Piraeus Athens, Greece Travel Guide
The Metro Green Line (Line 1) of the Athens Metro terminates at Piraeus station. This line holds direct access to central Athens, with stops at major hubs like Monastiraki, Omonia, and Syntagma Square. The Metro often serves as the most efficient and fastest way to travel between Piraeus and central Athens.
An extensive network of public buses serves Piraeus, connecting various neighborhoods within the city and linking Piraeus to other parts of Athens and the Athens Riviera. The Athens Tram network connects Piraeus (Neo Faliro station) to coastal suburbs like Glyfada and Syntagma Square, offering a scenic way to travel.
The ATH.ENA Ticket system covers all public transport modes. Tickets load onto a reusable plastic card (Athena Card) or paper ticket (Athena Ticket).
Single ticket: €1.20 (90 min). Daily pass: €4.10. 5-day pass: €8.20. 3-day tourist ticket (airport return + unlimited travel): €20.
Metro: ~05:30 to 00:30 (weekdays), ~01:30 (Fri/Sat). Buses/Trams: Vary, some run 24/7 (X96 airport express).
Be aware, especially on crowded Metro trains and at busy stations.
Keep bags and wallets close and out of sight.
Remain mindful of your surroundings.
Consider traveling during less crowded times.
Taxis provide a direct travel option, especially for heavy luggage or late-night journeys. Licensed taxis are yellow cars with a "TAXI" sign. You can hail them on the street, find them at designated stands, or book via app. Uber operates as Uber Taxi, also connecting to licensed yellow taxis.
Drive on the right side of the road.
Mandatory for all passengers.
Using a mobile phone without a hands-free system while driving is illegal.
Piraeus has several pedestrian-friendly areas ideal for leisurely strolls, offering different aspects of the city's character. Cycling infrastructure is limited, making it more suitable for recreation than main urban transport.
Several Athens hop-on-hop-off bus tours include Piraeus. This is a convenient way to get an overview of both cities and their coastal surroundings. Athens Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (Piraeus & Beach) provides an option.
Explore at your own pace.
Limited boat taxi services exist within the immediate Piraeus port area. Regular ferry services are the main water transport to islands. True water taxis often serve for short island transfers.
Mainly for inter-island travel.
Navigating Piraeus with mobility challenges may have difficulty due to uneven pavements and stairs. Newer public transport (Metro, modern trams) often has better accessibility. Pre-booking accessible taxis is advisable.
Plan ahead for mobility needs.
Piraeus invites exploration on foot, especially around its scenic harbors and the elevated Kastella neighborhood. For broader sightseeing, hop-on-hop-off buses connect Piraeus with Athens.
Hop-on-hop-off bus tours connect Piraeus to major Athens attractions and the Athens Riviera. This allows for a flexible sightseeing experience across both urban and coastal areas.
Limited boat taxi services exist within the immediate Piraeus port area. Regular ferry services handle the majority of water transport to the Greek islands. For short island transfers, water taxis have use.
Piraeus has no cable cars or funiculars. The city's transport relies on standard urban modes like buses, trams, and the Metro.
Piraeus's efficient public transport system, especially the Metro, makes travel between the port, Athens center, and the airport straightforward.
For exploring the port city itself, walking offers an immersive experience, notably around its distinct harbors and elevated viewpoints.
