Piraeus Athens, Greece Travel Guide
The Metro Blue Line (Line 3) from the Airport to Monastiraki, then change to Green Line (Line 1) to Piraeus. This ride takes approximately 60-75 minutes. The Suburban Rail has a direct line from Airport to Piraeus. This ride takes approximately 60 minutes.
The X96 Express Bus directly links the airport to Piraeus Port. This route operates 24/7. Taxis from the airport to Piraeus have a flat rate. Confirm the flat rate with the driver beforehand.
Direct flights to Athens International Airport exist from major global cities including New York, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Dubai, and Istanbul.
Flight availability generally climbs and prices rise during the high season (June-August). Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) often have a good balance.
ATH provides extensive duty-free shops, diverse dining, car rental agencies, currency exchange, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi.
A valid national driving license is always needed. An International Driving Permit (IDP) comes as a strong suggestion for non-EU citizens, and law for some nationalities.
Roads in Greece are generally well-maintained, especially national highways. Rural roads can vary. Driving in Piraeus/Athens can see heavy traffic and aggressive driving.
Finding street parking in Piraeus is difficult, often with payment. Private parking garages hold more secure, paid options. DiscoverCars.com for car rentals.
Piraeus is the largest passenger port in Europe and the main gateway to the Greek islands. The port has extensive connections to almost all major Greek island groups (Cyclades, Dodecanese, Crete, Saronic Gulf islands).
For international arrivals by ferry, standard passport control applies. For domestic ferry travel within Greece, no passport control occurs. The Piraeus port connects exceptionally well to land transportation networks.
All departure taxes are included in your airline ticket. For international flights from Athens International Airport (ATH), try to arrive 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure. This period allows ample time for check-in, baggage drop, and security screening.
No separate exit fees apply at the port. For domestic ferries to the Greek islands, arrive at least 30-60 minutes before departure. This period allows time to locate your gate and board. For international ferries (e.g., to Italy), arrive 1-2 hours before departure for passport control and boarding.
Offers check-in counters, self-service kiosks, baggage drop-off, and efficient security checkpoints. Beyond security, extensive duty-free shopping, dining, and lounges are available.
Less extensive than an airport, but has basic facilities. Numerous ferry company ticket offices, kiosks selling snacks/drinks, and some cafes are available. Restrooms are also present.
Check your specific ferry gate area for amenities, as they can vary. A Portable GPS device or offline maps for driving assist with navigation.
