'''Warning''': Recently, official spelling changed to '''Pireas''' -- and all road signs in Athens and around updated accordingly.
Since privatisation of the Port of Piraeus Authority [http://www.olp.gr] passenger facilities have improved greatly. Air conditioned tents have been set up at departure locations around the port and free wi-fi internet access is now available.
Sailings (arrivals and departures) are posted outside the Coast Guard Building at Karaiskaki Square, the main bus terminal for the Piraeus suburbs. Sailings are also available online [http://www.yen.gr/en/yen.chtm?prnbr=27622] from the Ministry of Merchant Marine [http://www.yen.gr].
The area can become hectic, especially during the summer period, so allow plenty of time to navigate to the correct departure point.
Most travellers arriving in Piraeus from Athens make use of the very convenient '''Metro''' [http://www.isap.gr]. Line 1 terminates at the Port, from there it's a short walk to the Saronic Gulf ferries, hydrofoils and catamarans, or a free shuttle-bus ride to the ships sailing to Crete and the Dodecanses. Central Cyclades ferries conveniently sail from just across the metro station. Metro tickets cost ?0.70 for short journeys on Line 1, or ?0.80 for longer trips on the line, or connections to Lines 2 and 3. A ?1.00 ticket allows unlimited connections in one direction on all modes of transport.
Direct '''Airport Express buses''' [http://www.oasa.gr] run 24 hours between the port of Piraeus and Athens International Airport [http://www.aia.gr]. Allow 90 minutes for the trip. The Airport is also accessible via the Metro, with a connection at Monastiraki. Bus tickets to the airport, available from the driver, cost ?3.20; Metro tickets to the airport are ?6.00.
Other public buses connect Piraeus with its outlying suburbs, the southern coastal zone and with central Athens. Bus and trolley-bus tickets for single journeys cost ?0.50. They must be bought in advance (generally from kiosks) and validated once on board.
The centre of Piraeus and the Port can be negoatiated easily on foot if you are not carrying luggage. Yellow trolley buses are useful for the run from the Port to Passalimani and then follow the very scenic route around the hill of Castella, terminating at the Line 1 Metro station of Neon Phaleron (Neo Faliro), near the Peace & Friendship and Karaiskaki Stadiums.
Free shuttle buses inside the Port run from across the Metro Line 1 Terminal Station, around the north side of the port to the ships sailing for Crete, the Eastern Aegean and the Dodecanese.
Another major option is to take the Metro to various parts of Athens (see map of routes on main Athens page). Cost is very modest, and service is very frequent.
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Piraeus is a rather chaotic place with '''traffic''' that's horrendous even for Greece. Particular caution should be used when crossing the street, or when walking along the pavement by the ferry quays where cars, taxis, and trucks often drive randomly among the crowds of travelers walking to and from the boats.
Piraeus is a huge port filled with sailors, and parts of it are about as '''tough''' as you'd expect such a place to be. The areas right by the ferry quays are safe enough, but avoid wandering around the rest of Piraeus, especially at night, unless you know your way around.
'''Unlicensed taxi drivers''' often meet arriving ferries. Unlike in some countries, these taxis have a bad reputation and should not be considered as a cheap alternative to licensed cabs.
'''Pickpocketing gangs''' have been reported working on the Piraeus-Airport bus; for a full description see the Athens Stay Safe section.
One '''scam''' you may encounter in Piraeus is a rather subtle one. A man will walk up to you while you are waiting with your luggage in line to board a ferry. This gentleman is a consummate actor: though he doesn't actually claim to be working for the boat or port, his demeanor and behavior imply strongly that he is. He'll pick up your luggage, brushing aside any objections, and usher you with it to the head of the line, at which point he'll demand a hefty tip. In one reported case the bite was ?7.00 (our respondent decided the performance was worth ?2.00)