Intro - From Athens Airport to the ports
Congratulations, you finally arrived at Athens International airport Eleftherios Venizelos.
Now, you want to get safely but surely to the port so you can embark on one of the ferries which will take you to your long-awaited destination.
In this post, I provide you with the best practices to get from Athens airport to the ports, either by public transportation (Metro & bus), by taxi or by private transfer.
So let’s start.
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Athens passenger Ports
But wait, which port?
To start with, did you know that Athens has three passenger ports?
Did you know? Athens has three passenger ports
Make sure that you know which one your ferry is departing from.
Here is a list:
- PIRAEUS port: Athens’s main and largest port is the one that serves most destinations. It is situated inside the city of Athens and has the most convenient access;
- RAFINA port: Athens’s second-largest port serving far fewer destinations. It is preferred due to its shorter distance to certain islands such as Andros, Myconos and Tinos;
- LAVRIO port: The least important and smallest of all three, Lavrio offers less popular connections such as to Kea and Kithnos. Note that this is a small port with very little amenities so best to bring food for your waiting time.
Now, let’s make sure that you connect in the best possible way to the port of your departure.
Piraeus's port connections
If you are departing from the port of Piraeus, then you will be heading there together with the vast majority of travelers.
Here are your options:
Public transportation is the cheapest, but it could take slightly longer, and you could get a crowded metro if you travel during rush hours.
Other than that, it is reliable.
Taxi is quite fine, and there is always an abundance of taxis, so no need to worry about waiting times.
Also, if you take the cab on the designated waiting line, there is no risk of getting ripped off.
For those of you who are accustomed to taxi-hailing apps like UBER, they are also a great choice.
Lastly, you have the option of a private transfer, which is ideal for larger groups and oversized baggage.
Let’s examine them all bellow:
Public transportation from Athens airport to Piraeus
To get from the airport to Piraeus by public transportation, you have two options:
Bus X96
cost 6€/person, duration 1hr, 24hr service
This bus route operates 24/7, every 20min in the summer and 40min for the rest of the year.
Get the bus right at exit; you can’t miss it.
You can buy the ticket by the ticket master right outside the entrance of the bus or inside with the driver.
Just buy the ticket outside to avoid the hassle.
If you see lines outside the bus, this means that you might not find a place to sit, so I advise you to go for the Metro.
Even though the Metro is more expensive, you will always find a seat.
The bus will drop you off closer to your ferry than the Metro will, and it requires no line change as the Metro does.
An additional advantage of the bus is that it stops at various locations by the entrances of the port, labeled E1 through E10, so you will have to walk less.
Moreover it’s clean and AC-ed.
For more information on the bus schedule, click on this dedicated site.
Now, let’s move on to the Metro.
Metro
cost 10€/person, duration 1hr 5min, Google Directions
To reach the metro exit the arrivals terminal, take the elevator or the escalators one level up, enter the skyline, and follow the signs towards the Metro terminal.
Embark line M3 towards Monastiraki station (16 stops) and switch to M1 (7 stops) towards Piraeus.
You will need to change lines at Monastiraki. Escalators are available!
When you arrive at Piraeus terminal station make sure that you know where you are going beforehand.
The terminal area sits very centrally, and from there, you can access all ferries, but it’s also busy and offers opportunities for pickpockets.
I advise you to cross the road at this traffic signal and get inside the port area.
Once you get inside the port, you can move around to the various island terminals with a free shuttle, which is marked.
Read below for a Gate list to the most popular destinations along with Google Maps pins.
Piraeus’s terminals. Know your GATE and save it on your maps
- Gate E1 Ferries to Rhodes and Kos;
- Gates E2-E6 Ferries to Crete;
- Gate E6 & Gate E7 Ferries to the Cyclades (Myconos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Tinos, Amorgos, Folegandros, Serifos, Sifnos, Siros, Milos, etc);
- Gate E8 Ferries to the Saronic islands (Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra, Spetses);
- Gate E9 & Gate E10 Ferries to Patmos and Chios
Taxi from Athens airport to Piraeus
cost 50€/day, 70€/night
Taxi is easy. Just head out of arrivals and get to the designated line.
You will have a pleasant experience since the police facilitate the process.
Read more about taxis:
The fare is 50€ during standard day time and 70€ from midnight to 5am.
Taxis are abundant at all times.
Since you are going to pay that amount, you might consider booking a private transfer.
Ride to Piraeus with a taxi-hailing app
In Greece, we have two similar and equally efficient apps, UBER, and BEAT.
Get a BEAT to Piraeus with a click of a button
BEAT is a local app that is my favorite, works perfectly, and has the largest fleet.
Here are the download links:
Get a BEAT to Piraeus with a click of a button
UBER is an excellent choice for those of you who already have the app installed.
Here are the download links:
Summary - Getting from El. Venizelos to Piraeus
For me, the decisive factor is how much time do I have.
If I can spare 1 hour and a half, I prefer the bus which offers nice views of the city and drops me off closer to the ferry entrance.
When I see a long line on the bus, I get the Metro, which will take me there guaranteed on the scheduled time, seated that is.
Lastly, when I need to get to the port fast on a non-rush hour, or I’m in a group of four, only then do I opt for a taxi or BEAT.
Rafinas's port connections
The port of Rafina is closer situated to Athens airport compared to Piraeus (25km vs 50km).
Since the Metro does not service Rafina, your options are bus, taxi, and private transfer.
Let’s have a look.
Public transportation from Athens airport to Rafina port
This bus route operates approximately every 1hr except night time.
The trip costs 4€/person for the 30min ride.
Get the bus right at the exit of arrivals.
The bus should be labeled, but make sure by asking the driver.
Taxi from Athens airport to Rafina port
Get the taxi at the designated area right outside arrivals.
Fares to Rafina are not fixed and the taxi driver is obliged to use the taximeter.
Expect to pay about 35-40€ in the day time and about 50€ during night time (midnight to 5am).
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LAVRIO'S port connections
The small port of Lavrio is situated 37km from Athens airport, so approximately a 30min ride from the airport.
Just like Rafina, the Metro does not offer service to Lavrio, so your options are bus, taxi, and private transfer.
Public transportation from Athens airport to Lavrio port
This bus route operates approximately every 1hr except night time.
The trip costs 4€/person for the 30min ride.
Get the bus right at the exit of arrivals.
The bus should be labeled, but make sure by asking the driver.
Taxi from Athens airport to Lavrio port
Get the taxi at the designated area right outside arrivals.
Fares to Lavrio are not fixed and the taxi driver is obliged to use the taximeter.
Expect to pay about 35-40€ in the day time and about 50€ during night time (midnight to 5am).
Let us know how you found the trip from the airport to the ports.
Share below; the other readers and I are looking forward to read all about it.
Private transfers from the airport to any port
Athens’s fleet of private vehicles has gone through a thorough revamping during the last decade.
Expect new vans and limos driven by educated drivers who speak good English.
Below you will find a search engine that will give you a large choice.
We bring you this feature in association with our trusted partner.
99% of the bookings are refundable, and the engine will give you the best price available at any moment.
