Piraeus Greece Ferry Information and Travel Guide

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A tranquil view of a tennis court by the beach in Piraeus, Greece, showcasing a calm coastal scene.
Credit: pexels.com, A tranquil view of a tennis court by the beach in Piraeus, Greece, showcasing a calm coastal scene.

Piraeus is the largest port in Greece, serving as the gateway to the Greek islands.

The port has a long history dating back to ancient times, and its strategic location makes it an ideal starting point for ferry travel.

Piraeus has three main piers: Zea Marina, Mikrolimano, and Pasalimani, each serving different types of ferries and destinations.

Ferries from Piraeus depart to various islands, including Crete, Rhodes, and the Cyclades.

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Ferry Information

Piraeus is a major hub for shipping in Greece, with many ferries departing daily for the Greek islands. You can sail to Piraeus from the Cyclades islands of Ios, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Amorgos, and more.

The ferries from Crete to Piraeus are daily, all year round, and during summer and public holidays, they're doubled with daytime ferries depending on the season. Your trip to Piraeus can be done with a conventional ferry or a high-speed ferry, depending on which day and where you wish to travel.

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Busy harbor scene with passenger ferries and scenic coastal views.
Credit: pexels.com, Busy harbor scene with passenger ferries and scenic coastal views.

From Heraklion to Piraeus, a conventional ferry takes about 8-9 hours, while a high-speed ferry takes about 6 hours. From Chania, it takes around 7-8 hours with a conventional ferry and 5 hours with a high-speed ferry.

The port of Zea - Pasalimani is the most cosmopolitan area of Piraeus, with many cafes and restaurants to satisfy all tastes. If you're looking for a bite to eat or a place to relax, this is the place to be.

Here are some of the islands you can reach from Piraeus:

  • Cyclades: Ios, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Amorgos, and more
  • Dodecanese: Rhodes, Kos, and Karpathos
  • Crete: Heraklion, Chania, and more
  • North Aegean Islands: and smaller islands of the Aegean

Traveling to Piraeus

To get to Piraeus, you can take the metro from Athens city center, which takes about 1.5 hours and costs €10 per person.

The port of Piraeus is located right next to the city center, so you can easily walk to nearby shops, supermarkets, and restaurants.

You can also take a bus from the city center to Piraeus, with the main lines being bus 040 and bus 049, which stop at Korai Square, a 10-minute walk from the port.

Getting to Piraeus

Stunning aerial view of Pelion's coastline in Greece with lush forests and blue sea.
Credit: pexels.com, Stunning aerial view of Pelion's coastline in Greece with lush forests and blue sea.

Getting to Piraeus is relatively easy, with several options to choose from. You can take the bus from Athens city center to Piraeus port, which takes about 90 minutes and costs €1.20.

The main bus lines that connect Piraeus to downtown Athens are bus 040 and bus 049, which drop you off at Korai Square, a 10-minute walk from the port.

If you're coming from Athens International Airport, the metro is the easiest way to get to Piraeus, taking about 1.5 hours and costing €10 per person.

The suburban railway is another option, taking about 1 hour and costing the same €10 per person, with trains departing every hour.

You can also take the bus, which runs 24/7 and takes about 1 hour, costing €6 per person, or a taxi, which takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic, and costs around €50 during the day.

Getting to the port of Piraeus is also possible by car or taxi, or by public transport, including metro, bus, and suburban railway.

From City Center to Metro

Beautiful neoclassical architecture on the Greek island of Symi, vibrant colors under a summer sky.
Credit: pexels.com, Beautiful neoclassical architecture on the Greek island of Symi, vibrant colors under a summer sky.

You can get to Piraeus by metro line 1, also known as the green line, which runs from Kifissia to Piraeus, passing through the center of Athens.

The green line makes stops at central stations like Omonoia, Monastiraki, and Thisio.

The metro ride from Monastiraki to Piraeus takes about 20 minutes and trains depart approximately every 15 minutes.

You can purchase your ticket at the metro stations at the price of €1.20 for a 90-minute ride.

The metro line 1 connects with metro line 2 at the stations Attiki, Syntagma, and Omonoia, and with metro line 3 at the stations Monastiraki, Syntagma, and Aerodromio.

The new metro station in Piraeus allows you to reach the port directly from the Athens airport via the blue line, which is metro line 3.

Ferry Routes and Destinations

Piraeus is the busiest passenger port in Europe, serving ferry connections from mainland Greece and Athens to the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the Saronic Gulf, and the Argolic Gulf.

Zakynthos Landscape Coast - Greek Island
Credit: pexels.com, Zakynthos Landscape Coast - Greek Island

You can sail by boat to Piraeus from the Cyclades islands of Ios, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Amorgos, and Milos, Kithira, Karpathos, Rhodes, and Kos, among others.

From Piraeus, you can take the ferry to the following islands of the Saronic Gulf: Aegina, Agistri, Hydra, Poros, and Spetses, departing from gate E8.

Routes

Ferry routes from Piraeus are numerous, with connections to various islands in the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and North Aegean islands.

The port of Piraeus serves ferry connections to all the islands of the Cyclades, with at least 2-3 weekly crossings from Piraeus to most islands and several daily sailings to top destinations, such as Syros, Naxos, Mykonos, and Santorini.

Some of the ports of the Cyclades that are connected to Piraeus include Amorgos (Katapola and Aigiali), Anafi, Andros, Donousa, Folegandros, Ios, Irakleia, Kimolos, Koufonisia, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Schinoussa, Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Syros, and Tinos.

You can also travel to the Saronic Islands from Piraeus, with frequent ferry connections throughout the year. Ferries depart from gate E8.

Stunning aerial view of Navagio Beach in Zakynthos, Greece with blue waters.
Credit: pexels.com, Stunning aerial view of Navagio Beach in Zakynthos, Greece with blue waters.

The following islands of the Saronic Gulf can be reached by ferry from Piraeus: Aegina, Agistri, Hydra, Poros, and Spetses.

Ferries from Piraeus to the Dodecanese islands usually depart from gate E1. You can take the ferry to the following islands of the Dodecanese: Astypalaia, Chalki, Kalymnos, Karpathos (Diafani and Karpathos), Kasos, Kastellorizo, Kos, Leipsoi, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Pserimos, Rhodes, Symi, and Tilos.

To the North Aegean Islands, ferries from Piraeus depart from gate E2, while ferries to Samos and Ikaria depart from gates E2, E9, and E10. Some of the ports of the North Aegean that are connected to Piraeus include Agios Efstratios, Chios, Fournoi, Ikaria (Agios Kirykos and Evdilos), Lesbos (Mytilene), Lemnos, Oinousses, Psara, and Samos (Karlovasi and Vathy).

The ferry connection between Piraeus and Aegina is served daily all year long, with Athens (Piraeus) - Aegina ferries running up to around 18 times a day, throughout the year.

Here is a list of some of the ferry routes from Piraeus, grouped by region:

  1. Cyclades: Amorgos (Katapola and Aigiali), Anafi, Andros, Donousa, Folegandros, Ios, Irakleia, Kimolos, Koufonisia, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Schinoussa, Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Syros, and Tinos
  2. Saronic Islands: Aegina, Agistri, Hydra, Poros, and Spetses
  3. Dodecanese: Astypalaia, Chalki, Kalymnos, Karpathos (Diafani and Karpathos), Kasos, Kastellorizo, Kos, Leipsoi, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Pserimos, Rhodes, Symi, and Tilos
  4. North Aegean: Agios Efstratios, Chios, Fournoi, Ikaria (Agios Kirykos and Evdilos), Lesbos (Mytilene), Lemnos, Oinousses, Psara, and Samos (Karlovasi and Vathy)

To Saronic Islands

A vibrant image of a Golden Star ferry approaching a Greek island pier under a clear blue sky.
Credit: pexels.com, A vibrant image of a Golden Star ferry approaching a Greek island pier under a clear blue sky.

The Saronic Islands are a popular destination for ferry travel, and for good reason - they offer a unique blend of natural beauty and rich history. You can reach the Saronic Islands from Piraeus, the port of Athens, by ferry.

Ferries depart from gate E8 in Piraeus, and there are frequent connections throughout the year. You can travel to Aegina, Agistri, Hydra, Poros, and Spetses by ferry from Piraeus.

The ferry ride from Piraeus to the Saronic Islands normally takes around 30-40 minutes to about 1.5 hours, depending on the type of vessel and the ferry company. The earliest ferry departs from Piraeus at around 06:30, and the last departure is usually scheduled at 20:00.

You can book cheap ferry tickets from Piraeus to the Saronic Islands online on Ferryhopper. On their Map of ferries, you can see all the available ferry connections, compare ferry companies and fares, and book your ferry trip in no time!

Here's a list of the Saronic Islands you can visit by ferry from Piraeus:

  1. Aegina
  2. Agistri
  3. Hydra
  4. Poros
  5. Spetses

Can I Take My Pet?

Ferry cruising on the Golden Horn with a bridge in the background during sunset.
Credit: pexels.com, Ferry cruising on the Golden Horn with a bridge in the background during sunset.

You can take your pet on the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) with Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets, Hellenic Seaways, Saronic Ferries, Zante Ferries, Minoan Lines, and Anes Ferries.

Some ferry operators have specific pet accommodation options, so it's best to check with them directly for more information.

Aegina Island Information

Aegina Island is easily accessible by ferry from Athens (Piraeus).

There are many daily ferry crossings from the port of Piraeus to Aegina all year round.

You can book cheap ferry tickets from Athens (Piraeus) to Aegina online on Ferryhopper.

Aegina Ferry Cost

Aegina ferry prices usually range between €10.50 and €19.50 for a single ticket.

You can save money by traveling with a conventional vessel, but be aware that high-speed ferries may be more expensive.

The final ticket cost depends on the type of vessel, discounts, offers, and whether you travel with your vehicle.

Ferry prices from Athens (Piraeus) can vary greatly, ranging from $560.76 to $46.21.

Keep in mind that prices can change depending on the route, season, operator, and type of ship.

Distance Between Aegina

Chapel on the Shore of Santorini, Greece
Credit: pexels.com, Chapel on the Shore of Santorini, Greece

The distance between Athens and Aegina is quite manageable. The port of Piraeus and the port of Aegina are 15 nautical miles apart, which is approximately 28 km.

You can easily travel by ferry from Piraeus to Aegina, and the journey takes around 30 minutes with a high-speed ferry.

The distance from Piraeus to Souvala and Agia Marina ports in Aegina is slightly shorter, about 13 nautical miles or 24 km.

Aegina Bus Routes

Getting around Aegina is relatively easy, and you can get to the port of Piraeus by car, taxi, as well as public transport, including metro, bus, and suburban railway.

To get to the port of Piraeus, you can take a metro, bus, or suburban railway, all of which are convenient options.

The port of Piraeus is located approximately 15 km south of the city center of Athens and 45 km from Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos.

From the port of Piraeus, you can walk to the ferry departure gate, Gate E8, which is about a 5 min walk from the station.

However, it's always a good idea to check your booking details and the electronic displays at the port for the most up-to-date information on departure gates.

Booking and Tips

View of the Port in Katakolo, Greece
Credit: pexels.com, View of the Port in Katakolo, Greece

Book your ferry tickets from Piraeus to the Greek islands online on Ferryhopper to compare prices and companies, and find all schedules, offers, ticket types, and ferry routes.

Make your ferry reservation in advance, especially if you're traveling during the tourist season, to avoid last-minute hassles.

The Port of Piraeus can get quite busy in the summer months, so arrive at least 1.5 hours before departure to ensure a smooth check-in process.

There are many shops, restaurants, and bars in the port of Piraeus, so you can enjoy a meal or a drink before your trip.

To make the most of your ferry trip, plan your itinerary in advance and book your accommodation and ferry tickets well in advance, especially if you plan to travel with a vehicle.

Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

  • Arrive at the port with plenty of time to spare (at least 1.5 hours before departure).
  • Book your ferry tickets and accommodation in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
  • Choose the right port in Aegina (port of Aegina town, Agia Marina, or Souvala) when booking your ferry tickets.
  • Check your island-hopping options and plan your trip on Ferryhopper to make the most of your ferry experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a free shuttle to Piraeus port?

Yes, a free shuttle bus is available within Piraeus port, operated by the Piraeus Port Authority. Learn more about the shuttle service and its routes.

Is it cheaper to buy Greece ferry tickets online or in person?

Booking ferry tickets online in Greece often results in the best price, allowing you to save time and money. Buying in person may lead to higher costs due to potential queues and limited availability.

How do I get from Piraeus Port to downtown Athens?

Take the Athens Metro Line 3 from Piraeus Port to Syntagma Square in just 20 minutes, connecting you to downtown Athens quickly and easily

Louis Becker

Senior Writer

Louis Becker is a seasoned writer with a deep passion for maritime transportation. His insightful articles have shed light on the complexities and challenges of global shipping, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the industry's dynamics. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy, Becker has established himself as a trusted voice in maritime journalism.

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