Getting from Symi to Piraeus

If you are heading to Piraeus from Symi you are making your way from one of the most beautiful harbour towns in the Dodecanese to the largest port in Greece and the gateway to Athens and the wider ferry network.

Take the ferry

There is a direct overnight ferry from Symi to Piraeus running via Rhodes and several Dodecanese islands, taking around 15 to 18 hours. It is a comfortable connection with cabins available that delivers you to the port in the morning. The service runs several times a week and is the main sea connection from Symi to the Greek mainland. Check the schedule carefully before booking as departure days vary by season. From Piraeus the metro takes around 20 minutes to central Athens.

Getting there by air

Piraeus has no airport. The nearest airport is Athens International, around 45 kilometres to the east. Symi has no airport. The nearest airport is Rhodes. Taking the ferry from Symi to Rhodes and flying from Rhodes to Athens, then taking the metro or taxi to Piraeus, gives a total journey time of around 4 to 5 hours and is considerably faster than the overnight ferry for most travelers who do not need to take a vehicle.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Symi to Rhodes and fly from Rhodes to Athens, then take the metro directly to Piraeus. At around 4 to 5 hours total it is the fastest and most practical approach for foot passengers. Note that Symi is car-free so if you are traveling with a car it would already be in Rhodes, from where you can take the direct overnight ferry to Piraeus, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning with the day ahead.