Piraeus Transportation – Taxi, Train, Bus & Airport Tips

Piraeus Transportation

Beautiful Piraeus is located 12km SW from Athens on the east coast of Saronic Gulf, and is always worth a trip of exploration. Here’s some tips about getting there from Athens, and how to find good Piraeus transportation, whether it’s taxi, train, bus, or airport trips.

Metro

One great way to get to Pireaus from Athens is to take the Green Line Metro. That’ll take you straight to the terminal station, and takes about 20 minutes from Omonoia square in the city center of Athens. However, most tourists take the metro from Monastiraki station which is closer to many hotels in Plaka. This subway ends up directly at the main port where most ferries depart.

Bus

There are also many buses between Athens and Pireaus but some visitors think they are not very convenient for tourists. If you do end up needing to take a bus, 040 (to Syntagma square) and 049 (to Omonoia square) are the most useful for Athens.

Airport Trips

Bus X96 connects the Athens International Airport with Piraeus, ticket for 5e, and you can buy it at the airport before boarding, there’s a kiosk next to the bus stop. The bus ride may take from 55 to 90 minutes depending on the traffic, and this bus runs 24 hours a day.

Tram

There is also a tram line from Syntagma if you want to visit Mikrolimano, SEF and Karaiskaki stadium.

Boat

From most Greek islands on the Aegean Sea you will find a boat to/from Pireaus. During high season (August, Easter or other public holidays that create long weekends) it is better to book your tickets in advance (online or from a travel agent in Athens, Pireaus or any island).

Tip: You can find dozens of travel agents near the port that will help you out, and all boat tickets have fixed prices.

Taxis

Taking a taxi from Athens center is also an option but it will cost anywhere from 10 euros to 25 euros depending on the traffic and the taxi driver. Some visitors find the taxi prices to be quite reasonable for the trip between Athens and Piraeus, but they can vary depending on wheather it’s day or night, and whether you have an honest cab driver. Certain taxis may also choose not to take passengers to the ferries unless there are at least 2 or more riders in the taxi.

The best way to get to the ferries is by metro from Athens, keeping the taxi rides for getting back from the ferries to your destination. If you do need a taxi, it may be easiest to have your hotel order you one instead of going through the hassle of trying to find an honest one on your own.

Tip: You can find pricelists posted at the port area to help forewarn tourists and travelers of what transportation prices are supposed to be, so you wont get taken advantage of by greedy taxi drivers, etc.