Piraeus Ferry Port Guide (Athens)

Greece › Athens › Piraeus Port
Updated: December 14, 2025 • By Santorini Dave

Best Piraeus Hotels

• Port Square (closest to ferries)
• The Alex
• Phidias Piraeus
• Piraeus City
• Hotel Achillon
• Maryflower Premium Apartments
• Piraeus Theoxenia
• Piraeus Port Hotel

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: Athens Airport
• Pre-booked taxi service: Welcome Pickups

See Also

• Athens – Where to Stay
• Athens – Best Hotels
• Athens – Family Hotels
• My Greek Ferry Guide

Where is Piraeus Port?

Piraeus is the primary port of Athens, located about 10 km southwest of the City Center and 25 km from Athens International Airport. It is heavily connected to the city via the Metro (Lines 1 and 3) and bus network.

• From Central Athens: The Metro takes 20-30 minutes and costs €1.20. A taxi takes 25-40 minutes and costs roughly €30-€40.
• From the Airport: The Metro (Blue Line) takes 1 hour direct. A taxi takes 45-60 minutes.

The Rafina Alternative
Athens has a second major port, Rafina, located on the east coast of Attica. There are several Rafina to Mykonos ferries every day in high season.

• Best For: Rafina is closer to the airport and ideal for travelers heading to Mykonos, Tinos, or Andros who want to avoid the chaos of Piraeus.
• Getting There: It is a 20-minute drive from the airport. A taxi costs roughly €45 (day) to €60 (night). The public bus (KTEL) costs roughly €4.

Piraeus Port Map

Piraeus Gate Guide
Piraeus is massive. Knowing your gate in advance saves you a long walk.

• Cyclades (Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos): Usually Gates E6, E7, E8, E9, and E10.
• Crete (Heraklion, Chania): Usually Gates E2 and E3.
• Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos): Usually Gate E1.
• Cruise Ships: Gates E11 and E12 (Far south end).
• Note: Always check your ticket or the electronic signs at the port entrance, as ships are frequently shuffled during high season.

Transportation Between Piraeus Port and Central Athens

The Metro is the fastest way to travel between Central Athens and Piraeus. However, if you have heavy luggage, limited mobility, or a tight schedule, a taxi (or Uber) is safer as it drops you directly at your ferry gate. For peace of mind, I recommend Welcome Pickups car service; you skip the taxi queue and the cost is comparable to a pre-booked cab.

Taking the Metro to Piraeus

The Metro is cheap, reliable, and drops you right across the street from the main port gates (E5/E6).

How to Pay & Go

• Payment: Tap your contactless credit card or phone (Apple/Google Pay) directly on the turnstile reader. Important: You must tap the same card/device to exit.
• The Route:
  • From Syntagma: Take the Blue Line (M3).
  • From Monastiraki: You can take either the Blue Line (M3) (faster, AC) or the Green Line (M1) (scenic, slower).
  • From Omonia: Take the Green Line (M1).
• Direction (Crucial):
  • If on Blue Line (M3): Board the train heading towards Dimotiko Theatro. Piraeus is the second-to-last stop. (Warning: These trains usually do not say “Piraeus” on the front).
  • If on Green Line (M1): Board the train heading towards Piraeus. Piraeus is the final stop.

The platform inside Monastiraki station with trains heading to the Piraeus ferry port.

Crucial Tips

• Pickpockets: The Piraeus line is the #1 spot for pickpockets in Athens. Keep your phone and wallet in your front pocket and your hand on your zipper.
• Strikes: Transit strikes happen. May 1st is always a general strike- no ferries or trains run. Avoid travel on this day.

The pedestrian overpass from the Piraeus metro station to the port. An elevator is available on both sides. (Note: the overpass is often closed for construction or maintenance.)

Metro Fast Facts

• Time: 20–30 minutes from Syntagma/Monastiraki.
• Cost: €1.20 (Standard 90-minute ticket).
• Hours: 5:30am to Midnight. (Timetable)
• Arrival: The station is opposite Gate E5.

Taxi & Private Car

If you are pressed for time or have heavy bags, a car is best. Drivers can enter the port and drop you right at your specific gate (e.g., E9 for Seajets), saving you a long walk.

• Taxi: €30–€40. 25–40 minutes. Hail one on the street or use the Uber app (which hails yellow taxis in Athens). Ensure the meter is ON.
• Welcome Pickups: My preferred option. Pre-booked, fixed price (similar to a taxi), and the driver meets you at the ferry gate with a sign. Excellent for stress-free arrivals.

Cruise Ship Terminal Transfer

Cruise ships dock at the far southern gates (E11/E12), a difficult 25-minute walk from the Metro.

• X80 Express Bus: Runs Piraeus Cruise Terminal ↔ Acropolis ↔ Syntagma.
• Cost: Requires a €4.10 “Daily Ticket” (or 3-day tourist pass).
• Timing: Runs every 40 mins (7am–9:30pm) during cruise season (May–Oct).
• Stops: Located directly outside Gates E11 and E12.

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

The Metro is the most reliable way to travel between the airport and the port. The Blue Line (Line 3) connects the two directly – no transfers required.

• Time & Frequency: The journey takes about 60 minutes. Airport trains depart every 35 minutes.
• Cost: €9.00 one-way. (Children under 6 are free).
• Finding the Train:
  • From Airport to Port: Board the Blue Line (Line 3) heading towards Dimotiko Theatro. Piraeus is the second-to-last stop. (Ignore train colors; look only at the digital signs).
  • From Port to Airport: Board the Blue Line heading towards Airport. Warning: Not all Blue Line trains go to the airport; many stop short at Doukissis Plakentias. Ensure the train sign explicitly says “Airport” (plane icon).
• Important: Keep your ticket! You must scan it to exit the gates at your destination.
• Schedule: Metro timetable. First train from Airport: 06:10. Last train: 23:30.

Taking a Taxi between Athens Airport and Piraeus Port

A taxi is the fastest option if traffic is light and the only door-to-door service (dropping you directly at your ferry gate). This is crucial if you have heavy luggage, as the walk from the Metro station to some ferry gates can be long.

• Cost: Piraeus is typically a metered fare (unlike the City Center which has a flat rate). Expect to pay approx. €60–€70 (Day) and €75–€90 (Night: midnight to 5am).
• Time: 45 to 60 minutes.
• Locations: At the airport, the taxi queue is outside Exit 3 (Arrivals). At Piraeus, taxi ranks are located inside the port near most major gates.
• Tip: Always ensure the meter is ON.

Private Car Service between Athens Airport and Piraeus Port

Welcome Pickups is my preferred alternative to a standard taxi. The cost is comparable to a pre-booked cab, but you get a driver waiting for you at Arrivals (holding a sign) and help with luggage.

• Cost: Fixed price quoted in advance (usually ~€65). No watching the meter in traffic.
• Best For: Tight connections. Drivers monitor ferry/flight delays and know exactly which gate your specific boat departs from.

Taking the Bus (X96) between Athens Airport and Piraeus Port

The bus is the budget workhorse. It runs 24/7 and takes a scenic (but slower) coastal route. It is the best option if you arrive between midnight and 5am when the Metro is closed.

• Cost: €5.50. Tickets can be bought from the kiosk at the bus stop or from the driver (exact change).
• Time: 60 to 90 minutes (highly traffic-dependent).
• Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes, 24 hours a day. (Bus timetable).
• Stops: At the Airport: Arrivals Level (Exits 4/5). At Piraeus: The main stop is inside the port near Gate E6/E5.

Taking the Suburban Train (Proastiakos)

Often overlooked, the Suburban Railway also connects the Airport to Piraeus directly. It uses the same tracks as the Metro at the airport but stops at a different platform in Piraeus.

• Frequency: Once per hour (usually at :07 past the hour from the Airport).
• Time: 63 minutes.
• Cost: €9.00 (Same ticket as Metro).
• Why use it? It is generally less crowded than the Metro and offers luggage racks, making it more comfortable for travelers with big bags.

Athens Airport Transportation Map

Piraeus Port Ferry Tickets

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

• Yes, for peace of mind. While massive conventional ferries (like Blue Star) rarely sell out of “Economy/Deck” tickets, reserved airplane-style seats and cabins often do. High-speed catamarans (Seajets, Hellenic) frequently sell out in June, July, and August.
• The Best Way: Book via FerryHopper. It is the easiest interface, supports all ferry lines, and provides mobile boarding passes (e-tickets) so you never have to visit a ticket booth.

Do Greek ferries use e-tickets?

• Yes. E-tickets are now the standard. When you book online (via Ferryhopper or the ferry company), you will receive a confirmation email. You simply check in online 24-48 hours before departure to get your QR code boarding pass. You show this on your phone as you walk onto the ship. No printing or kiosk visit required.

How Early to Arrive for Piraeus Ferry?

• Arrive 45 minutes to 1 hour before departure. Piraeus is chaotic and massive. Even with an e-ticket, you need time to find your specific gate (which can change) and walk or take the internal port bus to your ship.
• Gate Distances: If you arrive by Metro (Gate E5), getting to a Seajets departure (Gate E9) is a 10-minute walk. Getting to a Cyclades ferry (Gate E7) is 15 minutes. Getting to a Crete ferry (Gate E2/E3) requires the free port shuttle bus.

Where are the ticket kiosks?

• If you do not have an e-ticket, you must visit a kiosk. The main travel agencies are located in a row just outside the Metro station (Gate E5) and inside the port near Gate E7. Most ferry lines also have small white booths directly in front of the ship to print last-minute tickets, but these can have long lines in summer.

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

For most travelers, staying in Piraeus is a strategic decision. If you have a ferry departing at 7:00 am, sleeping near the port saves you a painful 5:30 am wake-up call and a rush through morning traffic.

However, Piraeus is more than just a transit hub. It’s a massive, bustling city with two distinct faces:

• The Port District: Gritty, chaotic, and hyper-convenient. Stay here (e.g., at The Port Square Hotel) if your only goal is to walk to your ship in 5 minutes.
• Kastella & Mikrolimano: Located about 5-10 minutes by taxi from the main gates, these neighborhoods are charming, upscale, and scenic. They feature hilltop views, pedestrian marinas lined with excellent seafood restaurants, and a vibe that feels miles away from the industrial ferry port. Stay here (e.g., at The Alex) if you want a nice dinner and a vacation vibe before your island trip.

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.