bornintheusa

Well I bit the bullet and got my exorbitant tickets to Greece--my plane arrives at 11:30 pm in Athens. Can I just hang out in the airport and sleep for a few hours until I catch a plane at 5:30 am for Santorini or do they close down and I will need to get a room??

I am also debating not doing the plane and perhaps catching the Blue Star Ferry from Athens to Santorini at 7:30am since everyone says it is a very relaxing way to travel and after traveling from Los Angeles it might be just what I need to renergize. Getting into Santorini on the plane at 6:15am I really can't get into my hotel yet so don't want to have to lug my luggage with me for the day.

Decisions, decisions, decisions....any suggestions???

brotherleelove2004

You can hang out at the airport if you want but it's not the most comfortable place to try to sleep.

The ferry is a good option for some if you want the experience. The Aircraft-style economy seating gives you a reserved reclining seat you can nap in, which I'm sure you'll appreciate after the long flight and the overnight wait for the ferry.

Personally, I'd fly.

skydog

I would fly also..easy 1/2 hour flight on Aegean

isabel

I'd take the ferry. Loved, loved, loved the ferries in Greece.

Especially given what you are saying about timing, relaxing, etc. You don't sound like you are in a big hurry. But obviously without knowing the rest of your itinerary, how much time you have, etc. it's hard to advise.

Litsa

Really a personal call..and how you travel/your travel style! The airport does not close down..there's a Sofitel as well right across the Street with a cafe/bar and seperate restaurant open 24X7..As far as arriving super early via flight, you can always leave your luggage at the hotel you're staying at..they are used to those early arrivers so no lugging your luggage around with you till check-in;-) EnjoY!

bornintheusa

I have lots of time since our room on Santorini isn't available until check in time --have 17 days to do Santorini, Naxos, Paros and finally end up in Athens so time really isn't an issue--I didn't really want to have to get a room for just a few hours so am glad I can hang out in the airport-I figure I can sleep on the ferry--

If we go with the Blue Star car ferry what type of seat should I buy to get the recliner seat...also is there seating outside since I tend to get seasick??

Thanks for all of your great information

brotherleelove2004

If you go to the Blue Star Ferry website you will see the seating choices. www.bluestarferries.com

Yes, there is a lot of basic seating outside on the decks. Some is covered, some is out in the open. Seasickness isn't usual on the Blue Star ferries. They're very large, like small cruise ships, and have stabilizer engines that make for a very smooth ride.

Heimdall

Ask for a numbered aircraft-type seat in Economy. If you are willing to spend a bit more, Business Class has comfy sofas you can stretch out on and sleep. Boarding on the morning Blue Star starts an hour before sailing, so get there early and you can catch a few winks before departure.

bornintheusa

Thanks to you all for helping me to determine what to do..husband and I have decided to Ferry it for the true Greek method of travel. It will give us time to rest before starting out on Santorini. Now my next question is:

1. HOw do I get from the airport to the Ferry departure place?? Thinking of hanging out in the airport and checking out the cafe Litsa mentioned until it is time to get to the Ferry. Is there a public bus that runs around early in the morning and how long should we plan to get from airport to Ferry??


2. Should I get the ferry tickets now on line or can I wait until I arrive at the ferry station???

travelgirl2

Not sure if it is still true, but when planning our Athens to Santorini travel in 2006, people advised that the ferries can be cancelled due to weather, so we opted to fly.

brotherleelove2004

There is an Airport Express (X96) bus from the airport to the ferry port at Piraeus. It departs every 30 minutes or so 24/7/365 from outside door 5 on the Arrivals level. The ticket kiosk is out there too but if it's closed you can buy tickets from the driver at €3.2 each. Try to have exact change or a small-ish bill.

You can either buy your tickets at the airport from the travel desk of Amphitrion Holidays in the Arrivals Hall between doors 2&3, or you can just wait until you get to the ferry port. If you opt for Amphitrion they don't take credit cards.

brotherleelove2004

........or so I was told.

Heimdall

Best solution is to hang around the airport until about 4:30-5:00, then get on the X96 bus to Piraeus. I like using Amphitrion Holiday for my ferry tickets (good tip from BLL!), and have only ever paid for my tickets with cash. There are several ATMs nearby in the hall, so easy to draw out € to buy the tickets. There may be a Hellenic Seaways highspeed leaving about the same time as Blue Star, taking about 4 hrs to Santorini instead of 7 hrs. All seats on the highspeeds are reserved, but there is no outside deck seating.

You aren't allowed to sleep in the airport lounge, and security guards rouse anyone they see stretched out on the floor. There is one large restaurant and several coffee shops open 24/7 in the departure lounge, a little museum on the upper floor, and many shops, mostly closed overnight.

The X96 bus goes straight to the ferry docks, stopping near the berths for Blue Star and Hellenic Seaways ferries. The ships are so huge they are easy to find. Look for the destinations on the stern of the ship, which will be in both Greek and English. Walk up the boarding ramp and leave your luggage on the car deck, where it will be safe. Bring your passports and other valuables with you to the seat.

brotherleelove2004

I don't know for sure, but you may be allowed to board the ferry early when you get to Piraeus, meaning you can relax aboard, maybe even find someplace to stretch out and sleep. If it's the 07:30 conventional car ferry you can purchase a ticket for a reserved, reclining aircraft-style seat and get comfortable.

Heimdall

Yes, Lee, you can board the morning ferries up to an hour before sailing. It's possible to do so because they have been sitting overnight at the Piraeus docks, and crew are getting the ship ready to sail. I have done that several times, and it sure beats hanging around the airport.

Most passengers don't show up until a half-hour or less before sailing, and being among the first on board gives you a chance to find your seat and relax while it is still quiet. The sofas in Business Class are especially popular with people who want to sleep. No one will object to you stretching out on the sofas unless Business Class is full (unusual) and all the seats are needed.

If you choose to go Economy Class, it's even more advantageous to show up early, as you can stake your claim for a place to sit. Numbered aircraft-type seats are even better — they recline, are spacious with plenty of leg room, and reserved, so you don't have to worry about losing your place if you get up to walk around the ship.

brotherleelove2004

Sounds like the best all-around solution to me!

bornintheusa

Wow, what a lot of great info--I think I am ready to embark on my first trip to Greece feeling more informed about how to get from one place to the other!! Loving the idea of a leisurely ride on the ferry with time to walk around the boat as well as sleep in the recliner chair.

Does anyone know what time does the bus ticket kiosk close up at night and/or open in the morning to buy tickets??

Love this site for the wealth of knowledge shared by all of the seasoned travelers.

bornintheusa

Here are my choices from the Blue Star website-- what is the difference in Lounge 1 through 4??? Is business class a reclining seat as well as the sofas to sleep on or just sofas???

ECONOMY 37.50
BUSINESS CLASS (SEAT) 52.50
AIR SEATS LOUNGE-1 42.00
AIR SEATS LOUNGE-2 42.00
AIR SEATS LOUNGE-3 42.00
AIR SEATS LOUNGE-4 42.00
AIR SEATS LOUNGE-5 42.00
CABIN Α4 (4-berth outside) 74.50

brotherleelove2004

If it's not open when you go outside then you will just buy your ticket from the driver and validate it in the ticket machine inside the bus.

Lounge differences are just about location, not much else.

brotherleelove2004

That 74.50 price for the cabin is for one berth only. You'll be sharing the cabin with other individuals of the same gender, no m/f sharing, unless you rent the whole thing.