Private transfer from Athens Airport to Piraeus Port
Piraeus is the largest passenger port in Europe and the starting point for ferries to most Greek islands and many Eastern Mediterranean cruises. It is 49 km from Athens International Airport, on the far side of the city.
The port is also huge. Ferries to the Cyclades, Crete, the Dodecanese and the Saronic islands leave from different gates spread along more than 2 km of waterfront, and cruise ships use their own terminals at the far end. A private transfer takes you not just to Piraeus but to the right gate for your boat, with all your luggage, for one fixed price per vehicle.
| Pickup | Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) |
|---|---|
| Drop-off | Any hotel, villa or address in Piraeus Port |
| Distance | About 49 km by road |
| Journey time | 45 min – 1h, depending on traffic |
| Best for | Ferry & cruise port |
| Busiest season | April–October |
| Availability | 24/7, including late-night and early-morning flights |
The drive from ATH to Piraeus Port
From the airport, your driver takes the Attiki Odos toll motorway west across the north of Athens, then heads south on the Kifisos Avenue expressway to Piraeus. The drive takes 45 to 60 minutes, longer in weekday rush hours and on summer Friday evenings.
At the port, your driver goes straight to your departure gate. Tell us your ferry company, destination and departure time, and we'll plan the pickup with enough time to collect tickets and board.
Meeting your driver at Athens Airport
Athens Airport has one main terminal building. Passengers from outside the Schengen area pass through passport control, then everyone collects their bags and exits into the same arrivals hall on the ground floor. Your driver waits at the arrivals exit holding a sign with your name.
Arriving here for somewhere else? See every Athens Airport transfer we run.
Where we drop off at Piraeus
Piraeus's departure gates are numbered E1 to E12, and the right one depends on your ferry company and destination. Share your ticket details and we'll take you there.
Cyclades ferries
Sailings to Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos and the other Cycladic islands, from gates in the central part of the port.
Crete and the Dodecanese
Day and overnight ferries to Heraklion, Chania, Rhodes, Kos and the other Dodecanese islands.
Saronic islands
Ferries and fast boats to Aegina, Poros, Hydra and Spetses, from their own gate.
Cruise terminals
The cruise terminals at the southern end of the port, reached through their own entrance.
When to book your Piraeus Port transfer
Ferry season runs from April to October, busiest in July and August, when popular sailings to Mykonos and Santorini sell out. The meltemi, a strong northerly summer wind, occasionally delays or cancels ferries; we keep an eye on sailings and adjust.
Cruise season at Piraeus runs from spring to late autumn, with the biggest turnaround days at weekends.
Private transfer vs other ways to reach Piraeus Port
| Option | Door to door | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | 45 min – 1h | Straight to your door, fixed price per vehicle, driver waiting in arrivals. |
| Metro | About 1 hour, plus a walk to your gate | Metro from the airport to Piraeus station, then a walk or port shuttle bus to your gate, which can be more than 2 km away. |
| X96 express bus | 1–1½ hours | Round-the-clock bus from the airport to Piraeus. Cheap, but slow and busy, and it stops some distance from many gates. |
| Taxi | 45–60 minutes | Flat fare to Piraeus from the airport rank, with a higher night rate. |
Choose your vehicle
Standard sedan
Up to 3 passengers · 2–3 suitcases
Couples and solo travellers
Executive sedan
Up to 3 passengers · 2–3 suitcases
Mercedes E-Class or similar
Minivan
Up to 7 passengers · 6–7 suitcases
Families and golf or ski bags
Minibus
8–16 passengers · One suitcase each
Groups, weddings, events
Exact models vary by country. Tell us about oversized luggage, golf bags, skis or strollers and we will size the vehicle to fit.
Local tips for your Piraeus Port transfer
- Heading to Mykonos, Tinos or Andros? Check whether your ferry leaves from Rafina instead: it is only 20 minutes from the airport.
- Ferries leave on time and close boarding about 15 to 30 minutes before departure. Leave a good buffer after landing.
- Keep your ticket or booking reference to hand: some companies ask you to collect a boarding pass at their port office.
- Staying a night in Athens first? We also drive from your city hotel to Piraeus.