My wife and I will arrive on a cruise ship in Athens and would like to go on our own from where the ship docks (Piraeus) to the Acropolis. Is there public transportation? How reliable is it? We only have 8 hours in Athens and do not want to book an excursion. Thanks.
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3126 posts
From the cruise ship docks you'll be about 1/2 mile from the bus stop and metro station where you can catch a ride into Central Athens. Take the Green Line Metro to the Monastiraki station and you'll be on the edge of the Plaka. The Acropolis is a short distance away. For the fastest method take a taxi from the cruise ship dock. They'll take you right to the entrance.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23357 posts
We were in Athens last Fall off cruise and took the metro as recommend but a met a tour guide there from Athen's Walks which leds a small group on a great two hour walking tour to and through the Acropolis. Very reasonable.
Posted by
Edmonton, AB, Canada
668 posts
We did this a few years ao. Check where your ship docks. Ours was quite a long walk to the metro, but there were others much closer. We got off at Monastraki and walked through the plaka. Interesting, but easy to get lost! Saw the Acropolis, Hadrian's Arch, had lunch at a cafe, walked through the botanic gardens, stopped at the National Palace to see the 3pm changing of the guard and back to Monastraki for the train and walked back to the ship. Not sure how long we had, but I think we did that within 8 hrs.