For teams that wish to travel by ferry, ANEK LINES offers a 50% discount on tickets from Piraeus Port (Athens) to Heraklion, Crete and back, especially for the MRC Global Olympiad 2026.

1. General travel idea

If you wish to use this more economical route, you can:

1. Fly from your country to Athens (ATH – Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”).

2. Travel from Athens Airport to Piraeus Port.

3. Take the ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion, Crete, where the MRC Olympiad takes place.

4. Ferries departure from the port every evening at 21:00 Greece time and arrive at Heraklion port at 6.30 next morning.

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You can download the “50% Ferry Discount Letter” from our website and follow the booking steps described in that document. This letter must be shown/used when you make your ferry reservation with ANEK LINES.

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2. From Athens Airport to Piraeus Port – all options

Athens International Airport is connected to Piraeus Port by metro, express bus and taxi/private transfer. Below you will find detailed instructions so that team leaders can choose the best option for their group.

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A. By Metro (Line 3 – Blue Line) 🚇

This is a fast and straightforward option.

1. Inside the airport

   • After you exit the Arrivals Hall, follow the signs for “Trains / Metro / Railway Station”.

   • You walk across a covered pedestrian bridge to reach the train/metro station next to the terminal. 

2. Tickets

   • At the station, buy a ticket for the Metro to “Piraeus” (Line 3 – Blue Line).

   • Metro Line 3 now runs directly from “Airport” station to “Piraeus” station, without changing lines. 

3. Journey time & frequency

   • Trains to/from the airport usually run about every 30 minutes.

   • The journey from Airport → Piraeus takes around 60 minutes. 

4. Arriving at Piraeus station

   • Get off at the final station “Piraeus”.

   • Follow the signs “Port / Ferries / Gates E1–E9”. The port is right in front of the station, across the road. 

5. Finding your ferry gate

   • Ferries to Heraklion (Crete) normally depart from Gates E2 or E3, but always check your ticket, as the gate is printed there and can sometimes change. 

   • The port of Piraeus is very large, so please allow enough walking time inside the port (15–20 minutes, depending on the gate).

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Recommended for:
Teams arriving during daytime or early evening, who feel comfortable using public transport and want a good balance of speed and cost.

B. By Express Bus X96 (24/7 direct bus) 🚌

This is a direct bus from the airport to Piraeus Port, running day and night.

1. Where to find the bus

   • The X96 bus stop is located outside the Arrivals level, between Exits 4 and 5.

   • Follow the signs for “Buses” and look for the bus marked “X96 Piraeus”.

2. Frequency & timetable

   • The X96 runs 24 hours a day, including weekends and public holidays. 

   • Buses usually depart every 15–30 minutes. 

3. Journey time

   • The trip from Athens Airport to Piraeus Port usually takes 60–90 minutes, depending on traffic. 

4. Tickets & payment

   • You can usually buy your ticket on board or via contactless payment (credit card / phone) on the bus, following the instructions of the local transport authority. 

5. Where you get off in Piraeus

   • The X96 stops along the port area. Listen to the announcements and check the screens for stops near the main ferry gates.

   • If you are not sure, you can ask the driver or local passengers for the stop closest to Gates E2–E3 (ferries to Crete).

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Recommended for:
Teams who arrive late at night or very early in the morning, when the metro is not running, and who want a cheap direct connection to the port.

C. By Taxi or Private Transfer 🚖

This is the simplest but more expensive option, very convenient if you have many suitcases or young students.

1. Where to find taxis

   • Official airport taxis are lined up outside the Arrivals level at the designated taxi area. 

2. Journey time

   • The drive from Athens Airport to Piraeus Port usually takes 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic. 

3. What to tell the driver

   • Show the driver your ferry ticket and say:

     “Piraeus Port, Gate E2/E3 for the ferry to Heraklion.”

   • The driver can drop you near the correct gate or as close as possible.

4. Private transfer

   • You can also pre-book a private minivan or bus for your team with a transfer company. This can be convenient for large groups with many pieces of luggage.

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Recommended for:
Teams with many participants and luggage, or those who prefer a door-to-door solution and want to minimise walking and changes of transport.

3. Practical tips for all teams

• Please allow at least 3.5–4 hours between your flight arrival in Athens and your ferry departure from Piraeus, to have enough time for:

  • passport control & luggage

  • tickets and transport to Piraeus

  • finding the correct gate and boarding

• When you book your ferry with ANEK LINES using the 50% discount, please remember:

  • The discount is subject to availability and not valid for lux and single cabins.

  • Same-day bookings at the port on the day of departure may not be eligible for the discount (as stated in the sponsor letter).

  • Changes or cancellations are only allowed before the scheduled departure, and usually only Monday–Friday, 09:00–16:00 (Greek time), according to the company’s commercial policy.

  • All detailed terms are written in the official discount letter.

4. Support

If you decide to use this ferry travel option via Athens, please:

1. Download the official “50% Discount Letter” from our website.

2. Follow the booking instructions contained in the letter.

3. If you need any help with the process (booking, routes, timetables), contact us via WhatsApp: +30 694 0411020.

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FOR GREEK TEAMS

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You can use the 50% discount to travel from all ports of Greece to Heraklion Crete Port.