Athens, Greece - Cruise Port

Athens, the capital and cultural hub of Greece, is located in the southeast mainland and is home to nearly 4 million people. Its historical importance needs no introduction—the Acropolis, museums, Syntagma Square, and vibrant food scene make it a must-visit. However, with only half a day on a port call, time management is crucial. 

Resources and links:

Acropolis & Parthenon Tickets

Acropolis Museum Tickets

Updates:

Getting from the Port to the City 

Your cruise ship docks at Piraeus, Athens’ historic port, 13 km (about 30 minutes) from the city center. However, traffic can cause delays, as there’s no direct freeway. 

Cruise Terminals in Piraeus 

Piraeus has three terminals: 

  • Terminal A: Closest to town, with ATMs, car rentals, pharmacies, and restaurants. 

  • Terminal C: A 15-minute walk west in a residential area. The terminal is well-equipped with bathrooms, SIM card kiosks, shops, and plenty of taxis.

  • Terminal B: The furthest terminal, about 10 minutes past Terminal C. Not a pleasant walk, especially in the heat. 

Transportation Options 

1. Taxi (Recommended for Time Efficiency) 

  • UberX is unavailable in Greece, but you can still use the Uber app to call a regulated taxi. 

  • Flat rate to central Athens: ~25€ (confirm with the driver before starting your ride). 

  • Taxis are available right outside the terminal. 

  • Some drivers offer private tours—we took this option with Peter, a local guide, and it made our visit seamless. 

2. Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus (HOHO) 

  • Available outside Terminals A and B. 

  • Tickets can be pre-arranged before arrival. 

  • Cost: ~20€ per person for an all-day pass. 

3. Public Transportation 

Metro (Least Practical for Short Visits) 

  • Nearest station: Dimotiko Theatro (1 stop from Piraeus) 

  • From Terminal A: 20-minute walk 

  • From Terminal B: 30-40 minutes (too far to be practical) 

  • Day pass: 4€ (includes all public transport) 

  • Advantage: Avoids traffic. 

X80 Express Bus (Best Public Option) 

  • Stops at Terminals A and B (unclear if it serves Terminal C). 

  • Runs every 40 minutes. 

  • Cost: 4.10€ for an all-day pass. 

  • Ride time to Acropolis: ~35-45 minutes (traffic permitting). 

  • Buses are air-conditioned with luggage space. 

Our Experience: Taxi & Private Tour 

Since we traveled with older parents with limited mobility, we prioritized convenience. Peter, a taxi driver, offered a private door-to-door tour for 360€ total (72€ per person for our group of five)—a better value than a ship tour but more expensive than HOHO buses. 

First Stop: The Acropolis 

We aimed for the earliest entry at 8 AM to avoid heat and crowds. Here’s what we learned: 

  • The entrance is still a hike from the main street. 

  • Crowds form before opening—arrive by 7:30 AM for the best experience. 

  • Expect lots of uphill walking, but there are elevated sidewalks and benches. 

  • No shade—get here early! 

  • Must-see for first-timers—the views are breathtaking. 

  • Acropolis Museum is a separate ticket

  • Recommended visit time: 2-3 hours (with the museum, this fills your morning). 

Additional Sightseeing 

After the Acropolis, Peter took us on a city highlights tour: 

  • Mount Lycabettus: Stunning panoramic views. 

  • Changing of the Guard: Near the Prime Minister’s office. 

  • Panathenaic Stadium: First modern Olympic Games (1896), all-marble stadium. 

  • City drive with commentary: Loved the insights! 

  • Coastal lunch spot: Relaxing end to our tour. 

Final Thoughts: Best Transport for You? 

Athens is a straightforward port city, and the best transport depends on your priorities: 

  • Taxi (Recommended for time efficiency & comfort): 25€ for one-way transport; private tour possible. 

  • X80 Bus (Budget-friendly): 4.10€, direct to Acropolis. 

  • HOHO Bus (Mid-range option): Convenient with multiple stops. 

  • Metro (Least practical for cruisers): Requires walking to the station.