I'll be in Athens in two weeks and will be taking a 5:30 ferry from Rafina to Mykonos. What are my options on going from downtown Athens to Rafina and how long should I give myself. I've read that sometimes there can be a lot of traffic trying to get there in the afternoon. Thank you in advance for the help!
Posted by
Northeast Ohio, USA
683 posts
Years ago (maybe 15) my wife and I took a bus from downtown Athens, then walked to the port of Rafina, on the way to Naxos and eventually Samos. My wife, who has a very good memory, said that the bus took about ½ hour, and the walk maybe 20 minutes. Unfortunately neither one of us remembers what day it was, although we do know it was in the afternoon. I have no idea what traffic is like nowadays, but if you could get that bus schedule it would probably be helpful.
Here's a link to a Tripadvisor forum on your question (one response says the bus is 70-80 minutes): http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1234491-i12885-k4480620-From_Athens_to_Rafina-Rafina_East_Attica_Region_Attica.html
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3122 posts
The easiest and quickest way to get there is by taxi but it won't be cheap, probably around €30. Otherwise, from Syntagma Square or Monastiraki Square take the Metro to the Viktoria Station. When you exit the station walk straight ahead down the narrow lane about 2 blocks to Mavromateon Street and Pedion Areos Park. The bus to Rafina departs from right there. I think it's every 30 minutes or so and the fare is around €2. I'm not sure how long it takes but I think it's about an hour if traffic isn't snarled. A second bus option would be the Blue Line Airport Metro from Monastiraki or Syntagma Squares back out to the airport, then the 30 minute bus ride to Rafina. This option might be best at that time of day since the Metro isn't slowed down by street traffic and once at the airport the bus to Rafina won't encounter any slowdown. Overall it will take a bit longer and cost a bit more, probably around €10 per person.
Posted by
Brighton, UK
1388 posts
The bus option from Aeros Park can take 60 minutes but to be safe you need to allow 90. A taxi will be quicker but, of course, more expensive. You don't say what day of the week you are going. Traffic is worse Friday afternoon than other week days.
Lee's suggestion of going via the airport is worth considering. The airport to Rafina bus times are here
http://www.athensairporttaxi.com/en/athens_airport_to_rafina_port.htm
If it was me I would get the bus from Aeros Park around midday and have a late and long lunch in Rafina.
Alan