We arrive at ATH from Montreal on Monday September 28th at 10:10 AM. Is it reasonable to book a ferry to Hydra at 3:00 PM? I looked on Ferryhopper to see about flexible tickets but it appears you need to make changes 24 hours in advance. It would be great to hop on a ferry earlier if possible or not have an issue if we are late. BTW it seems there are only fast boats to Hydra (no slower ferries) with reserved seating unless I am missing something. We do have travel insurance. At that time of year and on a Monday is it even possible to buy tickets once we get to Piraeus rather than book in advance? Not our first trip to Greece but it would be the first time we'd go straight to an island after international flights. (We've been to Athens several times and don't wish to stop there this trip.) Thanks for advice!
Posted by
Tinos, Greece
88 posts
September No need to pre book tickets. Buy at port at local office. Always best to use local office.
For future if you are pre booking do so direct with ferry company and not a third party.
Posted by
OP
99 posts
Thanks. Good to know we can buy tic at the port. I was simply using Ferryhopper to compare companies.
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
4242 posts
It is impossible to predict the waiting time at the airport caused by the new Schengen EES system.
You should allow at least one hour to get from the airport to the port of Piraeus, whether by metro, the X96 bus, or taxi.
Ferries to Hydra depart from Gate E8, where you will find ticket offices, there is no need to book in advance, as expat nomad mentioned. You should be fine for a 3:00 PM ferry.
Gate E8 Street View:
Posted by
Moncton NB
1568 posts
whether by metro, the X96 bus, or taxi.
There is another alternative, and one that I like much better. Metro has a connection in central Athens, I hate buses and X96 takes a half hour longer, and taxi is more expensive. The Proastiakos train takes you there direct and easy in an hour. At the airport, look for signs to "Train" (the station is just outside across a walkway). Takes you to Piraeus station, which is a short walk from the port.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athens_Suburban_Railway#Lines_and_services
https://newtickets.hellenictrain.gr/Channels.HellenicTrainWeb/
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
4242 posts
A quick correction:
For almost 4 years now, the metro (Line 3 - Blue Line) has been going directly to Piraeus port without needing a transfer in Athens. The metro runs every 36 minutes and takes 61 minutes to reach Piraeus port.
The Proastiakos train takes 1 hour and 10 minutes, the direct trains run once an hour (at 32 minutes past the hour). Both the metro and the train cost €9. The stations in Piraeus are located near Gate E7. To reach either the metro or the train station, you just need to walk across the pedestrian bridge from the airport terminal.
The X96 express bus runs every 20 to 30 minutes, takes about 75 minutes (+/- 15 minutes depending on traffic), and tickets cost €5.50. It drops you off right in front of Gate E8, which is perfect for catching the ferry to Hydra. The buses depart right outside Exit 5 at the airport.
For the metro or the X96 bus, you can pay without buying a physical ticket by tapping your credit card (Visa or Mastercard only) or a smartphone payment app. This is not possible on the Proastiakos train.