Brief Summary
This video provides essential guidance for cruise travelers visiting Athens, focusing on transportation between the cruise port and the city center, and offering suggestions for sightseeing. It highlights the challenges of using public transport from the cruise terminals, recommends taxi services, and suggests pre-booking options to avoid delays. The video also outlines key attractions in Athens for independent exploration and proposes private tour options for a more structured experience, including transportation and flexible itineraries.
- Navigating from Athens' cruise port to the city center.
- Recommends key attractions for visitors with limited time.
- Advises on transportation options back to the cruise ship.
How to get from the cruise port to the city center
The Athens cruise port is about half an hour away from the city center. The cruise port has three terminals, but the metro station is a 30-40 minute walk away from the terminals. Public transport isn't a viable option due to the distance between the cruise terminals and the metro station. There is no free shuttle service from the cruise terminals to the metro station, despite some websites claiming otherwise. Taxis are the primary option, costing around €30 and taking 20-40 minutes depending on traffic. Booking a taxi in advance is recommended, especially on busy days with multiple cruise ships, to ensure timely pickup.
What should you visit in Athens
Visitors should decide between exploring Athens independently or opting for a guided tour. For independent exploration, the Acropolis is a must-see, with tickets and guided tours available for booking. Walking around Plaka and Monastiraki, including souvenir shopping on Ifestou Street, are also recommended. Depending on available time, consider visiting either the Acropolis Museum or the National Archaeological Museum. Alternatively, a full-day private tour offers transportation between landmarks, reducing the amount of walking required, and includes cruise port pickup and drop-off. Private tours offer flexible itineraries and timing, allowing visitors to customize their experience. Two tour options are available: a full-day (8 hours) and a half-day (5 hours) tour. These tours do not include guided tours inside the archaeological sites; a guide needs to be booked separately.
How to get back to the cruise port
To return to the cruise ship, visitors can use the FreeNow app, similar to Uber, to book a taxi from their location, provided it's accessible by car. Alternatively, taxis are readily available at Monastiraki Square or Syntagma Square. While flagging down a taxi is possible, it's not guaranteed. Always confirm the price with the driver before starting the journey, ensuring it's around €30 from downtown Athens to the cruise port. Some taxi drivers may attempt to overcharge, so caution is advised.
