Arrival
Recommended airports
Athens
Kalamata
The best option is to fly to Athens or Kalamata and then continue your journey by rental car or ferry. We recommend flying to Athens – although the distance to Porto Heli is similar, flights are generally cheaper. As always, it's advisable to book quickly to snag cheap flights (current prices of €150-€200 per person are considered good value).
Travel portals:
Having a rental car gives you more flexibility on-site (if desired). The drive to Porto Heli takes about 2.5 to 3 hours (depending on your driving style :)) and leads partly along very winding mountain roads with breathtaking views of various bays and olive groves.
Rental car
There are numerous car rental companies at Athens and Kalamata airports.
It's convenient to book with a provider located directly in the terminal. However, providers that take you to the nearby station with a shuttle are cheaper. These shuttles either pick you up personally at the terminal, or you'll need to leave the terminal and walk to the right until you reach a large bus parking area (approximately a 3-5 minute walk). All the shuttle buses from the various providers will be waiting there.
A few recommendations:
etc.
Ferry
To take the ferry from Athens airport to Porto Heli from Piraeus (ferry port), you have two options:
1. Take a taxi to the ferry - convenient
Upon arrival, exit to the "Arrivals" level, Exit 3 to the official taxi rank. Taxis are available 24/7. Price: approximately €60 during the day / €70 at night (Airport → Port of Piraeus, total price per car for up to 4 people). Prices can also be negotiated directly with the taxi driver. Travel time: approximately 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
2. Express bus X96 – cheap & direct
Outside, between exits 4 and 5, you'll find the X96 bus "Airport ↔ Piraeus". Tickets can be purchased at the kiosk/machine or from the driver. It runs 24/7. Price: €5.50 per person (one way). Travel time: approximately 60–90 minutes, depending on traffic.
After arriving in Piraeus:
Ferries towards the Saronic/Argolic Gulf (Poros–Hydra–Ermioni–Spetses–Porto Heli) usually depart from Gate E8. Follow the large display boards on site.
Route & Operators: Hellenic Seaways / Blue Star and Magic Sea Ferries operate this route, usually with stops in Poros, Hydra, Ermioni, and Spetses. Travel time: approximately 1 hour 50 minutes (fast ferry) to about 3 hours 30 minutes, depending on the vessel. Sample departures (typical): 10:00 and 18:00 from Piraeus (always check the schedule for the most up-to-date information; seasonal changes are possible).
Price: approx. €40–60 per person, depending on the shipping company/availability.
For the sake of completeness, here are three other, less frequently favored travel options between Athens and Porto Heli:
taxi
Upon arrival, exit to the "Arrivals" level, Exit 3 to the official taxi rank. Taxis are available 24/7. Price: approximately €180 during the day / €220 at night (Airport → Porto Heli, total price per car for up to 4 people). Prices can also be negotiated directly with the taxi driver. Travel time: approximately 3 hours, depending on traffic.
Intercity bus
From the airport to the long-distance bus station “Kifissos” (KTEL) via express bus X93.
Departure: Arrivals level, between exits 4 and 5 (signposted OSY bus area). Runs 24/7; journey time: approx. 60 minutes to "Kifissos" (depending on traffic). Ticket: €5.50 per person; contactless payment possible directly on the bus.
Then in "Kifissos" - ticket office/bus company: KTEL Argolidas – serves the line Athens → (via Epidaurus, Ermioni, Spetses/Kosta) → Porto Heli / Kranidi. Look for the "Argolida" monitors.
Typical departure times: Mon–Sat: 9:30 and 16:30 from Athens–Kifissos. Travel time: approximately 4 hours (depending on traffic). Price: usually ~€17–21 per person (depending on the operator/day).
helicopter
Your private charter will pick you up directly upon arrival. Flight duration: approx. 25–35 minutes (depending on helicopter type/weather). Price per helicopter: from ~€2,700–€3,500 each way, 4–6 seats. Suitable providers: e.g., Superior Air, IFLY, Airlift (all operate regularly from Athens Airport).