Getting from Athens to Piraeus

If you are heading to Piraeus from Athens you are making the short trip to the largest port in Greece and one of the busiest in the Mediterranean. Piraeus is where Athens meets the sea, a working port city of ferry terminals, fish markets and waterfront tavernas that has its own distinct character beyond its role as a transit hub. The archaeological museum has finds from the ancient city going back to the 5th century BC. The neighbourhood of Mikrolimano has some of the best seafood restaurants in the Athens area. Piraeus is also the departure point for ferries to the Cyclades, Crete, the Dodecanese, the Saronic islands and much of the northern Aegean.

Getting there by air

Piraeus has no airport of its own. Athens International Airport is around 35 kilometres to the east and the two are connected by the X96 express bus, which runs 24 hours a day and takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, and by taxi or private transfer taking around 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic.

Take the train, bus or drive

The Athens metro Line 1 runs directly from central Athens to Piraeus and is the fastest and most convenient option, taking around 25 to 30 minutes from Monastiraki or Omonia. The drive from central Athens takes around 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Several bus lines also connect the city to Piraeus.

Take the ferry

There is no ferry from Athens to Piraeus. Piraeus is the ferry port itself and the starting point for connections across the Greek island network.

Your best option

Take the metro. Line 1 runs directly to Piraeus station, which is a short walk from the main ferry terminals, and is by far the most reliable way to reach the port without getting caught in Athens traffic. If you are coming from Athens Airport, the X96 express bus is the most straightforward connection.