Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Piraeus is the busiest port in Greece, with a bewildering array of departures, including
daily service to most island groups. The exceptions are the Ionians, with only boats to
Kythira (for the other islands sail from Patra and Igoumenitsa), and the Sporades plus
Kea (Tzia) and Andros in the Cyclades (which sail from Rafina and Lavrio). Piraeus fer-
ries also serve the Peloponnese (Methana, Ermioni, Porto Heli, Monemvasia and Gy-
thio).
Always check departure docks with the ticketing agent.
Note that there are two departure points for Crete at Piraeus port: ferries for Iraklio
leave from the western end of Akti Kondyli, but ferries for other Cretan ports occasion-
ally dock there as well, or in other places.
Schedules & Tickets
All ferry companies have online timetables and booths on the
quays. Ferry schedules are reduced in April, May and October, and are radically cut in
winter, especially to smaller islands. Find schedules and buy tickets online
(
www.greekferries.gr
,
www.openseas.gr
,
www.ferries.gr
or company websites), at travel
agents or phone companies directly. In this topic, we list ferry schedules in the relevant
island/destination chapters.
Piraeus Port Authority
(
1441;
www.olp.gr
)
also has sched-
ule information.
BUS
The
X96 Piraeus-Athens Airport Express
(€5) leaves from the southwestern corner of
Plateia Karaïskaki and also stops on Kalimassioti.
Bus 040
goes from Leoforeos Vasileos
Geourgiou to Athens.
METRO
The fastest and most convenient link between the Great Harbour and Athens is the metro
(€1.40, 30 minutes, every 10 minutes, 5am to midnight), near the ferries at the northern
end of Akti Kalimassioti. Take extra care as the section between Piraeus and Monastiraki
is notorious for pickpockets.
TRAIN
Piraeus is also connected to the suburban rail, whose terminus is located opposite the
metro station. To get to the airport or the Peloponnese, you need to change trains at Ner-
antziotissa.
Getting Around
The port is massive and a
free shuttle bus
runs regularly along the quay nearest the
metro station (see signposted maps).
