If you are traveling to Athens the capital of Greece with a cruise ship, you will arrive at the main port of the city called Piraeus. There are a couple of ways to get from Piraeus to Athens and visit all the archaeological sites.
From Piraeus to Athens by shuttle bus
One of the simplest ways to get from Piraeus port to Athens is by using the shuttle bus a couple of cruise ships offer. This service is either complimentary or with a charge. Check with your cruise ship before deciding. The approximate travel time between Piraeus and Athens city center is between 20 minutes to 60 minutes depending on traffic.
From Piraeus to Athens by public bus
There is a public bus line Χ80 PIRAEUS- AKROPOLIS- SYNTAGMA EXPRESS that connects Piraeus port with Athens city center. Starting from OLP cruise terminal gate bus stop, it makes three more stops along the way; Piraeus town center, Sygrou – Fix metro station and Syntagma metro station (for city center and the Acropolis). The journey time between Piraeus and Athens is approximately 30 min. Buses run seven days per week from 7:00 am until 21:30 pm every 30 minutes.
Tickets accepted at the bus is the daily ticket for all transport modes that costs 4.50 €. You can purchase the ticket from the driver, and you need to validate it just once on your first ride.
Another ticket type that is valid on the X80 bus is the 3-day tourist ticket for all transport modes that costs 22.00 € and is valid for 3 days from the first validation (you must validate it only once on your first ride). This ticket is only also valid for one journey to and from the airport.
From Piraeus to Athens by subway
Another way to get from Piraeus to Athens is by the subway. Piraeus ISAP metro station connects the port with the city of Athens (Monastiraki metro station) in just 15 minutes. You just take the green metro line towards Kifisia, and you get off at the Monastiraki metro station (next to Plaka). In case you want to head straight to the Acropolis or the Acropolis museum you again take the green line towards Kifisia and you get off at Omonia metro station. There you take the red line towards Elliniko (the train might also say to Ag Dimitrios), and you get off at Acropolis metro station. The metro ticket costs 1.40 € and is valid for 90 minutes. Tickets can be bought at the metro station and in some kiosks.
The Piraeus ISAP metro station is located 20 minutes on foot from the cruise terminal exactly opposite Gate E6 from the port where there is a big pedestrian bridge. If you don’t want to walk, you can take a taxi (it costs around 10 € for up to 4 people sharing). Finally, there are a few public buses that run between the cruise terminal (Miaouli Avenue) and the Piraeus ISAP metro station buses N° 859, 843 or 826. Tickets cannot be bought onboard but only in a kiosk nearby. Ticket costs 1.40 € and is valid for 90 minutes. (You can use it at the metro too).
From Piraeus to Athens by taxi
Another way to get to Athens from Piraeus port is by taxi. Although the city center is only 15 km away, it can take you between 20 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. The cost is around 15 € (up to 4 people sharing) depending again on traffic. You will find taxis waiting in the cruise terminal.
From Piraeus to Athens by private transfer
There is an option of booking a private transfer beforehand. A professional driver will be waiting for you as soon as you arrive at the port and will take you where you want to in the city center. There usually is cold water waiting for you in the car and the driver will be there to answer all your questions. The cost is around 20 € for up to 4 people sharing.
As a local in Athens, I usually use the public transport but if I want to get to the port or the airport I always use this company Athina VIP as it is very reliable and professional.
From Piraeus to Athens by the Hop on Hop off bus
You can buy a Hop On Hop off bus ticket that will take you to the Acropolis with many stops along the way.
Find here more information and prices.
Arriving in Piraeus port and need more information? Don’t hesitate to contact me.
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