Athens Transport Hub — Ferries, Trains & Flights

# Athens Transport Hub — Ferries, Trains & Flights

Athens, the lively capital of Greece, is the country’s main transport crossroads. Whether you’re planning to hop between islands, travel to another city, or catch a quick flight, Athens offers connections to nearly every major destination in Greece—by land or sea. Here’s your complete guide to getting to, from, and around Athens: how to reach the city, transfer between ports, main stations, and transport options to suit every itinerary and budget.

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## Main Transport Hubs in Athens

### Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos)

Athens’ international airport is the main gateway to Greece, located about a 35-minute drive from the city center. It’s well-connected by public transport and major roads.

- **Getting from the city to the airport:**  
  - **Suburban Railway** — Fast, comfortable, and runs frequently.
  - **Metro (Line 3/Blue)** — The most popular and reliable option.
  - **Direct Buses (X95, X96, X93, etc.)** — Operate 24/7, convenient for late-night and early-morning journeys.
  - **Taxis** — Quick and practical, especially if you have a lot of luggage.

**Editorial insight:** During peak hours, the metro can get very crowded. If you’re carrying lots of suitcases, the direct bus may be easier, especially for destinations like the port of Piraeus.

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### Piraeus Port — Gateway to the Islands

Piraeus is Greece’s largest and busiest port, with most ferries to the islands departing from here. The port is easily accessible from Athens via metro, suburban railway, buses (including a direct airport line), and taxis.

- **Getting from the city to Piraeus Port:**
  - **Metro (Line 1/Green)** — Direct from central Athens to the port.
  - **Suburban Railway** — Station adjacent to the port.
  - **Buses** — Both local and national routes.

**Editorial insight:** If you have an early or late ferry, consider staying overnight in Piraeus. Morning and late-night traffic can be slow, especially in summer.

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### Main Train Station — Athens Railway Station (Larissa)

Athens’ main train station connects the city to northern Greece, including Thessaloniki, Kalabaka, and more. It’s easy to reach via the metro (Line 2/Red) or by bus.

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## Key Connections from Athens to the Islands

### Ferries from Athens

**The classic and scenic way to reach the Greek islands.** Most sailings depart from Piraeus, just outside the city.

- [Athens - Mykonos](/routes/athens-mykonos)  
  **Editorial tip:** This is a very popular route, especially in high season. Book in advance and choose a high-speed ferry if you’re short on time or prone to seasickness.

- [Athens - Santorini](/routes/athens-santorini)  
  **Editorial tip:** This line often sells out in summer, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. For better availability, check for evening or overnight sailings.

- [Athens - Heraklion](/routes/athens-heraklion)  
  **Editorial tip:** Overnight ferries are a great value—save on a night’s accommodation and arrive refreshed in Crete.

- [Athens - Rhodes](/routes/athens-rhodes)  
  **Editorial tip:** This is a long ferry ride. Pay attention to the seat or cabin type you book. Overnight crossings are popular.

- [Athens - Corfu](/routes/athens-corfu)  
  **Editorial tip:** Sailings are less frequent; check schedules in advance and don’t count on a daily departure.

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## Major Overland Routes from Athens

### Intercity Trains

- [Athens - Thessaloniki](/routes/athens-thessaloniki)  
  **Editorial tip:** The train ride is comfortable and offers beautiful views of Greece. Reserve your seat ahead of time, especially on weekends and holidays.

- [Athens - Kalabaka](/routes/athens-kalabaka)  
  **Editorial tip:** The easiest way to reach the Meteora monasteries. The trip takes about 4–5 hours, but the carriages are spacious with good amenities.

- [Athens - Kavala](/routes/athens-kavala)  
  **Editorial tip:** If you’re planning to combine northern Greece with the North Aegean islands, Kavala is an excellent transfer point.

- [Athens - Nafplio](/routes/athens-nafplion)  
  **Editorial tip:** Perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway, especially if you want authentic Greek charm away from the tourist crowds.

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## Local Connections & Nearby Areas

- [Athens - Ialysos](/routes/athens-ialysos)  
  **Editorial tip:** Popular for water sports and family vacations. Check combinations of ferries and flights for the best route.

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## Domestic and International Flights

Athens is Greece’s main flight hub, with frequent connections to major cities and islands. Airlines like Aegean and Sky Express operate alongside seasonal low-cost carriers.

- [Athens - Mykonos](/routes/athens-mykonos)  
  **Editorial tip:** If you have less than three days on the island, flying is the best way to maximize your time.

- [Athens - Thessaloniki](/routes/athens-thessaloniki)  
  **Editorial tip:** Multiple flights daily; the fastest way to travel north.

- [Athens - Santorini](/routes/athens-santorini)  
  **Editorial tip:** Santorini’s airport is small and crowded in summer, so arrive early for your return flight.

**Editorial note:** Airfares are often similar to high-speed ferry prices, especially if you book early. Look for deals on platforms like Omio and Bookaway.

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## How to Choose the Best Transport Option?

- **Ferries** — Great if you have time and want to enjoy sea views and an authentic travel experience. Overnight sailings can save on accommodation.
- **Trains** — Comfortable and reliable for long-distance travel between cities. The journey is usually relaxed and scenic.
- **Flights** — The fastest option for distant destinations or if you’re on a tight schedule.
- **Buses** — Budget-friendly, but less comfortable for long trips or if you have a lot of luggage.

**Editorial insight:** During peak tourist season (June–September), it’s best to book all transport tickets in advance, especially for ferries and flights to the popular islands.

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## Practical Summary: Athens as a Transport Crossroads

- It’s easy to get from anywhere in Athens to the airport, Piraeus port, or the main train station using metro, buses, or taxis.
- You have plenty of options: ferries (Direct Ferries, Ferryhopper), trains (Rail Europe, Omio), domestic flights (Bookaway, Omio).
- Athens serves as a central hub for travel across Greece, making it simple to plan a flexible trip combining islands, cities, and natural sites.
- Choose your transport mode based on time, comfort, season, and destination—and always check schedules and availability in advance.

[See all options from Athens — view the full list of routes here](/places/athens)