From Wheels to Waves: How to Get from Athens Airport to Piraeus Ferry Port
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Getting from Athens Airport to Piraeus ferry port will be the first thing you’ll need to do if you’re planning to take a ferry to the Greek islands directly after your arrival to Athens. Most travelers don’t know there are several ways to get to Piraeus port from the airport of Athens.
In this guide, we’ll review all your options, prices, timetables, and other useful tips to ensure that you arrive in Piraeus on time for your ferry trip.
Read on to find out the best way to get to the ferry port of Piraeus from Athens Airport.
Getting from Athens Airport to Piraeus Ferry Port by Metro
Since the new metro stations opened up in 2022 near the port, taking the metro from the airport of Athens to Piraeus port has been the most popular choice among travelers. It’s also one of the easiest ways to get to Piraeus, as the airport metro station is only a few minutes away, and there is a direct connection from the airport to the ferry port (blue line).
Below, you’ll find all the information about how to get the metro from the Athens airport to Piraeus port.
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Metro from Athens Airport to Piraeus Price
Hopping on the airport metro to get to Piraeus is quite affordable. A one-way metro ticket from the Athens airport to the metro station of Piraeus costs 9€ for adults and 4,5€ for people over 55 years old, children, and students. Kids under 6 years old can get on the metro for free.
There’s also the option of getting a round-trip ticket for 16€. If you’re planning to move around Athens with the metro later on, keep in mind that this is the price for the airport metro ticket. A normal ticket is significantly less expensive.
For more information on public transportation in Athens, look at this guide.
Metro from Athens Airport to the Piraeus Port Timetable and Availability
The most important drawback of using the metro to get to Piraeus from Athens airport is that there is no metro service at night. Metros in Athens run from 06:30 in the morning until 23:35 at night, and a metro departs from the airport station approximately every 30 minutes. A metro ride from the Athens airport to the Piraeus metro station will take about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
How to Get to the Metro Station at the Athens Airport
Reaching the metro station at the Athens International Airport will only take a few minutes. After you leave the building at the arrivals level (ground floor), cross the street where all the taxis are waiting and climb the escalator up to the pedestrian bridge. The metro station is located at the end of this bridge.
Important: Besides the metro, the suburban railway also departs from the same platform. Make sure you board the correct train!
Where to Buy Metro Tickets at the Athens Airport
As mentioned above, after you cross the pedestrian bridge at the airport, you’ll reach the entrance of the metro station. You’ll find automatic ticket machines on your left and right and ticket booths on your left.
Select the “airport ticket” option if you are using the machines. After you scan your ticket, it will be valid for 90 minutes.
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Arriving at Piraeus Metro Station and Getting to the Ferry Port
It’s important to note that Piraeus metro station is not at the end of the line – it’s one stop before the last.
After you get off at the station, you’ll notice two exits. The first is called “Kallimasioti Coast.” If you take this exit and go up the escalators, you’ll arrive directly at the docks of Piraeus port.
The other exit, called “Odissou Square,” will take you to a small square opposite the docks. You’ll have to take the escalator and cross the pedestrian bridge over the avenue to reach the port.
Courtesy: Harry Farmakis
Getting from Athens Airport to Piraeus Ferry Port by Bus
Taking the bus to the Piraeus ferry port from Athens Airport is the most affordable option. In addition, buses are available 24/7, including national public holidays. However, it’s also the slowest way to get to Piraeus compared to your other options.
Only one bus that goes directly from Athens airport to Piraeus is called the “X96 express airport bus”. Piraeus Port is the terminal stop of bus X96. A bus ride from the airport to Piraeus lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Courtesy: athensairportbus.com
Ticket price of X96 Bus from Athens Airport to Piraeus
A one-way ticket bus ride from Athens airport to Piraeus costs 5.5€ for adults and 2.70€ for elders over 65 years old, children, and students. Children under 6 years old are not required to pay.
X96 Bus from Athens Airport to the ferry port of Piraeus Availability and Timetable
The express X96 bus that connects Piraeus with the airport of Athens is available around the clock and all year round, even on public holidays. Buses depart from the airport approximately every 30 minutes.
You can find the timetable for bus X96 here. Keep in mind that this timetable might change and that delays are not uncommon.
How to get to the X96 bus stop at the Athens Airport
The X96 bus stop is located on the ground floor at the Arrivals terminal level, right between exits 4 and 5. You can easily spot it by the bus sign above and the ticket booth that’s located right beside it.
How to buy tickets for the X96 Express Airport Bus
There’s a ticket booth right next to the bus stop where you can buy your tickets. Remember that the tickets will not be valid until you scan them at the machines you’ll find inside the bus.
Getting from Athens Airport to Piraeus Ferry Port by Taxi
Getting a taxi from the airport of Athens to the port of Piraeus is one of the fastest ways to get there. Normally, you’ll be able to find plenty of taxis waiting for you outside of the airport all year round.
There is a fixed fee for trips between the airport and Piraeus. However, this only applies to the official taxis of Athens – the yellow ones.
Check out some excellent transfer services from reliable companies.
At the airport, you’ll also find other vehicles offering transfers by private companies that will most likely charge you extra. Lastly, there are other taxi services you can use.
For more information about taxi apps like Uber and Lyft in Athens, have a look here.
What is the Price for a Taxi from Athens Airport to Piraeus
There’s a fixed standard fee for taxi trips between the Athens airport and Piraeus. During the daytime, from 5 am until midnight, the price will be 54€. At nighttime, from midnight until 5 am, the price will be 70€.
This fixed price only applies to trips between the airport and the port of Piraeus. You must pay extra if your final destination is elsewhere in the city.
Local’s tip: Make sure to have some cash with you, as most taxi drivers can only accept cash as payment.
Private Transfers from Athens Airport to Piraeus
It goes without saying that pre-booking a private transfer from the airport of Athens to the port of Piraeus is the safest and most convenient option.
This way, you won’t have to worry about complicated timetables, delays, or keeping an eye out on the taxi meter. In addition, you’ll get an English-speaking driver who will pick you up at the arrivals terminal before you even exit the airport.
We highly recommend booking a one-way private transfer on Get Your Guide, the famous travel platform. Don’t worry about changing your mind later – you can always cancel up to 24 hours before you get to Athens, and you’ll get a full refund!
Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line
A Comparison of all your options for getting from Athens Airport to Piraeus Ferry Port
To clarify everything, we have gathered all the necessary information on how to get from the airport of Athens to the ferry port of Piraeus, including means of transportation, waiting times, prices, and availability below.
| Availability | Trip Duration | Price in EUR | Average Waiting Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro | 06:30 to 23:35 | 1 hour, 10 minutes | 9 per adult | 20 minutes |
| Bus | 24/7 | 1,5 hours | 5.5 per adult | 20 minutes |
| Taxi | 24/7 | 45 minutes | 54 during the day / 70 during the night | – |
| Private Transfer | 24/7 | 45 minutes | Starting from 68 | – |
Frequently Asked Questions about getting from the Athens Airport to Piraeus
In this short section, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about getting from the airport in Athens to Piraeus, and we’ll give you some more useful tips so that there will be no unpleasant surprises waiting for you upon your arrival to Athens.
How far away is Athens Airport from Piraeus?
The port of Piraeus is located about 45 kilometers west of the Athens International Airport.
How long is a trip from Athens airport to Piraeus?
If you’re traveling by taxi or private transfer, you can reach Piraeus port from Athens airport within 45 minutes. If you’re taking the metro, the trip will last about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Finally, if you plan to take the bus, the ride will be about one and a half hours long.
What is the price of a taxi from Athens airport to Piraeus port?
There is a fixed fee for rides between the airport of Athens and Piraeus. A ride from the airport of Athens to Piraeus will cost 54 euros (from 5 am to midnight) or 70 euros (from midnight to 5 am).
What is the price of the metro from the Athens airport to Piraeus port?
A metro ticket from the airport of Athens to Piraeus metro station costs 9 euros for adults and 4,5 euros for children, students and elders.
What is the price of the bus from Athens airport to Piraeus port?
A bus ticket to Piraeus from the airport costs 5,5 euros for adults and 2,7 euros for children, students and elders.
What’s the best way to get from Athens airport to Piraeus?
The answer depends on your budget and how fast you want to get from the airport to the port. If you’re in a rush to catch a ferry, we strongly recommend pre-booking a private transfer. If you don’t mind spending more time reaching Piraeus, the metro is a safe choice.
Do taxi drivers in Greece accept tips?
Tipping the taxi drivers in Greece is not obligatory. However, you’re welcome to tip your driver if you want.
Should I exchange money at the Athens airport?
We always recommend exchanging a small amount of money when you arrive in Athens – especially if you’re traveling to an island immediately afterward. Exchanging money in the Greek islands might not be as easy as you think. If you want to avoid excessive exchange rates and “tourist trap” ATMs, you should have a look here.
Should I buy a SIM card at the Athens airport?
We generally don’t recommend buying a new SIM card at the Athens airport. There are many other places you could get one instead. Are you wondering why you should avoid SIM card kiosks at the airport? Take a look at this guide.
Do you recommend staying at a hotel in Piraeus?
If you plan to stay for one night and catch a ferry the following day, you should definitely book a hotel near the port. On the other hand, if you plan to spend a few days in Athens, we strongly recommend staying near the city center. You can find many of our suggestions for hotels in Piraeus and every popular neighborhood of central Athens here.
To conclude, there are many ways to get from the airport of Athens to Piraeus port. It’s up to you to decide which suits your needs and how much time you have before getting to the port. Whichever you choose, read through our guide and rest assured that your trip will be as safe, effortless, and comfortable as possible.
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