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How To Get From Piraeus To Athens – Taxi, Bus and Train Information

There are 6 ways you can travel from the port of Piraeus to Athens center and the airport. This guide will help you choose the best Piraeus port to Athens transport options.

One of the most popular questions I am asked, is how to get from Piraeus to Athens. This is because the Piraeus ferry port is a major transport hub.

People arrive by cruise ship to Athens here, and most Greek island hopping adventures also start and end at Piraeus. This guide lays out all the options to get from Piraeus port to Athens, using taxi, bus, and train. 

Arriving at Piraeus Ferry Port

Arriving at Piraeus ferry port can be a confusing experience, even for locals! As the ships dock and let off their passengers, a sea of people and suitcases froth uncontrollably. This is the country's main port, and it's very busy. 

Each person is on their own mission, whether it is to catch another ferry to a Greek island, travel from Piraeus to Athens centre, or catch a taxi from Piraeus Port to Athens Airport.

But don't panic! This guide has been written so that you know all the Piraeus transfer options before you go.

I've broken this travel guide into two main sections to make life easier. These are getting from the port to the centre, and getting from the port to Athens airport.

How to get from Piraeus to Athens Centre

Over the years, I have realised that people who want to travel from Piraeus to central Athens fall into two broad categories.

The first, are those visiting Athens on a cruise, who may spend just one or two days sightseeing in Athens before returning to their cruise ship.

The second, are people who have finished their Greek island hopping adventures, and now want to spend a couple of days in Athens.

As such, I've listed every conceivable transport option on getting from Piraeus harbour to Athens city center.

Piraeus to Athens Prepaid Taxi

If time is limited or you can't be bothered with the hassle of joining long queues to wait for a taxi, a prepaid taxi is a great option.

I personally recommend Welcome Pickups , as they have English speaking drivers, can provide extras such as SIM cards and maps, and meet you at the ferry gate in Piraeus holding up your name.

Best of all? The price is the same as if you take a taxi from the line.

** Check out their Piraeus to Athens taxi service and price here – Athens Piraeus Port Taxi  **

Journey time – Approx 20-25 minutes in a taxi from Piraeus to Athens center.

Piraeus to Athens Taxi (Standard)

There are many taxi ranks at Piraeus Port and cruise terminals, with easily identifiable cars waiting to take passengers to their destinations in Athens.

The Athens taxis are all yellow with a black and yellow sign on the roof. Beware anyone walking up to you asking if you want a taxi – these may be unlicensed! Instead, head straight to the queues.

The one downside of getting a taxi from the lines at Piraeus, is that hundreds of other passengers that have arrived with you on the ship will all have the same idea! If your ship arrives at Piraeus at a busy time, be prepared to wait!

In my opinion, it is worth paying the little extra for a Welcome taxi to avoid the confusion and wait for a regular taxi ride.

Journey time – Approx 20-25 minutes in a taxi from Piraeus to Athens centre.

Piraeus to Athens Metro

The metro is a convenient method of getting from the port at Piraeus to the centre of Athens. The one downside, is that it can be a ten minute walk from your ferry gate to the metro station itself.

If you're cool with this though, you'll find the price very nice at currently €1.40 for a metro ticket, which lasts for a total of 90 minutes on the metro system.

Be aware that the metro doesn't go directly through to Syntagma metro station, so you may need to change metro lines.

You will be going into Athens from Piraeus on the green line, and unless you need to stop earlier, you would probably get off at Monastiraki metro station.

From here, you have the choice to walk to your hotel if it is nearby, or switch lines to the blue line to get off at Syntagma Station which is the very heart of Athens city centre.

Another option is to carry on from Piraeus through to Omonia metro station, swap onto the red line, and then take the metro to the Acropolis metro station. If you are staying at a  hotel near the Acropolis , this is where you would need to get off from.

Journey time – Approx 30 minutes depending on where you need to change lines.

Piraeus to Athens Bus

There are dozens of buses from the main Athens ferry port of Piraeus to different parts of Athens, but only two main ones apply for people travelling from the port into the centre of the city. These are the X80 bus and the 040 bus .

The X80 bus is probably the most convenient with people looking for easy connections between Piraeus and Athens centre.

Leaving the Piraeus cruise terminal, it has stops at Akropolis and Syntagma Square, although the service only runs between 07.00 and 21.30.

Just ask anyone at the port where the bus stop is, and they will point the way. The cost is around 4.50 euros per ticket, and it could be classed as a ‘tourist bus' – you are more likely to get a seat on this one!

The 040 bus from Piraeus into the centre of Athens runs 24 hours, and tickets are price at 1.40 Euros. The chances of getting a seat on this bus are going to be slim if you are travelling when everyone else does!

Prepare for a bit of a scrum, and if you are a family, keep together!

X80 Journey time – 30 minutes

040 Journey time – 50 minutes

Piraeus to Athens Shuttle Bus from Cruise Ships

If you have arrived at Piraeus port on a cruise ship, there is a possibility that a shuttle bus is included in your ticket. Check with your service provider for more details, or ask whilst you are on-board.

This can be a very easy way of getting into downtown Athens from the ferry port at Piraeus. You will need to make sure when and where the Piraeus shuttle bus takes you back to the port though!

Piraeus to Athens Hop On Hop Off Bus

Another interesting option for people arriving on a cruise and spending just a day in Athens, is to check out the Athens Hop On Hop Off bus.

Generally speaking, I don't normally recommend this for people visiting Athens as it is a really easy city to get around. For people arriving at Piraeus port with limited time on shore excursions though, it could be ideal.

You get the opportunity to stop off at the most significant sites in Athens, have your transport taken care of, and even get some commentary!

** Check out more information on the Athens Hop On Hop Off bus service here – Sightseeing bus in Athens  **

Journey time – As long as you need it for!

How to get from Piraeus to Athens Airport

If you've finished your cruise or Greek island hopping experience and it's time to fly home straight away, you'll need to get from Piraeus to Athens airport. There are several options to get to Athens International Airport, and I've listed them below.

Prepaid Taxi from Piraeus to Athens Airport

If you have to get straight to Athens airport from Piraeus, then a prepaid taxi may be your best option. This way, you have no waiting and no delays.

Your driver waits to greet you, you get straight in the taxi, and then it's off to the airport! Again, I'd recommend Welcome Pickups for this service.

You can find out more here about a prepaid taxi from Piraeus to Athens Airport – Piraeus Athens Airport Taxi .

Journey time – Approx 40 minutes depending on traffic.

Taxi from Piraeus to Athens Airport

Taking a taxi from Piraeus to Athens airport is the same as if you want to get into the city centre. Simply join one of the taxi rank queues, and a licensed taxi driver will take you there.

Flat rate fares should be in operation, and at the time of writing this was 54 euros during the day, and 70 Euros at night.

Metro from Piraeus to Athens Airport

Taking the metro from the ferry port at Piraeus through to the Athens airport terminals will follow the same procedure as getting into the centre of the city, along with a change of line. Take the metro from Piraeus Metro Station through to Monastiraki, and then swap lines to take the metro on to the airport. Keep an eye on your bags, especially on the change over between platforms.

Metro tickets for the route from Piraeus to the Airport cost 10 Euro.

J ourney time – Approx 60 minutes depending on traffic.

Suburban Train from Piraeus to Athens Airport

A new suburban railway service now connects Athens airport and Piraeus port. At Piraeus the railway station is next to the metro station. You can ask anyone to point the way. From here, you can take a train which terminates at the airport.

Journey time – Approx 60 minutes.

Bus from Piraeus to Athens Airport

The X96 bus from Piraeus to Athens Airport is a direct service that runs 24 hours. The price for the bus is around 5 euros, and the journey time is 90 minutes. If you get a seat when you get on the X96 bus, then the journey is reasonable. If you have to stand all the way… well, better not think about it! In a rush to get to Elefthérios airport from Piraeus? You might want to avoid it.

Journey time – Approx 90 minutes depending on traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

If the Piraeus travel guide above doesn't have enough information for you, I've also answered a few FAQ below!

How far is Piraeus to Athens?

The distance from Cruise Terminal B in Piraeus and Syntagma Square in Athens City Center by road is 13.5km (8.3 miles).

How far is Piraeus from Athens Airport?

The approximate distance is 45 kilometres to Athens airport from Piraeus. Due to the route that has to be taken, the journey can be around 50 minutes in light traffic – sometimes longer.

How do I get from Athens to Piraeus?

There are two options to get to Piraeus from Athens using public transport, which are the metro and bus. The quickest and easiest option is to take a taxi.

How much is a taxi from Piraeus Port to Athens centre?

The price for a taxi from the cruise terminal at Piraeus to the centre of Athens should be around 25 Euro.

How much is the bus from Piraeus Port to city centre?

Depending on which bus you take, the bus from Piraeus to the city centre of Athens is 1.40 Euros or 4.50 Euros for the express bus.

How much is the metro from Piraeus cruise terminal to Athens?

The fare is 1.40 Euros, and the ticket is valid for 90 minutes. You are also allowed to swap lines during this time.

Are there hotels near Piraeus port?

Yes, there are places to stay near Piraeus Cruise Port. If you have an early departure or late arrival take a look at these hotels in Piraeus Greece .

Plan your trip to Athens

You may find the following post useful when planning a trip to Athens

• The best time to visit Athens
• Walking tours in Athens
• Top 5 Museums in Athens
• How to get from Athens to Santorini
• Athens Airport to City Metro

26 thoughts on “How To Get From Piraeus To Athens – Taxi, Bus and Train Information”

Dave, Thank you so much for writing this informative article on how to get to Athens from the Port. We will be taking a prepaid taxi into Athens but wanted to know how to grab a taxi to get back to our ship at the end of the day? Is there an area that you can go and find a taxi?

I’m glad to hear that you found my article helpful! In regards to your question about finding a taxi back to the ship, there are taxi waiting areas throughout Athens where you can easily find a taxi. These stands can be found in popular tourist areas, near major landmarks, and in the city center. There’s one in Monastiraki square, and you’ll also find some near Syntagma Square and the Acropolis. Also, taxis will stop (if they are empty) by flagging them down. All official taxis in Athens are bright yellow – can’t be missed!! Dave

This sites is the most informative site i have visited. Is the X80 bus considered the express bus. Some sites refer to the price of the ticket for this bus as a day pass ? Is the 4-50 Euro fare one way or return.

The X80 is classed as the express bus, making only a few stops along the way to Syntagma square in Athens. Note that the service normally only operates between May and October, and in 2020 didn’t run (as there were no cruise ships). It looks like there have been some changes to tickets, and it now costs 4.10 Euro for a daily ticket: The daily ticket is valid for all Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA) means: buses, trolley-buses, trams and metro lines 1, 2 and 3 (to Koropi Station) networks and for the Suburban Railway (TRAINOSE) (route part including Magoula – Piraeus – Koropi). Valid for X80 bus line. Valid for 24 hours from its first validation. More info here: https://www.oasa.gr/en/routes/special-bus-lines/express-bus-lines/

Great helpful website. Thanks! I wonder if you could help us make a decision though! We are spending 3 days in Athens at end of July/early August, followed by a week on Naxos (‘we’ is a family of four, two boys age 14 and 12). We check out of our Naxos accommodation on 8 August, and our flight back to the UK is late on 9 August. So…. option 1, overnight ferry sounds fun, arrives 5am at Piraeus on 9th, so we then have a day to spend with our bags, and on only a few hours sleep, before getting bus/train to the airport late afternoon. Or option 2, regular day time ferry and overnight hotel, maybe in Piraeus?? Will cost more, but less tiring. Just can’t decide! Any thoughts on pros and cons?

Hi Amanda, I would personally take the daytime option. The reason being is that there is a (very small) possibility that bad winds could delay ferries, or worst case, a strike might affect your departure. If you leave a little more room in the schedule, there would be more flexibility to work around it. Depending on what time the ferry gets in, you could stay at Piraeus (if you do, maybe go and check out the Niarchos center if you have time). Alternatively, you could just get into Athens center, and have an extra day there. Not sure how you are going about ferries, but Ferryhopper have a nice online booking site. Enjoy your time in Greece!

We are looking to cruise with Pullmantur and will fly into athens international, Does the train go direct from the airport to the Piraeus Port? if so How much each way? And how far is it to catch the train from the airport and the cruise port?

Hi Paula, The suburban train goes directly from the airport to Piraeus about once an hour. The price is approx 10 euro from memory. Whilst the airport train station is within walking distance from the airport, you’d need to get an additional taxi from where it drops off to your cruise boat. Price for this will vary depending what dock you will leave from.

The metro is that the same as the subway? Google gave the info to take the M1 from Piraeus to Theseiou, traveling time about approx. 15 mins travel time. Is that correct?

Hi, Metro is the same as the Subway yes, although you’ll notice that from Piraeus it doesn’t go underground for a while! Travel time sounds about right. Keep in mind depending on where you arrive in Piraeus, that the metro station may be some walk from where the boat docks. Safe trip!

Firstly, you are a true legend for doing this site, and helping people out.

Secondly, I’m hoping for some advice on plans I’ve narrowed down thanks to your site. Thinking getting ferry from Aegina in to Piraeus for 18:10, flight out of Athens Int to UK is at 22:20.

Would that be enough time for train (the 18:44), or need an earlier ferry?

Hi Gooders! That sounds like there is enough time (it takes maximum 1.5 hours including walking around the port, waiting for train). A heads up though – there’s been an increase in strikes due to the unions not being happy with the new government. This week, the ferries are on strike for example for a day. We post up to date info in our group Real Greek Experiences Have a great time in Greece!

Just wanted to drop a note say a big thanks for the pointer to Welcome Pickups service.

We came in to Piraeus with three hours to our flight leaving so we decided to book a pickup to make sure we would get to the airport in time. Could not be happier with the ride, great driver who met us with a name sign and new car (cannot be older than three years to be listed by Welcome Pickup). Also when we arrived at the port on a Sunday night there were multiple ferries coming in so there were not enough taxis there so we were happy that we could get moving straight away. The fee was only 2€ extra compared to a regular taxi which I believe is 54€. I would definitely recommend the service and I will for sure use it again.

Hi Marcus, Thanks for leaving a comment – it’s nice to know that these guides are helping people to travel around Greece. And also very good to hear you made your flight in time!! Piraeus can be quite stressful when arriving later in the evening, and the pre-booked taxi certainly takes the hassle away from it all. I hope you enjoyed Greece, and will return to see more of the country soon!

We’re taking the SeaJet speed ferry on Sunday, Aug 4th, arriving to Piraeus at 16:50. Our flight out of Athens is at 20:40. If we prearranged a taxi, do you think we have enough time to make the flight given how busy these next few weeks are in Greece? Also, are these ferries always late? I’ve been reading horrible reviews regarding delays, even in the off season. Thanks in advance for any advice!’

Hi Rachel, Given your timings, I would say the pre-arranged taxi is the only way to make the flight on time for check in. For me, I’d want a bit more buffer time, but it is what it is! On the ferry, make sure you are one of the first people in line waiting to get off! Ferries aren’t always late. Sometime they are even early depending on the route. Good luck!

HI – I love the details – three questions – is there a specific address to put in when going from Piraeus to the Acropolis ? Secondly – does the taxi service also work in reverse? After touring we would want to get lunch (any recommendations of some of your favorite places?) and then get a ride back to the port – I just didn’t see that listed anywhere and didn’t know if this was an option as well. 3rd – if we do take the bus – how do we purchase tickets? Does a machine/ service accept credit cards?

Thanks! We are excited for this stop on our honeymoon!

Hi Jessica, You can just put the acropolis and it would sort out the drop off point for you. Yes the service also works in reverse, so you could pre-book your return as well, however you would need to know your pick up point. It might be easier to put in the location of a nearby hotel you could head to. In terms of the bus – there should be a little kiosk near the queue. If not, you can most likely pay the driver although I’m not 100% sure on this. Cash is better than cards.

We managed to get from the Athens airport to Piraeus, now we would like to do the opposite.

Our ferry should arrive around midnight, we don’t mind waiting a bit for the X96 but we didn’t want to wander the streets searching for a ticket kiosk. At the airport there were directional signs leading us to the salesman. My question is, where can we purchase tickets at midnight for the X96 from Piraeus to Athens airport?

I’ve seen that the bus drivers sell them but.. on our first journey we saw no one stop and do anything with the driver, and not having any Greek speaking experience we didn’t want to get stuck at the moment of departure pleading for a ticket that may or may not be sold by the driver.

Hi Daniel, you’ll be able to buy them on the bus at that time of night/early morning.

Hi Dave, If my ferry is supposed to land at 1445 and my flight out of Athens is at 2140, do you think I have enough time to stop off and do a tad bit of sight seeing or stop for a dinner near the acropolis before needing to go to the airport?

Hi Blake, Yes, but if I was you, I would want to be leaving at 18.30 at the latest from Syntagma Square, as you should be at the airport 2 hours before the flight leaves.

Hi there, would appreciate your suggestion to maximize 3 days to see Athens and Santorini Possible arrival into Athens from Milan on Thursday and need to be back to Milan by Sunday Would like to be able to have one leg to Santorini by Ferry Apart from itineary Appreciate if you could also suggest place to stay Much Appreciated

Hi, Without exact times and dates, I can’t recommend anything specific. You might get some ideas from the following articles however:

Athens itinerary for 1 day Athens itinerary for 2 days Itinerary for 2 days in Santorini

if you are arriving in Piraeus on a cruise, I would say to get a ferry directly to Santorini, and then fly back to Athens after.

We are disembarking 9am on a Monday in late September from a cruise in the port Pireaus. Then hopping on a plane to Paros Island that departs at 1:20pm. Do you think this is ample time ( to disembark and travel to airport ) are check in procedures long if staying within the Greek islands?

Hi Susan, As long as your boat arrives on time, everything is timed very well. I would strongly recommend pre-booking your taxi (details in article)from Piraeus to the Airport. Most people suggest getting to the airport 2 hours before departing flights. It’s likely 1 hour would still give you enough time to check in luggage (it would cut it a bit close for my tastes though).

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Welcome To Piraeus, Athens Cruise Port: What You Need To Know

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The bustling port of Piraeus is the largest passenger port in Athens Greece. As well as many ships per day going to and from the Greek islands (mainly the Cyclades and Saronic Gulf but other destinations too) Piraeus Athens is also one of Europe’s major cruise ports.

Cruise lines dock their ships at Piraeus all year round although over winter it tends to be smaller cruise ships. As one of the largest cruise ports, Piraeus Athens can berth 11 cruise ships at a time from these small ships with a few hundred passengers up to the biggest ships from Royal Caribbean cruise line.

Some days there’s just one cruise ship at the port. On busy days I’ve seen up to 9 cruise ships scheduled in.

Athens is a frequent stop for many cruise operators’ Mediterranean cruises. In fact, Piraeus Port is often the home port for Eastern Mediterranean cruises.

It’s normal for a cruise line to arrange a one-day stop at Piraeus although some ships dock overnight. Most cruise ships tend to arrive in the early hours of the morning and then leave late in the evening. But have a good long day for you to explore the city.

Some of the best cruise lines in the world stop in Athens Greece. You’ll often see large ships at the port from companies like:

• Princess Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises

• Celebrity Cruises

• Hellenic Cosmos
• Cunard Line Ships

Here I’m going to help you navigate Piraeus Cruise Port specifically . The advice is slightly different if you’re using the Port of Piraeus and you’re not a cruiser because the ferries dock in a different area . But if you’re amongst the cruise passengers whose cruise visits, starts or finishes at this port of Athens then read on.

Arriving at the Port of Piraeus Cruise Terminal by Cruise

Cruise ships arrive at gate E11 and gate E12 (Lion’s Gate) and there are three docks you could stop at.

The three terminals at Piraeus are some way apart from each other and from the Piraeus city centre so you might need to plan your exit when you get off the ship.

Cruise Terminal A Miaoulis is the main Terminal . Cruise terminal A is the closest to the ferry port but still about a 20 minute walk to Piraeus Metro station.

Cruise Terminal B Themistocles – the Terminal B building is the furthest pier from the Metro and ferry port. It’s also about a five-minute walk from where your cruise ship docks (if that’s the pier you arrive on).

Terminal C Alkimos is between terminals A and B, close to terminal B and the lion statue of Lion’s Gate fame.

If your cruise ship is the only one at Port Piraeus when you arrive you’ll likely be close to the terminal building. But if your cruise is one of several in Athens that day you could be quite a distance from the terminal.

Luckily there is a free shuttle service to move you between the ship and the terminal building.

Services available at the cruise port

• tourist police
• customs office
• check-in desks

• currency exchange
• duty-free shops

Athens Airport Bag Drop

There’s now a mini airport terminal at the Port of Piraeus. It’s the ferry port, not the cruise port but I’m including it here as it’s likely to be useful to many of you.

If you’re departing Athens by flight, you can check in your luggage between 1 day and 120 minutes before your flight.

You’ll be given a boarding pass and luggage tag. Then, while you explore the city, your luggage is taken to the airport. The hub you need to go to is called In Town Check In and you’ll find it at the passenger terminal at Gate Ε3.

Transport Near the Cruise Port

Public transportation near Piraeus cruise port includes:

Athens Metro is pretty reliable and easy to navigate . The Piraeus – Athens line 1 is the oldest but you can now use the blue line 3 from a brand new station. Both take about the same amount of time into central Athens.

On either, be aware that the Metro in Athens Greece is second in the world for pick-pocketing . So keep your valuables zipped away and be vigilant for scams like someone dropping something on the floor. Don’t help, just walk away.

Tram – the tram lines to and around Piraeus are new. They’re a handy way of getting around the various parts of Piraeus city if you’re staying to explore that. And also a straightforward way of getting to Athens riviera if you want to visit that or have a hotel stay located there.

Hop on – Hop off buses

Mini train for tours around Piraeus

Spending Your Day in Athens City Center

If you’re heading to central Athens there are a number of options for you to get there.

Cruise Line Shuttle Buses

First off, check whether your cruise line is running dedicated shuttle buses to get you into Athens. If they are, it’s normally a free service and it’s probably useful to take advantage of them if you’re happy to get off the ship when they’re running.

Shore Excursions

Your cruise line will no doubt offer a number of shore excursions for you to choose from. As well as going into the city you might also have the option to explore ancient Greece via the Temple of Posideon at Cape Sounio or a day trip to Delphi .

If you prefer, you can book independently for specific tours that take into account cruise ship itineraries . For shore excursions not booked through your cruise line, you’ll need to coordinate with the group organisers/ tour guide to get to and from your tour.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Not the quickest mode of transport but a good way to get the lay of the land and see a lot in a short space of time . There are several hop-on hop-off buses that come past the cruise port .

Some of the Piraeus Lines start later in the day (often around noon). There’s a stop outside terminal A with information about the current timetable that you can check. But also check company websites for your arrival date as the City Sightseeing Buses run from outside the passenger terminals every 15 minutes from earlier in the morning for cruise passengers.

To see the main sites like the ones below you’ll need to change from the Piraeus line to an Athens line unless you get one of the buses that goes directly to Athens.

Acropolis & Acropolis Museum

(including Temple of Athenian Nike)

Arguably the most famous of the Athenian landmarks the Acropolis will no doubt be top of your list the first time you visit Athens. If you’re visiting in the summer then the 17:30 tour can help avoid some of the crowds and heat.

If you have time, choose to visit the Acropolis Museum. Some tours include the museum. If yours doesn’t you can head there before or after for a good overview of Greek history and culture.

National Archaeological Museum

The National Archeological Museum is the biggest in Greece. You’ll find artefacts from all over Greece housed here. Together these items give you an excellent picture of ancient Greek culture.

Opening times and entry fees vary seasonally so check on the museum’s site .

National Library

The National Library has moved to a futuristic new building that makes up part of the complex at Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center along the coast.

The Stavros Niarchos Park is a pleasant space to walk through and the centre holds concerts and various vents throughout the year.

National Gallery

If you’re interested in visiting the National Gallery it’s close to Kolonaki (high-end shopping), the Benaki Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art. Closed on Tuesdays it’s open from 10am – 6pm the rest of the week.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Another of Athens’ most distinctive landmarks is the Temple of Olympian Zeus, along with Hadrian’s Arch.

Panathenaic Stadium / Ancient Olympic Stadium

Run around the track at the ancient Olympic Stadium, pose on the winners’ podium for photos or just hit your entire daily step count goal walking to the top of the seating area! It’s steep, and the marble is slippery when wet so take care.

Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square is a huge square in the centre of Athens. Hellenic Parliament is housed in a large neoclassical building in the north that faces the famous shopping street of Ermou.

Below, on a wall around the building, you can see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It’s guarded by the Evzones /Presidential Guard. These ceremonial soldiers stand motionless in their elaborate and symbolic uniforms until it’s time to be replaced.

You can watch the changing of the guards at Syntagma Square on the hour every hour.

But if your cruise stops in Athens on a Sunday you’ll get an extra special display . On Sundays at 11am , the soldiers wear traditional dress and it’s quite a sight to see.

Mount Lycabettus

Lycabettus Hill is the highest peak in Athens and a leafy escape from the crowds. There’s a cable car that’ll transport you up and down. But if you’re feeling sporty you can hike up the trail.

There’s a church at the top along with a cafe/restaurant. So you could always cable car up and then work off your treats by walking back down.

Express Bus

The X80 Piraeus-Acropolis-Syntagma Express bus line will get you to central Athens (Acropolis, Syntagma Square) in about 30 minutes . Main stops include Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, Sygrou-Fix Metro, Acropolis and Syntagma.

This is quite a convenient way for cruise travelers to get into the city since it picks you up directly at the cruise port exits. Note that it only runs between May and October and from around 7am – 9pm . You can check the ticket price here .

In the picture above, you can see this is also a stop for the OLP port shuttle bus that goes to the cruise terminals where the ships dock.

There’s also a public bus, the 040 , that runs between Piraeus and Syntagma. It’s cheaper than the X80 but it stops at a lot of places and can get crowded . The X80 is generally better for tourists unless you arrive overnight. The 040 runs 24 hours so you can get into Athens at any hour. (Take a taxi if you’re a solo traveller arriving overnight.)

Piraeus Metro station / train station is about a 20 minutes walk from terminal A . Most likely you’ll have to walk because the drivers get a bit stroppy if you ask them to take you just a short distance from the port.

In my experience, they’ll take you if there’s no one else about. But the drivers will dump you for a better fare if someone else wants to go to the airport or the city centre for example.

If you’re walking look for Piraeus 3 on Google Maps . That will take you to the new station (2022) with the blue metro line 3.

Both that line and line 1 from the station below will take you into Athens in about the same amount of time so you can take either.

If you get the Metro line 1, take a moment to admire the architecture of the station . Buy your ticket from one of the machines (cash or card) and then get onto the green line.

Get off the Metro at Thissio for a meal with a view . The Acropolis from this neighbourhood is spectacular and there are rooftop restaurants you can enjoy it from. Then wander around the historic sites on your way to touristy Plaka .

If you stay on an extra stop you can explore Monastiraki and the famous Monastiraki Flea Market . The proper market stalls are only out on Sunday but there’s an eclectic mix of small shops all week .

From there, walk up Ermou , the main street for high-street shopping , until you get to Syntagma . There you can jump on one of the hop-on, hop-off bus tours or stay a while and watch the changing of the guard .

Spending Your Day in Piraeus City Centre

This ancient Athenian port is worth exploring if you’ve already been to Athens and/or just want to stay closer to your ship. The city of Piraeus is often overlooked . But as an ancient city with strong ties to maritime history, there’s plenty to see and do within walking distance.

Places you might enjoy visiting include:

Hellenic Maritime Museum

This is the largest marine museum in Greece and great if you’re a maritime enthusiast. The museum will take you through the history of the Hellenic Navy from prehistory to the present day.

It’s situated at Zeas Marina close to the cruise port. The marina itself is lovely to walk around too (see below).

Archeological Museum of Piraeus

The tourist mini-train will drop you right outside if you want to get your dose of Greek history without traipsing all the way into Athens city centre.

This museum has lots of sculptures and will give you an in-depth look at the Pireaus area which was a busy place during antiquity.

Municipal Theatre

The Municipal Theatre is a large neoclassical building that houses a variety of productions. Visit here to see what’s on. While you’re there pop into the new metro station outside. It houses some interesting historical exhibits that are worth a look.

Holy Cathedral of Agia Triada

This is a beautiful building both inside and out. It’s also a quiet haven from the busy city. Remember to dress respectfully to enter this Orthodox Church. That means no shorts or uncovered shoulders.

Piraeus Train Station

The metro station that houses green line one is another piece of architecture you might like to see. If you’re a train enthusiast the elegant station leads to the museum below.

Electric Railway Museum

There’s an entrance to the railway museum at the Metro platform before you go through the barriers. The museum is open 8am – 2pm Monday to Saturday.

Piraeus is also a good city for normal shopping with chains like H&M, Marks and Spencer, Hondos Centre as well as lots of others, and specialist shops, too.

Of course, you can find souvenir shops in the city and stores with local produce if you want to pick up some bits and pieces to take back.

Marinas for Food and Drink

On top of that, you’re right by the sea and in a great place for traditional Greek food , particularly seafood .

Take the number 20 (yellow) tram from Akti Posidonos to the Limhn Zeas stop at Mikrolimano and have a walk around the marina .

It’s a buzzing place day and night with plenty of coffee shops and restaurants . For a real treat, stay on the tram until Skalakia and enjoy an exciting meal at the Michelin-starred Varoulko Seaside Restaurant.

Accessing Public Transport from the Cruise Port

For the Metro, tram, mini train and hop-on hop-off buses come out of your cruise exit and head down the hill in front of you (to your left if you’re at terminal A).

The train and buses stop where the main road splits to go off to terminal A. You’ll see the signs , it’s quite obvious.

Keep walking around to your left on the main road and you’ll come to the tram stop .

5 minutes beyond that you’ll come to the Metro stations on your right. The one for line 1 is opposite Piraeus Port just before ferry gate E6. The other for line 3 is a little beyond the same gate.

I recommend downloading the offline version of Google Maps because you can find these spots easily on there.

Getting to Piraeus Cruise Port from Athens Airport

Thanks to the opening of a brand new station and stretch of railway, from10th October 2022 you can now get the metro directly from Athens airport to Piraeus port . The journey to Piraeus 3 Metro station takes about 55 minutes .

Note that the metros that run all the way between the airport and port only run every 36 minutes so account for that time too.

Taxis Or Private Transfer

Athens International Airport is about 40 minutes from Piraeus by taxi. Taxis are easy to get directly outside of the airport terminal. The cost is a flat rate of 54 euro during the day and 70 euro after hours.

For peace of mind, you could also choose a private transfer service for a stress-free and easy transfer that you arrange and pay for in advance. The price should be similar to the taxi rates.

Taxis and transfers are the easiest and probably the best option for getting to the port.

There’s also the public bus service X96 . The journey time is around 90 minutes from the airport to the ferry port (gate E1). From there it’s a bit far to walk to your departure point with luggage. So either jump in a cab or get a second bus round to the cruise terminals.

Getting To Athens Cruise Port From Athens City Centre

If you’re planning to spend some time in the capital of Greece before or after your cruise then you can choose between getting a cab or taking the metro. The best way to get to the port from “downtown Athens” will probably depend on how many of you there are and how much luggage you have.

Again, a private transfer is an option or just ask your hotel to arrange a taxi for you. Prices from central Athens hotels are around 20 – 30 euro.

Travelling by metro is quite straightforward from the centre . Get on (or change to) the blue Metro Line 3 at the central metro stations of Monastiraki or Sygntama and head straight for the port. It’s a short ride of just under 20 minutes to Piraeus.

However, as I said above, it’s a bit of a trek (30 minutes or more) to the actual cruise port of Piraeus (depending on which pier you need). So you’ll need to get a taxi or a bus round from the station.

Enjoy Your Cruise!

I hope this info helps you know more about what to expect when you arrive at the port of Piraeus, Athens’ cruise port. Whether it’s one of your ports of call or where you’re embarking on or disembarking your cruise, I wish you a wonderful trip.

Suzie Young

Suzie writes informative posts for solo, nervous or first-time travellers to Greece, Turkey and other countries on her 50-before-50 bucket list. She became a Greek resident in 2020 and intends to visit every inhabited island (13 down!).

Thanks! This was very informative and helpful. We’ve booked a hotel (one night) in Piraeus so that we are near the cruise port. The hotel says that it has baggage transfer service – does that mean that we could have them deliver our luggage to the cruise port? Is it reliable?

Hi there. I’d just check they come along to the cruise port but I’m sure they will since it’s not far by car from the main port. I’d imagine it’s pretty reliable as they’re probably back and fourth with transfers. Perhaps look up the hotel on Google Maps or somewhere like booking. com and see if any of the reviews are from people who’ve specifically used that service.

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• Greece Ports

Best way to get from cruise port to Athens

By StarSeven7 , June 18, 2022 in Greece Ports

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We're stopping in Athens for the day on our RC cruise in August/September.  We've been to Athens before and arrived via ferry to Piraeus and took the metro into Athens.  This would be my first choice but it looks like it's quite a long walk from where the cruise ships port to the metro station in Piraeus?  Is there another method of transportation that would be better than the metro for getting into Athens?  Our ship doesn't get into port until 12 noon so I'm concerned about traffic being busy that time of day.  Also, there will be 6 of us, 4 adults and 2 kids, so I'm not sure if larger taxis would be readily available?  Thanks!

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MeHeartCruising

3 hours ago, StarSeven7 said: We're stopping in Athens for the day on our RC cruise in August/September.  We've been to Athens before and arrived via ferry to Piraeus and took the metro into Athens.  This would be my first choice but it looks like it's quite a long walk from where the cruise ships port to the metro station in Piraeus?  Is there another method of transportation that would be better than the metro for getting into Athens?  Our ship doesn't get into port until 12 noon so I'm concerned about traffic being busy that time of day.  Also, there will be 6 of us, 4 adults and 2 kids, so I'm not sure if larger taxis would be readily available?  Thanks!

Well, I’ve walked from the cruise terminal to the Piraeus metro station twice and would do so again if the weather was nice.  But, yes, it’s a little ways away, so you’d need to be people who don’t mind that.  It took me about 20 minutes to get there walking at a decent pace.  There were about 20 of us from the terminal doing the walk and sort of helping each other with the navigation (which is easy if you’ve studied the map a little).   

Our ship docked at Terminal B and we rode a shuttle bus to Terminal A.  From there we walked to the Metro.   

Are there better ways?  Everyone has their own opinion.  I enjoyed the walk.  It didn’t take too long.  I wanted to visit the Agorra first and then go up to the Acropolis this trip and I was at that entrance 20 minutes before they opened at 8am.  The second time, I did Rick Steves walking tours, and had plenty of time.  

55 minutes ago, MeHeartCruising said: Well, I’ve walked from the cruise terminal to the Piraeus metro station twice and would do so again if the weather was nice.  But, yes, it’s a little ways away, so you’d need to be people who don’t mind that.  It took me about 20 minutes to get there walking at a decent pace.  There were about 20 of us from the terminal doing the walk and sort of helping each other with the navigation (which is easy if you’ve studied the map a little).    Our ship docked at Terminal B and we rode a shuttle bus to Terminal A.  From there we walked to the Metro.    Are there better ways?  Everyone has their own opinion.  I enjoyed the walk.  It didn’t take too long.  I wanted to visit the Agorra first and then go up to the Acropolis this trip and I was at that entrance 20 minutes before they opened at 8am.  The second time, I did Rick Steves walking tours, and had plenty of time.  

Thanks for your response!  I don't mind a 20 minute walk but I saw some estimates for 40 minutes so that definitely adds some time!  It looks like the next best option is the X80 express bus, so I"ll have to decide between those two.

cruisemom42

There is a HOHO bus (with several stops in Piraeus before continuing to Athens) and also an express bus (x80) that picks up from both terminals and takes you into Athens with a stop near the Acropolis as well as one at Syntagma Square. Both, IMO, are easier from the cruise port than using the metro -- although there is a local bus that can take you to the metro rather than having to walk it. 

While the previous poster mentions a 20-minute walk, it can be as much as 40 minutes and I'd prefer not to waste so much time getting into Athens. 

More info here:   How To Get From Piraeus To Athens - Taxi, Bus and Train Information (davestravelpages.com)

3 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said: There is a HOHO bus (with several stops in Piraeus before continuing to Athens) and also an express bus (x80) that picks up from both terminals and takes you into Athens with a stop near the Acropolis as well as one at Syntagma Square. Both, IMO, are easier from the cruise port than using the metro -- although there is a local bus that can take you to the metro rather than having to walk it.    While the previous poster mentions a 20-minute walk, it can be as much as 40 minutes and I'd prefer not to waste so much time getting into Athens.    More info here:   How To Get From Piraeus To Athens - Taxi, Bus and Train Information (davestravelpages.com)

X80 bus from outside the terminal. Day Return fare €4.10. Bus every 15/20 minutes.

18 minutes ago, VMax1700 said: X80 bus from outside the terminal. Day Return fare €4.10. Bus every 15/20 minutes.

Thank you! I was thinking that seems to be the best option.

The return bus leaves from outside McDonald's on Syntagma Square.

This is the ticket kiosk at Terminal B.

31 minutes ago, VMax1700 said: The return bus leaves from outside McDonald's on Syntagma Square. This is the ticket kiosk at Terminal B.   Th  

Thank you so much!  Super helpful!  I'm not sure which terminal we will be docking at - we're on Royal Caribbean, not sure if they're always at the same terminal?

34 minutes ago, StarSeven7 said: not sure if they're always at the same terminal?

I believe they allocate the terminal based on the size of the ship etc.  Really doesn't matter which one though as bus stops at both.  Terminal B can be an advantage as it is the 'terminal' and the bus is usually sitting waiting for passengers.

The map posted first shows the three Terminals (A, B, and C) for cruise passengers -- and you can see how long the walk is from Terminal B to the metro/train station.

The second map shows the stops for the X80 express bus, although unfortunately the legend is on top of the Terminal B area -- still, if VMax1700 says they stop there, I believe.  (I've only ever arrived at Terminal B, on smaller ships.)

Thank you @VMax1700 and @cruisemom42 ,that's very helpful info!

18 hours ago, StarSeven7 said: Thanks for your response!  I don't mind a 20 minute walk but I saw some estimates for 40 minutes so that definitely adds some time!  It looks like the next best option is the X80 express bus, so I"ll have to decide between those two.

I'm sure the walk can take some people 40 minutes.  It's all a matter of how fast one walks and/or stops to take pictures along the way.   

2 hours ago, MeHeartCruising said:   I'm sure the walk can take some people 40 minutes.  It's all a matter of how fast one walks and/or stops to take pictures along the way.   

Very true! 

4 hours ago, MeHeartCruising said:   I'm sure the walk can take some people 40 minutes.  It's all a matter of how fast one walks and/or stops to take pictures along the way.   

It's not just a matter of how fast you walk. It is legitimately a 40 minute walk -- or longer -- if you are at one of the farther cruise terminals, as shown here from Google maps. Note walking time is given as 48 minutes, and I generally have found Google walking times to be on the optimistic side.

20 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:   It's not just a matter of how fast you walk. It is legitimately a 40 minute walk -- or longer -- if you are at one of the farther cruise terminals, as shown here from Google maps. Note walking time is given as 48 minutes, and I generally have found Google walking times to be on the optimistic side.  

Agreed.  However, as I noted in my initial reply above, when I did the walk in 20 minutes, it was from Terminal A.  The port or the cruise line provided us with a shuttle bus from Terminal B to Terminal A.  I do not know if they still do this.  Google maps shows the walking route from Terminal A to be 21 minutes.

Thanks for the helpful replies everyone!  I remember when we walked from the ferry (it was from Naxos so I guess somewhere E6-E10 on the map above) the walk seemed pretty far, at least while schlepping our backpacks!  The cruise terminals are even farther out so it's probably best to just hop on the bus instead of wasting our time walking!

• 2 weeks later...

Has anyone actually taken the X80 bus this year?  I read somewhere that it's not running.

6 hours ago, hlperez said: Has anyone actually taken the X80 bus this year?  I read somewhere that it's not running.

It is running ok.  We were in Athens in June and it was running quite frequently.

Twilightstar18

On 7/5/2022 at 12:15 PM, hlperez said: Has anyone actually taken the X80 bus this year?  I read somewhere that it's not running.

We just took it last week. Thanks to all the detailed posts as well as @VMax1700 's photos we were able to find the stop and ticket kiosk. The more complicating detail for us was that we were docked at Terminal C which I had not previously read about. It is probably the most convenient terminal because it's right by the entrance, but because we were looking for the X80 stop it took a bit of running around. Terminal B is next to Terminal C. Theoretically we could have been stopped by the security going into the Terminal B area- my mom who was following us but did not plan on going to Athens was and told us about it later. We went through the parking lot and showed a picture of the kiosk to someone at the terminal who pointed in the direction of the bus stop. The bus stop is straight ahead from the main entrance of Terminal B, not to the left where the parking lot is and which leads to the gates. The bus was running about every 30min so even though we got there at 8.10 am, somehow we did not leave until closer to 9. We got off at the Acropolis with no problems and the driver pointed us in the direction to walk.

On the way back, we had planned on looking for the stop at Syntagma square. However due to the heat, decided to use the same transit pass to get on the metro from Monastriaki to Piraeus and then the bus back to the terminal. We've done the walk before from the train station back to port on a previous trip, but had forgotten how long the walk was until we took the bus back this time. 

I will take the topic back to "the walk" since DW and I do love long walks :).  If you look at the area map (posted above in Cruisemoms post #11) you will notice it shows three terminals, A, B and C.  For walking purposes there are some major differences.  From Terminal A, we can do the walk (to the train station) in about 20 minutes and slow walkers would likely need about 30.   But from Terminals B and C the walk is somewhat longer than it appears in the map.  It would take most folks about 10 - 15 minutes longer from those Terminals.  There is usually an internal port shuttle bus (Free) that moves folks between Terminals B,C over to terminal A.  If this bus is operating it shortens the walk but many folks might not be happy waiting for that bus (frequency seems to be whenever the driver wants to work).

If folks are not in a hurry, the walk is kind of nice since you are strolling around the outside of the large harbor/port,  There are quite a few benches along the route so there are plenty of opportunities to rest.  There is also a public bus (I think it is #843) that runs along this same route quite frequently.  If you are returning to Pireaus vis the metro (Green Line) you can cross the street in front of the train station and take that bus back to the stop near the port.  Keep your metro ticket since that bus would be included so no need to pay an extra fare.  It would be the same while heading from the port to the station, but you would need to pay the bus fare (I think it is 1 Euro) unless you somehow have managed to get your hands on the Metro ticket to Athens.  I have been told you can buy tickets in small convenience stores, but you might have an issue finding such a store and it might not be worth the grief.

Depends on how much luggage you have.  We have taken the bus a number of times to and from the airport to Glyfada and from the airport to Piraeus.   It was a non event for us but we only have one smaller bag each so luggage was not a concern.

On 7/5/2022 at 5:15 PM, hlperez said:  

can anyone tell me please the cost of this bus seems to be 4.10 euros, is that one way? or return?

1 hour ago, lorrdean said: can anyone tell me please the cost of this bus seems to be 4.10 euros, is that one way? or return?

That is for a day ticket, so return (and return again if you have a late sail away!).

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Guide to Piraeus Cruise Port in Athens: Terminals, Ferry Routes, Timetable

Piraeus is located about 10 kilometers south of the city center of Athens. 

Each year, the Cruise Port Piraeus handles 20 million passengers, making it the largest port in Greece and the largest passenger port in Europe.

In this guide, we'll introduce you to the Cruise Port Piraeus and give you helpful information about the terminals, the ferry routes and timetable, access and more.

Let's begin with the best things to do !

Other Recommended Articles:

• Top 10 Things to Do in Athens
• Best Recommended Hotels in Athens
• Exceptional Attractions in Athens
• Best Restaurants in Athens
• Shopping in Athens
• Public Transport in Athens

Top-Rated Tours & Tickets for Athens

Book Top-Rated Tickets for the Best Attractions and Experiences in Athens - at the Lowest Price!

Best Things to do in Piraeus Cruise Port

Wondering what to do at Piraeus Cruise Port? Here is a list of activities to make the most of your visit:

• Hop on Hop Off Tour: Explore the beautiful port of Piraeus at your own pace during a Hop-On Hop-Off Tour! With one single ticket, you can discover Piraeus, Athens, and the Athenian Riviera.  Book here for a seamless experience!
• Explore the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus:  Go to the center of Piraeus and gain insight into the cities maritime legacy and historical significance by exploring the interesting collection.  More:   Archaeological Museum of Piraeus
• Visit Agistri Island:  Embark on a delightful ferry journey from Piraeus to the enchanting Agistri Island, where you can unwind on its pristine beaches. Book your ferry ticket online in advance or opt for   a guided boat tour  to make the most of your island adventure.
• Go Island Hopping:  From Piraeus, embark on a fun island-hopping cruise and explore the gems of the Saronic Gulf. Book here a guided tour from Piraeus and discover hassle-free the charm of islands like Aegina, Moni and Agistri.
• See the Highlights of Athens: If you are arriving from a cruise ship and have limited time to see Athens, then you may want to consider  booking a transfer to the city center to get there faster. A more stress-free alternative is booking a guided tour to see the best of Athens , including the Acropolis and round trip transfer from the Port of Piraeus and back.
• Sample Local Food: Piraeus, with its seafront location, offers numerous restaurants serving delicious Greek cuisine centered around fresh fish and seafood. For an authentic culinary experience, book the 3.5-hour Piraeus Food Walking Tour, where you'll savor local tastings while exploring the city's lesser-known areas.

Read more:  10 Things To Do in Piraeus near Athens

Description of Piraeus Cruise Port

The port has approximately a U-shape , the sides of which are several kilometers long. The entrance gates to the port are numbered from E1 to E12. Gate E1 is located in the northwestern part of the port, while gate E12 is located in the very south. Around the port area runs a multi-lane road, over which a modern pedestrian bridge equipped with escalators leads to the metro station across the street.

Piers of Piraeus Cruise Port

There are a total of 12 departure and arrival gates in the Port of Piraeus; ferries to the Greek islands depart from gates E1 to E10, and cruise terminals are located at E11 and E12.

There are three cruise port terminals , a total of 11 cruise ships can dock at the port of Piraeus simultaneously. All cruise terminals are air-conditioned, offer free Wi-Fi and have duty-free stores. Passport and customs checks are handled at each terminal.

1. Terminal A Miaoulis

Terminal A Miaoulis is the main terminal, with most cruise ships docking here. Of all three terminals, Terminal A is closest to Piraeus city center.

36 check-in counters spread over 6 halls can handle up to 1,200 passengers per hour.

2. Terminal B Themistocles

Terminal B Themistocles was completed in 2013. It has 2 berths where even very large ships with 4,500 passengers or more can dock. It mainly handles cruise ships whose voyage starts in Athens.

3. Terminal C Alkimos

Terminal C Alkimos was built back in 2003 and was thoroughly renovated in 2016. However, due to it s tent-like construction , it always seems a bit improvised.

The terminal has 20 check-in counters that can handle up to 700 passengers per hour.

Piraeus Cruise Port: Good to know

• Shuttle Bus Within the Port:  Within the port, there is a free shuttle bus that connects Gate E7 with Gates E1, E2 and E3 depending on the arrival and departure of ships. The bus runs every 20 minutes.
• Piraeus Metro Station:  The Piraeus Metro Station is located at Gate E7, and the shuttle bus departs directly across the street.
• Port Police: The Port Police can be found near Gate E8.

Timetable with Arrivals and Departures

For the current arrival and departure times of the ferries, please refer to the website of the respective provider.

• Information about cruise ships calling at Piraeus can be found at this link .

Ferry Companies

The major ferry companies in Greece include Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets, Aegean Speedlines, Ionian Group, Golden Star Ferries, ANEK Lines and Minoan Lines to name a few.

Ferry Routes

Greece has about 200 inhabited islands and there are ferry connections to many of them. Many islands are served from Piraeus. The best known of these are Crete, Lesvos, Samos and the islands in the Saronic Gulf.

Ferries to Crete depart from gates E2 and E3, those to Samos from E9 and E10, and those to the Cyclades from gates E6 and E7.

• More details can be found on our page:  Ferries and Ferry Ports near Athens: Piraeus, Rafina & Lavrion .

Tickets for the Ferries traveling from/to the Port of Piraeus

You'll find 10 ticket offices in the port area selling tickets for all ferries. Most of these offices are conveniently located at gate E7 and E8.

Additionally, you have the option to   purchase some ferry tickets online in advance, saving you from standing in lin e or missing your desired ferry.

Popular Ferry Ticket Options:

• 1 Way Ferry Ticket to Santorini
• 1 Way Ferry Ticket to Aegina Island
• 1 Way Ferry Ticket to /from Agistri Island
• 1 Way Ferry Ticket to/from Poros Island
• 1 Way Ferry Ticket to/from Methana

Public Transportation to the Port of Piraeus

• Metro:  Line 1, marked in green , goes to the port of Piraeus. Piraeus is the only one of the three ports in Athens that can be reached by metro. The Piraeus stop is the terminal stop, from here the metro continues through the center of Athens, stopping at Omonoia Square, to Kifissia. In Athens, the metro lines run between 5:30 in the morning and midnight.
• Bus:  Bus line 049 goes to Piraeus from Omonoia Square and line 040 from Syntagma . The bus stop is in the center of Piraeus and is called Kotziaplatz . From there it is about 10 minutes walk to the port.
•   Suburban Train:  In Greek, the suburban train is called Proastiakos. Line 1203 runs from Athens Larisa main station to Piraeus. The trip takes about 20 minutes. The same line also goes to Athens airport.
• Transfer: As an alternative to public transport, consider booking a hassle-free transfer service to travel to/from Piraeus Port and your hotel in Athens city center.  Secure your spot in advance for a worry-free journey!
• Taxi:  From the center of Athens, a taxi ride to Piraeus takes about 30 minutes , depending on traffic. The price is about 25 euros during the day and 45 euros at night.

Transfer to Eleftherios Venizelos Airport

You have several options to get from the cruise port of Piraeus to the airport in Athens and vice versa:

• By Airport Transfer: The most convenient option to get to Athens Airport is by a reliable Athens Airport transfer to/from Piraeus. The journey lasts around 1 hour . Book here! 
• By Airport Bus:  Airport bus X96  runs around the clock from the airport to Piraeus and vice versa. The journey time is about 90 minutes. During the day, the buses run every 20 minutes, and between 22:30 in the evening and 5:00 in the morning, they run every 40 minutes.
• By Taxi: The taxi ride from Piraeus to the airport is charged at a flat rate, 54,-- Euro during the day and 70,-- Euro at night.  Book a taxi transfer online in advance!

Hop On Hop Off Tour

There are three providers of Hop-On Hop-Off tours for Piraeus and Athens, with buses of different colors. Most of the time, the buses wait near the cruise terminals when a ship docks.

As it can get very crowded during high season, it is recommended to purchase tickets online in advance.

Popular Ticket Options:

• 2-Day Ticket: Athens, Piraeus, and Coastline by Sights of Athens (recommended)
• 1-, or 2-Day Ticket: Athens, Piraeus, and Riviera by Athens Open Tour
• 1-, 2-, or 3-Day Ticket by City Sightseeing
• Find a  detailed overview  of the three Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour providers in our article:  Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours in Athens | Compare Tickets, Routes & Stops

There are taxi stops near almost all gates within the port.

The basic taxi fee is 1.29 euros, and the price per kilometer is 0.74 euros. For standing and waiting time, 11.81 euros per hour is charged.

Between 24:00 and 5:00 the night tariff applies. The basic charge here is also 1.29 euros, but the price per kilometer is 1.29 euros.

Car Rentals

Both in the port of Piraeus and in the immediate vicinity are numerous car rental providers available, i ncluding Sixt, Budget, Alma and Avis to name a few. Of course, you can book your rental car online in advance. The vehicle will then be at your disposal immediately upon arrival.

There are numerous ATMs within the port of Piraeus. Most are located at Gate E3, between Gate E5 and E6, at Gate E7, E8 and E9 and at Gate E11. 

Food, Restaurants and Cafes

The gastronomic offer at the Port of Piraeus is very wide. Both in the port and in the immediate vicinity there are numerous restaurants , cafes and snack bars in all price ranges. Seafood and fish are often offered, the price level is as high as the offered view of the harbor. The localities within the harbor often have a daring price-performance ratio.

Shopping, Stores and Businesses

In the immediate vicinity and around the harbor there are countless stores, stores and shopping opportunities. In the port area itself, there are smaller souvenir stores, especially near the cruise terminals.

Parking and Parking Garage

There are numerous parking facilities in the immediate vicinity of the port. It is allowed to enter and drive around the port by car, even short stops are allowed. There is a 130-space parking lot in the harbor area between gates E7 and E8.

Opening Hours

Although the harbor area is fenced, the harbor is open 24 hours a day , numerous entrances are open day and night.

Free Wi-Fi is usually offered at each gate and in front of it. The cruise terminals all offer free Wi-Fi.

Hotels at Piraeus Cruise Port

Within the vicinity of the port and in the town of Piraeus, you'll find a wide selection of hotels, guesthouses, and bed & breakfast accommodations catering to various price ranges. 

However, it's essential to note that some accommodations near the port may be overpriced and not consistently well-maintained and clean.

We have listed below three recommendations for each category: luxury, midrange, and budget. Feel free to click the link to benefit from the best deals.

1. Luxury Choice: Piraeus Theoxenia Hotel

Piraeus Theoxenia Hotel, the only 5-star deluxe hotel in Piraeus, offers a boutique charm, fine dining, gym, and conference facilities. With 76 spacious rooms and suites, it's conveniently located near the main port and shopping area. Don't miss the top-floor pool and Jacuzzi whirlpool, with stunning views of the lively port.

• This Hotel Is For:  Couples, Families, Honeymooners, Groups, Solo Travelers, Business Trips
• Price Range:  High
• Address:  23, Karaoli ke Dimitriou Street, Piraeus 185 31, Greece
• How To Book Online:  On  booking.com

2. Midrange Choice: The Port Square Hotel 

A luxurious and stylish 4-star hotel right on the port of Piraeus , just 20 meters from the new metro and train station. Ideal for ferry travelers and explorers alike, guests can savor culinary delights at the hotel's restaurant-bar and explore nearby shops and eateries. Business travelers will appreciate the meeting room, while leisure travelers will love the proximity to Votsalakia Beach, just 2.1 km away. 

• This Hotel Is For:  Families, Couples, Business Trips, Solo Travelers,
• Price Range:  Medium
• Address:  Geor. Kasimati 6, Piraeus 185 31, Greece

3. Budget Chocie: Gallery Suites & Residences

Gallery Suites & Residences offers modern comfort and a homey ambiance. Situated in the heart of Piraeus, it provides bright units of different categories, some with stunning city views. Designed for modern travelers, the hotel features amenities like a business center, sauna, terrace, and a paid airport shuttle service to Athens Airport (41 km away).

• This Hotel Is For:  Couples, Business Trips, Families, Solo Travelers
• Price Range : Low
• Address:  Kapodistriou 26, Piraeus 185 31, Greece
•  For more recommended hotels, check our comprehensive list featuring  the 13 best hotels near Piraeus Cruise Port.

Rent a Bus at the Port of Piraeus

We will be happy to help you rent buses for all occasions, be it for group trips, company outings, class trips, events or otherwise.

Visit our Group Travel page or contact us through our form .

Seminar Rooms and Conference Hotels

We will be glad to assist you in renting seminar rooms for your events or in choosing your conference hotel that will exactly meet your expectations and demands.

Visit our page with the best conference hotels in Athens  and contact us for the best deals.

Contact & Map

• Address: Port of Piraeus, Akti Miaouli 10, Piraeus 185 38
• Telephone: + 30 21 0455 0100
• Website: olp.gr/en/

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How to Get from Piraeus Cruise Port to Athens and the Airport

• Cruise Tips & Advice

04 February, 2023 1 Comments 12539 Views

Piraeus is one of the most popular Mediterranean ports receiving dozens of cruise ships all year round. Piraeus can be called “the gate to the capital of Greece”, Athens. Piraeus cruise terminal is located approximately 13 kilometers from the center of Athens, and if you do not order the transfer provided by the cruise line it won't be easy to find out how to get to Athens using public transport. I have completely come this way and am glad to provide you with step-by-step guidance on how to get from Piraeus to Athens on your own.

Piraeus Metro

Piraeus cruise terminals, map of piraeus passenger terminals.

How to Get from the Terminal A to the Metro

How to get to the metro from terminals b and c.

How to Get from Piraeus to Athens by Metro 

How to Get from the Athens Airport to Piraeus Cruise Port

How to buy bus or metro tickets.

Direct Bus X80 to the Athens Center

Showing 1 Comments

August 11, 2023

hi, is there a bus ticket machine at the exit of Terminal A? If we wanted to take a bus from there to the Metro, would we have to walk back to the Piraeus bus stop? Many thanks.

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• Visitors Guide
• Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Athens with a local

Getting Around

Coming from the port.

Piraeus is the main port in Athens, accommodating around 20 million passengers every year. Located around 10 km southwest of the city centre and 45 km from the airport, Piraeus is the gateway to the Greek islands and the landing point for cruises to Athens.

Athens Metro Line 3 connects Piraeus to the city centre (Syntagma Square) in 20 minutes. The same line reaches the Athens Airport in about 55 minutes.

Line 1 (overground train) runs from the port of Piraeus and meets Athens Metro line 3 at Monastiraki Station, which takes you to Syntagma Square.

Bus 040 runs from Piraeus to Syntagma Square 24 hours a day. The X80 is an express bus from Piraeus to Syntagma, running every half hour from 7 am to 9:30 pm, available from May through October.

Taxis line the port, especially in the summer months, so you should have no problem picking up a cab on arrival. During high season the demand is high, so you may have to wait in line. Use one of the radio taxis or a taxi app like Taxiplon or the Beat app to have a taxi waiting for you at the port. The cost from Piraeus to the city centre is around €25.

Public Transport

Piraeus Port of Athens

Complete Guide to Piraeus Port City in Greece

Piraeus Train to Athens

Getting From Piraeus Port To Athens by Train

Taking the train is considered to be among the cheapest ways to get from Piraeus to Athens, so if you’re looking for the most cost-conscious traveling option then you might want to choose this.

Unfortunately there is not a train station located within the Cruise port, so you will have to walk roughly a mile from the port to get to the station. So if you and any of your fellow travelers have disabilities or mobility problems then this might not be a good option for you.

Because of the short distance between the port and the Piraeus train station it will be practically impossible to convince any of the taxi drivers waiting around the port to take you to the station because financially the trip is not worth their time. They are looking for the valuable tourist trips to Athens, leaving you no option other than to walk to the train station.

If you decide to take the train, once your cruise ship arrives at Piraeus the first thing you need to do is find out which of the two port terminals you have arrived at. If you have arrived at Terminal B then you are much further away from the train station than Terminal A . Walking from Terminal B to the train station can add as much as an extra half hour to your travel time, so you would be wasting about 30 minutes that could instead be spent sightseeing in Athens. Thankfully the port operates a free shuttle bus that transports passengers between Terminal A and B. These pick up between every 10 and 15 minutes so you won’t have to wait long for one.

Once you’re at Cruise Terminal A, whether by shuttle bus from Cruise Terminal B or because your ship has arrived at Terminal A, walk out of the port complex and past the taxi stands until you reach the street. Once here, take a left and you should be on Miaoulis Avenue. Walk along this avenue past the port and its facilities for roughly 20 minutes, at which point you should see a large intersection and a bridge for pedestrians to talk over. Simply walk over the bridge and at the end you will see the train station, which is a large building painted in a shade of yellow.

Inside the Piraeus train station you can purchase your ticket to Athens using either a machine or by talking to someone manning one of the ticket windows. Train tickets will cost you €1.40 for a one-way journey to a single destination within Athens. You can use the ticket for 90 minutes before it expires, but before getting on the train you must put the ticket in a validation machine located by the platform entrance. After doing this you can board the train that will be waiting either on the left or right platform; the trains all go in the same direction to Athens.

Many people visiting Athens — particularly those visiting for the first time — will want to see the most instantly recognizable landmarks, among them the Acropolis that is home to remains of buildings from Ancient Greece such as the Parthenon. To get to this area of Athens, you need to take the Green train line from Piraeus and disembark once you reach the Thissio station. This ride should take you roughly 15 minutes and does not require any transfers. Then walk for roughly 10 minutes and you will reach the base of the Acropolis, but note that if you want to see the top of the historical site then you will have to walk up the hill which is quite steep.

Alternatively, if you want to avoid having to climb the hill then you can take a different train route. At Piraeus, board the Green line but instead of getting off at Thissio station you should disembark at Omonia station and transfer to the Red line. Ride the Red line for three stops and then get off the train, and you will be at the main entrance to the Acropolis. This journey takes slightly longer at 15 minutes, but avoids the exertion of climbing the hill to the Acropolis.

Another options is to take the train to Plaka, which is a picturesque village area located near the Acropolis in Athens. This charming location has winding cobbled streets with plenty of local owned shops and cafes where you can enjoy a leisurely day out. To get to this location, ride the Green line train from the Piraeus station and leave the train at the Monastiraki station.

For the return leg of your journey from Athens to Piraeus, the easiest option is to go to the Monastiraki station in Athens located by Plaka. Just be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get back to the cruise ship so that you don’t miss its departure. Generally it’s recommended to allow for up to 90 minutes from Athens to being back on your ship. But remember that if you’re leaving from Terminal B you need to allot more time to board the shuttle bus from Terminal A, so plan ahead and don’t make the return leg too tight time-wise.

The Port    Things to See & Do    Where to Stay    Where to Eat    Train    Bus    Piraeus Tours    Map    Weather   

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Visiting Athens on a Cruise: Tips & Things to do

Key Takeaways

• Visiting Athens on a cruise is an ideal opportunity to experience its rich culture and history.
• Piraeus Port is the most likely port of entry for cruise travelers visiting Athens.
• It is recommended to arrange transportation services beforehand to save time and money.
• Some must-see attractions in Athens include the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum .

Are you planning your next Mediterranean cruise, and Athens is one of the port calls on your voyage?

As one of the most significant ports in the Mediterranean, Athens is a focal point for cruisers seeking to delve into the city's rich cultural and historical heritage.

From the iconic Parthenon perched atop the Acropolis to the lively streets of Plaka , the city provides an array of attractions suitable for every traveler's interests.

Visitors can indulge in authentic Greek cuisine, discover local artisanal crafts, and soak in the charms of Athenian life, all within a convenient distance from the port of Piraeus .

Planning Your Athens Cruise Adventure

Best Time of Year to Take a Cruise to Athens

The ideal period for Athens cruises is April to June and September to October .

Temperatures are pleasant, and tourist crowds are smaller than the peak summer months.

Additionally, travelers can enjoy the Mediterranean climate without the intense heat of July and August.

• Spring : April - June | Mild Weather, Fewer Crowds
• Autumn : September - October | Warm Days, Cool Evenings

Arriving in Athens: First Impressions

Upon arrival, the bustling Port of Piraeus welcomes travelers with its busy terminals and the promise of the Athenian adventures that lie ahead.

This section provides travelers with essential information on disembarking, navigating customs, and the transportation options available to journey into the heart of Athens.

Port of Piraeus: Gateway to Athens

The Port of Piraeus serves as the primary entry point to Athens for many cruise ship passengers.

It stands as one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean and a central hub for maritime transport in Greece.

Cruise ships dock at one of the modern cruise terminals where passengers can take their first steps into Greek culture.

Transportation Options from the Port to the City

Travelers have several options to reach central Athens from Piraeus:

• Taxi : Readily available outside the cruise terminals, taxis offer direct and comfortable rides to any destination within Athens.
• Bus & Metro : Buses and the metro link the port to various parts of Athens. These services are cost-effective and provide an immersive experience of the local commute, but may be subject to traffic .
• Tram : Offers scenic routes along the coast and can be an enjoyable option for those not in a hurry.

Each transportation option offers a different balance of cost, convenience, and travel time, allowing passengers to choose according to their preferences and schedules.

Must-Visit Attractions in Athens

Athens is inundated with historical landmarks and museums, offering a profound glimpse into its ancient Greek civilization.

These attractions provide not only architectural wonders but also artistic and historical richness that is central to Greek heritage .

The Acropolis and Parthenon

The Acropolis is the defining feature of Athens, with the Parthenon —a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena—commanding attention atop.

Visitors should not miss experiencing the grandeur of its Doric columns and the detailed sculptures that epitomize ancient Greek art and history long before the Roman Empire took power.

The Acropolis Museum

Situated just steps away from the actual site, the Acropolis Museum houses artifacts from the Acropolis, presenting a comprehensive story of life in ancient Athens.

This modern museum is revered for its vast collection of sculptures and art from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece.

Ancient Agora of Athens

Once the heart of public life in Athens, the Ancient Agora of Athens is a testament to the city's status as the cradle of democracy.

Here, one can walk along paths once trodden by philosophers and explore the ancient ruins that resonate with the voices of history.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

The Temple of Olympian Zeus , known for its colossal size, was once a monument dedicated to the king of the Olympian gods.

It showcases the ambition of Athenian architecture and offers a unique window into the religious reverence of ancient Greek society.

Within walking distance, you can also marvel at Kalimarmaro , the Olympic stadium that hosted the first modern Olympic games.

National Archaeological Museum

As a treasure trove of Greek history, the National Archaeological Museum is unparalleled.

It boasts a diverse collection of sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and more, spanning from prehistory through late antiquity, spotlighting the artistic achievements and historical developments of Greece throughout the ages.

Experiencing Athens on a Shore Excursion

When a cruise ship docks at the bustling port of Piraeus, passengers often have a limited time to explore the historic city of Athens.

Choosing the right shore excursion can ensure they get the most out of their visit to this cradle of Western civilization.

Guided Tours vs. Self-Guided Exploration

Guided Tours offer structured insights with experts sharing historical facts along the way, often inclusive of entrance fees and transportation .

They simplify the sightseeing experience in Athens, especially for those seeking a streamlined and educational approach.

• Knowledgeable guides
• Planned routes covering key sites
• Transportation provided
• Less flexibility
• Possible time constraints

A self-guided exploration of Athens allows for a more personalized encounter with Athens.

However, it requires knowledge most tourists don't have and the lack of local expertise can affect the experience.

Not to mention that without a guided tour, the are potential additional costs for entry fees.

Popular Shore Excursions in Athens

A range of shore excursions in Athens showcases the city's ancient sites and modern charm. Some of the most sought-after tours include:

• Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Tour The Acropolis is the most distinctive landmark of Athens and definitely something you can’t miss out on! Make sure you book a guided tour service when you visit the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, to fully take in everything about this marvelous, ancient construction with thousands of years of history.
• Athens Highlights Tour All the city highlights can be explored with a scenic walk in just a few hours! Find yourself in places away from the bustle of the city or feel the local vibe around flea markets, street artists, and traditional eateries. You will soon realize that history makes itself eminent in every single spot of Athens' city center. Wander around Athens' streets and alleys to discover the best of what the city has to offer. Discover the most iconic Athens neighborhoods, such as Plaka and Anafiotika.
• Athens for Foodies For first-time visitors or even returning ones, devouring the unique Greek flavors found in recipes of great artistry and rustic beauty is required when visiting Athens, even if it's for a short time! Greek culture is directly linked to our culinary excellence! Get to know the places that host the most tasteful food from all regions of Greece – such as cheese, cold cuts, Greek herbs and spices, honey, olive oil, and olives - and discover Athens through a blend of flavors in local eateries or gourmet restaurants. Food tours are a growing trend in the world of traveling.
• A Tailor-made Tour We all have some special requirements and preferences when visiting a place, things we would like to visit, do, experience, or taste. That’s why you completely customize your experience in the city of Athens, letting our expert service do the rest for you. Organize a tailor-made tour and make your short time in Athens unforgettable! Your distinctive needs and specific travel objectives make you a unique voyager.

Time Management and Getting Back to the Ship on Time

Time management is crucial when partaking in shore excursions from a cruise in Athens. Passengers should be mindful of the following:

• Check excursion duration: Ensure it aligns with the ship's port schedule.
• Account for traffic: Athens can be congested, so leaving additional time for travel is wise.
• Final call: Always plan to return to the ship at least an hour before the final all-aboard time.

By effectively managing their time, passengers can enjoy a seamless experience without the worry of being left behind when the ship sets sail,

That way, they can continue their journey through Greece, on a Greek island cruise, or en route to other destinations such as Turkey or other parts of Europe.

Athenian Cuisine and Where to Find It

Athens offers a plethora of dining options that highlight the rich tapestry of Greek gastronomy.

From vibrant spices to fresh seafood, visitors are in for an authentic culinary experience.

Sampling Greek Food During Your Cruise Stop

While on a cruise stop in Athens, passengers will find that Greek cuisine is a beautiful symphony of fresh ingredients and traditional spices.

At Piraeus port, local eateries offer the chance to sample these flavors in convenient proximity to the cruise ships.

• Seafood : Being near the coast, Piraeus is an excellent spot for fresh seafood dishes .
• Local Wines : Try a glass of Moschofilero or Xinomavro to accompany your meal.

Top Local Dishes to Try

Greek food is much more than just gyros and Greek salad. It's a rich tradition that dates back centuries.

• Moussaka : A hearty layered casserole of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce.
• Souvlaki : Marinated meat skewers, often served with grilled vegetables.
• Dolmades : Grape leaves stuffed with rice, pine nuts, and herbs.
• Spanakopita : A savory spinach and feta pie encased in flaky phyllo pastry.

Recommendations for Restaurants and Eateries

When seeking places to eat, look for those that feature locally sourced produce and traditional pottery for an authentic experience.

• Tavernas : Often family-run, offering a variety of Greek dishes and local wines.
• Street Food Vendors : Ideal for grabbing a quick spanakopita or gyro on the go.
• Culinary Tours : Opt for a guided tour to explore the best of Athenian cuisine across multiple venues.

Shopping and Souvenirs in Athens

Athens offers visitors a unique shopping experience, with a range of places near the port to shop and find authentic Greek souvenirs , from hand-painted ceramics to leather sandals.

Best Places for Shopping Near the Port

The area around Piraeus , Athens' primary port, is bustling with shops catering to travelers.

One can easily access Plaka , a historic neighborhood known for its variety of stores selling local goods.

The streets here are lined with shops where tourists can browse through a selection of souvenirs, including Greek olives , capers , and more.

Authentic Greek Souvenirs to Take Home

Tourists looking for tangible memories of their trip should consider these authentic items:

• Leather Sandals : These are a classic choice, with many shops offering handmade sandals that echo ancient Greek styles.
• Hand-painted Ceramics : These items reflect Greece's artistry and can range from plates to decorative pieces.
• Olive-Based Products : Including pure Greek olives and olive oil, ideal for culinary enthusiasts.
• Caper : Often used in Greek cuisine, packaged capers can be an interesting addition to a foodie's pantry.

Tips and Tricks for Cruisers in Athens

Navigating the City

Athens offers a robust public transportation network, with the Athens Metro being the most efficient way to travel.

The metro is well-connected to major landmarks, including Syntagma Square . For direct transit from Piraeus Port , cruisers can take the metro with both ease and speed.

Additionally, there are ample buses and taxis , the latter offering fixed rates to central destinations. Visitors should note that the Plaka District is a scenic area best explored on foot.

• Metro Stations : Look for stations that are in proximity to major sights.
• Buses and Taxis : Confirm the price before boarding a taxi and check the bus routes in advance.
• On Foot : Walking can often be the best way to explore nearby attractions, like those in the Plaka District.

Staying Safe and Avoiding Tourist Traps

While Athens is largely safe for tourists, it's essential to be vigilant against pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.

Rely on official sources for travel information to avoid getting swayed by tourist traps.

Exploring beyond the main streets of popular zones like the Plaka can reveal more authentic and less costly dining options.

Visitors should also be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or services.

• Safety : Keep personal belongings secure, especially on public transport.
• Tourist Traps : Seek out authentic local experiences away from main streets and check prices beforehand.

Final Thoughts

Wonders never cease to occur in Athens, and if a few hours is all you have to explore the navel of Western Civilization, then a careful selection of activities in a timely manner is all you need.

Whether you visit Athens with your family , your friends, or your partner after exploring the Greek islands in the Ionian and Aegean Sea as part of Greek island cruises or even international ones (with Holland America Line being one of the most popular ones), there is always something to satisfy your need for adventure and cultural experiences, making you fall deeply in love with the city!

Planning your trip to Greece? Get in touch with our travel specialists and design your tailor-made vacation plan!

Frequently asked questions, how do i get from the port to athens city center.

Most cruise ships dock at the Port of Piraeus. From there, you can take a taxi or use public transportation. The most convenient option is the Athens Metro. Line 1 connects Piraeus to central Athens, including popular attractions like the Acropolis.

How much time do I need to explore Athens during a cruise stop?

It depends on your interests, but a minimum of 4-6 hours is recommended to visit the major attractions. If you have a longer stopover or an overnight stay, you can explore more city areas and immerse yourself in the local culture.

What is the best time of year to visit Athens on a cruise?

The best time to visit Athens is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). The weather is pleasant, and tourist crowds are relatively smaller. Summer months can be quite hot, with increased tourist traffic, while winter months are cooler and have shorter daylight hours.

Can I visit any attractions near Athens during my cruise stop?

If you have more time, consider visiting Cape Sounion to see the Temple of Poseidon and enjoy breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Provided you have enough time, you can also take a day trip to the ancient city of Delphi.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of exploring Greece by cruise compared to traditional land travel?

Exploring Greece by cruise offers the advantage of covering multiple destinations with ease and the comfort of unpacking only once, but it may limit in-depth exploration of each location, unlike flexible, longer stays afforded by traditional land travel.

11 Best Things To Do In Athens Cruise Port (Piraeus) + Port Guide

Welcome to Athens (Piraeus) cruise port guide! (Post updated: January 2024)

Nestled in the Saronic Gulf in the southeast of Greece, the port of Piraeus is the gateway to the ancient city of Athens, the capital of Greece and the birthplace of democracy.

With its majestic Acropolis, numerous museums, centuries-old sites, and historic landmarks, Athens is one of the most ancient cities in Europe and a frequent stop in Mediterranean cruise itineraries. In this Athens travel guide, read about:

• Athens cruise port (Piraeus cruise terminals, local transportation, how to get from Piraeus to Athens)
• 11 best things to do in Athens port (including shore excursions)
• What to explore in the city of Piraeus (within walking distance from the port)

If your homeport is Piraeus and you are staying in Athens before or after your cruise, I made a list of the 15 Best Hotels Near the Port of Piraeus (Athens) that you may find helpful!

Visit also our cruise port guides to Mykonos , Santorini , Rhodes ,  Crete (Heraklion) , Chania , Kusadasi

Athens Cruise Port (Piraeus)

Port of Athens is located in Piraeus, an old city located approximately 10 km/6 miles (a 25-30-minute drive) from Athens city center. It is the largest Greek port and one of the largest passenger cruise ports in Europe.

Piraeus is attractive due to its proximity to the Greek capital; it is a major hub for passenger cruise ships, ferries, and cargo ships, and it is also a home port for several ships starting and ending the cruises in Piraeus.

The port of Piraeus has a large ferry terminal offering roundtrip cruises to Greek islands such as Crete, Santorini, Rhodes, Lesbos, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Samos, and other Mediterranean destinations. In case you are coming on a cruise to Athens, you should come earlier to explore the wonderful sites and attractions this city has to offer.

Piraeus cruise port has 3 passenger cruise terminals that can accommodate up to 11 cruise ships, and each terminal has its own terminal building.

Major cruise lines sailing to Athens Greece include Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Windstar Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, Azamara, and Viking Ocean Cruises .

1. Terminal A (Miaoulis)

Miaoulis is the main terminal and it can accommodate up to 12.000 passengers (2 or 3 ships simultaneously). It has a terminal building with modern facilities including free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, duty-free stores, public phones, cafes, souvenir shops, ATMs, currency exchange, customs office, immigration, police, and check-in/departures. The terminal has a taxi rank and large parking that can accommodate up to 80 buses.

Terminal A is the closest one to the town of Piraeus. You can reach Piraeus downtown within a 15-minute walk, as well as the metro station where you can catch line 1 to go to Athens. As soon as you leave the terminal you will see buildings of the city and there is a nearby waterfront lined with some restaurants, shops, and cafes.

2. Terminal B (Themistocles)

This terminal is the furthest one from the city and consists of 2 long quays able to accommodate mega cruise ships (4.500+ passengers). The terminal building is situated across Quay Themistocles and is primarily used for turnarounds (for passengers embarking and disembarking in Piraeus).

The terminal building consists of facilities including an arrivals/departure hall, customs office, immigration, police, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, public phones, and a duty-free shop. There is a parking area and a taxi rank available next to the terminal.

3. Terminal C (Alkimos)

Cruise ship terminal C is located along the quay between Terminals A and B and can accommodate up to 3000 passengers at a time. The terminal building features facilities including check-in, arrivals/departure hall, customs office, police, immigration, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a taxi rank, and a parking area for buses and taxis.

Hop on Hop off buses are available in front of each terminal, ready to take you to Athens city center.

Watch my Athens (Piraeus) Cruise Port Guide YOUTUBE Video!

How to Get to Athens from the Port of Piraeus?

• ON A SHORE EXCURSION – If you are coming to the Greek capital for the first time, the best way to get the most out of your day in Athens is to book a shore excursion. You can book it through your cruise line, or an independent tour operator if you opt for a more flexible schedule and tour flow.
• METRO – The fastest way to get from Piraeus to Athens downtown is by metro. A 90-minute ticket costs 1.20€ and the train station is located approximately 20-30 minutes walk from terminals B and C. The metro ride from Piraeus to Athens city center (Monastiraki metro station) lasts only 15 minutes. To save time, you can take a taxi to the metro station which usually costs no more than 10€ per vehicle one way.
• TAXI – Due to the congested traffic, a ride to Athens can take anywhere from 20-40 minutes. Taxis are metered, however, be ready to negotiate. If you take a taxi from Piraeus to Akropolis, Akropolis Museum, Monastiraki Square, and Syntagma Square, the cost is around 30€ per vehicle one way for each route.
• PUBLIC BUS – Although it is one of the cheapest ways to go to Athens, a bus can be very crowded and time-consuming. To go to Athens, the best option is to use  line 040 . There is also bus line X80 (Piraeus-Akropolis-Syntagma Express) that connects Piraeus and Athens city center, however, this bus doesn’t run regularly (at least it was out of service when I last visited in June 2023), so I highly suggest you take line 40. The ticket costs 1.50€ and the journey to Athens lasts around 1 hour as there are many stops along the way. The bus stop is near the cruise terminal buildings (OLP cruise terminal gate bus stop is the starting point) and they are quite easy to catch.
• HOP ON HOP OFF BUS – Athens Hop on Hop off sightseeing buses are available at cruise terminals A and B, and there are several different companies offering rides. There are several different routes (Athens route, Piraeus route, Beach and Riviera route) and the buses stop at the major Athens highlights including the Temple of Zeus, Syntagma Square, Monastiraki Square, Acropolis and Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, Panathenaic Stadium, National Archaeological Museum, National Library, Ancient Olympic Stadium, and many others. Check the Athens Hop on Hop off bus tours on Viator and Get Your Guide .

Getting Around Athens Cruise Port

• Get more public transport info at https://www.piraeus.org/
• Athens is an old city with lots of cobblestones and Acropolis is on a hill, which may be challenging for people with walking difficulties.
• The official currency in Greece is EURO (€). Local currency and credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are available at cruise terminals and in the city.
• Athens International Airport is located about 43 km/27 miles (a 50-minute drive) east of Piraeus cruise port. The port is well connected to Athens International Airport by Metro Blue Line 3 and the ride takes 55 minutes.
• Explore Athens tours and activities
• Book a private transfer to/from the port of Piraeus
• Search the best hotels in Piraeus (Athens)

11 Best Things to Do in Athens Cruise Port

Before I share the best things to do in Athens (Piraeus) cruise port, I invite you to grab your copy of the “ Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide” , the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports (including Athens, Piraeus) , packed with practical information, expert tips & unforgettable experiences! (PDF format/200 pages)

1. Ancient Acropolis

For first-time visitors, Acropolis Hill is definitely the top pick! Built on top of the hill dominating the historic heart of Athens, Acropolis ranks among the world’s most stunning ancient ruins.

The iconic symbol of the entire archeological complex is the Parthenon , the largest temple of the classical antiquity period dating from 438 BC. With its massive Doric columns and monumental sculptures, the Parthenon is dedicated to the goddess Athena, the city’s patron.

Acropolis consists of several other ruins worth visiting, including the Temple of Athena Nike , the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (the ancient theater built in AD 161), Propylaea (the entrance to the Acropolis), and the famous Erechtheion  complex that features the Porch of the six caryatids, one of the most photographed ruins on Acropolis.

If you are visiting Acropolis, make sure you come early in the morning to avoid crowds and hot weather. The entrance ticket to Acropolis costs 20€ and I highly recommend you book skip-the-line tickets ahead of time to avoid lines and crowds at the entrance.

However, by the entrance to the complex, there are instructions on how to book a skip-the-line ticket on-site and the whole process takes 5 minutes, assuming you have internet of course.

If you are coming on a shore excursion , the ticket is normally included in the price. The terrain is uneven and it’s not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.

Explore Acropolis tours and skip-the-line tickets

2. Acropolis Museum

The visit to Acropolis wouldn’t be complete without the Acropolis Museum which contains one of the most valuable collections of ancient Greek art in the world. It is located below Acropolis Hill, around 300 meters from the archeological site, and is flat and walkable so guests with walking difficulties can easily explore it. The Acropolis Museum is also wheelchair accessible.

The museum covers a vast area and the facility itself takes at least a couple of hours to explore. Bright halls, modern architecture, and over 4000 priceless objects, paintings, artifacts, and art from the Acropolis archeological site await you in this fantastic museum.

The entrance ticket is 15€ and is bought separately from the Acropolis complex. If you are planning to visit both Acropolis and the museum, keep in mind that it will take half of your day.

Check out Acropolis Museum skip-the-line tickets 

3. Temple of Olympian Zeus

Also known as the Olympieion, the Temple of Olympian Zeus was the largest temple in ancient Greece. It was dedicated to “Olympian” Zeus, a name originating from his position as head of the Olympian Gods. The temple is not as preserved as Parthenon, and you cannot get very close to it.

The famous site once consisted of 104 massive marble columns, but today only 15 columns remain standing. Despite being only the remains, the ruins give you an idea of how grandiose the site used to be in the past.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is part of the larger Archaeological Site of Olympieion , which also includes the Temple of the Delphinian Apollo and the Law Court at the Delphinion, the gates of the Themistoclean Wall, public baths, and Hadrian’s Arch dating back from AD 131.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is wheelchair accessible. The site is open daily from 8 am to 3 pm, and the admission fee is 8€.

Explore the Temple of Olympian Zeus tours and activities

4. Plaka Neighborhood

For those of you who cannot walk uphill to the Acropolis or simply prefer shopping and taking in the local atmosphere, the Plaka neighborhood located between the Acropolis and Ermou Street is a perfect spot to spend a couple of hours.

Plaka is a picturesque historic neighborhood that resembles a Greek island village with its charming mansions with colorful facades, sidewalk cafes, narrow pedestrian streets, small squares, taverns, and authentic shops. Here you can find some great restaurants where you can taste traditional Greek food – a must-do when in Athens!

The neighborhood is flat and easy to walk around, so in case you have difficulty climbing the Acropolis, you can stay and admire the Parthenon from the bottom (it’s visible from the foot of the hill). The majority of Athens sightseeing tours  include some free time, and the Plaka quarter is where the tour guides usually drop you off.

Explore Plaka tours and activities

5. Monastiraki Quarter & the Flea Market

Located right next to the Plaka quarter, the Monastiraki neighborhood is one of the most famous shopping areas in Athens, known for its old flea market where you find everything your heart desires!

Look up and you’ll be blown away by the beauty of the hilltop Acropolis overlooking the neighborhood and Monastiraki Square, a central area near the flea market.

Monastiraki is a more casual district than the neighboring upscale Plaka quarter, and here you will find jewelry, clothing, authentic souvenirs, specialty stores, everyday goods, and a lot of restaurants where you can grab gyros or any other traditional Greek dishes.

You will find that prices here are cheaper than in most places in Athens, however, beware of pickpockets as the area is quite crowded and chaotic.

Here you will find the main shopping street in the city – Ermou Street , a shopping paradise offering a wide range of stores, from authentic handicrafts and souvenir shops to high-end designer stores and internationally recognized brands. Monastiraki Subway station is located at Monastiraki Square, so you should get off here if you want to explore Ermou Street and the historic heart of Athens on your own. Monastiraki’s major attractions include:

• Tzisdarakis Mosque
• Church of the Pantanassa
• Hadrian’s Library
• Roman Agora
• Ancient Agora

Check out Monastiraki tours and activities

6. Syntagma Square

The iconic Syntagma Square is the central square in Athens facing Ermou Street (the main shopping street) on one side, and the Hellenic Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (The Changing of the Guards every day at 11 am is an interesting sight) on the opposite side.

Syntagma Square is a common location for public gatherings, protests, and celebrations, and serves as a major transportation hub in Athens. The Syntagma Metro Station, located beneath the square, is a central interchange point for the city’s metro system.

Hop on Hop off buses as well as a tourist train depart from here. The square and its surroundings come to life in the evening, with numerous bars and restaurants offering a lively atmosphere for both locals and tourists.

Explore Syntagma Square tours and activities

7. Panathenaic Stadium

Only 10 minutes walk from the Plaka neighborhood and Acropolis, this stadium was ancient Athens’s largest structure that could accommodate 60.000 spectators.

Today, visitors can visit a replica of the original stadium which was rebuilt for the first modern Olympic games in 1896. It is a popular spot hosting ceremonial events and live concerts.

The entrance fee is 10€ and it also includes the entrance to the museum dedicated to the Olympic Games.

Check out Panathenaic Stadium tours and activities

8. Athens City Sightseeing by Hop on Hop off Bus

Athens has so many archeological sites, historic landmarks, museums, and attractions that one day is simply not enough. However, if you are staying for a limited time in Athens and you want to make the most of your visit without joining a guided shore excursion, Hop on Hop off buses give you the flexibility and access to the main city sights in a short time.

The buses depart every 15-30 minutes and a few different companies offer the service. You can board Hop on Hop off bus right at the cruise terminals, or even book a shore excursion if offered by your cruise line.

Some of the stops include Syntagma Square, Benaki Museum, Museum of Cycladic Art, Acropolis & Acropolis Museum, National Library, National Archaeological Museum, Panathenaic Stadium, and Temple of Olympian Zeus.

9. Athens Bike Tour

Although it might not be considered a highlight, Athens bike tours are very popular for those who love active adventures and rank among the bestselling tours in this port of call.

If you prefer an action-packed vacation, go for an amazing bike ride through Athens with many stops along the way to hear the stories of the city’s wonderful sights such as Hadrian’s Arch, Temple of Zeus, Acropolis, and the Parthenon.

These tours require comfortable shoes and as a recommendation, lots of water and sunscreen since the city gets warm in the later mornings.

Explore Athens bike tours and activities

10. Mount Lycabettus

If you want to capture the most breathtaking pictures of Acropolis, the city of Athens and its coastline, head over to the city’s highest point – Mt Lycabettus (Lykavittos), a limestone hill rising 886 feet (270 meters) above the Greek capital.

The best way to get there is to take the funicular that runs daily from 9 am to 2:30 am. The base station is on the corner of Aristippou and Ploutarchou streets, and funiculars run every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the season and time of the day.

Each can accommodate up to 34 passengers, and the ticket is 10€ round-trip/7€ one way per person. On the cable car top station, you can visit St. George Church (Agios Georgios) and enjoy the view from the terraced restaurant and observation point.

For adventurers and those of you in good shape, you can also hike to the top, but in that case, make sure you wear appropriate clothing and bring a lot of water.

Explore Mount Lycabettus tours and activities

11. Ancient Corinth & Canal Cruise

If you have already been to Athens, this day trip might just be the perfect option for you! This tour will take you on a 1-hour drive along the coast highway to the famous Corinth Canal which is one of the biggest man-made canals in the world dating from the 19 th century.

The canal connects the Gulf of Corinth (Ionian Sea) and the Saronic Gulf (Aegean Sea) and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland.

Corinth Canal is 76 feet wide and 26 feet deep, which makes it difficult to navigate for large ships. Carved into a massive rock, the canal is today mainly used for recreational activities and as a tourist attraction.

Once you come to Corinth, guests normally board a boat in the Greek village of Isthmia for a 45-minute ride through the canal. Make sure you bring a good camera , as the sights of the rising sheer rocks are truly impressive!

This day trip normally includes a visit to the ruins of the town of Corinth, known for one of the oldest Doric temples in Greece – the Temple of Apollo , built around 560 BC.

You will visit the Archeological Site with the Archeological Museum of Ancient Corinth, marvel at the ancient buildings, temples, archeological findings, and artifacts, and learn about this important ancient city in Peloponnese.

Check out Ancient Corinth & Canal Cruise tours from Athen s

What to Explore in the City of Piraeus

• Archeological Museum of Piraeus – This museum is a true hidden gem of Piraeus and a perfect place to explore if you want to learn about the history of the town which used to be one of the major commercial centers of the Eastern Mediterranean and an important naval base of ancient Athens. Housed in a two-story building, this impressive museum has several different sections including a naval dockyard, pottery, archeological findings from everyday life, the bronze statues of Piraeus, religious life, plastic art of Hellenistic and Roman periods, and more. You can walk to the Archeological Museum (a walk from Terminal A takes 20-30 minutes), or you can take a Hop on Hop off bus (Piraeus route) that normally stops there.
• Hellenic Maritime Museum – Anyone interested in maritime history will love to visit this lovely museum, situated only a 10-minute walk from the Archeological Museum of Piraeus. Founded in the mid-20s, this small museum boasts an attractive location overlooking the Zea Marina and features more than 2500 exhibits and charts dating even from the prehistoric era. Discover the naval and nautical history of Greece and admire a large collection of ship models, artifacts, paintings, and thousands of naval books and charts that were preserved and kept in this museum.
• The Church of Saint Nicholas is one of the most beautiful Greek Orthodox churches in Piraeus and an iconic landmark of the town. This remarkable architectural gem and an important religious site will enchant you with its beauty and is super close to the port itself (a 15-minute walk from Terminal A). The facade of the church, the elegant staircase, as well as the bright blue dome, really stand out from its surroundings, and it’s a location worth visiting.
• Another religious jewel is the Agia Triada Cathedral (Holy Trinity). Situated in the heart of Piraeus, this neo-Byzantine Greek Orthodox Cathedral dates from the 18th century and boasts marvelous architecture from both exterior and interior.
• Electric Railways Museum – Located at the main train station of Piraeus, this tiny museum displays an impressive collection of old railway equipment, photos, pamphlets, and authentic conductor costumes.
• Taste Local Seafood – Although traditional Greek cuisine is mostly known for its delicious meat specialties (gyros, souvlaki…), the city of Piraeus boasts a wide variety of seafood restaurants where you can taste some of the freshest and tastiest seafood in the world for reasonable prices. You can find numerous restaurants, taverns, and cafes on the city’s waterfront where you can taste all sorts of dishes (If you come across a pan-fried fish coated in butter – go for it, as that’s one of the local specialties!). For the best harbor views, Mikrolimano Bay and Zea Marina offer spectacular views of luxury yachts, picturesque fishing boats, and old houses lined with the coast.
• Piraeus Fun Blue Train – The best way to explore Piraeus highlights is to hop on a local sightseeing train that waits for you at cruise terminals. They stop at the major city attractions including Pasalimani (Zea Marina) – the main marina of the town, Piraeus Municipal Theater , the Archeological Museum , the Maritime Museum , and many others.

Check out Piraeus tours and activities

If your cruise itinerary includes Athens, I strongly advise you to carefully plan your day to maximize your port experience. If you are embarking or disembarking in Athens, I definitely think you should consider staying a couple of days more so you can get the most out of the wonderful Greek capital.

Visit also our cruise port guides to  Istanbul , Kotor , Barcelona , Marseille , Rome (Civitavecchia) , La Spezia (Cinque Terre) , Villefranche

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2 thoughts on “11 Best Things To Do In Athens Cruise Port (Piraeus) + Port Guide”

After reading that some of the sites are only accessible by many stairs, can you please tell me which sites would not be advisable for someone with an extreme fear of heights?

I am also extremely afraid of heights 🙂 But don’t worry, Acropolis is on the hill but it’s ok, generally in Athens there are no “dangerous”/high places I can think of… Enjoy your trip!

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A Guide from Piraeus Cruise Port to City Centre

Embarking on a Greek adventure? Wondering how to seamlessly transition from the Piraeus Cruise Port to the vibrant city center of Athens? Fear not! This guide has got you covered with all the essential information and tips.

How do I get to the Acropolis from the port?

The Acropolis , a must-visit ancient citadel, stands proudly in Athens . To reach this iconic landmark from Piraeus, consider these transportation options:

1. Metro Marvel

Hop on the Metro Line 1 (Green Line) directly connecting Piraeus to the Acropolis. The journey is not only efficient but also allows you to soak in the local culture as you travel.

2. Taxi Trek

Taxis are readily available at Piraeus port. While slightly pricier, they offer a comfortable and direct ride to the Acropolis, providing convenience for those eager to explore without any detours.

Is there a free shuttle from Piraeus Port?

Navigating the port can be a breeze with free shuttle services. Although not universally offered by all cruise lines, some do provide complimentary shuttles, ensuring a smooth transition from your ship to the heart of Athens.

How far is Athens Centre from the cruise port?

Athens’ vibrant city center is within reach, and the journey is approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). Whether you choose public transportation or a taxi, you’ll find yourself immersed in the city’s lively atmosphere in no time.

Can you walk from the cruise ship into Athens?

Walking enthusiasts, rejoice! While the distance might be a bit much for some, a leisurely stroll from the port to Athens is feasible for those who enjoy exploring on foot. Lace up your walking shoes and embrace the scenic route.

How much is a taxi from Piraeus to the Acropolis?

For those seeking a swift and door-to-door service, taxis are a popular choice. The cost varies, but be prepared to spend around €20-€30 for a comfortable ride from Piraeus to the Acropolis, depending on traffic and other factors.

How much is the metro from Athens to Piraeus?

If you prefer the cost-effective route, the metro is your best bet. A one-way ticket from Athens to Piraeus typically costs around €1.40. The budget-friendly option allows you to allocate more funds for souvenirs or indulging in Greek cuisine.

How do I get from Athens city center to the cruise port?

When it’s time to bid farewell to Athens, reversing the journey is just as essential. Utilize the Metro Line 1 or grab a taxi to return to Piraeus cruise port, ensuring a hassle-free departure.

Navigating from Piraeus cruise port to the city center and back is an integral part of your Athens adventure. Armed with this guide, you’re equipped to make informed choices, allowing you to focus on soaking up the rich history, culture, and beauty that Athens has to offer. Safe travels!

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Our professional and reliable service ensures a stylish and comfortable journey from Piraeus Cruise Port to the City Centre. Book your private driver for a stress-free and enjoyable experience.

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Piraeus Ferry Port near Athens

Greece › Athens › Piraeus Port Updated: July 18, 2023 By Santorini Dave

• Athens – Where to Stay
• Athens – Best Hotels
• Athens Riviera – Best Hotels
• Athens – Family Hotels
• Athens – Best Tours & Things to Do
• Athens – Airport Car Rental

Piraeus is the main ferry port serving Athens. Ferries to the Cyclades leave from gates E6, E7, and E8 (e.g. Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Milos) and are an easy walk from the metro train and airport bus. Ferries to Crete (E2 and E3) and Rhodes (E1) are a longer walk. Taxis can drop you right at the ferry gate.

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 Monastiraki or Omonia stations (you’ll need to transfer in Monastiraki if you are coming from Syntagma station), and the Piraeus metro station is located just across the street from the port. Keep your metro ticket with you for your entire ride, and be sure to validate it by swiping at the plexiglass gates before getting on the metro, or you risk incurring hefty fines. 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 Monastiraki and Onomia stations (green line/#1). If you start from Syntagma station, take Line blue line/#3 to Monastiraki and transfer there to the green line/#1. This will add an extra 5 minutes to the trip. The Piraeus metro station is located directly opposite the port entrance near 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.

Passengers boarding a ferry in Piraeus. Tickets are checked as you enter the ferry.

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 The best way to get from Athens airport to Piraeus Port is generally via the suburban train. It’s safer, more comfortable, and more reliable than the metro or bus, and far cheaper than a cab. Trains from the airport to the port run only once an hour, however, so the bus, car service, or a taxi are better options for those without a lot of time to spare between their flight and their ferry. 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 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. 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 , just outside 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 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 Metro between Athens Airport and Piraeus Port Though it’s one of the cheaper options, taking the metro between Athens airport and Piraeus port is not recommended; metro trains are crowded and uncomfortable, and the journey entails a transfer at hectic Monastiraki station. Bus, suburban train, car service, or taxi are better options. 85 minutes. A metro ticket between the airport and Port cost 10€. Children under 6 are free. The metro runs every 30 minutes from 5:30am until about midnight. ( Metro timetable ) To get to Piraeus port from the Athens airport on metro, take the blue line/#3 to Monastiraki station, where you will transfer onto the green line/#1 to Piraeus. To get from Piraeus to the airport, do the reverse. 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 the port entrance near 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. 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 E6), 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 from Syntagma station you’ll need to take Line 3 to Monastiraki and change to Line 1. This adds an extra 5 minutes to the trip. 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).

Piraeus is the largest and busiest ferry port serving Athens, with ferries going to almost all of the Greek islands in the Aegean.

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Piraeus-Athens (Greece)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Mediterranean - Black Sea

Local Time 2024-04-23 17:32

Port Piraeus-Athens cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Piraeus-Athens, Greece. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Piraeus is the biggest seaport in Greece and among the largest in the Mediterranean. The port also serves the country's capital - Athens City. Greece's second-largest seaport is Thessaloniki .

Piraeus-Athens cruise port is both homeport (turnaround port for roundtrip itineraries) and call port (on various Eastern Mediterranean itineraries to ports in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Egypt). In the Aegean Sea are operated roundtrips to the largest Greek Isles - Crete, Santorini , Rhodes , Lesbos , Chíos , Cephalonia/Kefalonia , Samos , Naxos , Zakynthos , Mykonos . Most routes are one-ways between Athens and Istanbul Turkey and Venice Italy .

Athens is also among the destinations included in Holy Land Cruises (to Israel, Egypt, Greece, Turkey), mainly with departures from Civitavecchia-Rome .

To the south of Port Piraeus is Eleusis Bay - dubbed "the graveyard of old cruise vessels ". Some ships are laid up there for years, waiting to be sold or scrapped .

Piraeus Port

Port Piraeus (locode GRPIR) in 2014 was ranked Europe's busiest passenger port - handling 18,6+ million passengers (including on ferries and cruise vessels). Port's container cargo handling is also growing rapidly.

In 2016, the seaport handled ~3,67 million TEU-containers (compared to 2015's 3,32 million TEUs). By containership capacity, in 2016 the cargo port is ranked the world's 39th largest, Europe's 8th largest, Mediterranean's third-largest and Greece's largest and busiest. For growth comparison, in 2007 the port handled a total of 1,373 million TEUs.

In 2002 was signed an agreement for concession, Piraeus Port Authority leased from the government of Greece all seaport's lands, facilities and buildings for a period of 40 years (until 2042). In 2008, the concession was extended to 2052.

• Following the country's debt crisis (2009) the government was forced to privatize state-owned assets (estimated worth around EUR 50 billion), among which was port Piraeus. In October 2009, half of the container port was leased to the Chinese largest container shipping company COSCO for a period of 35 years (until 2044). By the 2009 contract, COSCO pays the port (Greek government) EUR 100 million per year. being the port's largest shareholder, COSCO owns 51%. The other major shareholders are "Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund" (23,14%) and 25,86% are the shares of other investors.
• In 2016, COSCO Shipping (the world's 4th-largest containership fleet) bought the 51% stake for EUR 280 million (USD 315 million). Immediately, COSCO started planning port extension projects to allow berthing of larger cruise vessels. In 2015, the cruise port was served around 5 million passengers, accounting for approx 12% of the port's total revenues for 2015 of EUR 100 million.
• Under COSCO's privatization deal with Greece, the Chinese corporation will invest ~EUR 300 million in a 5-year period (through 2021) before buying an additional 16% stake in Port Piraeus. COSCO announced that additional investments would be used for upgrading seaport's ship repair, logistics and cruise shipping operations.

The arrival of China's largest shipping company was met with protests organized by Greek trade unionists, as COSCO started its port operations with significant reductions in staff and salaries, exclusion of trade union members, increased time and performance pressures. However, since 2009, the port's container handling performance was hugely improved - from ~1,5 million TEUs (2009) to about 3,58 million TEUs (2014).

In 2023, the cruise port reported a record year with handled ~1,5 million tourists (~40% increase over 2022's ~880,000) received via 760 ship calls.

Piraeus port terminals

Port Piraeus' facilities include 3 containership terminals, 1 cargo terminal, 3 car terminals and 1 passenger (ferry and cruise) terminal.

Container Terminal 1 (operated by ) has annual capacity of around 1 million TEUs (containers).

Container Terminal 2 '(operated by COSCO's subsidiary company "Piraeus Container Terminal PCT") has annual capacity ~3 million TEUs.

In 2013 was opened Container Terminal 3 (also operated by COSCO) with annual capacity around 2,7 million TEUs.

Piraeus Port's combined container cargo capacity is 6,7 million TEUs (containers) annually.

• Cargo terminal (storage area of approx 0,18 km2 (0,07 mi2) with annual capacity around 25 million tons of cargo.
• Three car terminals - total length 1,4 km (0,9 mi), land area 0,18 km2 (0,07 mi2), car storage / parking area (capacity 12,000 cars). Port's statistics for 2007 show the terminal handled over 260,000 trucks, over 612,000 cars and nearly 10,000 buses.
• Passenger terminal - Piraeus port is ranked Europe's largest passenger shipping port and one of the world's largest. In 2007, the number of handled passengers was over 21,522 million, of which domestic (11,572 million), ferry (8,395 million) and international (1,554 million).

In 2017, during the "Seatrade Cruise Global" conference in Fort Lauderdale (Florida USA), major cruise shipping companies (including Carnival, Royal Caribbean and MSC) expressed their interests in re-development Piraeus cruise port's infrastructures and upgrading the cruise services offered by Piraeus Port Authority. Talks also centered on reception facilities, upgrading of passenger terminals and COSCO's planned LNG cruise ship refueling facility.

In 2017, the cruise port started an expansion project for building 2 new berths plus 4 mooring slots for very large-sized vessels and for upgrading the existing 9 berths (including the new one near Aghios Nikolaos). The new docking points are at the Port's southern side and will allow handling vessels with LOA length up to 390 m (1280 ft). In this new "terminal" area will also be built a luxury hotel, shopping mall, entertainment and dining venues.

The new COSCO management plans to make Piraeus a major Mediterranean cruise port serving the booming Chinese market.

Next to the seaport is located Piraeus Train Station, which has two buildings - one is the terminus of Athens Metro Line 1, the other - the terminus for standard trains. Inside Port Piraeus run complimentary bus shuttles - from Metro Line 1 Station to the passenger terminal serving ships going to Crete Island, and the Greek Islands in the Aegean Sea. A 24-7 direct Port-Airport Express bus operates between Port Piraeus and Athens Airport.

Port Piraeus cruise shipping traffic statistics showed handled 625 ship calls with 1,09 million passengers (2016), 576 calls with 1,05 million pax (2017), 524 calls with 961,000 pax (2018) and 622 calls with 1,1 million pax (2019, of which 410,512 cruisers).

On February 25, 2020, was held the opening ceremony for the "Piraeus Cruise Terminal Expansion" project. The port development project (Pier 3 Cruise Terminal) is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (through ROP Attica 2014-2020 program). By this project (budgeted ~EUR 120 million / ~USD 132 million) is planned the construction of a 2-berth pier with capacity to handle two vessels simultaneously (each with max LOA length 400 m / 1312 ft). The project is scheduled for completion in December 2022 (within 32 months).

In mid-July 2020, the European Commission approved a new cruiseferry service Piraeus-Cyprus, state-funded annually with EUR 6,7 million (~USD 7,6 M). The new (passenger and car ferryboat) service will include either Limassol or Larnaca , with a possible intermediate Greek Island stop along the route.

Piraeus-Athens cruise terminal

Port Piraeus was initially named “Porto Leone” - after the large marble-made lion statue standing in front of the harbor. The statue was stolen during the middle ages and moved to Venice Italy . The cruise port is located on the Saronic Gulf (part of Aegan Sea) and was initially used as a terminus for passenger ferries connecting to the largest Greek islands.

Port's main terminals for cruise ships are Terminal A and Terminal B. Their berths (a total of 11) are on the southern quays. Most of the visiting liners are seasonally deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean and homeported in Greece or Italy.

Between Xaveris and Mioulis docks, at the harbor’s middle is located cruise terminal Miaoulis (A). It can be reached by gate E11. Enter E12 leads to cruise terminal Themistocles (B). It is situated into the Termistokleous breakwater but is not open so often. If it is closed, the passengers from cruise terminal B are transferred to cruise terminal B by a shuttle bus.

• In December 2015, the cruise port started an EUR 156 million expansion project in order to allow docking of larger-sized vessels. Construction works included 2 new berths (scheduled completion in 2022-Q2). Piraeus-Athens is a key Eastern Mediterranean cruise port. The cruise ship terminals is a walking distance from a Metro station.
• Port Piraeus also started an initiative to attract passenger shipping traffic during winter months too. The port authority established a 30% discount for cruise ships docking here during winter months. These are additional to the port's other price cuts for winter ship calls. Must be pointed out, that weather conditions in Piraeus in the winter are very good.

(NEW) Pier 3 Cruise Terminal

In September 2019, the Greek company Tekal SA (specializing in large-scale engineering and construction works) won the tender for the extension of Piraeus Cruise Terminal. Being the only bidder, Tekal SA's offer for the project was EUR 103 million (~USD 115 million + VAT) - down from the initial EUR 136,2 million (+ VAT). Other companies interested in the project didn't submit bids.

The new cruise terminal project is related to Pier 3 (port's southern zone). The works must be completed in 34 months (scheduled inauguration in December 2022). The new passenger terminal's creation was approved in July 2019, as part of COSCO's planned investments into the seaport. In 2019, COSCO (managing Port Piraeus under concession) committed to modernization investments worth EUR 800 million (~USD 890 million) - up from the initial EUR 612 million.

At the new cruise terminal, Piraeus will be able to handle even the world's largest passenger liners as both berths can dock vessels with LOA length 400 m (1312 ft). After completion, Port Piraeus will become one of Mediterranean's largest by capacity homeports, attracting an additional 580,000 cruise ship tourists (to a total ~1,7 million) annually.

You can visit either Athens or Piraeus.

• The Acropolis: the most famous place to see. The place dates since 400 BC and it combines beautiful ancient monuments. Here you can see the stunning Parthenon. It is located at the top of the Acropolis and can be seen almost everywhere in Athens. In the Acropolis you will also find the Erechtheion.
• Syntagma Square: here is located the Greek parliament. At the front of it you can watch the ceremony of guards’ changing. They are dressed is skirts, which are very distinctive, and tights in white.
• Plaka: situated down from the world-famous Acropolis. This district is very beautiful, with narrow streets for pedestrians. You can find variety of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops.
• Roman Forum: situated at the west part of Plaka district. Horologion of Andronikos is located here.
• Marina Zea (aka Pasalimani): You can go to the the Saronic Gulf by a Flying Dolphin. You can see breathtaking yachts at the marina. Also along the shore are located cafes, shops, tavernas and restaurants.
• Hellenic Maritime Museum: naval and nautical exhibition. You can see ancient and modern Greek vessels, ship models, paintings, ship paraphernalia, maps and flags, including items from the yacht of Aristotle Onassis.
• Archaeological Museum: ancient times exhibition. You can see statues dated from 400 BC, grave markers, large funeral monument, Piraeus treasures, Classical and Roman sculptures. Here are the bronze statues of Artemis, Apollo and Athena.

Piraeus-Athens tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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Piraeus-Athens - user reviews and comments

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Cruise ships dock at the New Passenger Terminal , one mile from the center of Piraeus and eight miles from Athens. The 3 terminals A- Miaoulos and B- Themistocles and C- Alkimos are less than a half kilometer apart.

Free shuttles, if you are docked further away will drop you off at the main cruise terminals buildings.

Cruise organized shuttles to Athens can run up to 18 euro and only are announced the night before.

Athens Hop-on Hop-off Tour starts at about 200 meters from the cruise terminal. Turn left from the cruise terminal building (lower level) and walk over the parking lot. There is also a little tourist train here, but only travels through Piraeus

Metered taxis are generally available just outside the terminal building. Prepare to negociate.

A new bus service from the cruise terminal to Acropolis and Syntagma is now in place. X80 is the number of the bus, it operates from 7 am to 9.30pm every 30 minutes on a daily basis, you can use the 4.50 euro daily (24 hr) tourist ticket or the 20 euro 3 day ticket that covers transport to the airport as well. There is an X80 bus stop/shelter and manned ticket booth just outside terminal B. Don't forget to validate your ticket on entry to the bus. One of the central Athens X80 bus stops for return to Piraeus is on the western side of Syntagma Square near McDonald’s.

A 20 - 30 minute walk will take you to the Metro, from where Line 1 will whisk you to the center of Athens. It is often faster than taking a taxi. buses to Athens are also available at the Port. A day-pass for public transportation is about 4 euros. A 90 minute ticket is 1.40 Euro. Bus 843 and 859 also will take you to the metro station. Tickets can be bought from the driver, or at the nearby kiosk which is slightly less expensive. Do not forget to validate your ticket onboard by time stamping your ticket in the machines

The Port of Piraeus is an important destination for cruise ships in the Mediterranean Sea. It has 12 places for the simultaneous berthing of vessels and can accommodate even the largest cruise ships.

The airport is connected to and from the city and Piraeus (change at Monastiraki station to Metro Line 1) by Metro Line 3.

If your cruise starts at the port of Piraeus, be sure to fly in a couple of days early. Instead of staying in an overpriced hotel in downtown Athens , you might want to consider booking a room in Piraeus.

Travel instructions from Athens or from the airport

Hotels in Athens and Piraeus .

Map of where you will be docked. Cruise terminals A and B are at the bottom.

Printable map to take along.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Piraeus Athens Greece

Sightseeing:

The Acropolis of Athens Put the best of science, art and philosophy together in one creation and you have the definitive monument of human civilisation. UNESCO calls it the symbol of World Heritage. The world calls it the Athenian Acropolis!

Archaeological Museum The museum is known to have the finest collection of Greek art in the world. Exhibits include the sensational finds from the excavations at Mycenae and the remarkably well preserved frescoes from a 3,000-year-old civilization discovered at Akrotiri on the island of Santorini. There are also classical statuary, pottery, stone carvings and jewelry from excavations throughout Greece.

Acropolis Museum Just footsteps away from the Parthenon, this museum contains a superb collection of sculptures. 5 Euro p.p. Benaki Museum This museum has recently undergone thorough modernization. Its three floors house more than 30,000 items, all illustrating the character of the Greek world. Goulandris Museum Located near Kolonaki, the museum features a fantastic collection of Cycladic and ancient art spanning 5,000 years. The exhibits were assembled by ship owner Nikolaos P. Goulandris. Its treasures include many of the slim marble figurines that fascinated artists like Picasso and Modigliani. Mount Lycabettus Athens' highest hill is only a 10-minute walk from Syntagma Square. It borders the fashionable Kolonaki residential area. A steeply inclined funicular climbs to the summit, which is crowned by a small, white chapel. Pollution permitting, the view from Mount Lycabettus is the finest in Athens. Plaka Stretching east from the Agora, this lovely quarter, with winding alleys, neo-classical buildings, whitewashed, bougainvillea-framed houses and tiny churches, is worth your exploration. Agios Eleftherios The 12th-century Byzantine church and Athens' former cathedral is known for the fanciful figures and zodiac signs that adorn its walls.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

Shopping and food.

There are well priced tax-free shops in the Terminal behind customs, with competitive liquor prices and even better prices on tobacco products, better than the prices onboard. Only if your ship has stopped or will stop at a non EU port.

Upscale shopping is found in the Kolonaki and Monastiraki districts of Athens. Woven bags and worry beads in amber or silver make nice souvenirs. LaLaounis and Zolotas are well known for exquisitely designed gold jewelry. In Piraeus, near the port, you can find a variety of souvenir items.

Communication:

Greek spoken

At the cruise terminal building itself there is free, but slow WiFi. There are also a few internet terminals at the cafe inside the cruise terminal.

If there is only one ship docked it will likely be docked right at the terminal building, where you can pick up de signal at starboard pretty strongly.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Public Services: open Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 2.00pm. Retail Stores & Specialty Shops: Monday to Friday, 9am – 1.30pm and then again from 5pm – 9pm. Saturdays, 9am – 2pm.     Supermarkets: Monday to Friday, 9am – 9pm, and Saturdays, 9am – 6pm. Tourist Shops and Convenience Stores: most of these do not have official opening hours and are usually open from dawn to well after midnight during the summer months. For public holidays click here

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Cruise from Athens – the essential guide

A cruise from Athens is the perfect way to see the best of the Greek Isles and the Mediterranean without the hassle of many short flights, island hopping, or packing and unpacking your suitcase between different destinations. 

All you need is one international airfare to and from Athens.

Get ready for a cruise vacation like no other by finding a cruise starting from the Port of Piraeus, the principal seaport of Athens, the beautiful capital of Greece.

We have the ultimate 2-day guide to make your vacation unforgettable. Explore this vibrant city before starting your cruise from Athens, and plan some excursions further afield to gems such as Olympia or Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. Ensure this is not just your port stop but an adventure worth remembering.

Quick navigation

Athens – the vibrant capital of Greece

Athens, a treasure trove of European history, immerses you in a bygone era. Beyond its iconic structures, the city pulses with life, offering a vibrant atmosphere and delectable cuisine that add to its allure.

In this article, we look at how to explore the city before starting your cruise from Athens with a 2-day guide including travel info, tips, and itineraries.

Discover an exciting mix of old and new, with modern buildings alongside centuries-old ones. It is easy to find your way around (pick up a street map from your hotel concierge) – an orderly grid of small, narrow side streets are between the main avenues. Explore iconic landmarks, including the ancient citadel Acropolis of Athens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Hadrian’s Arch before your cruise from the port of Piraeus.

Transport options to and from Athens International Airport

Here are the transport options you have to get from Athens International Airport – officially called Athens Eleftherios Venizelos – to your city center hotel:

Airport Shuttle Buses

If you are traveling on a budget and want to save money, Athens has an excellent bus system, which can take you anywhere in the city center. The bus is the cheapest option, but the trip can take up to 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions in Athens.

Syntagma Square is the most central stop in the city. Purchase tickets at the airport. Alternatively, buy them onboard the bus, but you will need cash. The fare is 6 euros per person and half price for children under 18.

Taxi or Uber

A taxi or Uber (bookable through the Uber app) will cost you about €40-€50 and takes approximately 40 minutes. This is the most expensive option; however, you don’t have to carry your luggage and get door-to-door service straight to your hotel. If you are four people traveling together, this will be the most convenient option and offer good value for money.

Be sure to take a taxi from the official rank outside the arrivals terminal. It’s signposted. Never take a cab from someone who approaches you and offers you a journey.

Another alternative is the metro station from the airport to Syntagma Square in the center.

The trains depart the airport train station frequently. Follow the signs to the train station. It is located adjacent to the airport and is reached by an elevated walkway. A single ticket costs €10 per person. Be aware of pickpockets during your stay, particularly around the central train station, Athens-Larisa station, and avoid this area in the evenings.

Where to stay in Athens

Hotel options in Athens are endless, making it difficult to choose the perfect one. We have narrowed it down and picked some of our favorites to help you. We have included top-rated hotels and more affordable ones, so there is something for everyone.

We prefer to stay in downtown Athens, near Acropolis Hill. You will be close to the main attractions, the best shopping streets, many bars, cafes, and restaurants, and all the public transport options available.

The areas to focus on for the best hotels in Athens are:

Acropoli, Monastiraki, and Plaka

• Divani Palace Acropolis
• Plaka Hotel
• Lotus Center Apartments
• Attalos Hotel
• Hellenic Vibes Smart Hotel
• Ergon House Athens
• Electra Metropolis Athens
• Athens Capital Center
• The Zillers Athens
• The Modernist Athens
• Coco-Mat Athens
• St. George Lycabettus

Hotels in Piraeus, near the port

• The Port Square Hotel
• WYZ Piraeus
• The Alex Monte Kastella

Two days in the city before your cruise from Athens

Here are the best ways to spend two days in this extraordinary city, starting with the iconic Acropolis.

Day 1: Classic Athens – the essential sights

The Acropolis in Athens is one of the most famous attractions in Greece and was once a fortress that saw many battles over its long history. Start early and walk to this UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by some of the most iconic buildings in Greece.

Parthenon Temple, Erechtheion, and The Temple of Athena Nike

The Acropolis, or high city, was once a place of worship and was crowned by the famous Parthenon Temple. At its creation in the 5th century BC, Athens was the icon of the golden age. The temple was dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena. 

Walk the pathways of the Parthenon, then make your way over to the north side of the Acropolis to Erechtheion, famous for its Porch of Caryatids. These are the six beautiful columns depicting maidens carved in the intricate detail of marble. Pass through the imposing entrance, and you will find yourself in the ruined center of one of ancient Greece’s most important religious sites.

After visiting Erechtheion, walk towards The Temple of Athena Nike. This temple was built 500 years before the Parthenon and is central to Athenian history. The temple was dedicated to Athena Nike (Athena Victorious), a goddess who helped Athens win their war against Sparta. She was seen as a protector of both democracy and civilization.

From the Theatre of Dionysos and Odeon of Herodes Atticus to Areopagus

While in the Acropolis, you will see two theaters, first the Theatre of Dionysus and then the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

The Theatre of Dionysus contains a stage with seats for 12000 people. Five rows of seats were believed to be divided into three sections on each side of the central aisle.

The Odeon has stunning views over Athens and can be used as a theater today.

About a 20-minute walk from the Acropolis, you will find the Areopagus. Areopagus is a hill covered in stone seats. It was the site of the first democratic parliament in Athens; Areopagus offers fantastic views, especially if you are there at sunset. It can be a bit of a climb, and the stones can get slippery, so wear good walking shoes!

Hadrian’s Library and Monastiraki Square

From the Areopagus, we walked 20 minutes to Hadrian’s Library. The Library, built in AD132 by the Roman emperor himself, was a gift to Athens. The streets of the Areopagus are dusty, hot, and lined with street sellers and shops selling all kinds of souvenirs.

Just a short walk from Hadrian’s Library is Monastiraki Square. This popular tourist destination is home to the historic Monastiraki Flea Market. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants around here. The central transport hub of Monastiraki Square metro station is nearby.

As with most areas in Athens, be extra vigilant regarding pickpockets. They are very clever, and you don’t want to be targeted. If you have luggage with you, for example, when first arriving in the city, we advise traveling by taxi instead.

From the Acropolis Museum to an evening in Plaka

End your sightseeing day with a visit to the Acropolis Museum. Surrounded by crumbling neo-classical buildings and sizzling souvlaki stands, the Acropolis Museum is a must-see.

The museum houses all the artifacts ever found on the Acropolis and great interactive exhibitions. Book tickets before you leave home to avoid a long wait. Buy your tickets on the official Acropolis Museum website.

By now, you’ll be hungry. Walk into Plaka, the historic heart of Athens, and choose one of the many traditional Greek taverns serving good food. The Plaka neighborhood has a village feeling and is a busy, colorful place with plenty of eateries and local craft shops.

All around, you will find a mix of new tiny boutique hotels where abandoned buildings once stood. And where once stood dusty, grubby Plaka eateries are now trendy cocktail bars and casual dining venues with shady outdoor seating areas.

Day 2: Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon

On your second day, get out of the city and visit Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon.

We recommend booking a guided tour with a trusted supplier. That way, you get the transport pickup directly from your central Athens hotel and a local guide to teach you the historical significance of the sights you are about to see.

The drive to Cape Sounion takes just over an hour. Have your camera ready for fantastic coastline views along the Attic Peninsular. Perched on the headland are the remains of the Temple of Poseidon. You will have plenty of time to walk around the site if you book a half-day tour. And you’ll be back in the center of Athens for a late lunch.

Beat the heat with a hop-on, hop-off bus tour or rent a bike

Athens can be very hot in the summer, with immense crowds and long queues. If you visit in high season, we strongly advise starting early in the morning to beat the high temperatures and groups but also consider booking the hop-on/hop-off bus.

Use your bus ticket to explore the area of Athens that you didn’t see on your first day. The bus route will take you around most of the major sights. You can choose your itinerary at your own pace. And you will not be so exhausted.

Alternatively, renting bicycles is another fun way to cover more distance than walking, and there are plenty of good bike paths. Better still, bike with a guide. This way, you get a guided tour of the local life in Athens and the top tourist attractions.

Syntagma Square, The Old Royal Palace & National Garden

Enjoy a walk following the path through the National Garden. You’ll come across the ancient Roman Bath, and from there, you will see the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. The gardens close at 7 pm, but then you can head to Syntagma Square, just a short walk away. Syntagma Square sits below The Old Royal Palace, which houses the Hellenic Parliament.

The surrounding area has many cafes and restaurants to enjoy a souvlaki meal. Finish the evening with a quick visit to Le Greche for a double scoop of gelato or an Ekmek kataifi dessert!

How to get to the Port of Piraeus for your Cruise from Athens

Port of Piraeus is located about 15 km southwest of central Athens. To reach your cruise from Athens from your central hotel, you have the following options:

• Taxi: The average cost of a taxi is about 30 euros. The journey takes about 30 minutes depending upon traffic and road works. Your hotel can help you book a cab to the port. Book this in advance when you first check-in. Show your driver the number of the port terminal you need to reach (this information is on your cruise ticket). And the name of your cruise line so they get you as close as possible to your departure point.
• Private Transfer : If you are more than four people, pre-booking a private transfer could be cost-effective before you leave home. You can share the cost as this is the most expensive way to get from Athens city center to the port. Inform your driver of your pickup hotel and which port terminal your ship leaves from (this information is on your cruise ticket). And give them the name of your cruise line so they get you as close as possible to your departure point.
• Metro : A train will take you from the Athens center to the port for about 2 euros per person. Get on at Syntagma metro station. The journey time to the metro station at Port of Piraeus is about 20 minutes. When you arrive at the port metro stop, take a taxi to the cruise ship terminal (the walk is about 25 mins, which is very long if you have a lot of luggage).
• Bus : Express buses go straight from the center of Athens, Syntagma, to the port. The journey is about 40 minutes or longer; buses go every 30 minutes. Hop on the X80 bus for 4 euros and climb off at the cruise port. It’s a cost-effective way to get to and from the port to central Athens, but also our least favored option as the buses can get crowded and stop very frequently along the way.

Meet the author: Sarah has created and booked hundreds of travel itineraries for thousands of customers during a career in the travel industry that spans 20 years. Having worked hand in hand with cruise lines, hotels, airlines and tour operators worldwide, she offers inspiring & detailed insights in the world of travel and tourism.

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A Local’s Guide To Taking The Athens Metro In 2024

You would think that taking the metro in Athens should be fairly straightforward. However, I’ve seen many people struggling. This isn’t only the case for visitors, but also for Athenians! Check my local’s guide to taking the Athens metro for some insights.

How to take the Athens metro

Sleek, modern, clean, bright, punctual, fast, convenient. These are just some of the words that people use to describe the Athens metro, which consists of three lines.

Visitors who came to Athens a few decades ago might still remember an older, rather scruffy metro line. For sure it was! The green line, which was launched in 1869, has recently undergone major refurbishment.

The red and blue metro lines, which were launched in 2000, have been a life changer for most Athenians.

Athens metro lines

The three Athens metro lines currently in use are known by their names and colours.

Line 1 – the green line goes all the way from Piraeus to the northern suburb of Kifissia. On the way, it passes by Monastiraki, Thissio and Omonia stations in the Athens city center. Most of the carriages have some graffiti.

Line 2 – the red line goes from Anthoupoli to Elliniko. Some of the most popular stops in central Athens include Acropolis, Syntagma, Panepistimio and Omonia.

In some of these stations, you can see archaeological findings that were excavated while the metro Athens was under construction!

Line 3 – the blue line is the line you will use if you take the Airport metro . It passes by Syntagma Square and Monastiraki in central Athens, stops at Piraeus port , and terminates at a stop in Piraeus called Dimotiko Theatro.

Plans are also underway for a Line 4 , but that’s not going to be any time soon! This Athens metro expansion will connect many more suburbs in Athens.

This is the best Athens metro map that you are likely to find on the internet 🙂 It also includes the suburban railway.

Taking the metro from the Athens airport into Athens

As a tourist, your first encounter with the Athens subway might be at the airport. I hate to say this, but it isn’t as easy to use as in some other countries!

To begin with, the airport metro station is not inside the airport building. Follow the signs to “Trains”, exit the airport building, then cross the street, and take the stairs up to the metro station. This is about a 5-10 minute walk.

Note that the airport metro station is also where another service, the suburban railway, departs from. If you are heading to central Athens, you will need to take the metro and not the suburban railway.

If, however, you are heading to Piraeus, you can take either service, as they both go there directly. There are two metro trains and one suburban train every hour.

You can either get your metro ticket at the machines or in person from the friendly people behind the till. This might be a better idea, as you can then ask which platform to be on to get to central Athens. You can pay by cash or card.

The first metro departs from the airport at 6:32, and the last one departs at 23:32. The journey into central Athens takes about 40 minutes, and Piraeus is just under an hour away from the airport.

You can find timetables for the Athens airport metro here .

Types of Athens airport metro tickets

There are three types of Athens airport metro tickets that you can use:

• A one-way airport metro ticket, which costs 9 euro
• A return airport metro ticket, which costs 16 euro and is valid for 30 days 
• The so-called tourist ticket, which costs 20 euro and is valid for 3 x 24 hours.

The tourist tickets include a return trip to the airport plus unlimited transportation by metro, bus, trolley, tram and suburban railway in Athens. If you are in Athens for three days, these tourist cards are a good option, unless you are planning to just walk everywhere.

Types of tickets for the Athens metro – Athens metro ticket price

The metro is a super convenient way to get around central Athens. Though many of the sights are walking distance from each other, using the metro will definitely save you time.

There are two types of transport tickets for the Athens metro: single tickets, and passes. 

Single tickets

• A 90-minute ticket, which costs 1.20 euro
• The popular bundle of 2 trips, which costs 2.30 euro
• A bundle of 5 trips, which costs 5.70 euro
• A bundle of 10+1 trips, which costs 12.00 euro

Passes for unlimited travel

• A 24-hour pass, which costs 4.10 euro. This is valid for 24 hours from the time of first validation.
• A 5 day ticket, which costs 8.20 euro.

If you are staying in Athens for a few days, the five-day pass is by far the best option, unless you have already got the tourist ticket. In my experience, if this ticket is first validated after midday, it is valid for the rest of the day plus five full days.

How to get your Athens metro ticket

You can either get your Athens subway ticket / pass at one of the vending machines in any metro station, or from a till in most metro stations. Occasionally, some machines may be out of order – just go to the next machine.

The tickets are made of fortified paper, at the size of a credit card. The paper tickets can be recharged, so instead of getting a new ticket you can just recharge your old one.

Step 1 – Select your language

Just select your language. For the examples below, I am using English.

Step 2 – Select the required service

Most travellers will need to select the option “Buy travel product”.

Step 3 – Choose your area of travel

At the next menu which comes up, you can choose several types of tickets, including the airport tickets for the metro, suburban and buses. For our purposes, we will choose the last option, “Athens area”.

Step 4 – Choose the type of Athens metro ticket

Confusingly, when you go to buy your ticket at the machine, the 90-minute single ticket option appears last ! In any case, this is the one you need to get if you only want to use the metro once.

Alternatively, just choose the bundle or pass that you prefer.

Step 5 – Pay for your ticket

You can normally pay for your Athens metro ticket by cash or credit / debit card. I’ve noticed that, sometimes, card readers don’t work with certain cards. It’s always a good idea to have an alternative card, or some cash.

Where can I use my Athens metro ticket?

These tickets are valid on all transportation in central Athens, including buses, trolleys, the tram and parts of the suburban railway within Athens. They are not valid on the airport metro, suburban railway and airport  buses.

The 90-minute ticket, or any single ticket in a bundle, is valid for 90 minutes since its first validation, and can be used on more than one means of transportation. You can use the same ticket to take the metro first, and then the tram, a bus or a trolley.

If you buy a bundle of 5 or 10 tickets and end up using several tickets in one day, you will notice that only 4 tickets will be deducted from your bundle, as there is a daily cap.

This is the same principle used by the Oyster card in London, as well as other cities.

Are there any reduced fares for the Athens metro?

If you are staying in Athens for longer than a few days you could consider getting a monthly metro Athens pass, which only costs 27 euro.

To obtain the monthly pass you must apply for a personalized ATH.ENA card, which looks like a credit card and will have your photo on the right hand side. You can apply for a personalized card in most metro stations.

If you are a senior over 65, a student under 25, or a child under 18, you can use the metro at a reduced fare. To be eligible, you must have some proof of ID, and students additionally need a student card.

Any reduced ticket will need to be stored on a personalized card. If you are in Athens for a couple of days, it isn’t really worth applying for it.

Children below the age of 6 can travel for free on the metro and the other means of transportation in Athens.

How do I use the subway Athens ticket?

To use your ticket, you just need to scan in and out for the gates to open. You will see the card scanner on all metro gates. There are similar scanners in buses, the tram and the suburban railway.

Note that gates can only be used from one direction. The gate you need will always have a green sign, whereas if you see a red sign people will be coming from the opposite direction. In busy stations it can get a bit mad during rush hour.

The card scanner will also show you your balance, in Greek only. This particular paper ticket was a five day pass, and there was still one day left. The single ticket will show your balance in minutes.

Occasionally, the ticket won’t work properly, and the gates will not open. Don’t worry – you can always seek assistance from a metro employee, though sometimes they are a little hard to find.

Alternatively, just follow someone else getting out of the metro – most people will be happy to help you pass the gate along with them.

In any case, it’s unlikely that you will be in any trouble as a tourist, unless you have no ticket at all. In that case, there is a hefty fine of 84 euro, or 42 if you pay on the spot.

Is the Athens metro safe to use?

I consider the metro perfectly safe to use and have only seen pickpockets twice in my life. However, pickpockets are known to operate on the metro especially in the summer, and tourists are popular targets.

It is likely that you will read a few reports on several forums or FB groups.

Please be mindful of your possessions, and consider using a moneybelt or other safety precautions that you are comfortable with. As for backpacks, always keep them on your front, close to your body.

Sadly, these days you may come across people asking for money in the metro carriages. Do as you feel, but do be aware of your belongings – some of these people are not as innocent as you’d think.

What are the operating times of the Athens metro? Athens metro timetable

The Athens metro has fairly long operating hours. The green line operates from 5:00 until 01:00, while the blue and red lines operate from 5:30 to about 0:30 (1:30 on Fridays and Saturdays). 

During peak hours, there is a metro every 3-5 minutes, while late in the evening you may wait for around 10 minutes or so. There are less frequent metros on weekends, public holidays and August. 

You can find the Athens metro extended timetables on the Athens metro website: metro Athens opening hours .

Athens metro strikes

From time to time, the unions in Greece announce strike days, usually with very little advance warning. They can be a major inconvenience for locals as well as travellers. Here is all you need to know about strikes in Greece .

Very confusingly, the three Athena metro lines are run by three different companies:

• green metro line, known in Greek as ilektrikos or ISAP
• red and blue metro lines, which are run by the main metro company
• the train company , which runs the part of the blue line from Doukissis Plakentias to the Airport as well as the suburban railway.

On some strike days, there’s a chance that only one or two of these companies will take part in the strike. So, a part of the metro network will be running normally. 

For example, there are days when the metro company is not on strike, but the train company is. On those days, the city metro will be running as usual, but it will be stopping at Doukissis Plakentias metro station. 

When all three companies are on strike, there is no metro at all. 

What should I do on a metro strike day?

Many travellers don’t really use the metro in central Athens, as it’s possible to walk around. Taxis are inexpensive and easy to find. I use an app called Taxiplon, which is quite helpful – here is a list of more useful apps for your trip to Greece .

If you want to go to Piraeus port from central Athens, you could get either the blue or the green line. If both companies are on strike, I suggest you get a taxi or, even better, a pre-booked transfer .

Buses from central Athens to Piraeus would take well over an hour as they stop multiple times. Plus they will be very, very crowded if there’s a metro strike.

If you are going to the airport on a metro strike day, you could take the X95 bus from Syntagma to the airport . It is likely to get crowded, so watch your belongings.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi or pre-booked private transfer . Allow for more time to get to the airport, as there will be more traffic than usual.

Don’t worry too much though – strikes only happen a few times a year. Just be informed, and you can make alternative arrangements.

Unfortunately, strikes are often announced literally on the day before they happen. Always make sure you check close to your trip. I always post about strikes on my Facebook page , so follow me and you will be on top of things. 

Anything else I need to know about the metro in Athens?

Yes, there are a couple more things! Unlike most countries you’ve been to, over here people don’t necessarily stand to the right on the escalators. Regardless, please try to stand to the right, especially if you have luggage.

Additionally, Athenians don’t always let the passengers off the train first. You will see many locals rushing to get into the carriage before passengers have had a chance to step out. Just take it as one of our quirky traits, and be prepared to stand your ground!

Some stations will be very busy during most of the day. The busiest station is Syntagma, the only station where the red and the blue line connect. If you need tickets, it’s best to get them elsewhere if you can. There are always long queues, as Syntagma Square is very central.

You will notice that the Athens metro is generally very clean. Unlike some other countries, the no-eating / no-drinking rule within the metro is generally respected.

Sure, you can bring a bottle of water, and I suggest you do, especially if you are going to the Athens airport on a hot summer day. At the same time, please avoid eating and leave the metro as clean as you found it.

Should I buy the Athens city pass?

Some readers who are planning to use the Athens metro, have asked me if something called the Athens city pass is worth it. I wasn’t aware of this service at all, I actually had to look up the Athens city pass official site!

In my opinion, those city passes might only be worth it if you are staying in Athens for 5 or 6 days, and you are planning to visit ALL of the museums and sites listed on their website. All in all, I wouldn’t personally buy it, as there are many more places that I would prioritize! 

For example, have a look at my guide on 20 of the best museums in Athens Greece . 

Also, check out this article about the Athens combo ticket for the archaeological site of the Acropolis and six more sites .

More Athens Travel Guides

If you are planning a trip to Athens, you will also like these posts:

• Tips for staying cool in the summer in Athens
• How to get a SIM card in Athens and Greece
• How to see Ancient Athens for Free
• Shopping in Athens
• Driving in Greece
• Useful Greek words

Hi! I am Vanessa, an Athenian, and I love helping visitors discover more about Greece. I hope this article about the Athens metro has been useful. Here’s another one with all the ways to get around Athens , including all you need to know about the Athens public transport system, including trolley buses and bus routes. If you have any questions, or any tips that I haven’t thought of, please post them below!  

42 thoughts on “A Local’s Guide To Taking The Athens Metro In 2024”

I rode the metro from the airport to Syntagma where I had to change to ride just two stops south to my hotel. Between those two stops, I saw three families of pickpockets! One on the platform at Syntagma. When I waited till the last moment to hop on a different carriage, I was immediately surrounded by another group standing far too close than is normal on the pretence that the lady, with a big, empty loose bag hanging around her neck and hiding her hands while the ‘daughter’ tried to engage my attention to know if the next stop was Acropoli. I got off at my stop and saw the original group riding the escalator ahead swarmed around an elderly woman who was shouting at them. At which point I felt a hand in my (luckily empty) back pocket, a third group, this time of young girls. A horrible first experience of Athens, which despite that is a truly wonderful city. I’m used to city life and public transport, so I escaped, but so many people must be robbed. Just thought I’d relate, I was very surprised by your remark that you’ve never seen pickpockets

Jeez. I am very sorry you had this experience, and very glad that things turned out fine. As you will know, you are not the first person who had pickpocket issues… I do wonder sometimes if living here makes me oblivious to people behaving strangely. I do look like a tourist myself, but I’ve never had any issues at all. Well, I have actually been robbed on a bus here in Athens, but that was 20+ years ago! Again, glad you are safe!

Hello! Are you able to change lines at Syntagma using the airport metro ticket or do you need to buy another?

Hello! You can use the same ticket. It is valid for 90 minutes, which should be enough to get you anywhere on the metro line. Hope this helps!

I am taking the metro from Athens international Airport to syntgama and then to Acropoli station. If i buy the 5 days option does that cover the airport to syntgama as well?

Hi – no it doesn’t! There’s a tourist ticket which covers a return ticket from the airport to Syntagma plus all transport in the city, but it’s only valid for 72 hours. Or you can buy a single airport metro ticket for 9 euro / return for 16 euro. Here is some more info about the Athens airport metro .

Very useful information…

Thank you for usefull info. One question: whay would happened if I run out of 90 minutes? Will there be a fine?

Hello! In the (unlikely) event that you run out of the 90 minutes, the exit doors will not open when you swipe your card on the machines. If this happens, normally more than one people will offer to use their own pass to open the gate for you. Similarly, anyone working at the metro station will actually open the exit gate for you. I have seen this happen many times, it can feel very stressful (especially if you are a visitor here!) but if you have a validated ticket it really won’t be a problem.

Planning my first trip to Greece (very excited). Thanks for the helpful metro info! So, I’ll be in Athens for 10 days. My return flight leaves at 6am, so I won’t be able to use the metro to get back to the airport. I’ll get a taxi for that. So, I really only need a 1 way airport ticket to get into the city when I arrive. Then I’m thinking I’d get a bundle of 5 trips to start. Is that 2 separate tickets? (a 90 min to get from the airport into the city, then a 5 bundle to use while I’m there)

Also, for my return taxi ride to the airport. If I need to be at the airport 2 hours ahead of my 6am flight, getting a taxi by 3 am should get me there in plenty of time, right?

Hello and thanks for your message! Yes, you only need the one way ticket from the airport to the city. The 5-ticket bundle is another ticket like you say, and it contains 5 trips (costs 5.70). You will have to validate the same ticket every time you go in and out of the metro and it will deduct a trip every time. There’s also a 5-day option which costs 8.20, and you can use it unlimited times within 5 periods of 24 hours. For your return taxi, I’m assuming you will be staying in the centre – yes this should be fine, there is not much traffic at all at that time of night so it would take you like 40 mins to get to the airport. Enjoy your time and feel free to message me with more questions or perhaps a walk!

Fantastic detailed review of how to use the Metro, it was like you were taking me on the journey holding my hand. What seems obvious and simple to regular Metro users is not as easy to tourists. The photos were brilliant to show exactly what the machines look like. I have been to Athens a few times but was reluctant to use the Metro mainly because of the ‘unknown’ procedure of buying/using the tickets and the threat of the pick-pockets. I have always used the bus or taxi but now look forward to trying the Metro as I like to experience everything a place has to offer, thank you for your helpful advice.

I’m really glad this helps – and you are right, using the metro in a new city can be overwhelming. Do be careful with your valuables, as they seem to target tourists – you could always try to take the metro when in the city center, when you don’t have all your luggage with you, to see how it works. Safe travels!

Hi thanks for information just 1 thing “There’s also a 5-day option which costs 8.20, and you can use it unlimited times within 5 periods of 24 hours. “

This means that I can use it within 5 days unlimited??? Or 5 times within 24 hours Didn’t get it Can you explain Thanks

Hi! Sorry it’s unclear. It means that if you first validate it on, say, 13.00 on 19th May, it will be valid until 13.00 on 24th May. So, a total of five 24-hour periods!

If I were to get a tourist card, does this include fares for buses out of Athens to other destinations like nafplio?

No, the tourist card only applies to metro / bus / trolley / tram / suburban railway trips within the Athens urban area.

Thanks a million for this really helpful page. We navigated the metro with our kids easily because of it!

Soooo glad that it’s helped you! Enjoy your time!

we will have 2 medium size luggage on the metro. Is there storage for luggage inside the metro station at The acropolis stop? We need 2 to 3 hrs.

No there isn’t, however if you put “luggage storage Acropolis” on Google maps you will find a few places nearby. You could potentially leave luggage at the Acropolis Museum as well (not at the Acropolis itself), but they advise against bringing bulky items – you can check here .

I have to take the tram than the metro with a pram cause my 21 months old child. How does it work when you travel on public transportation with a pram? Can I keep open or I have absolutely to close it? Thank you in advance for all you precious information.

Thanks for this question! I have seen mothers with prams in both the metro and the tram, so it’s not an issue. However, if you can, try to avoid the rush hours as it can get busy. There are elevators at all metro stations, though sometimes you might have to cross an road or bigger avenue to use them.

Hello, I will be going to Athens with the family for the first time. I was checking out the ticket options and wonder if it is possible to buy the The Metro Airport tickets from and to Pallini, Kantza and Koropi Metro Stations (for 5.5 euro one way) and at the same time the 5-day ticket (which works from Koropi to the city center). Can you validate your 5-day ticket in the airport although you will first be using this ticket from Koropi and onwards? This would reduce the ticket price with 5 euro per person. If not, you would need to exit the train in Koropi and validate your 5-day ticket before catching the next train 36 minutes after which would be too much hassle. Thanks.

Hah, I have also thought to do this at some point, but have never tried. I believe that, like you say, you would need to validate the 5.5 euro ticket at the airport, stop at Koropi, go upstairs, exit the gates with the 5.5 euro ticket, and then validate the 5-day pass. That would save you 3.5 euro per ticket (you would be paying 5.5 instead of 9). If you do it, let me know!

Hello, thank you so much for your helpful site! We bought our personalized Athena cards today, it makes our stay and use of public transport so convenient and easy! Ευχαριστώ!

😀 This is so nice to hear! Enjoy your time here and do reach out if you need any tips!

Hello, I’m going to visit Athens in a cruise. I would like to know how can I get to the Acropolis from the port. Can you please explain to me which train I’m supposed to take and which is the closest stop so we won’t have to walk too much. Thanks!

Hi, the cruise port is about 2.2 kms (1.4 miles) from the nearest metro stop, so it’s not too close unfortunately. If you still want to walk, you would walk to Dimotiko Theatro μετρο station , take the train (blue line) to Syntagma, then swap for the red line to Acropolis… All in all, the best way to get to the Acropolis is to take a pre-arranged transfer , there would also be taxis over there but you wouldn’t know how long it takes to find one. Hope this helps!

Very informative. By the way I didn’t realize that the Green line was built in 1869?! 1969 perhaps?

No! It’s really old, 1869! At the time, it was only running between Piraeus and Thission! Who would have thought eh! Of course it’s been taken care of and modified since then 🙂

Hello, Thank you so much for all of this information. I’ll be visiting Greece for the first time coming up and like to use the metro where I can because it tends to be cheaper. How do I go about getting a ticket for the public buses? It seems bus stops are closer to my hotel than any metro stations. Do the bus stops have a place to buy a ticket or can I buy it on the bus?

Hi! You can get bus tickets at all metro stations and usually other designated points, but it depends on where you are located – not sure how long you are staying for, but you could consider getting the 5-day ticket which costs 8.2 euro?

How do I know which direction the specific subway train is going? For example will it state the last station on the train somewhere? I want to make sure I’m getting on the train going in the direction I want to heads toward.

Thanks for these directions, they are very clear and informative.

Yes the end station is clearly marked on the front of each metro coach!

A couple tried to pick my pocket, the Metro was crowded and they would not let me pass. I felt a hand in my front pocket, I squashed the pocket and pushed my way through. First time in a lot of years traveling.

I am very very sorry to hear this, and really glad you got out of it safely!

Hello. Thank you for the info on the metro. I have a question. Am I able to get the metro green line one from Piraeus port to Omonia station or do I need the blue line and transfer at Monastiraki?

Hi! Yes the green line goes straight to Omonia from Piraeus, so you don’t need to change. Please do take good care of your valuables, as the green line tends to get quite crowded.

Hello. Thank you for sharing your information.

At the end of this month I will visit Athens and then go on a cruise. What is the best way to get from the Piraeus cruise terminal to the airport? How much does it cost?

Hi! The cruise terminal for cruise boats is not so close to a metro station, depending on where the cruise boat leaves you it could be around 2-4 kms from the metro station “ Dimotiko Theatro “. The metro runs from Dimotiko Theatro stop all the way to the airport. You could try getting a taxi to the metro station (price about 4-5 euro) and then take the metro to the airport (9 euro). Otherwise, you could use a taxi or pre-booked transfer all the way to the airport.

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Transfers from Piraeus cruise port to Athens train station

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• Destinations
• Piraeus cruise port
• Athens train station

Book a transfer from Piraeus cruise port to Athens train station

Are you looking for a private transfer or a taxi from Piraeus cruise port to Athens train station? With Mytransfers you can book your trip in less than 60 seconds and with instant confirmation. Our driver will be waiting for you with a welcome sign upon arrival at Piraeus cruise port and will take you directly to your hotel, villa or flat in Athens train station.

Route from Piraeus cruise port to Athens train station

Piraeus cruise port is located 16.1 km from Athens train station and to get to Athens train station with a transfer from Piraeus cruise port will take about 00 h 26 m.

The duration of the transfer may vary depending on the chosen vehicle and the traffic circumstances.

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Book your sedan, minivan or bus from the airport Piraeus cruise port to Athens train station

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• Passenger(s) Min: 1 - Max: 4
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The distance between Piraeus cruise port and Athens train station is approximately 16.1 km.

The transfer from Piraeus cruise port to Athens train station will take approximately 00 h 26 m. The duration may vary depending on the vehicle chosen and the traffic conditions, which are beyond our control.

By booking a private taxi or minivan with us from Piraeus cruise port to Athens train station you will benefit from our final prices, with no surprises. Our driver will be waiting for you on arrival and will take you directly to your hotel, villa or other destination in Athens train station. Remember that all our transfers are private and with door to door service.

Vehicles with capacity for more than 4 people or for passengers with special luggage needs are rare at Piraeus cruise port. If you book in advance with us, the transfer from Piraeus cruise port to Athens train station will be carried out with a vehicle that will be perfectly adapted to your needs.

You can reserve any type of vehicle for this route. Use the availability search on this page to see all the vehicles available for transfer between Piraeus cruise port and Athens train station.

The cost of a taxi or private transfer from Piraeus cruise port to Athens train station is EUR € 40.40

Depending on the chosen vehicle, the price of a private transfer may vary. Use the availability search at the top of this page to find the best rates for your transfer to Athens train station.

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25 Stunning Cruise Ports To Inspire Your Next Voyage

Posted: March 18, 2024 | Last updated: March 18, 2024

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Nothing beats the thrill of seeing a destination come into view from the water as you travel on board a cruise ship. The first glimpse you'll get of a destination as you come in to dock is its port, and while some can be unattractive, others are simply beautiful and will inspire you to explore the destination further. These ports often offer something special for the visitor, whether it’s their top-notch facilities, stunning and iconic scenery or proximity to the area's hustle and bustle. Here is a look at some of the best cruise ports and ports of call worldwide.

Piraeus port, Athens, Greece

This ancient city port has three harbours, making it the largest port in Greece and one of the largest in Europe. Piraeus has religious and historic landmarks of its own, but Athens is only eight miles (13km) to the northeast and is easily accessible via a 30-minute metro ride or a 20- to 30-minute taxi ride. The port connects the peninsula with most Greek islands, and it’s the main stop for cruise ships touring the Aegean Sea. The port is reached by cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, NCL, Celebrity, Princess, Azamara, Silversea and Virgin Voyages.

Port of Singapore

The port of Singapore is one of the biggest in the world. There are two berthing facilities at the Singapore Cruise Centre and Marina Bay Cruise Centre, located next to the Marina South Pier. The port is close to attractions such as Sentosa Island, Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown and Marina Bay Sands. Singapore’s strategic location means the destination is often described as the gateway to southeast Asia. Some of the major cruise lines operating from there are Princess, Celebrity, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Holland American Line (HAL) and Silversea.

Ports of Dubai, UAE

The glamorous emirate of Dubai remains a major port of embarkation and a call for cruise travellers on itineraries to destinations in the Middle East and Arabian Gulf. The city has two cruise ports, with two terminals in Port Rashid and two at the new Dubai Harbour, which opened in 2020. The latter have entertainment venues, leisure spaces and premium retail shopping areas. Dubai Harbour is directly linked with the city's transport network and monorail system and is visited by Carnival Corporation cruise line brands, while Port Rashid welcomes other major cruise lines.

Manhattan Cruise Terminal, New York City, New York, USA

Seeing the port of Manhattan from the water is arguably one of the most iconic sights to be had from a cruise ship. Passengers can take in the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty and Governors Island. Manhattan Cruise Terminal is situated on the Hudson River on the city's west side in the Hell's Kitchen area. New York City has been serving cruise passengers longer than any other US city. From the port, it’s a taxi or subway ride into the city. Cruise lines berthing there include NCL, Cunard, Princess, P&O, Carnival, Oceania, Disney Cruise Line, Fred. Olsen and Viking.

Port of San Miguel de Cozumel, Mexico

San Miguel de Cozumel port is at the heart of this Mexican island and is surrounded by beautiful clear water, a coral reef and miles of beaches offering snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities soon after you disembark. The buzzing city of San Miguel is also a short walk away and has many seafront shops and restaurants. Visitors can walk along the sea wall, El Malecon, and head to the main square. If there is time, ancient Mayan ruins can be explored too. Many ships docking at this port head on to the Caribbean and some of the cruise lines stopping here include Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Marella, MSC and Princess.

Port of Cape Town, South Africa

The cruise terminal at the port of Cape Town is operated by the V&A Waterfront, a 304-acre neighbourhood with shops, restaurants, hotels and entertainment options. On the approach to the port, passengers can view the scenic bay and harbour and the mountains beyond. Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain to get a beautiful vista of the city that's within walking distance of the port. The major cruise lines heading to and from the port include Oceania, Seabourn, NCL, MSC and Regent Seven Seas.

Geirangerfjord Port, Norway

Cruise guests will enjoy magnificent views of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord area as they head to the small cruise port. Lined by mountains and waterfalls, the fjord has a magical looking landscape and a very small village. Cruise lines offer excursions from the port, such as kayaking along the waterways, helicopter rides and hiking tours to amazing viewpoints like Eagle Bend and Dalsnibba mountain. Lines including Viking, Hurtigruten, Windstar, Silversea, HAL, Ponant, Celebrity and Cunard all have itineraries to the destination.

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Half Moon Cay is a 2,400-acre island retreat in the Bahamas, located 10 miles (16km) southeast of Nassau. The island is owned by Carnival Corporation and is therefore only a port of call for Carnival and Holland America Line, which use the island as part of their Caribbean and Panama Canal itineraries. The paradise island has facilities for families, couples and groups. There are beach cabanas, bars with thatched roofs and hammocks for relaxing days spent swimming and sunbathing. For more active pursuits scuba diving, snorkelling, jet-skiing, parasailing, glass-bottom boating, cycling and hiking are all part of the offering.

Port of Valletta, Malta

Cruise ships enter the Port of Valletta via the impressive and historic Grand Harbour, which extends for about two miles (3.6km) inland on the island of Malta. Passengers disembarking the ships at Valletta Cruise Port can head to the neighbouring historic Valletta harbour. The waterfront venue offers food, shopping and entertainment and some of the island's most impressive views and iconic ancient buildings. Malta is strategically positioned in the centre of the Mediterranean offering eastern and western itineraries and is visited by cruise lines such as Celebrity, Marella, P&O, Oceania, Fred. Olsen, Princess and HAL.

Port of Skala, Santorini, Greece

The journey to the Greek island of Santorini offers some of the most beautiful views from the Mediterranean Sea. On the approach to the old port, passengers are met with scenes of whitewashed villages with cobalt-blue cupolas set high on the cliffs. Santorini's capital, Fira, can be reached from the port by tender dock and then by cable car, or by walking up 580 or so steps. Santorini is often the most popular cruising destination of all the Greek isles and is visited by lines including Marella, Celestyal, HAL, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Celebrity, Princess Cruises and Seabourn.

Port of Jeju, South Korea

Cruise passengers arriving at the port on the UNESCO-listed Jeju Island in South Korea have the opportunity to explore secluded beaches, underground lava tunnels, caves and waterfalls. Jeju city is one mile (2km) from the port. The island was once a honeymoon destination for South Korean couples and is also home to an adults-only theme park called Love Land, which features more than a hundred erotic sculptures. Quirky cruise itinerary excursions also take in the Teddy Bear Museum. Among the cruise lines stopping at the island are Celebrity, Princess, HAL, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Oceania and Seabourn.

Port of Haifa, Israel

The Port of Haifa is directly linked with downtown Haifa and it only takes a few minutes to walk to the railway station, or around 15 minutes to walk to the city centre. Haifa is the third largest city in Israel and its main attraction is the Bahá’í World Centre and surrounding Bahá’í gardens. The National Museum, Mount Carmel national park, Israel National Museum of Science, Technology, and Space and the Haifa Museum of Art are also worth a visit. The port welcomes HAL, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Azamara, Princess Cruises and NCL, among other cruise lines.

Dubrovnik Cruise Port, Croatia

Dubrovnik's main cruise port is located around two miles (3km) away from the Old Town. Most of the cruise ships dock here although some moor in front of the old port, where visitors can then take a tender boat to shore. The old port has UNESCO World Heritage status and is one of the busiest and most beautiful cruise ports in Europe. Dubrovnik’s medieval walled town can be discovered on foot and offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. The port of call is reached by cruise lines including NCL, HAL, Costa, P&O, Marella, Cunard, Celebrity, Emerald, Marella and Viking.

Port of Lisbon, Portugal

The Port of Lisbon is the third-largest port in Portugal. While cruising into it along the Tagus River, the impressive structures of the Belem Tower, Discoveries Monument and Cristo Rei statue of Christ – as well as the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge – are all within sight. Lisbon centre and all its attractions can be reached on a short walk from the cruise port. From Lisbon, it's easy to take day trips to resort towns such as Estoril, Sintra and Fatima. Princess, Virgin Voyages, Cunard, P&O, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Carnival, Windstar and Oceania all include ports of call at the destination.

PortMiami, Florida, USA

The port of Miami is often referred to as the cruise capital of the world, welcoming more cruise passengers to its terminals than any other port. Miami's geographic position makes it easily accessible to the Caribbean and Latin America on cruise itineraries. MSC Cruises recently began work on its new £265 million ($350m) terminal at the port, which is expected to be finished by the end of 2023. It will have three berths for mega cruise ships, making it North America’s largest cruise terminal. Virgin Voyages opened a dedicated cruise terminal there earlier this year. The three-storey Terminal V hosts the line’s first ship, Scarlet Lady, and will be joined by Valiant Lady later this year. 

Port St. Maarten, Caribbean

Passengers are immediately welcomed to Harbour Point Village when they arrive ashore on the small island of St. Maarten, affectionately known as "the Friendly Island". The island’s colourful capital, Philipsburg, can be reached in 15 minutes on foot. This town has plenty of Dutch charm, great shopping in the form of duty-free outlets, souvenir shops and market stalls, as well as bars and restaurants. There are plenty of watersports available too. This beautiful island is visited by Carnival, Costa, Disney Cruise Line, Princess,  P&O, NCL and HAL, to name a few.

Port of Barcelona, Spain

The Port of Barcelona is a launching-off point for many Mediterranean cruises and has one of the highest concentrations of cruise passengers in Europe. Within it is the old harbour, Port Vell, and at the foot of the port is the city’s famous boulevard, La Rambla, which stretches through the heart of the city centre. The thoroughfare can be reached on foot or by a cruise shuttle bus from the cruise terminals. The port is a draw for major cruise lines including Viking, Celebrity, Princess, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Marella and Virgin Voyages.

Havana Port, Cuba

Havana Harbour and the cruise terminal at Havana port are located on the eastern edge of this Cuban city, while Old Havana is almost on the doorstep of the cruise terminal. From there, passengers can walk to Plaza San Francisco, one of Old Havana's four main squares, while further south is seaside boulevard the Malecón. The city's central park is also accessible on foot, although a journey in a vintage taxi is a must. If your cruise is coming from Tampa, Key West, Miami or Cozumel, Havana is likely to be on your route, with cruise lines including Viking, Marella, Variety and Royal Caribbean all paying a visit. 

Port of Livorno, Italy

The Port of Livorno is considered a major Italian port and is located on the western coast of the beautiful region of Tuscany. The destination is a popular cruise centre, thanks to its close proximity to Pisa and Florence. Both cities are easy to reach by train after a shuttle bus transfer from the cruise terminal. It's then a 15-minute train journey from Livorno to Pisa, or just over an hour to Florence. The port destination is used by cruise lines including P&O, Marella, Royal Caribbean, HAL, Fred. Olsen, Carnival, MSC, Cunard and Regent Seven Seas.

Port of Stockholm, Sweden

The port of Stockholm is one of the busiest in Europe and shortly after arriving ashore, passengers can visit the stunning city from one of two major cruise terminals: Stadsgarden and Frihamnen. The Millesgården is an art museum and sculpture garden located on the island of Lidingö in front of Frihamnen port. More of the city’s famous museums – such as ABBA The Museum, the Viking Museum and the maritime-focused Vasa Museum – are conveniently located on the city's island oasis of Djurgården. NCL, Royal Caribbean, Viking, Regent and Ponant all include itineraries to Stockholm.

Port of Key West, Florida, USA

At the port of Key West in Florida, the main attractions are all in close proximity as the island city is only four miles long by two miles wide. The old town has historic buildings, art galleries, tropical gardens, shops, vintage saloons, restaurants and bars. Also situated there are The Hemingway Home and Museum and the famous Sloppy Joe's bar, which has been in Key West since 1933. Thanks to its year-round tropical climate, cruise passengers can snorkel or dive in the coral reefs and wrecks surrounding the port. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Princess, Celebrity, P&O and Virgin Voyages regularly call here.

Port of San Juan, Puerto Rico

With its central Caribbean location, San Juan cruise port in Puerto Rico is a modern world cruise capital. San Juan offers old world charm and natural wonders. Old San Juan is a historic landmark, with 16th- and 17th-century Spanish-style buildings and the fortresses of San Cristobal and El Morro. There are also many shops, lively cafés and restaurants to visit. Natural beauty lies in San Juan's beaches and verdant El Yunque National Forest. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, P&O, Celebrity, Silversea and Disney Cruise Line all head here.

Port of Sydney, Australia

With iconic sights such as the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, Sydney is one of the world’s great port cities. Cruise ships glide past these iconic structures and through the dramatic sandstone passage cliffs of The Heads that lead to and from the Pacific Ocean. Sydney is the only Australian city to have two dedicated cruise terminals and thanks to its size, visitors will be able to see plenty there in a day or two. Cruise lines docking here include NCL, Cunard, Princess, Celebrity, HAL, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Oceania and Virgin Voyages.

Port of Venice, Italy

Venice is one of the most stunning cities to cruise into, passing sites such as St Mark’s Square as the ship leaves the Adriatic Sea to enter a narrow entrance called the Porto di Lido, on the way to the piers at the Venetian Lagoon and the Venice Cruise Terminal. However, since 2021 ,  medium and large cruise ships have been banned from Venice's historic centre until further notice, due to environmental concerns. Instead, they currently moor at Marghera, a district of Venice on the Italian mainland. P&O, NCL, Royal Caribbean, Marella, Princess, Azamara, MSC, HAL, Oceania and many others call at the destination.

Port of Kotor, Montenegro

Cruise passengers are in for something special as they enter the port at the Bay of Kotor. The ship wends its way through a 17-mile (27km) waterway offering fjord-like views of mountains and leading to the old walled city of Kotor. The old city dates back to the Middle Ages and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with attractive buildings, churches, squares and stone streets. It is a short walk from the cruise port and has small shops and restaurants to stop off at. The destination is reached by cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, MSC and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). 

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Sicily Palmero port to Mondello Beach by train. - Cruises Forum

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I've been told using the train in Sicily is a doddle but I'm not so sure. Apparently I have to catch the train from Giachery (not far from Palermo Port) to Principe de Scalea - Amap (Mondello Beach) which runs every 20mins. I've also been told you can buy tickets on board the train. This option would suit me best because I'm not good with ticket machines or apps. Okay it sounds simple but how will I know which train to get on? My Italian is rubbish and unless I can find an official who speaks English I'm screwed. It would be ideal if the train has a big number on it that corresponds to my intended destination . The other thing I'm worried about is being sure we get back to Palmero before our ship departs. That would be annoying as its our first port of call. My thoughts are we could come back from Mondello Beach by taxi but knowing my luck everyone else will have the same idea. Although Mondello looks the part nothing is set in stone and we are open to suggestions bearing in mind we only have just over four hours ashore. So, if you know of a nice little bar / restaurant in or near Palmero that serves good wine with an interesting atmosphere then that in my mind has to be an alternative we should consider.

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Travel | Royal Caribbean breaks ground on Nassau beach club

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Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is a 17-acre development in Nassau, The Bahamas set to open in 2025. (Courtesy/Royal Caribbean)

Bahamas government and Royal Caribbean executives break ground during a cermony for the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau set to open in 2025. From left to right: Phylicia Woods-Hanna, director of investments of The Bahamas; Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer, Royal Caribbean International; Dr. Michael Darville, minister of health and wellness of The Bahamas; Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group; Philip Davis, prime minister of The Bahamas; Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International; I. Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation of The Bahamas; JoBeth Coleby-Davis, minister of energy and transport of The Bahamas; Philip Simon Jr., president and general manager, Royal Beach Club and Royal Caribbean International Bahamas; and Russell Benford, vice president of government relations – Americas, Royal Caribbean Group. (Courtesy/Royal Caribbean)

Royal Caribbean and the government of the Bahamas broke ground Monday on the joint venture to develop a strip of land in the cruise port of Nassau called Paradise Island.

The government in 2023 gave the OK for the cruise line to develop a 17-acre portion into what will be called Royal Beach Club Paradise Island when it opens in 2025. Cruise line executives and government officials, including Prime Minister Philip Davis, grabbed shovels along the white sandy beaches with turquoise water in the background.

“With the signing of the deal [for] Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, we embark on this project to further enhance the vitality of our tourism product,” Davis said. “Signing today’s agreement, we add another world-class experience to our tourism offerings. And even more importantly, we take a bold step toward greater Bahamian empowerment in the tourism industry.”

The site is on the western edge of the strip of land that runs alongside the waterway through which ships brought nearly 4.5 million passengers in 2023, making Nassau the world’s busiest cruise port of call.

Royal Caribbean’s site expects about 2,000 visitors a day. They will be ferried over from the port but then return by land going through downtown Nassau.

It’s the first site for the smaller-sized beach club private destination Royal Caribbean plans to build out as opposed to its private island and resort destinations such as Perfect Day at Coco Cay in the Bahamas and Labadee on Haiti’s northern coast.

The Paradise Island spot will play up Bahamian culture alongside traditional offerings such as the beach, cabanas, four food and drink venues and three pools with swim-up bars. The site is being designed by a Bahamian architectural firm, and will give space for local artisan work for sale and live local music.

The project is a public-private partnership under which Bahamians are invited to own up to 49% of it. The plan is for locals to manage the experiences offered at the resort.

The cruise line will own 13 acres of the property while 4 acres go to Crown Land, which is a territorial area owned by the state. The cruise line will also pay a new tourism levy in exchange for the development.

“Marking more than the beginning of the construction process, today’s groundbreaking event symbolizes partnership, momentum and continued economic development for so many Bahamian entrepreneurs and the entire community,” said Jason Liberty, the cruise line parent company Royal Caribbean Group’s President and CEO. “We are grateful to our partners for their support, especially the Bahamian government, who stand with us here today in celebration of what is to come.”

The additional attraction to the port augments a $300 million overhaul of the Nassau Cruise Port that had its grand opening last year.

Already the port has expanded its capacity to six ships, including the ability to dock three of the massive Oasis-class ships from Royal Caribbean at once.

The revamp includes a new terminal building, Junkanoo museum, 3,500-person amphitheater, living coral exhibit plus more entertainment, food, beverage and retail space. Once complete, the port’s capacity will jump to more than 33,000 passengers per day. It had been around 20,000 a day.

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