bdj

If traveling from the Plaka to the Port of Rafina on a weekday morning, what would be the most convenient route? Would like to avoid a taxi, if at all possible.

How long would be the commute?

What can one expect to pay?

Much obliged...bdj

senozkadir

You can take the bus from Pedion tou Areos at Mavromateon Street (close to the National Archaeological Museum and Viktoria Metro Station). It will take you 1.5 hours to get to Rafina from the city centre. It is 35 km and the roads through and out of Athens can get very busy. Note that Pedion tou Areos (where the buses depart from) is a considerable distance away from Plaka and you will need to get a taxi or public transport to get there.
Alternatively you can take the Metro or bus to the airport and then take the bus to Rafina.

bdj

What is the process of catching the bus to Rafina after getting off the Metro at the airport?

What would be the commute time and cost if taking the Metro/Bus option?

Much obliged...bdj

senozkadir

This link gives all the details.Hope it helps.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Rafina

Heimdall

From Plaka it would be a lot easier to go by metro from Monastiraki Station to the airport. The KTEL Attica bus from the airport to Rafina is in front of Sofitel Hotel, opposite the passenger terminal, in a separate line from the buses that go to Piraeus and Athens. The metro takes 45 minutes to the airport, and buses from there to Rafina about another 20-30 minutes. Buses leave about every hour during the day.

bdj

Heimdall...thanks so much. Your outline of the time frame and specifics are a Godsend. Given buses leave the airport once an hour to Rafina calculating the timing is beneficial.

I am actually closer to the Syntagma Metro, will that get me to the airport?

Upon my return from Rafina would it be the exact opposite? Board bus in Rafina where I was dropped off? Dropped off at the Sofitel Hotel? Metro from airport to Syntagma?

Any idea how late the buses return from Rafina?

Much obliged...bdj

clausar

You can take the metro from Monastiraki station next to Plaka and get off at Victoria station.
Then walk to Perion to Areos, which only takes 5 minutes and take the bus from there.

Second option would be to take the blue metro line from Monastiraki and get off at Pallini station.
Right in front of the metro station there is the stop of the KTEL bus and lots of people waiting.....
Just take the bus to Rafina, the ride should last about 20 minuted.

You will pay for your ticket on the bus.

clausar

Last bus from Rafina to Athens is at 22:30 hrs
Last metro from Pallini to Athens is at 23:46 hrs

clausar

Forgot to add....You can take the Blue metro line from Syntagma as well

brotherleelove2004

It would be easier to spend that night in Rafina so you don't have to hassle over the early-morning scramble to get there in the morning in time for your ferry departure.

Heimdall

Both Syntagma and Monastiraki are on the same Blue Line to the airport, so it makes no difference which station you use. There are other trains on the same line, so make sure you are boarding an airport train. Buy two tickets at the same time and it's a little cheaper.

If you are taking one of the early morning ferries, I agree with brotherleelove that it would be more convenient to spend the night in Rafina. I've stayed at Avra Hotel, which is only a short walk from the docks and the KTEL bus stop. They do good breakfasts, and have rooms overlooking the harbour.