Piraeus Port: Tips & Info about the main port of Athens
Piraeus is the main port of Athens and one of the busiest passenger ports in Europe. Located southwest of the capital, it serves as the starting point for countless journeys to the Greek islands, Crete, the Dodecanese, and the Saronic Gulf islands.
Gates and Vessel Locations at Piraeus Port
The port extends along the Saronic Gulf and includes 12 main departure gates, serving all popular island destinations. Each gate is connected to different island groups:
- E1: Dodecanese
- E2-E3: Crete and North Aegean islands
- E6-E7-E9-E10: Cyclades
- E8: Saronic Gulf
More specifically, the gates are the following:
If you need to move within the port, you can use the free Piraeus Port Authority shuttle bus (starting from the ISAP/Proastiakos station, stop E5) with frequent schedules. To cross the port on foot, it will take approximately 1 hour if you are not carrying luggage for your trip.
Discover the detailed map by Ferryhopper, featuring all information about the port of Piraeus, such as gates, port bus stops, and ticket kiosks here.
Ferry Schedules & Destinations
The port hosts daily ferry departures for both nearby and more remote islands:
- Cyclades: Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Santorini, Syros, Tinos, Milos, Ios, etc.
- Crete: Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Sitia
- Dodecanese: Rhodes, Kos, Kalymnos, Patmos, Karpathos, Kasos, Leros, etc.
- North Aegean: Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria, Lemnos, Agios Efstratios, Psara, Fourni
- Saronic Gulf: Aegina, Hydra, Poros, Spetses, Agistri
Schedule frequency: Daily for most destinations, with more options for popular islands and increased schedules during the summer period. Choose between conventional and high-speed ferries to find what suits you best.
Popular Destinations
Port Location - How to get to Piraeus
The port is located just 12 km from the center of Athens and can be easily reached by metro (Line 1 or 3), suburban railway (Proastiakos), bus, or taxi. The electric railway station (Line 1, also known as the "green line") is located next to key gates and connects Kifissia with Piraeus. Line 3 (blue) connects the port with the "Eleftherios Venizelos" airport, while the X96 bus operates 24/7 and costs only €6. Buses from the center (040/049) pass every 15-20 minutes and take you directly near the port. The metro journey from the airport takes about 1 hour, while the X96 bus offers 24-hour service between the airport and the port with affordable tickets.
Athens - Piraeus by Taxi If you take a taxi from the center of Athens to the port of Piraeus, estimate that the journey takes around 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic. However, if you run into rush hour or during summer heatwave with increased traffic, it may take a bit longer, so make sure to leave in time. The cost is approximately €20 during the day and rises to €25-€30 during night hours (00:00-05:00).
Airport to Piraeus Port
Metro: The easiest way to get from Athens Airport to Piraeus is by metro. Trains to the center depart every 30 minutes. At Monastiraki station, you change to Line 1 (the green line) heading towards Piraeus. The total journey takes about 1.5 hours and the ticket costs €10 per person. Reduced tickets are available for students, large families, etc.
Suburban Railway (Proastiakos): The suburban railway offers a direct connection from the airport to Piraeus. Services run every hour, from 06:09 until 22:09. The journey takes about 1 hour and the ticket costs €10 per person, with the same discounts applying as for the metro.
Bus: The X96 bus connects the airport with the port of Piraeus 24 hours a day. It departs every 20-30 minutes and the ticket costs €6. The duration of the journey is about 1 hour, while children under 6 years old travel for free.
Taxi: The taxi ride from the Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (Spata area) to Piraeus takes about 45 minutes. The cost is around €50 during the day and €65 during the night. Prices are for up to 4 passengers.
Internal Shuttle Bus within Piraeus Port
If you want to move within the port of Piraeus, you can use the free shuttle bus operated by the Piraeus Port Authority that serves travelers at various points in the port. Its starting point is at the main entrance, near the ISAP station, as shown on the map. There you will see electronic signs showing the waiting time for the next bus.
The bus makes several stops within the port:
- Starting Point: Port Main Entrance (near ISAP, Gate E5)
- Agios Dionysios 1 - O.S.E.
- Agios Dionysios 2
- Ietion 1
- Ietion 2
- Dexamenes (Docks)
- Ministry of Maritime Affairs (Ipourgio Emporikis Naftilias)
- Vasileiadi 1 - Customs
- Vasileiadi 2
- Terma (Bus terminus)
Facilities & Useful Information
- Within the port, the PPA shuttle bus is available for free, with 24-hour access to taxis and bus stops.
- There are ATMs, shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, and many cafes/eateries next to the gates.
- The departure gate is written on your ticket, but always check the electronic signs for any changes.
- Make sure to be at the port early to find your gate comfortably, at least 1 hour before departure, especially in the summer.
- For inquiries, contact the Piraeus Port Authority (2104172675, 2104226000-4) or consult the company that issued your tickets.
- If you have extra time and little luggage, take a walk in Piraiki, Marina Zeas, and Mikrolimano for an atmospheric coffee or meal by the sea.
Frequently Asked Questions about Piraeus port
Is there disabled access at the port? Yes, all basic infrastructure has PwD access and assistance services.
Is there Parking at the port of Piraeus? Parking is prohibited within the port, but you will find private parking lots nearby, and you can book them online.
How much do tickets to the islands cost? Prices vary depending on the destination, type of ship, and cabin. They usually start from €25-30 for nearby islands.
What times do most ships depart? Morning and evening schedules have the highest frequency, but there are options throughout the day.
Popular Destinations from Piraeus/Athens
Get ready for a holiday or a short getaway: Piraeus is waiting for you to travel towards the Aegean and offer you unforgettable experiences! Book cheap ferry tickets to and from the port of Piraeus online at Aktoploika.gr!