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athens cruise port

Hi we will be cruising in April and will be stopping for the day in Athens. I was wondering how far the cruise ship docks from the acropolis and the pantheon etc? Does anyone know what it cost to take a cab to these places or if it is more cost effective to book a day tour? We never book excursions on the ship they tend to be way more expensive.Any tips would be appreciated. Thank you, kelly

Posted by
3115 posts

Depending on traffic it's 20-30 minutes to reach the entrance to the Parthenon. I'm not exactly sure what a taxi will charge, but my best guess is around €25.

Posted by
893 posts

The cruise dock is actually in Piraeus. You can take a bus to the subway station and then take the subway into downtown Athens. When we were there on a cruise, the cruiseline told people they could walk to the subway. They walked for a looong time. All told, it takes about 30 minutes to get to the center of Athens, but could be more if there's a long line for subway tix. Hiking up to the Acropolis can take a while. Make sure you note the closing times, as some of the stuff closes really, really early at certain times of year. And check out Cruise Critic's messageboards for more detailed info. That was where I got my info when we did a MEd cruise.

Posted by
3311 posts

Kelly, taxi best idea. Some book ahead, fearing lines by dock taxi stand but in April, taxis will be FLOCKING to your ship. For touring Acropolis/Agora, Rick Steves has downloadable AUDIO tours that people say are Wonderful. If u are not technogeeks with devices for audio, his Greek guidebook has text versions; I've been to Athens in 10 trips, led companions for 8 of those, am not huge Rick-fan, but I find those step-by-step DIY tours best of any available... and you don't have to walk in a huge crowd that way. After Acropolis, wander down thru Ancient Agora, then go to Acropolis Museum for lunch; u don't have to tour museum or pay fee to eat there on glass-in terrace looking up at Parthenon. Food good, moderate prices. If ship leaves at 5 pm, you should be flagging taxi in central athens by 4 pm, just to be sure.

Posted by
107 posts

Steve is on the money in his tour book. We were at the Acropolis early strolling around, no big crowd. Then... about 10:00 or so the cruise ship people began arriving in large numbers on buses that loaded at the port. We observed they only had about an hour to look it over. Part of that time was waiting in line for the bathroom and then of course you don't want to miss being at the collection point to return.. so they would begin gathering there a bit early. Bet they only had about 35 minutes to actually look it over and wander around. We were so glad we heeded Rick's advise and got there early! Of course, tours may vary in length of time they allow you to be there.

Posted by
536 posts

Kelly - The fun way to get there is to walk around Piraeus to the single line train that goes up to La Plaka - There you will find the Monestaraki Flea Market, Cafes, and shops. Then you can simply walk up to The Acropolis - 10 minutes and very exciting
Greg

Posted by
3311 posts

Kelly, Greg's right, that IS fun, but your time is limited and it's crucial to beat the cruise & tour-bus crowds. It's 30 min walk to Metro, 30 min ride to Monastiraki, and at least 20 minute walk to Acropolis ticket office... a taxi gets u to ticket office area 30 mins. You may want to spend 3 hrs total on top of Acropolis & walking down thru Agora ... so it's good to arrive as soon after 9 AM as possible. As Lee says it's about €25; team up with 2 others and that's only€6+ each. Then at noon u can find a light lunch; maybe at Acrop. museum; its glassed-in terrace looks right up at Parthenon & u don't have to enter museum to eat there. If u have energy, on way back to ship you may wish to do Metro + 30 min. walk. But DO be very alert about handbag & no valuables in pockets; a ring of pickpockets has targeted cruise visitors on that Metro Lne to Pireaus.