Whit Monday Exodus: Ports and buses packed as Greeks leave Athens

Greek ports are bustling as thousands of travelers depart for the Whit Monday long weekend, with over 28,800 passengers anticipated to leave the ports of Attica on Saturday alone. This figure represents those who have already secured tickets, and the total number is expected to rise with last-minute travelers.

The Port of Piraeus is a major hub, with 14 scheduled ferry routes to the Aegean islands expected to carry approximately 10,890 passengers on Saturday. Additionally, 42 routes are planned for the Saronic Gulf islands, transporting an estimated 7,079 passengers. The port of Rafina is also experiencing significant activity, with 10 routes set to carry 7,754 passengers to the Cyclades and other island destinations. Lavrio port has nine scheduled departures, expecting to host 3,094 passengers.

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Over 28,800 passengers are expected to depart from the ports of Attica today for the Whit Monday three-day weekend, according to the estimated passenger traffic of the ferry companies.

Friday saw even higher numbers, with over 45,700 passengers traveling from Piraeus, Rafina, Lavrio, and the Saronic Gulf ports. Piraeus alone saw 19 departures carrying 20,089 passengers, while Rafina had 16 departures with 10,777 passengers. The Saronic Gulf routes accommodated around 10,000 passengers, and Lavrio saw 13 departures with 4,857 passengers.

Land travel is also robust, with bus services from Kifissos and Liosion stations operating at near full capacity. According to Sofoklis Fatsios, president of the Panhellenic Federation of Bus Cooperatives (POAYS) and Kifissos KTEL, passenger numbers have seen a slight increase of about 5% compared to last year. While no additional bus routes were scheduled for Saturday, the existing services are fully booked, with travelers heading towards regions like the Peloponnese, Aetolia-Acarnania, Volos, and Trikala. Friday saw the addition of 70 extra buses from Kifissos and 25 from Liosion to accommodate the surge in demand.

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Increased passenger traffic is also recorded this year compared to last year, however, compared to last year, a small increase of about 5% is recorded.