Athens Isn’t Really Your Cruise Port—Meet Piraeus
We've got news for you: if Athens, Greece is on your cruise itinerary, you will be surprised when you dock in Piraeus. Athens is inland, so cruise ships can't dock right next to it. Never heard of Piraeus, Greece? Neither did we before we cruised there!
Having been there multiple times, we are sharing info you need to know about the Port of Piraeus cruise terminal, things to do there, and how to get around the city. This information is especially vital if you plan on going into the historic city center in Athens.
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Athens Isn’t on the Coast
If your cruise itinerary lists Athens as your port, your ship will actually dock in Piraeus, the city’s bustling seaside harbor. Athens is inland, about 30–45 minutes away from Piraeus, depending on traffic (and there's often traffic in Athens, especially during morning and after-work rush hour). The trip is an easy transfer even though it takes time, but it’s helpful to know how long it takes in advance so you can plan your day, which you'll certainly want to do if your plans include the famous Acropolis, Plaka, or any of Athens’ historic landmarks.
In the map below, you will see the Port of Piraeus Cruise Terminal A (the most popular one ships dock at). See how it is southwest of the center of Athens. If you click into the map, we've highlighted the drive between Piraeus and Athens that your bus or taxi driver will likely take, and also the metro stations. If you arrive at Cruise Terminal B, it's a little further away from everything than Terminal A is. For the purposes of this article, since most ships arrive at A, we're going to assume you're arriving at Cruise Terminal A.
Practical Information About the Cruise Terminal
The cruise terminals in Piraeus are modern, practical, and straightforward. Inside Cruise Terminal A, you’ll find Wi-Fi, water-bottle filling stations, airport-style security screening before boarding, and plenty of restrooms.
There’s a duty-free shop that's consistently been open during each of our three visits, and while there are technically a few souvenir shops, we’ve never seen any of them open.
ATMs are available inside the terminal, and there are vending machines stocked with drinks, candy, and savory snacks just near the entrance. Taxis are usually waiting directly outside the terminal, making it easy to head into Athens. Alternatively, if you have limited time and want to stay local, there are things to explore in Piraeus that make it worth a walk around for a couple of hours.
What’s Nearby the Terminal
If you need last-minute items or simply want to browse nearby shops, the area around the port has independent clothing stores, a pharmacy, and several shops selling sunglasses, luggage, and travel accessories. It’s a convenient area to pick up anything you may have forgotten or to do a little shopping before returning to your ship.
How to Get Around Piraeus
Getting Around the City from the Cruise Terminal
The cruise terminal area in Piraeus is very walkable. Sidewalks are generous, and you’ll find cafés, bakeries, churches, shops, and everyday life happening all around you. If you want to explore the neighborhood, stretch your legs after being on the ship, or visit nearby attractions, walking is the easiest and most enjoyable way to get around. You'll discover so much but we have tips for the highlights if you have limited time.
Taking Buses and Trams
Piraeus is well-connected by public transportation. Buses and trams run through the port area and can take you to various neighborhoods around the city. They’re useful if you're comfortable navigating European transit systems. Alternatively, it's easy to get an Uber on your phone (which is why we always travel with this WiFi hotspot) or get a taxi.
Using Taxis and Uber in Piraeus and Athens
Taxis are almost always lined up directly outside the cruise terminal, so it's incredibly easy to get a taxi from the Port of Piraeus cruise terminal to Athens. Taxi drivers accept credit cards as well as cash.
A taxi or Uber are the quickest ways to get into central Athens or to travel short distances within the area. Drivers are very accustomed to cruise visitors even if they don't speak English very well (it depends on the driver). The ride to Athens is straightforward whether you're headed to a local museum, the metro station, or the historic heart of the city.
When we wanted to get from Athens back to the cruise terminal on our own, we used Uber. It was easy to manage from our phones and worked well; we knew when we booked it what the cost would be, which was affordable.
If you're wondering what it costs to take an Uber between Piraeus and Athens, estimate it will be between €15-20, one way. Don't be surprised if you open the Uber app and see taxis listed, just like you would see UberXL or UberX as options in the United States. We booked a taxi through the Uber app when we were in Athens and it was great.
Cruise Shuttle Buses
Check to see if your cruise line offers a shuttle between Piraeus and Athens. Viking provided one every hour between the cruise terminal parking lot and Athens. The bus dropped us off and picked up guests at the Arch of Hardian, also known as Hadrian's Gate. From there, it's a very easy walk anywhere historic, including a 5 minute walk to the Acropolis Museum, which we highly recommend doing in addition to The Acropolis.
Taking the Metro into Athens
If you prefer the metro, the Piraeus Metro Station is about a 30-minute walk from the cruise terminal, depending on where your ship is docked. From there, the Athens Metro takes you directly into central Athens, including stops near major sights like Monastiraki Square (next to Hadrian's Library) and Syntagma Square (right next to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier). It’s efficient, clean, and budget-friendly. If you don’t want to walk the full distance, grabbing a taxi from the port to the metro station is quick and easy.
The metro costs less than €2 per person, on way or less than €5 for a day pass. If you just need the way there and the way back, we recommend buying a one way ticket each time, before you board. Once we were within the historic city center of Athens, we walked everywhere.
Public Transportation and Ferries
Piraeus is one of the busiest transportation hubs in Greece, which makes getting around incredibly easy. Public buses and trams are within walking distance of the port area, and ferries to the nearby Greek islands are docked right beside the cruise ships.
Walkable Attractions and Things to Do Right by the Port of Piraeus
When we sailed on Viking Saturn, we were pleasantly surprised by how walkable Piraeus is. A beautiful Greek Orthodox church was only about a 10-minute walk from the ship that was docked at Terminal A. Stepping inside to admire the church's frescoes and atmosphere was well worth the short detour. If you’re in the mood to shop, major chain retail shopping is roughly a 15-20 minute walk from the port, and the surrounding streets offer a mix of independent boutiques if you want something a bit more local.
Cafés, Greek Food, and Local Flavor
Piraeus is a major Greek city, so cafés, bakeries, and restaurants are everywhere. Within about 10 minutes on foot, you’ll find coffee shops, casual eateries, and bakeries where you can grab a quick snack or enjoy a sit-down Greek meal. It’s an easy place to fuel up before heading into Athens or as you return to your ship.
Grab some souvlaki, a Greek “freddo cappucino” (a personal favorite coffee drink topped with cold foam) or some Mythos beer.
Attractions to See Near the Port of Piraeus
If you prefer to explore Piraeus rather than make the trip into Athens, or if you simply want something nearby before or after your excursion, there’s plenty within walking distance.
The Church of Agios Nikolaos is one of the closest churches to the cruise terminal and is one of the most photogenic churches in Piraeus inside and out, thanks to its traditional Greek Orthodox architecture. We thought it was pretty cool that it's dedicated to the patron saint of sailors; don't miss the stained glass window inside with a sailboat and sailors.
Not far away, the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus offers a compact but fascinating look at ancient sculptures, maritime artifacts, and archaeological finds from the region.
You’ll also find the Holy Trinity Cathedral Church, one of the most significant churches in Piraeus, known for its soaring dome and impressive marble work, as well as the Holy Temple of Saint Spyridon, which has an ornate interior and peaceful ambiance. If you're in the mood for a leisurely stroll, continue your walk through Themistokleous Square and take in local life. There's a café right on the square that’s ideal for a drink or snack, and an H&M just off the square if you want to shop. Zara is a two-block walk west (further from the port) from H&M along the main street, Akti Posidonos.
If you're going on a Mediterranean cruise along the Adriatic coast, here is some other info you will find very helpful:
