How do I get to the port of Piraeus from downtown Athens?

Piraeus is the main port of Athens. It is located some fifteen kilometers from the city center. It has excellent transport links. To get to Piraeus from Athens, you can take :

• the bus
• the metro
• a cab.

Each mode of transport has its advantages and disadvantages. We explain it all below.

You may also be interested in the following articles :

• Getting to Piraeus from Athens airport
• Athens ports: Piraeus, Lavrio, Rafina
• Find a hotel in Piraeus
• Where can I find luggage storage in Athens?

From Athens to Piraeus by bus

Various buses link the Greek capital to the port of Piraeus: bus no. 040 from Syntagma Square and bus no. 049 from Omonia Square.

• Journey time: 45 mins to 1h15 depending on traffic
• Price: €1.20
• When : 24 hours a day for 040; 5 a.m. to midnight for 049. Check schedules before you leave on the OASA website
• Frequency: every 15 to 30 mins depending on the time of day
• Advantage: the most economical solution
• Disadvantage : slowest means of transport and variable journey times due to traffic jams.

Another option if you’re just passing through Athens for a few hours from Piraeus (e.g. on a Greek cruise with a one-day stopover in Athens), multi-stop tourist buses are a good way to get from Athens to Piraeus and vice versa. In particular, there are 2 lines that run all the way to the port: the blue Sights of Athens buses and the black Big Bus Athens. It’s easy to get to the must-see sights of Athens, with a little audio-guided tour to boot!

Take the metro to Piraeus

It’s very easy to get to Piraeus from Athens by metro, as it is served by 2 lines. To do this, take line 1 (green) to the Monastiraki or Omonia stop, in the direction of Piraeus (terminus). Or line 3 (blue) to Syntagma or Monastiraki, direction Dimotiko Theatro to the Pireas 3 stop. No change, it’s direct.

Allow plenty of time for the walk from the metro exit to the ferry platform.

• Travel time: 20 to 25 mins
• Price: €1.20
• Frequency: every 5 to 15 mins
• When: 5 a.m. to midnight
• Advantage: it’s the fastest and most convenient way
• Disadvantage: impossible for night drives. And impractical for families with small children, the elderly or people with a lot of luggage.

Find all timetables on Stasy.gr

Take a cab to Piraeus from Athens

Cabs are the most comfortable way to get to the port of Piraeus from Athens.

You can take a yellow cab on the street. To be sure of finding a cab at any time of day, head for Syntagma. Cabs are still waiting.

Alternatively, to avoid last-minute stress, book a cab in advance on the Welcome PickUps website. This is the company we personally always use, because it’s reliable and trustworthy.

• Journey time: 20 mins when traffic is smooth… much longer in traffic jams
• Price: with Welcome PickUps, approx. €27 during the day, €36 at night
• When: 24/7
• Advantage: the big advantage of the cab is that it takes you directly to your boarding quay, at the foot of the boat. No stress about finding your way around Piraeus.
• Disadvantages: it’s more expensive than public transport, and journey times vary according to traffic jams.

^{Laure M.}

Updated on April 15, 2024