Acropolis on your own

[Kenhel]

We are planning to walk from the Piraeus cruise port to the metro station and take a morning regional Hellenic Train to Athens and then walk 45 minutes (along Konstantinoupoleos Avenue) to the Acropolis. We are accustomed to longer walks and anticipate temps in mid-high 70s so we are fine with the walk. We plan to purchase Acropolis tickets once we arrive there and spend 2-3 hours touring on our own before returning to the ship the same way.

 

A few questions for those that have done this:

 

Which is the correct exit from the cruise terminal to get to the Piraeus metro/train station? 

 

Do these trains book up early and is there any risk in waiting to buy the tickets at the Piraeus station the day of?

 

Is there a stop (without transferring to another train line) that is closer to the Acropolis than the Athens (Larissa) Station?

 

We hear there are a lot of pick pockets on the train and scammers claiming to be ticket enforcers. We know, of course, that we need to be very aware of our surroundings when travelling, but wondering if this is a much bigger problem on the Hellenic trains vs other European cities. 

 

 

[CruiserBruce]

First, you need to book times for your Acropolis tickets. A thread pinned to the top of the board:

 

Have you looked at the Athens Metro system (as opposed to the train system)?

 

https://www.greeka.com/attica/athens/transportations/athens-metro-system/

 

[Kenhel]

Thank you. Since posting I now realize we would take Line 3 on the Metro from Dimotiko Theatro to Syntagma and then it is is 20-25 minute walk to the Acropolis entrance. Thanks for ticket info. I

[Milhouse]

Also, have you considered taking the X80 express bus if you're in town when it's in season.  

 

WRT pick pockets, we were last in Piraeus/Athens in 2023.  Personally, the metro felt a bit sketchy but we kind of just moved to more open areas of the car.  

FWIW, we were targeted by pick pockets when getting on a regular bus outside the Piraeus metro station for the last leg back to the port.  I think that stop just outside of the metro station felt like kind of a hub and the pick pockets kind of just linger there looking for targets.

[MeHeartCruising]

11 hours ago, Kenhel said:

Thank you. Since posting I now realize we would take Line 3 on the Metro from Dimotiko Theatro to Syntagma and then it is is 20-25 minute walk to the Acropolis entrance. Thanks for ticket info. I

 

You might consider getting off the train at Monastiraki station instead.  This lets you walk a very short distance to the entrance of the Greek Forum, which is itself worth a walk thru.  You can then walk thru the Forum up to the Acropolis.  This route is a slightly steeper hill to climb than coming in from the other side of the Acropolis. But if you're ok with an uphill walk, it gives you more ruins to explore.

[Kenhel]

Thanks for all the helpful information. The Monastiraki station is a good idea. 

[EtaC]

Hopefully not to add confusion but a third option is the Acropolis station south of the hill right next to the Museum. It's close to the second entrance to the Acropolis and is reportedly less crowded. Of course, getting off at Syntagma lets you watch the guard change at the Parliament building and puts you closer to Plaka. Monastiraki lets you walk through the Agora lets you out near the main west entrance. Any choice is probably good depending on what other things interest you. Enjoy.