In April I will be flying into Athens and I am trying to decide which transportation to take from the airport to the port of Pireas. I know the different cost on all 3 but I have read the taxi drivers are famous for taking to much money and the train/metro has a difficult switch over and the bus can take up to 120 mins? Just not sure which is the better of the 3. I have never been to Greece.
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3130 posts
Taking the Airport Metro is no problem. Get off at the Monastiraki Station, buy a ticket to Piraeus and catch the next Green line train heading in that direction. They're very frequent. I don't know where you read that it's a difficult switch, but it couldn't be easier. Timewise it's the fastest since you don't have to worry about surface traffic. The Metro runs between 5:30am and Midnight. The bus will only take that long during rush hour, so it depends on when you depart the airport how difficult that will be. It can take as little as 75 minutes. Even an "honest" taxi is a lot more expensive.
Posted by
Brighton, UK
1396 posts
Diana Lee is right that the metro is really easy and is the quickest option, especially in rush hou. One small amendment to his suggestion. There's no need to get a Piraeus ticket at Monastiraki. You can buy a ticket at the airport that will take you right through. Having said that, if you have the time, and not too much luggage, it's worth coming up the escalator and sticking your head out of Monastiraki station. You are right under the Acropolis! Alan
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3130 posts
"buy a ticket at the airport that will take you right through...." Even easier!
Posted by
OP
West Sacramento, CA
55 posts
We will be going to Hydra. Have you ever been there when the weather was to rough to go out on a boat? We are going in April 2011.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23425 posts
Lee is absolutely correct. We made that run a year ago Oct with no problem and don't remember it being a long hike.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3335 posts
You certainly seem to have done your homework. Taxi drivers now have a FLAT FEE of €35 from airport to Plaka district of Athens including VAT, airport surcharges, taxes & baggage fee ... but not yet a flat fee to Piraeus. http://www.athens-taxi-driver.gr/en-gb/Default.aspx?ElementName=Rates
This website has not yet caught up with the above flat fee -- it says its price is 55... however, a advance booking of such a car costs 5-10€ still that would be 45. hmm. Anyway, he says his airport-piraeus fee (advance booking) 55€, so standing in line at curb should be less -- 45? Airport bus X96 - are you going at height of rush hour? Do you have a really tight connection? I understand that the bus takes 70-90 minutes. The METRO is NOT a difficult switch again unless you are in rush Hour. You take the airport traine to Monastiraki, (about 40 minutes) get off, walk down hallway or escalator (I forget which) to the GREEN LINE platform & get Pireaus metro. (30 minutes). Easy except w. rush hour crowds. Bus, if not a traffic jam is easiest ... Metro, u can avoid jams but must be more alert for crowds & on Piraeus Line, keep hand on Purze zipper! No one can choose for you; each has plusses & minuses.
Posted by
OP
West Sacramento, CA
55 posts
Thank you for sharing your travel experience in Greece. This is what I read about the transfer: Once in Monastiraki you have to change lines from the new train to the metro, which entails a bit of a hike(and sometimes a wait) to reach Piraeus. What do you think? I have one more question if you know. Have you rented a car through Kayak? I have always rented cars in other parts of Europe through Auto Europe and Europe Car I believe, which are also brokers in a since, but I feel pretty safe renting through them because I can get the all inclusive insurance. Auto Europe is more expensive than some of Kayak rates but I am not sure about the car insurance?
Thanks again for all your help.
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3130 posts
Heading to the Piraeus ferry port the process would be reversed, changing from the Blue Line Metro to the Green Line Train. At the Monastiraki station just follow the signs that direct you to the Green Line platform for Piraeus. It's not difficult and the signs will be in phonetic English. If you get confused just ask someone. The Piraeus Metro Stop is located alongside the ferry docks, so it won't be a difficult process to locate your ferry once you're there. Which ferry will you be taking to which island? Sorry, I have no experience with renting a car from Kayak. I always just wait until I reach my destination to rent one from a local agency. The prices are always better. Be advised that at the airport there is also a suburban train that uses the same platform. Be sure you get on the Blue Line Metro, not that train. The Metro logo is very obvious and visible on every car. http://www.greek-islands.us/athens/athens-metro/metro-logo.gif
