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Overview: car trip from Athens to Piraeus
The drive from Athens to Piraeus isn’t very far, and it takes just 20 minutes door-to-door with a Daytrip private transfer, covering the short distance of about 6.2 miles (10 km.) You can enjoy this swift, direct journey or choose to elevate your travel day with sightseeing stops.
On the way, you can visit the Castle of Acrocorinth, thought of as the most impressive fortress in Greece. The huge acropolis was originally constructed by the Greeks, but over the centuries was also used by the Romans, Byzantines, Turks, and other civilizations. Your exploration here will reveal hidden artifacts from the complex’s various inhabitants and offer incredible hilltop views.
Or, visit the Corinth Canal and learn about the tumultuous story behind its construction initiated in the 7th Century BC and only completed in the 19th century. The remarkable, narrow canal is a unique sight, with its turquoise waters enclosed by sheer rock faces spanning 4 miles.
About Piraeus
After your Athen to Piraeus transfer, you will find yourself in the primary port city of Athens and Greece as a whole. This massive marine center is the home of the country’s largest harbor, and it still acts today as a maritime powerhouse with a vibrant atmosphere.
Originally founded in the 5th century BC, the city grew to replace the ports of Faliros Bay previously used by the Athenians and provided a fortified alternative with reinforced walls surrounding the route from Athens. The city was formerly known as “Porto Leone” because the entrance to the port used to feature a huge stone lion.
Now, the city draws waves of tourism each year with its ancient monuments, incredible seafood, and neoclassical art museums. The ports themselves are the center of life in Piraeus, with three main ports (The Central Port, Zea Marina, and Mikrolimano) serving the city in various ways. The Central port is the heart of the city, and it's from here that the ferry and boat tours whisk travelers to the various Aegean islands and Crete.
The Zea Marina is the docking place of luxurious yachts and smaller cruises, and the area boasts many shops and amenities for sailors stopping by. Mikrolimano is a smaller port that offers a slower pace of life amidst fishing boats and smaller ships, making it the best place to go for world-class seafood served in taverns right on the water.
Piraeus offers a range of activities to enjoy along the picturesque seaside as well as plenty of cultural and historical appeal, from huge theaters to artistic showcases and archaeological museums.
From Athens to Piraeus: travel tips
Before you embark on your exciting trip from Athens to Piraeus, a couple of preparations ahead of time can help you to have the best travel experience possible.
Explore Piraeus beyond the ports
While many people travel to Piraeus to make use of its ferry ports for onward exploration of the Aegean islands or Crete, it is worth spending some time in Piraeus itself to enjoy the incredible city beyond the ports. For instance, you can visit areas such as Kastella, a hilltop neighborhood that features stunning neoclassical buildings and offers great views across the water below.
### Choose a private journey
Taking a private transfer from Athens to Piraeus is a great option for any traveler, but may be especially advantageous to those with onward connections at the port. It is important to arrive at least an hour before your cruise departure time to account for heavy traffic and to allow for plenty of boarding time, and a private journey gives you greater flexibility on your departure time to ensure you aren’t cutting it too close.
The private journey is also a good choice if you are flying into Athens airport and need a transfer to Piraeus, as you can be picked up directly from the airport and get to the port in a timely manner.
How to get from Athens to Piraeus
There are a few ways to cover the distance from Athens to Piraeus, each with its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your travel priorities. As the cities aren’t very far from each other, the price and comfort of each transfer method may be more important than the travel time.
### Subway from Athens to Piraeus
There is a subway route from Athens to Piraeus that takes about 18 minutes, with tickets starting at $2 (€1.85). The journey is fast, but keep in mind that you will need to navigate between your accommodation and the subway station in Athens and Piraeus which will add time to your journey.
### Train from Athens to Piraeus
The train from Athens to Piraeus leaves hourly and takes around 20 minutes from station to station. Tickets can vary from $1 to $10 (€0.92-€9.25)depending on your travel time. Train delays can occur, and as with the subway, you will need to account for time spent on travel to and from the train station.
### Bus from Athens to Piraeus
The bus from Athens to Piraeus takes about 37 minutes, and tickets start at around $2 (€1.85). The bus leaves every 20 minutes during weekdays, though it can be delayed by traffic or become overcrowded during the peak travel season.
### Tram from Athens to Piraeus
There is a tram that runs between Athens and Piraeus with a journey time of around 45 minutes on average. The tickets start at $2 (€1.85) but may fluctuate in price.
### Taxi from Athens to Piraeus
Taxis operate from Athens to Piraeus, with a drive time of around 11 minutes (this can become much longer in times of heavy traffic during the busiest port departures.) The cost of a taxi is about $15 to $18 (€14-€17), but some cab companies can be more expensive.
### Private driver from Athens to Piraeus
For many travelers, the simplest option is to take a private driving transfer from Athens to Piraeus. This has the great advantage of door-to-door service, omitting the need to navigate to and from public transportation stations. The trip takes just 20 minutes, and rides start at $8.60 (€8) per passenger. This is the best balance of value and convenience for this short-distance transfer.
Things to do when you get to Piraeus
However you get from Athens to Piraeus, there are plenty of things to keep you busy once you arrive. Often used as a jumping-off point for island hopping, Piraeus itself also has a lot to offer for travelers.
### Eat seafood at Mikrolimano
One of the three main ports of Piraeus, Mikrolimano translates to “small port,” and offers visitors a truer experience of island life than the busiest ports. Here, the seafront promenade boasts restaurants and bars with stunning sea views and plenty of delicious local food and drinks to indulge in.
This beautiful spot hosts fishing boats and smaller crafts, lending it a quieter, postcard-esque atmosphere that makes for the perfect backdrop to unforgettable seafood.
### Catch a performance at the Municipal Theatre
This icon of neoclassical architecture is the home of performing arts in Piraeus. This compact theater features a grand interior and incredible acoustic construction. Visitors can enjoy dance performances and plays in this fascinating building for an elevated evening out in Piraeus. The nearby Royal Cafe is a great sport for a quick meal or coffee before attending a performance.
This special experience is a great way to celebrate the artistic and cultural significance of the region in a beautiful space.
### Explore the Archaeological Museum
For the history buff, this archaeological museum offers a comprehensive view of the history of this major port city. Visitors can explore the many exhibits displaying relics of antiquity and thematic objects, such as those linking pottery to private life from the Mycenaean years to the Hellenistic period.
The museum also offers activities for children and educational opportunities for the whole family, making it a great choice for a daytime outing that offers a break from strolling around in the heat of the Mediterranean sun.
When is the best time to visit Piraeus?
In planning your trip from Athens to Piraeus, it is important to take into consideration the optimal time of year for your trip. The most popular time to visit Greece is in the hot, dry summer months, from late June to August.
To avoid the biggest crowds and still have the benefit of warm, clear days, consider timing your visit for the Spring or Fall months. From April to early June and from late September to late October are great times to explore Piraeus. These shoulder seasons may also be a good time to find discounts on accommodation, activities, and flights.
Daytrip é a maneira mais conveniente de conhecer 14.800+ cidades ao redor do mundo.
Todo viajante merece uma visão real das culturas dos países que está visitando. E todo lugar incrível na Terra merece ser visitado e apreciado. Acreditamos que o conhecimento local único e a conexão humana real são insubstituíveis quando se trata de compreender verdadeiramente outra cultura.
Avaliações verificadas de 1.570 viajantes que reservaram esta rota
8 de set. de 2025
"Thank you so much Patsy. My clients told me how excellent the driver had been.
We are so grateful for this amazing level of service.
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United Kingdom
Perguntas e Respostas sobre Viagens de Atenas para Piraeus
You can take the subway, bus, train, or hire a driver from Athens to Piraeus.
The subway is the cheapest way to Piraeus, at about $2 a ride!
Any of these stops can be added to your Daytrip transfer: the Castle of Acrocorinth, the Corinth Canal, the Monastery St. Ephraim, the Marathon Battlefield Burial Mound, and the Archaeological Museum of Eleusis. Don’t see your desired sightseeing stop? No worries; you can make a custom request.
Athens and Piraeus are 6 miles (10km) apart.
Piraeus is a major ferry port to Greece’s many islands, so definitely visit a few of them! Santorini and Mykonos are easily the most famous destinations.
The best way, if you have luggage or small children, is to hire a driver. You won’t have to navigate public transport with your luggage or worry about missing your departure.
The drive takes about 20 minutes but varies depending on your pick-up point, drop-off point, and the time of day.
Hiring a driver to take you door-to-door is the fastest way after you account for the time it takes to bring your luggage on the subway and to your ferry in Piraeus.
Visite estes pontos turísticos no caminho
Mosteiro de Santo Efraim
At one of the region's oldest monasteries, a devout nun had here dream of meeting a long-dead monk fulfilled. A Wish Fulfilled
Túmulo do Campo de Batalha de Maratona
The 10-meter high hillock rising from this unassuming plain is actually an ancient Greek tomb. A Mountain of Honor
Museu Arqueológico de Elêusis
The ancient site of Eleusis was constructed in part to celebrate Demeter, the Greek goddess of grain, corn and the harvest. Love to the Goddess
Canal de Corinto
Connecting the Gulf of Corinth and Saronic Gulf was a 2000-year-old idea that took centuries to realize. A Long Time Coming
Castelo de Acrocorinto
This fortress has weathered the test of time, being used for almost 2000 years. The Walls of Time
