In this guide
Every summer, thousands of travelers land at Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) and head straight to Piraeus to catch a ferry to Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Santorini or Milos. It sounds simple, but the airport is in the east of Attica and Piraeus is on the coast in the southwest. You have to cross the whole city.
We drive this route every day. Here's our honest, no-nonsense guide to every option.
All options at a glance
| Option | Time | Comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | 45–60 min | ●●●●● | Families, groups, luggage, tight schedules |
| Taxi | 45–60 min | ●●●●○ | Small groups without a booking |
| Metro | ~1h–1h 15 | ●●○○○ | Solo travelers with light bags |
| X96 bus | 1h–1h 30+ | ●○○○○ | The tightest budgets |
Option 1: Private transfer
Private transfer
Our pickYour driver tracks your flight, waits for you in arrivals with a name sign, helps with the bags and drops you off at your ferry gate, not just "at the port". The price is fixed per vehicle, so for 3 or more people it's often close to the cost of a taxi.
- Door to ferry gate
- Waits if your flight is late
- Fixed price, no surprises
- Child seats and vans available
- Needs booking in advance
- More expensive than public transport for solo travelers
Book your Athens Airport → Piraeus transfer
Meet & greet, flight tracking and drop-off at your gate. Fixed price per vehicle.
Option 2: Taxi
Taxi from the rank
Official yellow taxis wait outside the arrivals hall. Fares to the city center are fixed, but Piraeus is charged on the meter, and a night tariff applies after midnight.
- No booking needed
- Direct, door to door
- Long queues in summer
- Final price depends on traffic
- Max 4 passengers, limited boot space
Option 3: Metro
Metro (Line 3, blue)
Take Line 3 (blue) from the airport station. Some trains run through to Piraeus. Otherwise, change at Monastiraki to Line 1 (green) and ride to the last stop, Piraeus. Note that airport tickets cost more than regular metro tickets.
- Predictable journey time
- Avoids road traffic
- Stairs and crowds with suitcases
- Possible change of line
- Long walk to some ferry gates
Option 4: X96 express bus
X96 bus
The X96 runs day and night between the airport and Piraeus. It's the cheapest option, but the journey time depends completely on traffic, and in summer the bus can be very full.
- Lowest cost
- Runs 24 hours a day
- Slowest option
- Often standing room only
- Not ideal with big suitcases
How much time do I need?
This is the question we hear most. Our rule of thumb: leave at least 2.5–3 hours between your scheduled landing and your ferry departure. Here's why:
Which gate is my ferry?
Piraeus is one of the biggest passenger ports in Europe, with gates numbered E1 to E12 spread along the waterfront. Ferries to the Cyclades usually depart from gates E7–E9, but this can change, so always check the gate on your ticket.
- Your gate is printed on your ticket or e-ticket.
- Walking between the far ends of the port can take 20+ minutes with luggage.
- With a private transfer, just tell your driver the gate (or the ferry name).
Piraeus or Rafina?
Many travelers don't know that Athens has a second big ferry port. Rafina is only about 20–25 minutes from the airport and has frequent ferries to Mykonos, Paros, Naxos and Andros. If your island is served from both ports, Rafina is often the smarter choice on arrival day.
Heading to Santorini or Milos? Most ferries leave from Piraeus.
Key takeaways
- By car: 45–60 minutes. The easiest option with luggage.
- By metro: about 1 hour or a little more. Fine with light bags.
- Buffer: 2.5–3 hours between landing and sailing.
- Gates: Cyclades ferries usually leave from E7–E9. Check your ticket.
- Consider Rafina: it's much closer to the airport.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Athens Airport to Piraeus?
By car it takes about 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic. By metro, allow about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. The X96 bus can take 1.5 hours or more.
Can I catch a ferry on the same day I land in Athens?
Yes, as long as you leave a buffer of at least 2.5–3 hours between your scheduled landing and the ferry departure.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
With a private transfer, your driver tracks your flight and waits for you. If you risk missing your ferry, contact the ferry company early. Many allow changes for a fee.
Is there a direct metro from the airport to Piraeus?
Line 3 connects the airport with Piraeus, and some trains run straight through. Otherwise you change at Monastiraki to Line 1. Check the timetable on the day.
Rafina or Piraeus: which is better?
Rafina is much closer to the airport and is a great choice for Mykonos, Paros and Naxos. Piraeus has more routes overall, including most ferries to Santorini and Milos.
