Guide to Piraeus: Port, Sights & Travel Tips

This guide is about the port, sights, arrival and travel tips for the 160,000-inhabitant city of Piraeus, 30 minutes outside of the center of Athens. 

Let's dive in!

3 Cruise Ship Docks

The port of Piraeus is the largest and most important port in Greece. With over 20 million passengers a year, it is the largest passenger port in Europe.

In addition to the ferry traffic between the Greek islands, cruise ships play an important role. There are three piers for cruise ships at the port of Piraeus. In these three cruise terminals, cruise passengers are processed and passport and customs controls are carried out. There is a duty-free shop and free WiFi in all three terminals.

Here is an overview of the three cruise terminals.

Within the port there is a free shuttle bus that connects Gate E7 to Gates E1, E2 and E3. Opposite Gate E7 is the "Piraeus" metro station from which cruise passengers can easily travel to the center of Athens.

To get to the center of Piraeus, on the other hand, you can take a bus. Buses 300, 904 and 906 depart from Gate E7 and go to the center of Piraeus within 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can also walk 10 minutes.

Near Terminal A there is also the "Telōneio" bus stop, which is served by a number of bus lines and takes cruise passengers to the center of Piraeus. The "Peiraias" bus stop is a four-minute walk from Terminal B. Bus lines 049, 217, 229, A1 and B1 take travelers from here to the city center in 6 minutes.  

Public Transport 

Sights in Piraeus

A particular attraction for travelers in and around Piraeus are the picturesque islands near Athens, which are easily accessible from the port. But Piraeus has much more to offer than just its port.

With traditional districts, archaeological sites, private beaches, theaters and museums about the maritime past of this seafaring nation, you can experience everything from sun, sand and sea to culture and history and culinary delights with a view of the sea.

What Can I Do at the Port?

Ferries to the Greek Islands 

Most of the approximately 200 inhabited Greek islands are served from the port in Piraeus. The most popular include Crete, the islands of the Saronic Gulf such as Hyrdra, Agistri, Moni and Aegina, and the Clycad islands such as Santorini and Mykonos to name a few.

The ferries depart from gates E1 to E10. Some of the best known ferry companies include Blue Star Ferries, Golden Star Ferries, SeaJets and Aegean Speedlines.

Tickets for the Ferries