Piraeus port is where most journeys to the Cyclades begin. It is the main port of Athens and the largest passenger port in Europe, with more than 19 million passengers in 2025. Ferries leave from here for almost every Cyclades island, from Syros and Paros to Santorini and Milos, as well as for Crete, the Dodecanese and the Saronic islands. The port is huge and can feel confusing on a first visit, so this guide covers the gates, how to get to Piraeus from Athens Airport and the city centre, the free shuttle bus, the cruise terminals and everything else you need to catch your ferry without stress.
Piraeus port at a glance
Piraeus is the main port of Athens, about 12 km south west of the city centre, with ferries to almost every Cyclades island from gates E6 to E10.
- Cyclades ferries: usually gates E6, E7, E9 and E10, but always check your ticket
- From Athens Airport: Metro Line 3 direct to Piraeus in about 1 hour for 9 euros
- From central Athens: Metro Line 1 from Monastiraki in about 20 minutes
- Inside the port: a free shuttle bus runs from near gate E5 to the far gates
- Arrive: at least 1 hour before your ferry leaves
Where Is Piraeus Port?
Piraeus is a separate city on the coast of the Saronic Gulf, about 12 km south west of central Athens. It has been the port of Athens since ancient times, when Themistocles moved the Athenian fleet here in 483 BC. Today the passenger port wraps around the main harbour, known as the Great Harbour, with the ferry gates stretched along more than 3 km of quays. The metro and train station sits opposite the main entrance, close to gate E5, and the cruise terminals are at the far southern end of the harbour.
The size catches many people out. Walking from one end of the port to the other can take close to an hour, so knowing your gate before you arrive really matters.
Piraeus Port Gates Map
Every ferry leaves from a numbered gate, marked with the letter E. The gate is printed on your ticket or shown in your booking. As a rough guide, these are the gates used for each group of islands.
| Gate | Main destinations | Distance from the metro |
|---|---|---|
| E1 | Dodecanese, including Rhodes, Kos and Patmos, plus some Blue Star sailings to Santorini and Crete | Far end, take the shuttle bus |
| E2 | Crete and the North Aegean, including Chios, Lesvos and Samos | Far end, take the shuttle bus |
| E3 | Crete, plus some ferries to Serifos and Milos | Far end, take the shuttle bus |
| E6 | Cyclades, including Blue Star ferries to Paros and Naxos | Close, a short walk |
| E7 | Cyclades, including Blue Star ferries to Paros, Naxos, Syros and Mykonos | Close, a short walk |
| E8 | Saronic islands, including Aegina, Poros, Hydra and Spetses | Close, a short walk |
| E9 and E10 | Cyclades high speed ferries, plus some Saronic boats | A longer walk, or take the shuttle bus |
| E11 and E12 | Cruise ships | Far southern end, take a bus or taxi |
Gates can change. Ferry companies move sailings between gates depending on how busy the port is. Always check the gate on your ticket or with the ferry company on the day, rather than relying on a map.
How to Get to Piraeus Port
Metro
- Direct from the airport on Line 3
- Line 1 from Monastiraki
- Station by gate E5
- Best for most people
X96 bus
- From Athens Airport
- Runs 24 hours
- About 90 minutes
- Best for night arrivals
Taxi
- From central Athens by day
- About 25 euros at night
- Drops you at your gate
- Best with heavy luggage
Suburban train
- From Athens Airport
- Just over 1 hour
- Runs roughly 06:00 to 22:00
- Best alternative to the metro
Athens Airport to Piraeus Port
Metro Line 3, the blue line, now runs all the way from Athens Airport to Piraeus without a change. The journey takes about 1 hour and the airport ticket costs 9 euros, or 16 euros return. Airport trains leave roughly every 36 minutes, with the first at about 06:10 and the last at about 23:34. The X96 express bus is the cheaper option at 5.50 euros and runs 24 hours a day, but it takes around 90 minutes and can be slow in traffic. A taxi from the airport usually costs somewhere between 55 and 70 euros by day.
| Option | Journey time | Cost | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Line 3 | About 1 hour | 9 euros, 16 euros return | About 06:10 to 23:34 from the airport |
| X96 bus | About 90 minutes | 5.50 euros | 24 hours |
| Suburban railway | Just over 1 hour | Check at the station | About 06:00 to 22:00 |
| Taxi | Depends on traffic | Usually 55 to 70 euros by day | 24 hours, from exit 3 |
Metro works in 2026: rail replacement works close parts of the blue and red lines on some evenings from about 21:40, with replacement buses instead. If your flight lands late, the X96 bus or a taxi may be quicker.
Central Athens to Piraeus Port
From the city centre, Metro Line 1, the green line, is the classic route. It runs from Omonia and Monastiraki to Piraeus in about 20 minutes. Line 3 also reaches Piraeus from Syntagma and Monastiraki. Both lines end at Piraeus station, opposite the main port entrance. A taxi from central Athens costs about 20 euros by day and about 25 euros between midnight and 05:00, and the driver can drop you right at your gate.
Driving and Parking at Piraeus
You cannot park inside the port unless your car is boarding a ferry. If you are leaving a car in Piraeus, use one of the private car parks nearby, such as those on Akti Miaouli. If you are taking a car on the ferry, arrive 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours before departure.
Free Shuttle Bus at Piraeus Port
A free shuttle bus runs inside the port, starting from the main entrance near gate E5, opposite the metro station. It stops along the quays and is the easiest way to reach the gates at the far end, such as E1, E2 and E3. Electronic boards at the stops show when the next bus is due, and in busy periods buses run every 10 to 15 minutes. If your ferry leaves from E6, E7 or E8, it is usually quicker to walk.
Ferries From Piraeus to the Cyclades
Piraeus has ferries to nearly every Cyclades island, and the main routes run all year. The table shows the fastest high speed crossing and the usual time on a conventional ferry. The main companies are Blue Star Ferries, Seajets, Fast Ferries and Aegean Sea Lines.
| Piraeus to | Fastest ferry | Conventional ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Syros | About 2 hours | 3 to 4 hours |
| Serifos | About 2 hours | About 4 hours 20 minutes |
| Sifnos | About 2 hours 30 minutes | 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours |
| Milos | About 2 hours 35 minutes | Longer, with island stops |
| Mykonos | About 2 hours 40 minutes | 4 to 5 hours 50 minutes |
| Paros | About 2 hours 45 minutes | 4 to 5 hours |
| Naxos | About 3 hours 20 minutes | About 5 hours 30 minutes |
| Folegandros | About 3 hours 45 minutes | Around 7 hours |
| Ios | About 4 hours | 5 hours 20 minutes to 9 hours 45 minutes |
| Koufonisia | About 4 hours | Around 9 hours 30 minutes |
| Santorini | About 5 hours | 6 to 11 hours 30 minutes |
| Amorgos | About 5 hours 30 minutes | Around 9 hours 30 minutes |
For Andros, Tinos and Mykonos, the port of Rafina is often quicker, and for Kea and Kythnos the port of Lavrio is the one to use. Our guide to travelling from Athens to the Cyclades compares all 3 ports.
Piraeus Cruise Port and Terminals
Piraeus is also one of the busiest cruise ports in the Mediterranean. Cruise ships dock at the southern end of the harbour, around gates E11 and E12, well away from the ferry gates and the metro. There are 3 cruise terminals: Miaoulis (Terminal A), Themistocles (Terminal B) and Alkimos (Terminal C). They are within walking distance of each other and linked by a free shuttle, and the terminal you use depends on your ship, so check your cruise documents.
| From the cruise port to | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Piraeus metro station | Local buses 843 or 859, or a taxi | A short ride |
| Central Athens and the Acropolis | Taxi, or bus to the metro and then Line 1 to Monastiraki | About 20 to 30 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic |
| A Cyclades ferry gate | Taxi or the port shuttle bus | Allow plenty of time |
Facilities at Piraeus Port
| Facility | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Ticket offices | Each ferry company has a kiosk near its gate. Most tickets are now electronic, with a QR code on your phone. |
| Passenger terminals | Terminals near gates E1, E2, E3 and E8 have air conditioned waiting rooms, wifi, snack bars, toilets and ticket offices |
| Food and drink | Snack bars and kiosks along the quays, and plenty of cafés across the road from the port |
| Money | ATMs between gates E6 and E7, and near E3, E4 and E8 |
| Luggage storage | Paid lockers at Piraeus metro station |
| Parking | No parking inside the port, use private car parks nearby |
| Opening hours | The port is open 24 hours, and some ferries sail overnight |
Piraeus to Athens City Centre
Coming back from the islands, walk or take the shuttle bus to Piraeus station and catch Metro Line 1 to Monastiraki, about 20 minutes away and a short walk from the Acropolis. Line 3 goes to Syntagma and on to the airport. A taxi into the centre takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis wait outside the main gates, but queues build up when a big ferry comes in, so the metro is often faster.
Staying Near Piraeus Port
If your ferry leaves early in the morning, spending the night in Piraeus saves a stressful dash across Athens. There are hotels within walking distance of the port and the metro station, and many more around the Pasalimani and Mikrolimano marinas. Piraeus is worth a wander in its own right. Mikrolimano is a pretty little harbour lined with fish tavernas, the hill of Kastella has wide views over the Saronic Gulf, and the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus holds finds from the ancient port.
Tips for Catching a Ferry at Piraeus
- Check your gate the day before. Look at your ticket or the ferry company’s website, as gates can change.
- Arrive at least 1 hour early. Allow 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours if you are taking a car.
- Use the shuttle bus for the far gates. Gates E1, E2 and E3 are a long walk from the metro with heavy bags.
- Have your ticket ready. Crew check tickets at the ramp, so keep the QR code and your passport or ID card to hand.
- Buy water and snacks before boarding. Food on board is fine but pricier, and queues at the snack bar can be long on busy sailings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Piraeus Port
Where is Piraeus port?
Piraeus port is in the city of Piraeus on the Saronic Gulf, about 12 km south west of central Athens. The metro station is opposite the main entrance, close to gate E5.
Which gate do Cyclades ferries leave from at Piraeus?
Ferries to the Cyclades usually leave from gates E6, E7, E9 and E10. Blue Star ferries to Paros, Naxos, Syros and Mykonos often use E7. Gates can change, so always check your ticket.
How do I get from Athens Airport to Piraeus port?
Take Metro Line 3, the blue line, direct from the airport to Piraeus. It takes about 1 hour and costs 9 euros. The X96 bus costs 5.50 euros, runs 24 hours and takes about 90 minutes.
How do I get from central Athens to Piraeus?
Take Metro Line 1, the green line, from Monastiraki or Omonia to Piraeus, which takes about 20 minutes. A taxi costs about 20 euros by day and about 25 euros at night.
How much is a taxi from Athens to Piraeus port?
A taxi from central Athens to Piraeus costs about 20 euros by day and about 25 euros between midnight and 05:00. From the airport, expect to pay somewhere between 55 and 70 euros by day.
Is there a free shuttle bus at Piraeus port?
Yes. A free shuttle bus runs inside the port from the main entrance near gate E5, opposite the metro, to the far gates such as E1, E2 and E3. In busy periods it runs every 10 to 15 minutes.
How early should I arrive at Piraeus port?
Arrive at least 1 hour before your ferry leaves if you are on foot, and 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours early if you are taking a car on board.
How long does it take to walk around Piraeus port?
Walking from one end of the port to the other can take close to an hour. The Cyclades gates E6 and E7 are a short walk from the metro, but the far gates are best reached by the free shuttle bus.
Where do cruise ships dock in Piraeus?
Cruise ships dock at the southern end of the harbour, around gates E11 and E12. There are 3 cruise terminals: Miaoulis (A), Themistocles (B) and Alkimos (C).
How do I get from Piraeus cruise port to the Acropolis?
Take a taxi, which takes about 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic, or take bus 843 or 859 to Piraeus metro station and then Metro Line 1 to Monastiraki, a short walk from the Acropolis.
Is there luggage storage at Piraeus port?
There are paid luggage lockers at Piraeus metro station, opposite the main port entrance.
Can I park at Piraeus port?
Parking is not allowed inside the port unless your car is boarding a ferry. Use one of the private car parks nearby, such as those on Akti Miaouli.
Is Piraeus port open 24 hours?
Yes. The port is open 24 hours a day, and some ferries sail overnight, especially to Crete and the Dodecanese.
Which islands can I reach from Piraeus?
Piraeus has ferries to nearly all the Cyclades, including Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Milos, Sifnos, Serifos, Syros, Ios, Folegandros, Amorgos and Koufonisia, as well as to Crete, the Dodecanese, the North Aegean and the Saronic islands.
Final Thoughts
Piraeus looks daunting on a first visit, but it is easy once you know 3 things: your gate, how long it takes to get there and that the free shuttle bus will carry you to the far end. Take the metro, arrive an hour early and you will be sitting on deck with a coffee as the ferry pulls out towards the Cyclades. If you are still deciding how to reach your island, our guide to getting from Athens to the Cyclades compares Piraeus with Rafina, Lavrio and the island flights.
