Suburban Railway

One-seat rides from ATH to Piraeus port and SKA

The Suburban Railway (Proastiakos) runs from Athens Airport station to Piraeus and SKA about every 60 minutes, giving you a direct rail option if you’re heading straight for ferries or long-distance trains. Airport–Piraeus runs sit around 60 minutes on this line, versus 30–40 minutes to northern suburbs and junctions, with tickets around €10–€12 depending on type.

The station is linked to the Main Terminal by a pedestrian bridge in 5–10 minutes on foot, and Suburban Railway uses the same building as the Metro but different platforms. Look specifically for “Proastiakos” on blue Hellenic Train signs, not just the green Metro “M,” to avoid walking to the wrong side and having to backtrack across the concourse.

Tickets for the Suburban Railway and Metro are not identical products, even though both cost roughly the airport fare level of about €10; several travelers report buying the Metro airport ticket by mistake and then being told it’s invalid on Proastiakos. Use the suburban-rail side machines or staffed counter, choose the correct zones for Piraeus or SKA, and keep the ticket handy for inspections on board.

To Piraeus, some airport trains run direct while others require a change at SKA or another junction, and Google Maps often underestimates the real 60-minute rail time because trains wait at a few intermediate stations longer than expected. Regulars check the published Proastiakos timetable the day before rather than relying on third-party apps, especially for early-morning ferries or evening long-distance departures.

Rolling stock on this route is standard commuter rail with limited luggage racks, so 23 kg suitcases often end up in the doorway or aisle on busy runs. If you board at the airport, step into the middle of the carriage where there’s more standing space and avoid blocking the automatic doors at Intermediate stops like SKA and Acharnes.

Step-by-step: Athens Airport to Piraeus on Suburban Railway

• 1. From the Main Terminal arrivals, walk 5–10 minutes across the signed pedestrian bridge toward “Railway / Trains.”
• 2. Inside the station building, ignore the green Metro turnstiles at first and follow signs for “Proastiakos” / Suburban Railway platforms.
• 3. Buy a Suburban Railway ticket to “Piraeus” (or “SKA” if you’re connecting) at the blue Hellenic Train machines or staffed counter; budget about €10–€12 per adult.
• 4. Validate the ticket if required at the gates, then check the electronic board for the next Airport–Piraeus or Airport–SKA departure; typical off-peak wait is up to 60 minutes if you’ve just missed one.
• 5. Board near the middle cars for more space, park large bags out of the doorways, and expect about 60 minutes to Piraeus or 30–40 minutes to SKA depending on the specific train.
• 6. At Piraeus station, follow port signs and walk 10–20 minutes to most ferry gates, or use a short taxi ride if your ship is at a distant quay.

One tip: if your flight lands more than 30 minutes after a scheduled Proastiakos departure, default to the Metro for higher frequency and only pick the Suburban Railway when the timetable lines up cleanly with your arrival.