.
• Flat rate for trips between the airport and Piraeus: 54€ in the day (5am to midnight) and 70€ at night (midnight to 5am).
• Welcome Pickups drivers operate 24/7.
• Drivers will meet you at the ferry gate or airport arrivals, holding a sign with your name.

Taking the Bus between Athens Airport and Piraeus Port

The bus is the cheapest 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 every year.

• 60-90 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Bus tickets cost €6. Children aged 6-18 and seniors over 65 are €3. Children under 6 are free.
• The X96 bus runs all day and night between Athens Airport and Piraeus port, departing every every 15-30 minutes. (Bus timetable)
• At the airport, the bus stand is located just outside of arrivals, between exits 4 and 5.
• At Piraeus port, the bus stop is located opposite the port entrance near gate E5, near the metro station.
• Tickets can be purchased from bus drivers, from the ticket kiosk at the bus departure area at the Athens airport, and from airport and Piraeus metro stations.

Taking the Suburban Train between Athens Airport and Piraeus Port

• 65 minutes.
• Train tickets cost €10.
• Trains leave the airport once an hour from 5:52am to 10:50pm.
• Trains leave Piraeus once an hour from 4:44am until 08:44pm.
• The suburban train station at Piraeus is in the same place as the metro station in Piraeus, directly across from the port entrance on Platform 3 near Gate E5.
• 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.

Athens Airport Transportation Map

Piraeus Port Ferry Tickets

How Early to Arrive for Piraeus Ferry?

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

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

• Big ferries like the Blue Star rarely sell out, but the smaller, faster, catamaran-type ferries sometimes do, especially during high season. If you’re traveling between June and September and are taking a smaller ship, it’s a good idea to purchase tickets in advance. During the spring, fall, and winter, it’s generally not a problem to show up at the port an hour early and purchase tickets there. The FerryHopper site makes it easy to research ferry routes, schedules, and prices, whether you’re buying in advance from their website or purchasing at the port. Ferryhopper does a great job of informing customers of any ferry changes, cancelations, delays, so if you’re buying in advance, I recommend doing so through their website. When booking online you’ll get an e-ticket and (usually) will not have to collect your tickets at the port

Where are the ticket kiosks in Piraeus Port?

• The main ticket offices and travel agencies for most major lines are located inside the port gates, in a large building to the left of the vehicle entrance near gate E7. Ferry operators also maintain smaller booths for collecting already purchased ferry tickets near the port’s main pedestrian entrance (near the metro at gate E5), as well as at individual ship gates. Many of these smaller ticket booths will be closed off-season, so be sure to allow yourself some extra time.

Do Greek ferries use e-tickets?

• Most Greek ferry companies now offer electronic tickets, eliminating the need to collect physical tickets at the port. After booking 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 on your own or keep in your phone/tablet to present at departure.

Can I get my Piraeus Port tickets delivered in advance?

• Tickets booked through FerryHopper.com can be delivered via courier to Athens area hotels for a surcharge. This can be a great timesaver, as Piraeus port is large and ticket collection can be confusing. Important Note: Ferry schedules can and do change; once you are in physical possession of your tickets, any cancellation or modification can only be processed in person, by returning the tickets to the Ferryhopper offices or a travel agency that works with your ferry company.

Piraeus Port Ferry Schedules

FerryHopper.com will have the most up-to-date schedules and fares for Greek ferries and is the best way to buy ferry tickets. Most ferries do not sell out, but for peace of mind, book tickets 2 to 3 months in advance.

Popular Ferry Routes

• Athens to Crete Ferry
• Athens to Milos Ferry
• Athens to Mykonos Ferry
• Athens to Naxos Ferry
• Athens to Paros Ferry
• Athens to Santorini Ferry

• Crete to Athens Ferry
• Crete to Santorini Ferry

• Mykonos to Santorini Ferry
• Mykonos to Athens Ferry

• Santorini to Athens Ferry
• Santorini to Crete Ferry
• Santorini to Milos Ferry
• Santorini to Mykonos Ferry
• Santorini to Naxos Ferry
• Santorini to Paros Ferry

Staying near Piraeus Port

Although it’s easy to get between Piraeus and central Athens, if you arrive on a late flight and need to catch an early morning ferry, you may choose to stay 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 the capital city tourists.

Piraeus Hotels

• The Port Square Hotel
  The best hotel at the ferry port. Cozy, contemporary rooms include walk-in showers and Egyptian linens; some rooms and suites add balconies and sea views. Buffet breakfast is on offer daily as early as 6:30 a.m., and the onsite restaurant 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
  The best hotel in Piraeus. Upscale and ultra-modern boutique hotel amid the Kastella neighborhood’s chic shops and restaurants. 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
  Modern and spacious rooms sleep up to four. Located in a quieter area near the Archaeological Museum, Naval Museum, and the shops and restaurants at Zea Marina. Guests receive a complimentary smartphone with unlimited calls and data, as well as shuttle service to and from the port, X96 bus stop, and metro station.
• Piraeus City Hotel
  Modern and recently-renovated rooms (double, twin, triple, and family room with bunk beds), rooftop restaurant, quick 4-minute walk to port.
• Hotel Achillon
  Low-key and affordable hotel about as close to the port as you can get. Rooms range from singles to quadruples that sleep four and superior doubles that sleep five. Quick 4-minute walk to gate E9.
• Maryflower Premium Apartments
  Spacious, modern, and well-decorated home-like apartments in the center of Piraeus – a 10-minute walk from the port. All units have well-appointed kitchens, comfortable Cocomat beds, and rainfall showers; some feature large terraces. Two-bedroom apartments sleep up to six people.
• Piraeus Theoxenia
  Clean, modern, and luxurious – though the decor and furnishings are beginning to look a little dated. Italian restaurant/bar on site, 24-hour front desk, breakfast buffet, rooftop pool and sunbeds. Suites sleep four people. 6-minute walk to the port (gate E9).
• Piraeus Port Hotel
  Clean and contemporary mid-range hotel in central Piraeus. Comfortable and spacious 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
  With one modern suite on each of the building’s six floors, Monogram features minimalistic industrial decor and bold styling. Guests are given smartphones pre-loaded with local maps, restaurants, and points of interest. Located in a quiet neighborhood around the corner from beautiful Zea Marina. Transfer service to the port can be arranged through the concierge.

Piraeus Restaurants

• Varoulko Seaside – Michelin-starred, elegant fine dining in charming but touristy Mikrolimano marina, with a wonderful view of the sea. • +30 21 0522 8400
• Paleo Wine Bar – Excellent wine bar in an historic warehouse building near the port (gate E5) and metro station. The wine list is extensive and well-curated, the food menu is abbreviated but mouth-watering. • +30 21 0412 5204
• Abakos Steakhouse – Stylish, casual, and reasonably-priced steakhouse one block from the port (gate E9). Wood-fired meats, great wine list, killer picanha (Uruguyan steak). • +30 21 0452 5251
• Arlekinos – Cozy and well-priced taverna, 8-minute walk to the port (gate E9). The menu excels in 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 – Best souvlaki in Piraeus in two locations: one a block from the port (gate E10) and one near Zea Marina. Sit at one of the indoor and outdoor tables, or order for take-away. Open from 11:30 until the wee hours (3am Sunday-Thursday, 4am Friday and Saturday). • +30 21 0417 0866
• Bread Factory – Not only great bread, but also an amazing selection of pastries, ice cream, snacks, sandwiches, and hot meals. All across the street from the port at gate E9. • +30 21 0422 5318
• Yperokeanio – It doesn’t have a website, but it does have the best seafood in Piraeus. Its name means “ocean liner,” and its nautical-themed decor is charming and old-fashioned, not hokey. This taverna is popular for a reason, so book reservations in advance. 3-minute walk from the port (gate E12). • +30 21 0418 0030
• Margaro – Casual taverna, famous since 1944 for having the best fried fish and Greek salad in the Athens area. (It’s so good that it’s all they serve.) Near the port by the cruise terminals at gate E12. • +30 21 0451 4226
• Hams and Clams – Awful name, awesome food. Waterfront oyster bar near Zea Marina. Great ceviche, fantastic cocktails and a great wine list. • +30 21 0418 6683
• Aposperitis Maereio – Wonderful, family-owned taverna in the Peiraiki neighborhood. Mama cooks (and how!); her sons provide excellent hospitality and personalized service. • +30 21 0459 9207

Things to Do in Piraeus

• Archeological Museum of Piraeus – Small but interesting 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. Pottery, bronze statues, and grave monuments of the 5th and 4th centuries B.C. are displayed, among other treasures – don’t miss the ancient amphitheatre out back. Located near Zea Marina. €4 admission. • Open 8am-3pm November to April, 8:30am-4pm April to November. Closed Tuesdays.
• Hellenic Maritime Museum – Maritime and naval artifacts and models from the region, 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 – Charming marina neighborhood that was once one of the main harbors for the ancient Athenian warships. Now it’s a quiet, pleasant spot to watch Greek fishermen in their colorful boats, gawk at megayachts, and shop, sip, or nibble by the sea at one of the abundant waterfront restaurants, boutiques, and bars.
• Mikrolimano Marina – Another, smaller, picturesque marina filled with small fishing boats and luxury yachts. The boardwalk is lined with pricey fish restaurants that cater to tourists (including the Michelin-starred Varoulko by the Sea).
• Peiraiki – This is the peninsula just south of central Piraeus, beginning roughly at the Piraeus port cruise terminals and wrapping south and east along the coast to Pasalimani. This area houses the Naval Academy, and is peppered with some of the best fresh fish restaurants in the region (including Margaro and Yperokeanio, listed above). A leisurely walk along the neighborhood’s coastal road to Pasalimani takes about an hour, and is especially enjoyable at sunset. Longer, if you stop for a bite at one of the many seaside restaurants along the way.

Piraeus Port Photos

The ferry port in Athens is almost directly across the street from the subway station. Follow the crowds as they leave the train and you can’t miss the ferries. Straight ahead from the metro station is gate E6. Smaller-numbered gates are to the right, larger-numbered gates are to the left.

There are many places to buy food and snacks before boarding the ferry. These shops are located directly across from the ferry port and open 24 hours.

The ticket kiosks to pick up ferry tickets are to the left as you enter the port area near gate E6. Plan to arrive an hour before departure to get your tickets.

Off-season or after hours, the main ticket booths may be closed. In this case, use a travel agency (located in the larger white building behind and to the right) to purchase tickets, or – if you simply need to pick up your tickets – use a smaller ticket booth near the gate of your ship.

These travel agencies are on the ground floor of the white building that’s shown in the background of the photo above. You can purchase tickets at any of these.

This ticket booth is located at gate E4. Ticket booths at individual ferry gates open about an hour before the ferry is due to depart.

Piraeus is a very large port, and if you arrive by bus or metro you may have a long walk to your ferry gate. (A taxi can drop you right at your gate.) There’s an in-port shuttle bus that runs between gates E1 and E5, but depending on the location of your ferry and the port shuttle schedule, walking to your gate could take 20 minutes or more.

There are a few small snack shops located inside the port, offering drinks and small bites to eat.

The port shuttle bus stop at gate E3.

Approaching the Blue Star Galaxy at Piraeus gate E4.

Passengers boarding the Blue Star Galaxy car/passenger ferry to Chania, Crete.

Traveling to Piraeus from the Athens Airport

The bus stop at Athens airport is located immediately outside the Arrivals level exit doors (follow the signs). Buy tickets at the kiosk visible to the right of the buses. You cannot buy tickets onboard the bus.

X96 is the bus from the airport to Piraeus. The X96 bus to Piraeus runs 24 hours and departs about every 15-30 minutes. The trip from the airport to the ferry port takes between 60 and 90 minutes and costs €6 (half-price for children and seniors).

Bus schedule from Athens airport to Downtown and Ferry Port. This is displayed both inside and outside the terminal.

Bus tickets for Airport buses. The blue one is a reduced fare for children and seniors. (Fares have increased since this photo was taken.) These tickets need to validated once you board the bus.

Validate bus tickets with this machine (onboard the bus).

Luggage storage onboard the X96 bus from the Athens airport to the port of Piraeus.

The X96 bus stops at Piraeus beside gate E7, very close to the Piraeus metro station.

The taxi queue at the Athens airport, located between exits 2 and 3. Taxis from the Athens airport to Piraeus cost 54€ in the day (5am to midnight) and 70€ at night (midnight to 5am) and take about an hour. In Greece, there is a 4 passenger limit per taxi.

Traveling to Piraeus port from central Athens

The Monastiraki metro station that has direct trains to the Piraeus ferry port. Omonia metro station is on the same line (Line 1) and also has direct trains to Piraeus. If you start at Syntagma Station, take line 3 to Piraeus.

Buying metro tickets at the metro station. To get from Athens to Piraeus click the button on the top left of the screen for 1.40€.

This is the metro station at Piraeus (the Athens ferry port). After you exit the train walk to the end of the train station (the far end of this picture) out the doors, and turn left. The ferries to the Cyclades (both Blue Star and Highspeed) are just across the street at gates E6 and E7. Follow the crowds and you can’t miss it.

A view from the back of a Blue Star ferry as cars and foot passengers board the ferry. You can see the metro station slightly to the left of center, the walkway (not currently in use) that crosses to the port, and the X96 bus stopped at the bus stop (almost dead-center of the picture).

Read More

• Best Hotels in Athens
• Best Hotels for Families in Athens
• Where to Stay in Athens