Piraeus Port - 2023 Guide

Piraeus port, located closest to the center of Athens, is Greece’s busiest and largest passenger port. It’s like a gateway to the Aegean, offering ferry connections to so many amazing destinations. Can you believe it? Almost 18 million people pass through here every year! 

From the enchanting Cyclades to the scenic Dodecanese, picturesque Saronic islands, captivating North Aegean, and beautiful Crete, there are endless possibilities for your island adventures. 

Dating back to the 5th century BC, Piraeus port has a fascinating history and has been rebuilt multiple times due to wars. But today, it’s a modern port with renovated facilities, providing all the amenities you need before your departure. Keep in mind, though, during the tourist season, it can get quite busy here. 

If you prefer a more peaceful experience, you might want to consider the tranquil ports of Rafina and Lavrio as alternatives. They offer quicker routes to specific islands like Mykonos, Andros, Tinos, Naxos, and Kea. 

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Wondering how to get to Piraeus port?

Piraeus, which happens to be the largest port in Greece, offers daily sailings to all Aegean Island groups. You’ve got the Cyclades, Dodecanese complexes, Saronic islands, the North Aegean islands, and, of course, Crete. It serves as a major hub for leading ferry companies operating in the Aegean region, like Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, Minoan Lines, and more. 

From Athens center

When it comes to getting to Piraeus port from the center of Athens, you’ve got a few options. Taking a taxi is pretty convenient, and it’ll take you around 25 minutes for a ride that costs about 25 euros. But if you prefer public transportation, the metro is an excellent choice. There are two metro lines the Green Line and the Blue Line. 

The metro station in Piraeus is conveniently located right in front of the harbor, so it’s super easy to get to. The metro operates from 5:30 a.m. to 12:20 a.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays, it runs until 1:30 a.m. The journey from Syntagma to Piraeus usually takes around 25 minutes, and you’ll find trains departing every 10 minutes or so. Oh, and metro tickets will cost you about 1.20 euros.

Now, if you’re more of a bus person, no worries. There are several bus lines that can take you to Piraeus port or nearby locations. For example, bus 040 runs from Syntagma to Korai Square, and from there, you can easily reach the port on foot in about 10 minutes. Bus 049, on the other hand, runs from Omonoia to Korai Square. 

There are other bus lines, too, like the X80 Express, which operates seasonally from Syntagma, Acropolis Museum to OLP station or terminal. You’ve also got buses 826, 832, 833, and 875 from Suburban and Electric Railways to Gate E9. And if you’re near Karaiskaki Square near Omonoia, you can hop on bus 218 to Piraeus.

In Greece, buses usually operate from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., but guess what? Bus 040 from Syntagma to Piraeus runs continuously, 24 hours a day. And just like with the metro, bus tickets cost about 1.20 euros and can be used multiple times within a 90-minute time limit. You can also get day passes if you need them. Oh, and one more thing, the prices are different when traveling to or from the airport. And hey, if you’re traveling with kids under the age of 6, they can ride for free on all means of public transport.

When you visit Piraeus port, don’t forget to check the gate from which your ferry departs. The port is quite large, and it has multiple gates, so you wanna make sure you’re heading to the right one.

From Athens Airport

 If you’re heading to Piraeus port from Athens airport, you’ve got a few options to choose from:

• Taxi: Outside all airport gates, you’ll find taxi queues that offer convenient transportation to Piraeus port. The ride usually takes about 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic. During the day, the fare is around 45 euros, and at night (from 24:00 to 05:00), it’s about 64 euros. If you prefer, you can also book your Athens airport transfer online for added convenience.
• Metro: Just outside the airport, there’s a metro station that connects you directly to Piraeus port. Hop on the blue line, and you’ll be at the harbor in no time. Trains run from 6:10 a.m. to 23:34 p.m., departing approximately every 36 minutes. The journey takes about an hour, and a one-way ticket costs 9 euros.
• Train: Right next to the airport terminal, you’ll find the Athens Airport station. From there, the Athens Suburban Railway (Proastiakos) offers direct service to Piraeus port. The journey usually takes about 60 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs 9 euros.
• Bus: If you’re looking for a more affordable option, bus X96 is your best bet. It runs directly from Athens airport to Piraeus port, operating 24 hours a day. The journey takes around 90 minutes, with buses departing approximately every 40 minutes. A single journey ticket costs 5 euros.

Just a heads up, Piraeus port is quite large, so keep in mind that it may take some time to get from one gate to another. But don’t worry, there’s a free shuttle bus service available inside the port for ferry passengers. The shuttle bus stops at various points within the port, making it easier for you to navigate. Make sure to check your ticket for the designated gate, and take a moment to familiarize yourself with the port’s layout.

Port Facilities

• Passenger Terminals: Piraeus Port has 3 passenger terminals with air-conditioned waiting rooms, refreshment areas, and restrooms. You can relax and freshen up while you wait for your ferry or cruise.
• Shuttle Bus: Need to get around the port? No worries! We provide a complimentary shuttle bus service to conveniently connect different areas within the port.
• Parking: Don’t stress about finding a parking spot! We have 130 parking spaces near Terminal 4 and Cruise Terminal B, so you can easily park your vehicle.
• Toilets: Restroom facilities are available at all terminals. Plus, we have additional toilets at Terminals 3, 4, and 5, so you’ll never have to wait too long.
• ATM: Need some cash? No problem! ATMs can be found near Terminal 4 and Terminal 9, making it easy for you to withdraw money.
• Currency Exchange: Planning to exchange currency? We’ve got you covered! Convenient currency exchange services are located near Terminal 4, ensuring you have easy access to your preferred currency.
• Luggage Lockers: Travelling with luggage? We’ve got a solution for you! Luggage lockers are conveniently situated at Terminal 2, allowing you to securely store your belongings.
• Taxi Ranks: Need a ride? Taxi ranks are conveniently positioned at each passenger terminal, ensuring you can easily catch a taxi to your destination.

Routes from Piraeus Port

Piraeus Port offers sailings to the following destinations:

• Crete: Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Sitia, Kissamos.
• Peloponnese: Kythira, Antikythira, Porto Heli.
• North Aegean: Chios, Lesvos, Psara, Ikaria, Fournoi, Samos.
• Saronic: Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra, Spetses, Ermioni, Methana.
• Dodecanese: Astypalaia, Halki, Karpathos, Kalymnos, Kasos, Kastelorizo, Kos, Leros, Lipsi, Nisyros, Patmos, Rhodes, Symi, Tilos.
• Cyclades: Amorgos, Anafi, Donousa, Folegandros, Ios, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Syros, Santorini, Thirassia, Tinos.

Contact Information

Piraeus Port Address: 10 Akti Miaouli, Piraeus 185 38, Greece

Phone: +30 210 4550225 (Piraeus Port Authority: +30 210 4147800)

24-hour Telephone Information Service: 14541 

Website: http://www.olp.gr

What to Do in Piraeus

If you happen to have some free time around Piraeus Port, there are a bunch of cool restaurants, bars, and cafes nearby. And guess what? Piraeus has so many awesome landmarks and places to check out! You’ve got the Municipal Theater, the churches of Agia Triada, the Archaeological and Maritime museums, the historic Castella neighborhood, the Ancient Walls, the yacht port Zea, the charming harbor Mikrolimano, and the lively commercial street Sotiros.

Oh, and did I mention there are two beaches around? There’s Votsalakia and the Beach of Freatida. Now, swimming may not be the best idea due to pollution, but you can definitely enjoy some sunbathing and take in the stunning views.

If you’re looking for a place to stay overnight, no worries! There are plenty of hotels around. And to make things even better, there are tourist buses that offer tours to all these amazing spots. So, you’re guaranteed to have a blast and stay entertained for hours!