Piraeus, Athens in Greece
Hotels in Athens Greece near Cruise Port Piraeus
Stay in Piraeus, Athens city centre, near airport, beachfront, …
Main Port of Athens and Greece
Piraeus is the port serving Athens since the early 5th century BC. It’s the largest cruise port in the Eastern Mediterranean and the largest passenger port in Europe.
Cruises from Piraeus will take you to Greek Islands such as Mykonos and Santorini, to the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, and the Middle East.
Plenty of hotels can be found near the ferry and cruise port terminals A and B (Themistocles) in the Port of Piraeus, or close by in the city centre of Athens, near the Elefthérios Venizélos airport and surrounded areas.
In both Athens and Piraeus you can find reasonably priced accommodations. Several properties are located just minutes away from the port entrance and the train station. Many hotels in Athens are only a short walk from the Acropolis, centrally located near the picturesque Plaka neighbourhood. Some Piraeus hotels offer a free shuttle service.
When arriving the day before your cruise, or when you have done Athens before, you can stay in Piraeus not far from the port and train station. From the train station you can still easily catch a train and visit the capital city. All sights are about 20 minutes from the port. Some hotels offer free shuttle service to the cruise port terminals.
Elefthérios Venizélos airport is about 30 km or 18 miles from the city centre. When you have an early flight, or when you’re arriving late you can consider to stay in a nearby airport hotel. Some of them provide a free shuttle.
Bestsellers
Piraeus Dream Hotel
★★
Situated near the main ferry and cruise port of Athens Greece. The railway station is nearby.
Phidias Piraeus Hotel
★★
Cheap budget friendly hotel in Piraeus close to the cruise port. Top location !
Piraeus Theoxenia Hotel
★★★★★
Luxury 5 star hotel located within walking distance of the port and harbour.
Piraeus Port
Cruise Passenger Terminals – Piers
Cruise ships visiting or departing from Athens dock at the Port of Piraeus Megas Limani, on the southern side of the port at piers adjacent to Cruise Terminals A, and the extended terminal B with the new 5,600 sqm international cruise passenger terminal Themistocles, named after the great Athenian politician and general.
Piraeus is also a major ferry port (Zea Limani) for ferries leaving to the Greek Islands, the island of Crete, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, and much of the northern and the eastern Aegean Sea.
Both cruise terminals are within easy reach of Piraeus city center. You can take a taxi, bus or go on foot to both terminals from your hotel. From all Athens hotels you can reach the port by train (metro) or taxi.
Terminal A and B (Themistocles)
Terminal A
20 min walk from the train station, from where you can easily catch a train to Athens.
Address
10 Akti Miaouli, Piraeus 185 38, Greece
Terminal B – Themistocles
New cruise terminal (opened in May 2013), located a bit further away from the city centre. The best way to the terminal is to take a quick taxi ride from your hotel to the port entrance.
Alternatively bus numbers 843 or 859 stop just the entrance of the dock.
From the entrance, shuttle buses will take you to the cruise terminal.
Terminal C – Alkimos
This renovated cruise terminal has a capacity up to 3000 passengers, and is located next to terminal A.
web: www.olp.gr
phone: (+30 210) 4060905 – 4550236 – 4550328
fax: (+30 210) 4550271
Nearest airport – Elefthérios Venizélos
Elefthérios Venizélos International Airport ATH — Elefthérios Venizélos airport is the main international airport of Athens in Greece, located approximately 19 miles or 30 km from the piers, 30 minutes away from Piraeus.
From the Airport to Athens and Piraeus Cruise Port
By taxi
Taxis are available 24 hours a day. Just exit the airport terminal.
By Metro (train)
You can take the metro train (metro line 3) from the airport directly to downtown Athens. For Piraeus change at Monastiraki station to metro line 1. Tickets are good for 90 minutes (valid for buses, metro or tram).
By Bus
Outside the airport terminal you can also cath a bus from the bus station. Buses will bring you to Athens city center in about 1 hour.
For Piraeus you can take the X96 express bus and get off at the Piraeus metro station. Travel time is between 60-90 minutes depending on traffic. From the metro station, you can cath a bus or taxi to reach your hotel or the port entrance.
Piraeus, a Major Seaport
In the center of Piraeus you can visit the Agia Triada Cathedral, a Neo-Byzantine cathedral from the 18th century. Nearby is the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus. Admire yachts and ships in the small harbours of Pasalimani and Mikrolimano. From the hill of Kastella, a prosperous and attractive neighbourhood strewn with beautiful houses, you have a majestic view of the Saronic Gulf.
From Piraeus you can also visit Cape Sounion and admire the stunning views from the impressive Temple of Poseidon, set on the highest point of the cape. Many affordable or more luxurious pre or post cruise hotels can be found close by.
Several large cruise companies operate from the port such as Celestyal Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Silversea and Celebrity Cruises. From Piraeus harbour cruises depart to fascinating destinations such as Rome, Istanbul in Turkey, Santorini and Mykonos, and wonderful Venice with its traditional and boutique hotels. Some ships sail through the Suez Canal to Dubai and Abu Dhabi (see hotels).
Athens, a Bustling Modern City
Located about 7 miles or 11 km from Piraeus is Athens, the capital of Greece. When visiting Athens Greece for a couple of days, we recommend staying in the historic centre of the city so that you can take in all major sights there. Best areas are near the Acropolis, in the districts of Plaka, Syntagma and Psiri. Many places to stay feature a rooftop pool and bar.
Athens is a bustling modern city, home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring sights, most famous classical monuments in the world and fascinating museums.
The world famous Acropolis site of the Parthenon dominates the city above a flat topped hill. This ancient archaeological site attracts thousands of visitors every year. At the foot of the Acropolis is the new Acropolis Museum where you can immerse yourself in ancient Greek history. The nearby Plaka district offers an unique charm with street markets, vine-covered taverns and souvernir stalls.
Don’t miss a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, home to Greek’s famous antiquities.
We have an impressive range of cheap and luxury 4 and 5 star Piraeus and Athens hotels, apartments and budget hostels on offer in both cities, which makes your choice completely easy.
Currency
The currency of Greece is the Euro (€). ATM’s are found all over the city.
Language
Greek is the language in Piraeus and Athens. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.