Athens Piraeus Port is the leading port in Greece and one of the busiest maritime hubs in Europe and the world. Do you plan an upcoming ferry journey from the port of Athens? Here, you can find a comprehensive guide to the busy Piraeus Ferry Port!
Port of Piraeus: Greece’s Largest Port
Piraeus Port is also known as the Port of Athens. Indeed, Piraeus is a city part of Greater Athens. Being located just 12km/7,5 miles from Athens city center, on the city’s southwest side, it is often regarded as an Athens region despite being a separate municipality.
Athens Port lies in the Saronic Gulf, on the west coast of the Aegean Sea. It dates back thousands of years, as it has been operating since antiquity. Although it was an island until the 3rd millennium BC, it eventually became connected to the land. Thus, Piraeus started serving as the port of Athens in 483 BC and has never ceased its role as the city’s major port hub.
Nowadays, it is the leading and multi-awarded port of Athens, while being the largest Greece’s port, occupying an important position among Europe’s maritime hubs. Moreover, the main gateway to the popular Greek islands is the largest European passenger port and is listed among the world’s biggest as well. As a matter of fact, it served 16.158.776 passengers in 2023, and its vehicle traffic during the same year was 2.878.422. It’s also worth mentioning that Piraeus ranks among the top 10 cruise destinations in Europe.
As for its ownership status, the majority of Athens Port is owned by China Cosco Shipping. On the other hand, it is PPA (Piraeus Port Authority) that manages and operates Athens Piraeus Port.
Piraeus Port Terminals
The U-shaped complex of Athens Port features a container terminal (with three sub-terminal buildings), a cargo terminal, and an automobile terminal. As for its cruise terminals, cruise passengers are served by three terminals (Terminal A, Terminal B, and Terminal C), lying fairly close to each other. On the other hand, Piraeus Ferry Port comprises four terminals. Thus, depending on the destination, ferry traffic at the port is distributed among the four ferry passenger terminals (Akti Vasileiadi Terminal, Heation Terminal, Agios Dionysios Terminal, and Akti Tzelepi Terminal). A courtesy shuttle bus handles rides around the vast port area.
Parking at Athens Port
Athens Piraeus Port offers just one parking option, serving both the long-term and the short-stay parking needs of passengers. Still, the PPA SA Car Park can accommodate up to 700 vehicles and is conveniently located close to the train and metro station, between Gates E7 and E8. Moreover, various private parking lots are to be found outside the port’s complex but within a close distance. Street parking is also an option, but it’s considered a long shot.
Piraeus Port’s Ferry Companies and Routes
Port of Piraeus is the main departure point for ferries to Greek islands. Indeed, the port links the mainland to the Saronic islands, Cyclades, and Dodecanese. What’s more, it offers ferry routes to Sporades and the Northern Aegean islands, while it also connects Athens to Crete. A wide number of ferry companies are present at the leading Port of Athens, providing frequent and effective connections to island destinations. Especially during the summer months, when the passenger traffic spikes at Athens Port, ferry agencies offer daily routes to the vast majority of their stops.
Transfer Options from Athens Port
Taxi
Piraeus port taxis are the most convenient way to travel from Athens Port to the city center. They are always available at the official taxi rank no matter the day or the time, providing efficient door-to-door services.
Bus
Public buses are one of the most affordable ways to travel from Piraeus Port to your destination in Athens. That being said, they don’t have designated luggage space and often get congested, leading to tedious rides. In any case, they link the main Port of Athens to various city regions and Athens Airport, offering time-consuming but also cost-effective transit services.
Metro
Piraeus port metro is perhaps the most sought-after transit option from Athens Port. It is independent of the traffic levels and has frequent routes from Piraeus Port to the city center and El. Venizelos Airport.
Train
The suburban train (Proastiakos) also departs from the train station situated outside Athens Port. However, trains don’t run to downtown Athens. Still, they call at several stations around Athens and even reach ATH Airport.
Things to Do in Piraeus Port
Kastella
One of Piraeus’ most scenic districts, the neighborhood of Kastella boasts exquisite 19th-century buildings, reflecting the area’s affluence at that time. It lies within walking distance from Piraeus Port and is ideal for long walks around the charming and quiet -despite their proximity to Piraeus city center- streets.
Mikrolimano
The little port is part of Kastella but stands out as one of the city’s top gastronomic destinations. Housing traditional taverns and fancier dining facilities, Mikrolimano attracts seafood lovers who swear in its name.
Pasalimani – Marina Zeas
Pasalimani district is renowned for its nightlife. Moreover, the coastal area features a wide array of cafes, restaurants, and shopping facilities, meeting the needs of all visitors. Marina Zea lies on its west side and bears a cosmopolitan and lavish character, hosting luxurious yachts and numerous fusion gastronomic options.
Piraeus’ Museums
Piraeus bears a long history. Thus, travelers who want to delve into its past have a comprehensive insight once visiting the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, housing countless finds from the ancient years, and the Hellenic Maritime Museum, boasting a wide collection of exhibits reflecting the area’s seafaring history from antiquity until today’s time.
The Busy Athens Piraeus Port
| Opening Hours: | Open 24 Hours a Day |
| Recommended Arrival Times: | 1 Hour Before the Scheduled Departure Time of the Ferry |
| Contact Information: | Call Center: 14541, (+30) 210 4550000, (+30) 210 4550100 FAX: (+30) 210 4550101 Email: [email protected] |
FAQs
What is the name of the port in Athens?
The main port in Athens is Piraeus Port, named after its location. Verily, it is located in the city of Piraeus, which is part of the Greater Athens area. Still, it is widely known as Athens Port as well.