Sailing From Athens With Virgin Voyages in 2026 – Complete Guide
Plan your Virgin Voyages departure from Athens with our full port guide, including transfer tips, hotel picks, and what to expect on boarding day.
As Virgin Voyages returns to Greece for the summer season of sun-soaked sailings, Athens (via the Port of Piraeus) remains one of Virgin Voyages’ key Mediterranean departure points. Whether you’re new to the Med or returning for another round of Santorini sunsets, here’s everything you need to know about getting to and from the port.
Where You Can Sail
Virgin Voyages’ Athens itineraries cover both Greek Island favorites and Adriatic gems, including:
- Santorini – iconic views and blue-domed churches (tender + cable car required)
- Mykonos – beach clubs and whitewashed lanes (may be tendered)
- Kotor – nestled in Montenegro’s dramatic bay (tender required)
- Corfu – green hills, beaches, and old towns
- Dubrovnik – a medieval city by the sea
- Rhodes, Bodrum, and Split on select itineraries
Several ports will use tenders, including Santorini and Kotor, while Mykonos is tendered based on port conditions. See our Tender Guide for more on how that works.
Looking to Book?
If you haven’t booked yet then we’d love to help! To book use our booking portal below. VV Insider will receive a commission when booking via this link.
Getting to the Port of Piraeus
Virgin Voyages typically uses Terminal B or Terminal C at the Port of Piraeus. It’s about 40–50 minutes from Athens International Airport and 30–40 minutes from central Athens. Virgin Voyages will email you ahead of time to let you know the Terminal.
Port Address:
- 10 Akti Miaouli, Piraeus 185 38, Greece
There is very little waiting area inside or outside the port, so don’t arrive earlier than your assigned Terminal Arrival Time shown in the Virgin Voyages app. Luggage drop opens from 9:00 AM if you want to drop early. After that, you’re free to explore Athens or Piraeus until your boarding window opens. Virgin Voyages may offer a shuttle to Flisvos Marina for early arrivals who’ve dropped luggage.
Transfer Options & Pricing
Pricing is estimated and based on demand.
From Athens International Airport (ATH):
- Taxi: ~€50. Most prefer cash. Agree on fare before getting in.
- Uber: ~€45. Uber in Athens uses yellow cabs for agreed fares.
- Welcome Pickups: ~€55. Professional private transfers with English-speaking drivers. Book online and pay in advance. Drivers monitor flight delays and meet you at arrivals.
- Bus X96: €5.50 per person. Runs 24/7 but can take up to 90 minutes.
- Metro: ~€10 per person. Take Line 3 to Monastiraki, transfer to Line 1 for Piraeus, then bus/taxi to the terminal.
From Central Athens:
- Taxi: ~€25 depending on time of day and traffic.
- Uber: ~€30. Uber in Athens uses yellow cabs for agreed fares.
- Welcome Pickups: ~€35. Professional private transfers with English-speaking drivers. Book online and pay in advance.
- Metro (Line 1): ~€1.20 per person. Drops you near the port, but not at the terminal—you’ll still need a short ride or walk.
We recommend Welcome Pickups for reliability and convenience, especially if you have luggage or are arriving directly from the airport. They have strong coverage in Greece and competitive rates. VV Insider will earn a comission from this booking.
or get a quote below for Athens:
Where to Stay Before You Sail
We recommend arriving at least one day before your voyage. Most sailors stay in central Athens to make the most of the city, though Piraeus is a practical option for those wanting to be closer to the port and can use the metro system if need be.
Hotel Picks by Budget
Notably Athens features very few major stay brands and accommodation is often on the smaller side than traditional hotel chains, all options are reasonable priced.
Budget-Friendly
- Port Square Hotel (Piraeus) – Clean, modern, and just steps from the terminal.
Mid-Range
- Moxy Athens City– A trendy, design-forward hotel situated on Omonia Square, featuring vibrant interiors, a lively bar, and easy access to the metro.
- COCO-MAT BC – A stylish, eco-conscious hotel near the Acropolis, COCO-MAT Athens BC offers natural sleep systems, rooftop views, and a serene spa in the heart of historic Athens.
Higher-Range
- Wyndham Grand Athens (Central Athens) – Rooftop pool and direct metro access to Piraeus.
Book early, especially for peak season sailings in May–October. Bookings via Expedia, VV Insider will receive a comission when you use this link.
Boarding Day Info
- Your Terminal Arrival Time will be in the app. Do not arrive earlier.
- Luggage drop opens from 9:00 AM at the terminal.
- If you’re unsure where to go, your taxi driver will know the right terminal once Virgin confirms which one is in use (either B or C).
- Virgin Voyages may offer a shuttle to Flisvos Marina for early arrivals who’ve dropped luggage. The last return is usually around 3:30 PM.
- Seating is limited inside the terminal, and a tent setup may be used.
- Join the Facebook group for your sailing to meet others and stay informed.
For more information on the embarkation process check out our guide:
Store with Bounce
If you’re exploring the city before embarking we typically recommend using Bounce, a third-party luggage storage service that will retain your luggage before you head to the port! VV Insider will receive a commission when booking via this link.
Summary
Athens is one of Virgin Voyages’ most rewarding departure points, blending iconic sights with smooth sailings to the Greek Islands and beyond. With the right transfer, an overnight stay, and a few local tips, your cruise from Piraeus can start stress-free.
Need a ride? Book with Welcome Pickups for a fixed-rate transfer from airport or city to ship.
