There are four of us traveling together and we each only have a backpack and a small roller suitcase. I am wondering, is it possible or feasible to go from the airport on the subway to Piraeus? I see the subway stations there and just wanting to make sure that the ticket booths are in English and that you can use a US credit card to purchase tickets.. I am assuming that the subways are set up exactly the same as they are in every other European city so I’m assuming that’s not gonna be an issue. Just wanna make sure that credit cards and we can understand how to use a kiosks.
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3909 posts
Metro Line 3, which departs from the airport, goes directly to the Port of Piraeus.
At the airport follow the "To trains" signs and take the pedestrian walkway all the way to the end, which leads directly to the metro station.
Street View link:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fZ6C7tLa2UxtbtKM7
The tickets costs €9, in the metro station there are manned ticket booths and ticket vending machines available. You can also pay directly at the turnstile using a contactless credit card (Visa and Mastercard only).
NOte that each passenger must use their own individual credit card. You will also need to tap the exact same credit card at the exit turnstile when arriving in Piraeus to validate your exit.
There is a metro departure every 36 minutes and the journey to Piraeus takes 1 hour.
You might hear about pickpockets in the Athens metro. Make sure not to make yourself a target: keep tempting valuables like your phone or wallet out of sight and secure.
If you are looking for a simpler and highly efficient option, you can take bus X96 instead of the metro. It also goes directly to Piraeus. The price is €5.50, departure every 20 minutes, journey to PIraeus takes about 1h20 depending on traffic
Regarding the payment, the same options apply as the metro (ticket booth, machine, or contactless credit card on the bus). The bus departs from the Arrivals level, right outside Exits 4 and 5.
Check this video:
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
8912 posts
JoLui mentioned the possibility of pickpockets. My husband and I were both targets on the same train, by two middle-aged men in business suits. They didn’t get anything, so use moneybelts and keep your backpacks in front of you (wear them as “front-packs”), especially if you’re also maneuvering a rolling suitcase, evan a small one. A packed car (ours was) makes all of you even more vulnerable, if the four of you are separated because of people jammed between you due to a crowd. We weren’t right together, which didn’t help.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3775 posts
I highly recommend The BUS to Piraeus. It may take a little longer but is Stress-free. The bus platform is directly outside a side door of the airport and you either buy a ticket at a kiosk there or use a Viss or Mastercard to scan IN the bus... fare is €6? There is a central "pen" in the bus where you pile your suitcases. Seats are comfortable, it's A/C ... and limited-stop until it reaches Piraeus. No pushing or shoving as in Metro. And unlike Metro, it doesn't stop/ open doors, than quickly close doors & move on... which creates rush and crowding in Metro, ideal for pickpockets. NOTE: it is good to know which GATE your ferry will be leaving from... very easy to ascertain this online. THen when you board the bus, you ask driver what stop will be for Gate __ there are just about 3 stops along the seafront. This way you an relax, and even doze a bit, in the hour or so that the ride takes
NOTE: if you are then returning for an Athens stay and then going to airport, the KTEL expxress bus fis X96 leavng from Syntagma Square 24/7 ... about every 35-40 mins. by the bus stop there is a timetable.
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3909 posts
The KTEL express bus X96 leaves from Syntagma Square 24/7.
Just a quick correction: It’s actually the X95 bus that goes from Syntagma Square to the airport (tickets are €5.50).
You can find the schedules below on the OASA website (Athens public transit):
Since you mentioned in a previous message that you're taking a cruise to the islands after visiting Athens without specifying which one, I remind you of my previous reply: the cruise port is not in the same location as the ferry port where the X96 bus and the metro drop you off.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3775 posts
Ahh ... that's what happens when a person does not "recap" key facts disclosed in a first posting .. I guess it is assumed that we will carefully read all postings for full information.... thus we spend time on suggestions that may not be relevant. Lesson for future... repeat, we appreciate.
PS: I also appreciate Jo-Lui's catch of my misnumbering. Thankfully, bus fronts on airport platform show numbers AND destination.
Posted by
Moncton NB
1471 posts
Most important lesson is: if you call it a "subway" you'll get directions to a sandwich shop, if not an uncomprehending look. No one outside of the US calls them that. In Athens, its the Metro.