Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Athens, Greece?

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Cruise Ships Dock in Athens, Greece

Athens, Greece is a popular destination for cruise ships, and for good reason. The city is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Zeus. Cruise ships dock in Piraeus, which is located about 10 miles from the city center.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the cruise ship terminals in Piraeus, as well as the different ways to get from the port to the city center. We’ll also provide some tips on what to see and do in Athens during your cruise.

So if you’re planning a cruise to Athens, Greece, be sure to read on for all the information you need to know!

Port Name Terminal Location
Piraeus Port Port of Piraeus 12 km southwest of Athens city centre
Rafna Port Port of Rafna 25 km southeast of Athens city centre
Lvrio Port Port of Lvrio 60 km southeast of Athens city centre

Major Cruise Ship Ports in Athens

Athens, Greece is a popular destination for cruise ships, and there are four major ports that serve cruise ships in the city. These ports are Piraeus Port, Rafina Port, Lavrio Port, and Elefsina Port.

Piraeus Port

Piraeus Port is the largest cruise ship port in Greece and the second largest cruise ship port in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located about 10 kilometers (6 miles) southwest of Athens city center. Piraeus Port is served by a number of cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line. The port has 51 berths and can accommodate ships of up to 360 meters (1,181 feet) in length.

The passenger terminal at Piraeus Port is modern and well-equipped. It has a number of facilities, including restaurants, bars, shops, and a casino. There is also a free shuttle bus that runs between the passenger terminal and the metro station.

Rafina Port

Rafina Port is located about 25 kilometers (15 miles) east of Athens city center. It is a smaller port than Piraeus Port, but it is still a popular destination for cruise ships. Rafina Port is served by a number of cruise lines, including MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, and Princess Cruises. The port has 20 berths and can accommodate ships of up to 290 meters (951 feet) in length.

The passenger terminal at Rafina Port is smaller than the one at Piraeus Port, but it is still well-equipped. It has a number of facilities, including restaurants, bars, shops, and a casino. There is also a free shuttle bus that runs between the passenger terminal and the metro station.

Lavrio Port

Lavrio Port is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of Athens city center. It is a small port that is mainly used for cargo shipping. However, it also serves a small number of cruise ships. The port has 10 berths and can accommodate ships of up to 170 meters (558 feet) in length.

The passenger terminal at Lavrio Port is very basic. It has a few facilities, including a restaurant, a bar, and a small gift shop. There is no shuttle bus to the metro station, so passengers must take a taxi or a bus to get to Athens city center.

Elefsina Port

Elefsina Port is located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) northwest of Athens city center. It is a small port that is mainly used for cargo shipping. However, it also serves a small number of cruise ships. The port has 10 berths and can accommodate ships of up to 170 meters (558 feet) in length.

The passenger terminal at Elefsina Port is very basic. It has a few facilities, including a restaurant, a bar, and a small gift shop. There is no shuttle bus to the metro station, so passengers must take a taxi or a bus to get to Athens city center.

Facilities and Amenities at Cruise Ship Ports in Athens

The cruise ship ports in Athens offer a variety of facilities and amenities for passengers. These include:

  • Passenger terminals. The passenger terminals at the four ports are all modern and well-equipped. They have a number of facilities, including restaurants, bars, shops, and a casino. There is also a free shuttle bus that runs between the passenger terminal and the metro station.
  • Cargo terminals. The cargo terminals at the four ports are also well-equipped. They have a number of facilities, including warehouses, cranes, and loading docks.
  • Cruise ship berths. The cruise ship berths at the four ports are all deep and wide. They can accommodate ships of up to 360 meters (1,181 feet) in length.
  • Shopping malls. There are a number of shopping malls located near the cruise ship ports in Athens. These malls offer a wide variety of shops, including duty-free shops, boutiques, and department stores.
  • Restaurants. There are a number of restaurants located near the cruise ship ports in Athens. These restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, including Greek, Italian, and Chinese.
  • Bars. There are a number of bars located near the cruise ship ports in Athens. These bars offer a variety of drinks, including cocktails, beer, and wine.
  • Nightclubs. There are a number of nightclubs located near the cruise ship ports in Athens. These nightclubs offer a variety of music and dancing.

The cruise ship ports in Athens are

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Athens Greece?

Athens is a popular cruise ship destination, and there are several ports where cruise ships dock. The main port is Piraeus, which is located about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the city center. Other ports include Lavrion, which is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Athens, and Rafina, which is about 25 kilometers (16 miles) from Athens.

Piraeus

Piraeus is the largest port in Greece and the main port for cruise ships. It is located on the Saronic Gulf, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the city center of Athens. The port has a capacity of over 5 million passengers per year and is served by several cruise lines.

There are several ways to get from Piraeus to Athens. The most popular way is by metro. The metro takes about 30 minutes and costs 1.40. There are also buses and taxis that run between Piraeus and Athens.

Lavrion

Lavrion is a smaller port than Piraeus, but it is still a popular destination for cruise ships. It is located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Athens, and it is served by several cruise lines.

There are several ways to get from Lavrion to Athens. The most popular way is by bus. The bus takes about 1 hour and costs 10. There are also taxis and trains that run between Lavrion and Athens.

Rafina

Rafina is the smallest of the three ports, but it is still a popular destination for cruise ships. It is located about 25 kilometers (16 miles) from Athens, and it is served by several cruise lines.

There are several ways to get from Rafina to Athens. The most popular way is by bus. The bus takes about 40 minutes and costs 8. There are also taxis and trains that run between Rafina and Athens.

Transportation to and from Cruise Ship Ports in Athens

There are several ways to get from the cruise ship ports to the city center of Athens. The most popular ways are by metro, bus, taxi, car, and ferry.

By bus

The metro is the most popular way to get from the cruise ship ports to the city center of Athens. The metro takes about 30 minutes and costs 1.40. There are several metro stations located near the cruise ship ports.

By train

The train is another popular way to get from the cruise ship ports to the city center of Athens. The train takes about 30 minutes and costs 1.40. There are several train stations located near the cruise ship ports.

By taxi

Taxis are a convenient way to get from the cruise ship ports to the city center of Athens. Taxis are available 24 hours a day and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. The cost of a taxi from the cruise ship ports to the city center is around 20.

By car

Driving is another option for getting from the cruise ship ports to the city center of Athens. However, it is important to note that traffic in Athens can be heavy, especially during rush hour. The drive from the cruise ship ports to the city center takes about 30 minutes.

By ferry

The ferry is a scenic way to get from the cruise ship ports to the city center of Athens. The ferry takes about 30 minutes and costs 1.40. There are several ferry terminals located near the cruise ship ports.

Things to Do in Athens

Athens is a city with a rich history and culture. There are many things to see and do in Athens, including:

  • Visit the Acropolis

The Acropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in Greece. It is home to the Parthenon, one of the most famous temples in the world.

  • Explore the Ancient Agora

The Ancient Agora was the center of ancient Athens. It was a marketplace, a place of worship, and a meeting place for citizens.

  • See the Parthenon

The Parthenon is a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. It is one of the most iconic buildings in the world and a symbol of ancient Greece.

  • Visit the Temple of Zeus

The Temple of Zeus is one of the largest temples in Greece. It was dedicated to the god Zeus, the king of the gods.

  • Take a walk through the Plaka district

Where do cruise ships dock in Athens Greece?

  • Piraeus Port is the main port of Athens and the largest passenger port in Greece. It is located about 10 km south of the city center.
  • Most cruise ships dock at the Port of Piraeus, which has 6 cruise terminals.
  • The Port of Piraeus is well-connected to the city center by metro, bus, and taxi.
  • There are also a number of hotels and restaurants located near the port.

What are the different cruise terminals at the Port of Piraeus?

  • The Port of Piraeus has 6 cruise terminals, which are numbered 1 to 6.
  • Terminal 1 is the largest and is used by most cruise ships.
  • Terminals 2 and 3 are smaller and are used by smaller cruise ships.
  • Terminals 4, 5, and 6 are used for ferries and cargo ships.

How do I get from the Port of Piraeus to the city center?

  • There are a number of ways to get from the Port of Piraeus to the city center.
  • The fastest way is by metro. The metro station is located at the end of Terminal 1. The journey to Syntagma Square takes about 30 minutes.
  • There are also buses and taxis that run between the port and the city center.
  • The journey by bus takes about 45 minutes, while a taxi ride takes about 20 minutes.

What are the best hotels near the Port of Piraeus?

  • There are a number of hotels located near the Port of Piraeus, including:
  • The Athens Marriott Hotel
  • The Hilton Athens
  • The Electra Palace Hotel
  • The Xenia Grand Hotel
  • The Caravel Hotel

What are the best restaurants near the Port of Piraeus?

  • There are a number of restaurants located near the Port of Piraeus, including:
  • The Lighthouse Restaurant
  • The Orizontes Restaurant
  • The To Steki Tou Psara Restaurant
  • The Yiasemi Restaurant
  • The Delfini Restaurant

    Athens is a popular cruise ship destination due to its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. The city has a wide variety of attractions to offer visitors, including the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, and the Ancient Agora. There are also many museums and art galleries in Athens, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene. The city is easily accessible by air and sea, and there are a number of cruise ship ports located within close proximity to the city center. Whether you’re looking for a historical, cultural, or beach vacation, Athens is the perfect destination for your next cruise.

Here are some key takeaways for planning your own cruise to Athens:

  • The best time to visit Athens is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists.
  • The most popular cruise ship ports in Athens are Piraeus, Lavrion, and Rafina.
  • There are a variety of tours and excursions available in Athens, including city tours, day trips to the surrounding islands, and cooking classes.
  • The Greek cuisine is delicious and varied, and there are many restaurants to choose from in Athens.
  • The nightlife in Athens is vibrant and there are many bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.