Ferries From Piraeus: Which Gate, How to Get There and Boarding
Piraeus is big enough to miss a ferry inside the port. Here is which gate serves which islands, how to reach it and what happens on strike or storm days.
Ferries from Piraeus leave from numbered gates, E1 to E10 and beyond, spread over about 3 km of waterfront. As a rule, Crete ferries use gates E2 and E3, the Dodecanese E1, the Saronic islands E8, and the Cyclades mostly E6 to E10, as of November 2026. Your ticket shows the gate; check it on the day, because assignments change.
Piraeus is the main port of Athens and one of the busiest passenger ports in Europe. Metro, tram and bus all reach it, but the far gates are a long walk from the station.
Which gate serves which islands?
| Gate | Usual destinations | From Piraeus metro |
|---|---|---|
| E1 | Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos, Patmos and others) | Far; take the port shuttle |
| E2, E3 | Crete (Heraklion, Chania); some North Aegean routes | Far; take the port shuttle |
| E4, E5 | Varies; E5 is near the station | Short walk |
| E6, E7 | Cyclades, some Crete routes | Opposite the station |
| E8 | Saronic islands (Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra, Spetses) | About 10 minutes on foot |
| E9, E10 | Cyclades and some North Aegean routes | 10 to 15 minutes on foot |
The table shows typical use, not a fixed rule. Ferry companies and the port authority move departures between gates, especially in summer.
How do I get to my gate?
- Metro Line 1 (Piraeus station) and Line 3 (Piraeus and Dimotiko Theatro stations) stop by the central gates E5 to E7.
- Tram T7 ends at Akti Posidonos on the port, near the central gates.
- The X96 bus runs from the airport to Piraeus 24 hours a day for €5.50, as of November 2026; allow about 90 minutes.
- The free port shuttle runs inside the port between the central gates and the far gates E1 to E3, roughly every 20 minutes in season. Its stop is near the metro station.
From the centre, a single €1.20 ticket covers the metro, as of November 2026. Our Athens metro guide shows which line suits your starting point, and our guide to ticket prices covers airport fares.
How do I book and board a ferry?
- Book on the ferry company’s website or an agency site; most tickets are now e-tickets with a QR code on your phone.
- Check the name on the ticket matches your ID or passport; crews check ID at boarding.
- Arrive at the gate at least 30 minutes before departure on foot, and earlier with a car or in summer. Operators state their own closing times on the ticket.
- Leave large bags in the luggage area near the entrance and keep valuables and medicine with you.
- On fast boats, seats are allocated; on conventional ferries a deck ticket lets you sit anywhere on public decks.
How do I deal with seasickness?
Large conventional ferries roll less than small high-speed catamarans, which feel rough in the meltemi winds of July and August. If you are prone to seasickness, choose the bigger ship even if it is slower, sit low and in the middle, and look at the horizon. Pharmacists sell motion-sickness tablets without a prescription; take them before boarding, as the label says.
What happens on strike or wind ban days?
Strikes. PNO, the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation, calls 24-hour or longer strikes several times a year, sometimes on general strike days. Ships stay docked, and companies usually reschedule or refund. Strikes are announced days ahead; our guide on checking strikes in Athens explains where.
Wind bans. In strong winds, often around 8 Beaufort, the Hellenic Coast Guard bans departures on affected routes; the limit depends on the route and the type of ship. In January 2026, for example, southerly gales left only Dodecanese routes running from Piraeus. Bans can be lifted within hours, so stay near the port and watch the company’s messages. Your ticket is moved or refunded; check the company terms for hotel costs.
Is Piraeus always the best port?
No. For Andros, Tinos and sometimes Mykonos, Rafina is closer to the islands and nearer the airport; Lavrio serves Kea and Kythnos. Our comparison of Rafina, Piraeus and Lavrio shows when the smaller ports save time.
Where can I wait at the port?
The central gates near the metro station have cafes, kiosks and bakeries where you can sit before departure. The far gates E1 to E3 have fewer services, so buy water and food in the centre if your ship leaves from there. In summer, shade at the quayside is limited, and early-morning queues for car decks form well before boarding. Agencies around the port print tickets and answer questions if your e-ticket does not load.
Bottom line
If your ferry leaves from E1, E2 or E3, budget 20 extra minutes for the shuttle or walk from the metro. For an early ferry, staying a night near the port can be cheaper than an early taxi from the centre.
FAQ
How far is Piraeus from central Athens?
About 12 km. Metro Line 1 or Line 3 takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes from Monastiraki or Syntagma.
Can I buy a ferry ticket at the port?
Yes, at company offices and agencies around the port, but popular summer sailings sell out, so book ahead in July and August.
Do I need a passport for a domestic ferry?
You need valid ID. Non-EU visitors usually use their passport.
What if my ferry is cancelled because of wind?
The company moves you to the next sailing or refunds the ticket. Keep the booking reference and check messages from the company.
