Karl WP Beyer Greece's capital Athens is far from a tranquil city. According to the 2021 census, almost 3,15 million people live in the metropolitan area.
It is useful for cruise ship guests to familiarize themselves with Athens' public transport, especially if they are planning to travel to or from the three cruise terminals in Piraeus on their own. Athens' modern metro, public transport buses and modern taxis generally provide good transport. It should be noted that the metro does not run at night, but buses and taxis run 24 hours a day.
Metro
The metro is used by cruise guests who are visiting Piraeus, the largest Greek passenger port, quickly in the center of Athens want to arrive. Seven stations are on route 1 (green line towards Kifisia) between Piraeus and Monastiraki Square in the center of Athens. The trains run every half hour on the hour and every half hour.
The metro is also suitable as a feeder between the Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, located outside Athens, and the Piraeus cruise port. Metro line 3 (blue line) starts in front of the airport (five minutes' walk from the entrance / exit of the departure level) in the direction of Agia Marina. At Monastiraki Square, passengers change to line 1 in the direction of Piraeus. In Piraeus, it is advisable to take a taxi for the last few kilometers to the cruise ship. Compared to the buses, the metro is relatively expensive over the long distance. However, trips in the city cost less than two euros.
Athens - Monastiraki Square Metro Station
Traveling on the modern, clean metro trains is highly recommended. In 2024, the single fare from the airport to the center will be 9 euros/person. There are discounts, for example seniors over the age of 65 only pay 4,50 euros for the ticket.
For individualists: The port of Piraeus has three cruise terminals, Terminals A, C and B, where, according to the Piraeus Port Authority, eleven cruise ships can dock at the same time. The closest Terminal A is two kilometers from the Piraeus metro station. Terminals C and B are more remote. Therefore, the use of taxis or public transport is highly recommended.
Piraeus - Themistocles Terminal B
Buses
Three express bus routes are important to cruise guests in the greater Athens area. These are the lines X95, X96 and the line X80.
The X95 buses, which are designed to carry luggage, run every 15 minutes from the airport (arrival level; exits 4-5) to Syntagma Square. The fare in 2023 is 5,50 euros; senior citizens generally pay half. The ticket counter can be found in front of the bus stops. The fare can also be paid to the bus drivers.
Buses on line X96 run regularly from the airport to Piraeus (arrivals level; exits 4-5). But they don't stop at the two cruise terminals. The rest of the route to the terminals can be covered by taxi for little money.
Piraeus - Bus route X80 to Syntagma Square in Athens
The Line X80 buses commute between Cruise Terminal B, via Cruise Terminal A to Syntagma Square in the center of Athens. The routes for the outward and return journeys differ slightly. The day ticket will cost 2024 euros in 4,50. In our opinion, the X80 line offers the most convenient and cheapest way to get to the center of Athens.
Taxis
There seem to be countless taxis in Athens. According to our observations, taxi fares have risen sharply over the last eight years.
Trips from Athens airport to the cruise terminals in Piraeus or vice versa now cost 85 to 100 euros.
Athens - Taxis at Syntagma Square
In 2016, a taxi ride with luggage from the hotel near Syntagma Square to the (most remote) cruise terminal B in Piraeus cost 18 euros. The journey is partly on a highway and takes about 15 to 20 minutes. In 2024, we paid 35 euros for a comparable trip, including a tip for the driver.
July 2024