Ferries represent the most important means of sea transport in Greece. They are especially popular among budget travelers as the prices (deck seat) are significantly lower than the airfare for the same route.
Those who arrive in Athens usually plan to visit some of the islands as well. Whether they are looking for a quick stop on one of the near-by islands or a longer journey to the Dodecanese or Cyclades, tourists need to learn how to deal with the Port of Piraeus.
Port of Piraeus
Although not the main nautical entrance to Greece, Piraeus Port (or Pireas* Port) is undoubtedly the most modern port in the Mediterranean and probably the busiest in Greece.
The port has a direct link with the Metro terminal via a pedestrian bridge.
Once in the port, you can use the Free Bus Service which connects some of the gates (a map of the route is available here .
>>more information on Getting from Athens to Piraeus
Piraeus Departure Gates
Port Gate Ε1 (Akti Vasssiliadi):
- departures to the Dodecanese islands: Rhodes , Patmos, Kalimnos, Kos, Leros, Karpathos , Tilos, Kassos
- ticketing office
- cafeteria
- taxi station
- free bus service from the port
>>more information on Ferries from Athens to Rhodes
>>more information on Ferries from Athens to Patmos
>>more information on Ferries from Athens to Karpathos
Port Gate E2 (Akti Hetiona)
- departures to Crete , Dodecanese Islands, Chios, Mytilini (Lesvos)
- taxi station
- free bus service from the port
>>more information on Ferries from Athens to Crete
>>more information on Ferries from Athens to Lesvos (Lesbos)
Port Gate Ε3 (Agios Dionysios and Akti Kondyli)
- departures to Crete
- waiting area with a place to eat
- bus service for exits E4 and E5
>>more information on Ferries from Athens to Crete
E4 Vehicles Exit Only
E5 Pedestrians Entrance
Port Gate Ε6 (Akti Kallimasiotti Argosaronikos)
- departures to Western Cyclades :Sifnos, Kythnos, Milos, Kimolos, Sikinos
- this gate is for pedestrians only, with direct access from the metro station via a bridge
Port Gate Ε7 (Karaiskaki square ,Akti Tzelepi)
>>more information on Ferries from Athens to Mykonos
>>more information on Ferries from Athens to Santorini
>>more information on Ferries from Athens to Paros
>>more information on Ferries from Athens to Naxos
Port Gate E8
- departures to the Saronic Islands: Aegina, Poros, Methana, Hydra and Spetses .
>>more information on Ferries from Athens to Aegina
>>more information on Ferries from Athens to Hydra
Port Gate Ε9 (Akti Miaouli)
- departures to Western Cyclades
- restaurants
- travel agencies
E10 Vehicles Exit Only
E11 & E12 : Cruise Terminal A & B
>>more information and maps: Organization of Port of Piraeus
Buying tickets
Many travelers prefer the deck seats, which are the cheapest and it’s always easy to get a ticket for a deck seat. If you prefer a cabin you should book it prior to departure, especially in July and August when the tourist season is at its highest.
The ticketing office is located at Port Gate Ε1.
Note:
* Pireas and Piraeus are exactly the same place, but you can find them spelled in both ways. All road signs though point to Pireas.
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{ 3 comments }
Hi, Cristina, thanks a lot for your tips!
Hello.
Is it possible to get from Greece to Cyprus by boat as foot passengers?
@Rosa: apparently this summer it wasn’t possible. we’ll have to wait until next summer to find out if there are any
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