Major city · Greece
PiraeusΠειραιάς
Treat Piraeus as a ferry gateway, not a sightseeing base: sleep one night near the metro only if your boat leaves before 09:00.Treat Piraeus as a ferry gateway, not a sightseeing base: sleep one night near the metro only if your boat leaves before 9:00 AM.
Piraeus is the working port of Athens and the departure point for most Aegean ferries, about 20 minutes from central Athens on metro Line 1 or Line 3. The port is huge: gates for Crete and the Dodecanese sit 15 minutes by shuttle from the metro, so check your gate before you arrive. Most travellers pass through in a few hours; a night here pays off only for early sailings.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat and peak ferry crowds)
- Airport
- ATH
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 10Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…Mine-suspected land still exists in Bosnia and Herzegovin…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Balkans ↗Mine-suspected land still exists in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in pockets of Croatia's former front line: outside towns keep to tarmac and waymarked paths, and treat red triangle signs and taped-off fields as absolute.
- Balkans ↗Serbia refuses onward entry to travellers who reached Kosovo from a third country and then try to cross straight into Serbia; route Kosovo–Serbia legs through North Macedonia or Montenegro, or start the loop in Serbia.
- Balkans ↗Hire cars need written permission from the rental company and valid insurance for every country on the line; Kosovo sells its own border insurance and some contracts exclude Albania, Kosovo or Bosnia outright.
- Greece ↗Greece is in the EU and the Schengen area: check entry rules, the EU Entry/Exit System and any travel authorisation requirement for your passport on official sources.
- Greece ↗Taking stones, pottery or other objects from archaeological sites is illegal; so is exporting antiquities without a permit.
- Greece ↗Do not photograph military sites or border zones; signs mark them.
- Greece ↗Acropolis tickets are sold for one-hour entry slots on the official Hellenic Heritage site (hhticket.gr); in peak season slots sell out days ahead, and you cannot enter outside your hour.
- Greece ↗Businesses must give a receipt (apodeixi) for every sale; ask for one, and do not accept a handwritten note in place of it.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Piraeus112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Piraeus, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Greece-wide
- SIM or eSIMCosmote, Vodafone and Nova sell prepaid SIMs in their shops and at the airport; a passport is needed to register.Greece-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in Athens, Thessaloniki and most of the mainland.Greece-wide
- TippingTaverna or restaurant: 5–10% in cash on the table; not expected at gyros shops.Greece-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Greece-wide
- SafetyThe passenger port, the centre around Dimotiko Theatro and the Zea and Mikrolimano marinas are fine by day and evening.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsUse cafés (buy something), museums and sites.Greece-wide
- Emergency numbers112 European emergency · 100 police · 166 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysArchaeological sites run shorter winter hours (often 08:00–15:00 or 17:00) and longer summer hours; they close on 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday…Archaeological sites run shorter winter hours (often 8:00 AM–3:00 PM or 5:00 PM) and longer summer hours; they close on 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday…Greece-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportATH Athens International (Spata) (Express bus X96 runs 24 h to the port, about 90 min; metro via Monastiraki also works.).
- Getting aroundMetro Lines 1 and 3 meet at Piraeus station near gate E6; a €1.20 (≈ US$2) ticket covers 90 minutes of metro, bus and trolleybus connections.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeGreek coffee or freddo espresso€2–4 (≈ US$3–5)
- Beertaverna / supermarket can€4–6 (≈ US$5–7)€1–2 (≈ US$2–3)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxiMetered; night rate higher.€6–10 (≈ US$7–12)
- Metro or bus rideMetro or bus ticket, 90 minutes€1.20 (≈ US$2) (check)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€22 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedBudget hotel double room, a night, per room€85 (≈ US$100)
- High-end bedBudget hotel double room, a night, per room€150 (≈ US$180)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €45 (≈ US$55) · Mid €80 (≈ US$95) · High €150 (≈ US$180)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ATH Athens International (Spata) (Express bus X96 runs 24 h to the port, about 90 min; metro via Monastiraki also works.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Feb
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Mar
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Apr
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
May
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jun
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Aug
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Sep
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Oct
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Nov
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Dec
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jan (8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C) low), wettest Jan (9 rain days), driest Jul (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Piraeus: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Feb
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
Mar
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
7 rd
Apr
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5 rd
May
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
3 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
2 rd
Jul
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
1 rd
Aug
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
1 rd
Sep
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
2 rd
Oct
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
5 rd
Nov
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Dec
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Metro Lines 1 and 3 meet at Piraeus station near gate E6; a €1.20 ticket covers 90 minutes of metro, bus and trolleybus connections. Free shuttle buses inside the port run from across the metro to the Crete, eastern Aegean and Dodecanese berths. Trolleybus 20 links the port with Passalimani and the coast. Walking the port end to end takes about 30 minutes.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 20–25 min
Metro Line 1 or Line 3 from Piraeus station
Acropolis, Agora and the museum; the obvious half-day or full day.
Aegina
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min by ferry
Ferry or flying dolphin from the Saronic berths near the metro
Easiest island day trip; check return times before you buy.
Palaio Faliro
goDoor to door: About 20–30 min
Trolleybus 20 or metro Line 1 towards Faliro
Coastal walk and the Stavros Niarchos park.
Lavrio
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Bus or taxi to the other port; no direct rail
Only worth it if your ferry leaves from Lavrio instead.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Metro station and port centre
Walk to Saronic ferries and the Cyclades gates; best for a one-night ferry stop.
Zea and Mikrolimano marinas
Quieter, waterfront tavernas; 20–30 min walk or a short taxi from the metro.
Piraeus centre (Dimotiko Theatro)
Shops on Sotiros Dios, cafés and hotels; metro Line 1 to Athens.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €45–70 (≈ US$55–85) excl. bed
- Mid
- €70–120 (≈ US$85–140) excl. bed
- High
- €120 (≈ US$140)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Budget hotel double room1 × 1 night × €85 | €85 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €80 | €160 |
| Metro or bus ticket, 90 minutes2 × €1 · check | €2 |
| X96 airport bus, one way2 × €6 · check | €11 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €10 | €20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €28 |
| Trip total≈ €153 per person per day, bed included | €306≈ US$400 |
2026 estimate in euro; ferry tickets and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Greek coffee or freddo espresso | €2–4 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Souvlaki or gyros wrap | €3.50–5 (≈ US$5–6) |
| Fish taverna main at Mikrolimano | €12–22 (≈ US$14–30) |
| Beer: taverna / supermarket can | €4–6 (≈ US$5–7) / €1–2 (≈ US$2–3) |
| 5 km taxiMetered; night rate higher. | €6–10 (≈ US$7–12) |
| Metro or bus ticket, 90 minutes | €1.20 (≈ US$2) (check) |
| Ferry Piraeus–Aegina, one way | €10–15 (≈ US$12–18) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Port traffic: cars, taxis and trucks drive among pedestrians at the ferry quays.
- Unlicensed drivers meet arriving ferries; use metered taxis or the metro.
- Pickpockets reported on the Piraeus–airport bus.
- Men who carry your bag to the front of the ferry queue then demand a tip.
- Avoid wearing Panathinaikos colours on matchdays; the rivalry with Olympiacos is intense.
- Outside the port, centre and marinas, streets get rough at night: stay on the known routes.
Emergency numbers
- European emergency
- 112
- Police
- 100
- Ambulance
- 166
- Fire
- 199
- Tourist police
- 1571
- Coast guard
- 108
Pocket card
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PiraeusΠειραιάς
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Σε αυτή τη διεύθυνση, παρακαλώTo this address, please
Emergency
- European emergency112
- Police100
- Ambulance166
- Tourist police1571
- Coast guard108
Embassy
No embassies in Piraeus; most are in central Athens (check your country's address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Metro Piraeus → Athens centre: €1.20 (≈ US$2), about 20 min (check)
- X96 bus Piraeus → airport: €5.50 (≈ US$7), about 90 min (check)
- Taxi port → Mikrolimano: €6–10 (≈ US$7–12) (check)
Say or show
- Γεια σας — Hello (ya sas)
- Ευχαριστώ — Thank you (efharistó)
- Πόσο κάνει; — How much is it? (póso káni)
- Πού είναι η πύλη του πλοίου; — Where is the ferry gate? (pu íne i píli tu plíu)
- Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ — The bill, please (ton logariasmó, parakaló)
- Δέχεστε κάρτα; — Can I pay by card? (déheste kárta)
Buy bus tickets from kiosks or metro stations before boarding; drivers may not sell them.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Piraeus. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat and peak ferry crowds) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
- officialMunicipality of Piraeus
- officialPort of Piraeus Authority
- officialAthens transport (OASA)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Piraeus, revision 5172862 (CC BY-SA 4.0)