About the port
History, position and importance of the port of Piraeus
📍 Location and importance
Port Piraeus it is only 12 km from the center Athens and has great importance as a commercial and political center. Passenger traffic is approx 19 million per year (data for 2025), which makes it the largest passenger port in Greece. Congestion in the port of Piraeus increases every summer during the tourist season.
🏛️ Ancient history
The port of Piraeus dates back to antiquity and was created ca 5th century BC. It was destroyed, abandoned and rebuilt several times due to various wars. It now serves as a modern port with various renovated facilities and plenty of things to do in the area before departure.
⚓ Island connections
Piraeus is the largest port in Greece, with daily sailings to all groups of islands in the Aegean Sea - complex Cyclades i Dodecanese, Saronic Islands, North Aegean Islands and Crete. The port is a hub for the leading ferry companies operating in the Aegean Sea, including Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, Seajets, Minoan Lines and much more. Several options are available to pass the time while you wait for your connection, including the Archaeological Museum and the Bay of Zea, which has waterfront tavernas and an attractive marina that exudes a relaxed aura.
Arrival
How to get to the port of Piraeus?
Choose your departure point and find out all the transport options - from the center of Athens or from the airport.
Taxi
The taxi ride from the center of Athens to the port of Piraeus takes 25 minutes and costs about 25 euros. You can make a reservation online taxi.
~25 EURSubway
Two lines Athens metro network leads to the port: green line (from Omonoia and Monastiraki) i blue line (from Syntagma and Monastiraki). The metro station is right in front of the port — the only port in Athens accessible by metro. Works from 5:30 to 12:20 (on Fridays and Saturdays until 1:30). The route from Syntagma lasts ~25 minutes, departures every 10 minutes.
1.20 EURBus
Several bus routes take you to the port of Piraeus or nearby locations. They are only available during the day. Buses depart from Omonoia/Syntagma every 15-20 minutes. Tickets cost money 1.20 EUR and can be used multiple times on all public transport until you exceed the time limit of 90 minutes. Children under the age of 6 travel free of charge. Be aware of the gate your ferry departs from as the port of Piraeus is large and has numerous gates.
Bus lines
Taxi from the airport
Taxi queues in front of all airport gates. The drive to the port of Piraeus takes 40–60 minutes depending on traffic. You can in advance book an airport transfer online.
45 EUR during the day · 64 EUR at night (00:00–05:00)Metro from the airport
Direct blue line Athens metro network from the airport station to the terminal next to the port of Piraeus. The metro station is located right in front of the airport. The first train departs in 6:10, the last one in 23:34.Departures every 36 minutes. The journey takes ~1 hour. On arrival, be sure to locate your ferry gate — the port area is very wide.
9 EUR (one way)Commuter Railway (Proastiakos)
The Athens commuter railway has a direct line between Athens International Airport and the port of Piraeus. The station is located next to the airport terminal. The journey continues 60 minutes.
9 EUR (one way)Bus X96
The most affordable option. Bus X96 covers the route from Athens Airport to Piraeus Port directly. Buses are running. 24 hours, and the ride takes ~90 minutes. The card can only be used once.
Navigation
Port gates
Piraeus is a big port and the distance between the gates is huge — it can take a while even 1 hour to move from one side to the other. The gate from which your ferry departs will be indicated on your ticket. Check it before you leave.
🚌 Free shuttle bus inside the port
Due to the large distances within the port, there is free shuttle bus for passengers of the ferry that allows access to distant gates.
Before departure
How early to arrive at the port?
Infrastructure
Facilities in the port of Piraeus
Destinations
Routes from the port of Piraeus
- Amorgos (Aigiali, Katapola)
- Anafi
- Donusa
- Folegandros
- Ios
- Heraklion
- Kimolos
- Koufonisia
- Kythnos
- Milos
- Mykonos
- Naxos
- Paros
- Shinus
- Serifos
- Sifnos
- Sikinos
- Syros
- Santorini (Thira)
- Tinos
- Chios
- Lesbos (Mytilene)
- Doghouse
- Ikaria (Evdilos, Agios Kirikos)
- Fourni
- Samos (Karlovac, Vathi)
- Kithira
- Antikythera
- Porto Heli
⛴️ Ferry companies
Depending on the destination, conventional and/or fast ferries are available. Check the timetable at DirectFerries or Omio.
Port selection
Piraeus, Rafina or Lavrio?
Athens has three passenger ports and Piraeus is not always the best choice. For some islands, it's quicker and cheaper to get to Rafina or Lavrio from the airport, so check where your ferry actually departs from before booking.
Piraeus
12 km from the center · metro to the port itself- Cyclades, Crete, Dodecanese, Saronic and North Aegean islands
- The only port with a direct metro from the center and from the airport
- The biggest selection of departures, but also the biggest crowd
Rafina
about 25 minutes from the airport- Andros, Tinos, Mykonos and part of the Cyclades
- Ferries to Evia (Marmari, Karistos)
- Much closer to the airport than Piraeus - ideal if you land and sail on the same day
Lavrio
south of Attica, about an hour from Athens- Kea (Tsia) and Kythnos, along with part of the western Cyclades
- The smallest and quietest of the three ports
- Fewer departures, so check the timetable in advance
Free time
What to do around the port
🏛️ Culture and sights
Piraeus offers several sights, places of interest and monuments worth visiting before taking the ferry.
- Municipal Theater
- Church of Agia Triada, Agios Vasilios and Agios Nikolaos
- Archaeological Museum
- Maritime Museum
- Municipal Gallery
- Historical settlement of Kastela
- Ancient walls
- Sotiros Shopping Street
⛵ Marinas and beaches
Restaurants, bars and cafes are located in the immediate vicinity. Spend your free time by the sea with a relaxed atmosphere.
- Zea yacht harbor (Pasallimani)
- The picturesque port of Mikrolimano
- Zea Bay – taverns on the shore and marina
- Votsalakia Beach
- Freatida Beach (sunbathing and view)
⚠️ Swimming is not really recommended because of the pollution, but sunbathing with a view is a great option.
Accommodation
Hotels in Piraeus
If you need to stay overnight in Piraeus before taking the ferry, there are several excellent hotels in the immediate vicinity of the port.
🏨 Piraeus Premium Suites
One of the most popular hotels in Piraeus, known for its high standard and excellent location near the port.
View offer →🏨 Theokenia
Another recommended hotel in the area, convenient for travelers waiting for the morning ferry.
More hotels →Don't wander randomly! Read my article „Ferry ports of Greece“ and find out which ports are best connected, what they offer and how to choose the one that best suits your plans.
🎟️ Check out the ferry offers on the platforms Direct Ferries i Omio and find the most affordable and practical option for your next island trip!
