Piraeus Cruise Port Guide

About the Piraeus Cruise Port (Athens)

Piraeus is the cruise port for Athens, Greece, about 6 miles (10km) from the Acropolis and the city center. This page covers the port, maps and meeting locations, general port information, and transportation to central Athens and Athens Airport. Your private driver meets you at your ship.

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Piraeus Cruise Port at a Glance

Where the port is
Piraeus, Greece, on the coast southwest of central Athens. Piraeus is the main port of Athens and one of the busiest cruise ports in the Mediterranean.
Distance to Athens
About 6 miles (10km) to the Acropolis and central Athens, roughly 20 to 30 minutes by car depending on traffic.
Where ships dock
Ships use Terminal A, B or C along the eastern quay. Terminal assignments can change at short notice, and no tendering is required.
Getting to Athens
The metro station is not at the cruise terminals, so most passengers walk, take a taxi, or arrange a private transfer. Athens Airport is about 45 minutes to 1 hour from the port.
Where your private driver meets you
At your ship.

Watch: How to Find Your Driver at the Piraeus Cruise Port

About Piraeus Cruise Port

Piraeus is a large, busy port, and the walk from your ship to the city side of the port can be long.

How the Port Is Laid Out

  • Cruise ships use Terminal A (Miaoulis), Terminal B (Themistocles) and Terminal C (Alkimos) along the eastern quay.
  • Terminal A is the closest to the center of Piraeus. Terminals B and C are farther along the quay.
  • Terminal assignments can change at short notice, so check your ship's daily program for your terminal.
  • Ships dock alongside the quay, so no tendering is required.

Distance to Athens

  • Central Athens and the Acropolis are about 6 miles (10km) from the port, roughly 20 to 30 minutes by car depending on traffic.
  • The Piraeus metro station is not at the cruise terminals. It is about a 15 minute walk from Terminal A and about a 30 minute walk from Terminals B and C.
  • Ships docked farther out may have a free port shuttle to the main terminal area, so ask your cruise line.

Athens Airport

  • Athens International Airport (ATH) is about 31 miles (50km) from the port, roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour by private vehicle depending on traffic.

Official Port Information

Other Transportation Options in Athens

A private transfer is not the only way to get between the port and Athens. Here is what the metro, a taxi, and the bus look like. None of these are services we operate or book.

Metro

  • Metro Line 1 starts at Piraeus station and reaches Monastiraki, near the Acropolis and the Plaka, in about 17 minutes. Trains run every 6 to 10 minutes.
  • A ticket costs about 1.20 euros and is valid for 90 minutes on the metro, buses and trams.
  • The station is not at the cruise terminals. Allow about 15 minutes on foot from Terminal A and about 30 minutes from Terminals B and C, or take a short taxi ride.

Taxi

  • Yellow taxis wait at the terminals. A taxi to the Acropolis or the Plaka is typically about 25 to 40 euros and takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
  • Agree on the fare before you get in, or ask the driver to use the meter.

Bus

  • Hop-on hop-off buses leave from the port area and take roughly 45 minutes to reach the Acropolis.
  • A seasonal express bus between the port and central Athens may also run, so check current service before you plan around it.

A private transfer costs more than these options, but it is the only one that meets you at your ship on a schedule built around your sailing, drives straight to your Athens hotel or Athens Airport, and is backed by our back-to-ship guarantee.

About Athens and the Surrounding Area

Athens is about 6 miles (10km) from the Piraeus cruise port. The Acropolis and its ancient monuments are recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and a typical port call leaves time for the main sights.

Highlights Many Cruise Passengers Visit

  • The Acropolis and the Parthenon.
  • The Acropolis Museum.
  • The Plaka and Monastiraki neighborhoods.
  • Syntagma Square and the Parliament building.
  • The Panathenaic Stadium.
  • The Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Ancient Agora.

Planning Your Time

  • Athens is roughly 20 to 30 minutes from the port, so a half day works well, but check your ship's all aboard time before you plan your day.
  • The Acropolis involves a steep walk over uneven marble, so wear comfortable shoes. Summer midday heat can be intense.
  • Greek law requires a licensed guide at major archaeological sites, so independent visitors usually go in without commentary.

Nearby Destinations

  • Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, about 43 miles (70km) from Athens.
  • Ancient Corinth, roughly one hour west of Athens.
  • Delphi, about two and a half hours northwest of Athens.
  • Mycenae and Epidaurus in the Peloponnese.
  • Athens Airport (ATH) is about 45 minutes to 1 hour from the port by private vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does my driver meet me?

At your ship. Your driver will be holding a sign with your group name written on it, so you will spot them right away.

Which Piraeus transfer do I need?

It depends on your itinerary. If you are arriving in Athens and boarding your cruise, book Athens Airport to Piraeus Port or Athens Hotel to Piraeus Port. After your cruise, choose Piraeus Port to Athens Hotel if you are staying in the city, or Piraeus Port to Athens Airport if you are flying home. Many clients book both directions at once.

Which terminal will my ship use?

Cruise ships use Terminal A (Miaoulis), Terminal B (Themistocles) or Terminal C (Alkimos). Terminal assignments can change at short notice, so check your ship's daily program and give us your terminal when you book.

How far is Piraeus from Athens?

About 6 miles (10km) to the Acropolis and central Athens. The drive takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.

Is there a metro station at the cruise port?

The Piraeus metro station is not at the cruise terminals. It is about a 15 minute walk from Terminal A and about a 30 minute walk from Terminals B and C. Metro Line 1 reaches Monastiraki in about 17 minutes.

Can I walk from the port to the Acropolis?

No. The Acropolis is about 6 miles (10km) from the port, so you need the metro, a taxi, a bus or a private transfer.

Which airport do you transfer to?

Athens International Airport (ATH). The airport is about 31 miles (50km) from the port, and the drive takes roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic.

How much luggage can I bring?

One large suitcase and one personal item per person. If you have oversized items, let us know in advance.

What if someone in my group has mobility needs?

Tell us when you book so we can arrange an appropriate vehicle.

What is the back-to-ship guarantee?

If a scheduled private transfer is delayed and causes you to miss your ship's departure, we arrange and cover transportation to your next port of call. Your tour must be scheduled to return to the ship 1.5 hours prior to ship departure for the guarantee to apply.

How much is the deposit?

A $50 deposit per tour secures your booking, and the balance is due closer to your travel date.

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