Ferry ticket delivery options and their particularities for Greece

Frequently Asked Questions for Greek ferry ticket delivery options and their particularities.

Pick up from our office

  • Where is your office located?

Our office is located in the center of Athens, few meters away from the Acropolis museum and Acropolis metro station. A map can be found here. You can reach the Acropolis museum by Metro, bus and taxis from both the airport and the Port of Piraeus.

  • What are Athens Tours Greece opening hours?

Our office is open Monday – Saturday 09 am – 11 pm & Sunday 09 am – 02 pm. We are closed on National holidays. A list of those dates can be found here.

  • Do you have an office at the port where my ferry is departing from?

Our office is NOT located at the port. It is located in the center of Athens. If you have chosen to pick up your tickets from our office, you cannot pick them up from anywhere else. Since there are no electronic tickets for ferries in Greece, please follow the instructions given when you choose a ticket delivery option through our website.

  • Is your office near the Port?

Our office in the center of Athens is not near the port. You need to take the Metro, the bus or a taxi in order to reach the ports of Athens (Piraeus, Rafina & Lavrio). Details you can find in this FAQ’ s port section.

  • How long does it take to get from the Athens Airport to your office?

Depending on traffic conditions it could take up to 90 minutes. Would be prudent to have at least 3 hours if you need to stop by our office before taking a ferry from Piraeus port.

How long does it take to get to the Athens Ports from your office?

To the port of Piraeus, 30-60 minutes.
To the port of Rafina, 60-90 minutes.
To the port of Lavrio, 90-120 minutes.

These times are approximate and can change depending on traffic. Detailed information about the ports and how to reach them, you can find in this FAQ’ s port section.

  • If my departure port is not one of the Athens Ports (Piraeus, Rafina & Lavrio) should I choose “Pick up from our office” as delivery option for my tickets?

No you should not. Only choose this delivery option if you will spend some time in Athens and therefore have time to pick up your tickets from our office.

  • If I have chosen “Pick up from our office” as delivery type and I miss to pick up my ferry tickets or any other travel document, can I pick them up from somewhere else?

NO. If you have arranged to pick up your travel documents from our office you CANNOT pick them up from somewhere else. Since there are no electronic tickets for ferries in Greece, you need to have the actual ticket with you in order to board the ferry. You cannot board with a confirmation number or an email print out.
Please make sure to visit our office during opening hours. If this is not possible please contact us early enough in order to arrange for a different delivery. For National holiday dates, please click here.

  • If I miss to pick up my tickets at your office, am I entitled to a refund?

No you are not. It is your responsibility not to miss picking up your tickets.
If, in any case, you inform us by phone during our office opening hours and at least 2 hours prior to the ferry’s departure, of your inability to pick up your tickets from our office in time then we will contact the shipping company in question and try to cancel your reservation with the less possible damage for you. In no way does this constitute a guarantee of any refund. Please note that cancellations are subject to each shipping company’s policies.

  • What can be done if I am at the port ready to board my ferry without my tickets because I failed / forgot to pick them up or misunderstood something about the procedure, and the ferry is about to leave?

Nothing can be done since ferry tickets in Greece are unfortunately not electronic. This means that you will not be allowed to board the ferry without your paper tickets in hand. You will need to issue new tickets and inform us as soon as possible so that we try and cancel or change the ones already issued (possibility subject to each company’s terms & conditions). Please note that it is possible that there will be no time to do anything since the problem usually occurs few minutes before the departure of the ferry, after which no cancellations or changes are allowed. Also there are shipping companies, which do not allow cancellations or changes in less than two hours before the ferry departure time.
If you try and issue new tickets but there is no availability, try to explain to the shipping company’s staff at their tickets counter that you have already issued tickets but do not have them. Usually nothing can be done and you will need to travel with the next available ferry, but I could be worth a try.

  • Upon arrival at your office I am informed that my ferry schedule was cancelled or changed. Why was I not informed before?

The shipping company is by law obliged to contact their clients in order to inform them of changes or cancellations. That is why we insist that you provide us with a valid contact number, so that we note it within your reservation making it available to the shipping company’s staff. Unfortunately many shipping companies fail to meet this obligation.
We at Athens Tours Greece, as soon as we are informed of any changes or cancellations affecting our clients, try to immediately contact them first by email and then if there is no time by phone.
If it happens though and you were not informed it is either because the contact details you sent us were not correct or because you were unreachable by email or phone. If you are on your way to Greece or already here, chances are that you will not have access to your email. Only by providing us with a valid phone number, working in Greece, we will be able to contact you if we are informed of any such change/cancellation.

  • In case extra costs occur because of a ferry schedule cancellation or change, who is responsible to cover them?

In no way can Athens Tours Greece be held responsible for cancellations or changes made by shipping companies. All claims have to be addressed to the shipping company is question. Our staff will guide you through the procedure. Shipping company Terms & Conditions can be found here.

Delivery at Athens Airport

  • Where at the Athens International Airport is the ticket pick up point located?

Ferry tickets can be picked up from our driver on your transfer day at the arrivals level of the Athens International Airport which is open 24 hours daily.

  • What will I need to have with me in order to pick up my tickets?

Please give your envelope number (you can find it in your final confirmation email) and name to our driver or guide. They will assist you with any additional information you might need.

  • Why do I have to provide you with all this information concerning my arrival? Is it important?

It is extremely important that we have accurate and updated information concerning your arrival at the Athens International Airport. We send thousands of tickets to the airport every summer. We will send your tickets to the airport on your arrival day therefore we need your arrival date. Having also your flight details allows us to track delays, etc.
If the arrival details are not correct we cannot be held responsible for delivery problems.

  • Do I have to inform you if my flight details change?

In case your flight details change, please inform us by email or phone the soonest possible. If you miss to do so, we cannot be held responsible for delivery problems.

Can I cancel or change my tickets at the airport?

You cannot cancel nor change your tickets at the airport. The reason is that ferry tickets in Greece are not electronic and also that only the office which has issued the tickets can change or cancel them. During our opening hours, and providing that you do not have the possibility to come by our office in the centre of Athens, you can call us and we will help you with the easiest and less costly procedure in order to make the cancellation or change.
In all cases it is very important that cancelled tickets are sent back to us. We cannot proceed to any refund unless we have the actual tickets.

  • How long does it take to get to the Athens Ports from the airport?

To the port of Piraeus, 60 – 90 minutes.
To the port of Rafina, 30 – 60 minutes.
To the port of Lavrio, 60 – 90 minute.

  • These times are approximate and can change depending on traffic. Upon arrival at the airport I am informed that my ferry schedule was cancelled or changed. Why was I not informed before?

The shipping company is by law obliged to contact their clients in order to inform them of changes or cancellations. That is why we insist that you provide us with a valid contact number, so that we note it within your reservation making it available to the shipping company’s staff. Unfortunately many shipping companies fail to meet this obligation.
We at Athens Tours Greece, as soon as we are informed of any changes or cancellations affecting our clients, try to immediately contact them first by email and then if there is no time by phone.
If it happens though and you were not informed it is either because the contact details you sent us were not correct or because you were unreachable by email or phone. If you are on your way to Greece or already here, chances are that you will not have access to your email. Only by providing us with a valid phone number, working in Greece, we will be able to contact you if we are informed of any such change/cancellation.

  • In case extra costs occur because of a ferry schedule cancellation or change, who is responsible to cover them?

In no way can Athens Tours Greece be held responsible for cancellations or changes made by shipping companies. All claims have to be addressed to the shipping company is question. Our staff will guide you through the procedure.
Shipping company Terms & Conditions can be found here.

Courier Service (International)

  • Which courier service do you cooperate with?

We cooperate with UPS for all international shipments. We have had an excellent cooperation with UPS for a number of years.

  • In how many days will I receive my travel documents?

All reservations through our website are processed in less than 24 hours. All international shipments are shipped on the next business day.

Shipments to Europe: 2-3 days
Shipments to the US, Canada & Mexico: 3-4 days
Shipments to the rest of the world: 4-5 days
Can I track my package?

As soon as we deliver your package to UPS and they process it, you will receive an email with a tracking number. You can then visit the UPS website, and enter your number in order to track your package.

  • Does someone have to be at the delivery address in order to collect the shipment?

Someone has to sign for the delivery. UPS will try several times to find someone at the given address. If you wish that the delivery takes place at a certain time or different address, please contact UPS is your country as soon as you receive your tracking number.

  • If I have not received my shipment within these limits after receipt of my tracking number, what should I do?

Contact UPS in your country and give them your tracking number. They will give you information concerning your shipment.

  • If my shipment is lost, whose responsibility is it?

All travel documents purchased from our agency and sent by courier service are made pursuant to a shipment contract. This means that the risk of loss and title for such items pass to you upon our delivery to the carrier. In case of loss of ferry tickets, shipping companies do not replace nor refund the tickets.

  • Can I insure my shipment?

UPS, nor any other carrier insures documents. Only packages can be insured.

Domestic Courier Service

Which courier service do you cooperate with?

We cooperate with “Geniki Taxydromiki and Speedex” for all domestic shipments. We have had a good cooperation with them for a number of years.

  • In how long will I receive my travel documents?

Shipments in Athens are delivered next business day.
Shipments in other cities or islands in 2 business days.

  • Does someone have to be at the delivery address in order to collect the shipment?

Someone has to sign for the delivery. The carrier will try several times to find someone at the given address.

  • If I have not received my shipment within the given limits, what should I do?

Contact us and we will provide you with a tracking number and the contact details of the carrier in your region. They will give you information concerning your shipment.

  • If my shipment is lost, whose responsibility is it?

All travel documents purchased from our agency and sent by courier service are made pursuant to a shipment contract. This means that the risk of loss and title for such items pass to you upon our delivery to the carrier. In case of loss of ferry tickets, shipping companies do not replace nor refund the tickets.

Hotel Delivery

  • What does Athens Tours Greece do to guarantee that my tickets will be delivered to my hotel in time?

We follow hotel deliveries very closely. Here are the steps we follow:

  1. We contact the hotel 3 days before the check-in date that our client has given us in order to verify the reservation.
  2. We deliver an envelope at the reception of the hotel with full details concerning you and your reservation in their establishment.
  3. We keep a name and a signature of the person at the reception accepting the envelope on your behalf and the exact date and time.
  4. We call them again to confirm receipt.
  • Why do I have to provide you with so much information concerning my hotel reservation? Is it that important?

It is imperative that you provide us with detailed and accurate information concerning your hotel booking. It is the only way we can prepare and follow the delivery of your travel documents.

  • Should I inform you of any changes concerning my hotel booking?

You should inform us the soonest possible. If you fail to do so, we cannot be held responsible for delivery problems.

  • Why do you claim to deliver travel documents only to selected hotels?

There are some hotels our clients have had problems with as far as travel document deliveries is concerned. When we have repeated incidents, we blacklist those hotels.
This means that we might contact you and inform you of the problem.

  • I just arrived at my hotel and at the hotel reception they tell me there is no delivery for me. What should I do?

You should contact our office during opening hours or the emergency number found in your confirmation email. We always keep the name of the person at the hotel who signed for your delivery as well as the delivery date and time. See below the full process we follow.

  • Why is there a different charge for the “Athens Hotel delivery” and “Courier within Athens” service? If I choose “courier within Athens” as delivery option can my tickets be delivered to my hotels address in Athens?

When we deliver travel documents to a hotel we follow a quite complicated process (see above) in order to guarantee that the hotel reception person who will be the first recipient of the envelope under your name containing your travel documents will not loose it or misplace it. This process costs.
When you choose “courier within Athens” your travel documents will be delivered to a private address directly to the recipient written on the envelope. This is not possible for a hotel.

Pick up at the departure port

  • Do I have to hold my ferry tickets in order to board my ferry?

Yes. Passengers need to hold printed tickets in order to board their ferry. Ferry tickets in Greece are not electronic. Passengers cannot board with just the booking number (PNR) or by showing the booking email confirmation.

  • Where at the port can I pick up my ferry tickets?

Your ferry tickets can be picked up from the ferry operator’s offices, ticketing booths at the piers where available or its port agent (s) at the port.
When you finalize your booking, you will be given detailed information about the location of each pick up point.

  • What information do passengers need to have available in order to have their tickets printed?

Passengers will need to provide their reservation number (PNR), their name and the ferry they travel with. All this information is found on the booking confirmation email sent by Athens Tours Greece. Some port agents also ask for an ID.

Reservation Number – PNR

  • Do I need to be at the port much earlier in order to pick up my tickets?

Passengers should be at the port early enough as some port agents are not located next to the pier from which the ferry is departing. Please check their location via the link sent to you. There might also be queues. Popular ports are usually very busy during the summer.

Port agent offices are usually travel agencies which are open throughout the day. Ticketing booths usually open one hour before the ferry departure.

  • Can I pick up my tickets earlier or only on the day of my departure?

You can pick up your tickets at any moment after your reservation is finalized. Especially on the islands, where the port is located next to the main town, it is quite certain that you will pass by a port agent during your stay. You can just walk in and have your tickets printed.

  • Can I pick up ferry tickets for next crossings at my first departure port?

Yes. Passengers, who have multiple legs with ferries, can pick up tickets for later crossings as well as long as the agent they visit is a port agent for the ferry operator they will travel with. On the link provided, we give a list of agents for every operator you have booked with, in every port.

  • If I have chosen to pick up my ferry tickets at the port, can I still pass by Athens Tours Greece office in central Athens and have my tickets printed?

Yes you can. Check our office location and opening hours.

Can ferry operator port agents help me change or cancel tickets issued by Athens Tours Greece?

Yes, as long as the agent they visit is a port agent for the ferry operator they will travel with and they wish to change or cancel.

Delivery methods

Tickets can be picked up from our offices free of charge from Monday to Sunday

The following possibilities are available too:

  • Pick up ferry tickets at your departure port before boarding (see FAQ PICK UP AT THE DEPARTURE PORT)
  • Athens International Airport Pick-up service (daily 24h) see options
  • Courier within Athens – 7.00 Euros (1-2 working days for delivery)
  • Courier rest Greece – 12.00 Euros (2-3 working days for delivery)
  • Courier Europe EU – 32.00 Euros (2-3 working days for delivery)
  • Courier to selected hotels in Athens – 15.00 Euros (1-2 working days for delivery)
  • Courier to selected hotels in the rest of Greece – 15.00 Euros (2-3 working days for delivery)
  • Courier USA, Canada & Mexico – 36.00 Euros (5-6 working days for delivery)
  • Courier rest of the World – 39.00 Euros (5-6 working days for delivery)

Note: All tickets purchased from our agency are made pursuant to a shipment contract. This means that the risk of loss and title for such items pass to you upon our delivery to the carrier. In case of loss of ticket, shipping companies do not replace nor refund the tickets.