Driving to Pireaus (ultimately Republic of Cyprus)

[bolidemichael]

We're in SW London and intend to catch the car ferry to Cyprus -- leaving start of August, returning via Provence in the final week of August. Michelin recommends driving through Germany/Austria/Slovenia/Croatia/N. Macedonia into Greece which is estimated at around 28 hours of driving time -- around three days.

Does this correspond to anyone's experience and is the alternative route through Spain/Italy and ferry into Greece a consideration for relevant factors such as the quality/speed of the road network? Thoughts appreciated.

[LF5335]

I can’t help you with comments on the drive to Piraeus, as I haven’t done it, but just a couple of pointers on the ferry. It’s a very new route, that started about a fortnight ago so is having the odd bit of teething problems. The main one is getting on board at Piraeus as the port authority there seem unable to direct customers correctly to the right dock. Please don’t rely on your email, as that often has the wrong dock stated and they are quite spread out, so not necessarily an easy trip to the right one.

Enjoy the ferry it’s a long one at 30 hours.

One other point is make sure you know the entry rules for COVID in each country that you pass through and whether they apply to you / timings where tests are required / vaccination status and so on.

[MarkJS]

I can’t help with the actual route from the UK to your ferry, but I can say that you must leave yourself plenty of time (with some to spare) to arrive at the port when you get closer. I was there a few weeks ago and the traffic around Athens & Piraeus (right into the port) is horrendous - even on a Sunday morning.

Sounds like a fantastic trip - enjoy!

(Greek roads are pretty decent quality)

[akadk]

I have driven to Kos twice

I drove to Bari and got the ferry across the Greece, then short drive to Athens

[bolidemichael]

Thanks guys -- I appreciate the practical tips regarding the ferry.

How long has it taken you to drive to Bari?

[Terra1]

bolidemichael said:

Thanks guys -- I appreciate the practical tips regarding the ferry.

How long has it taken you to drive to Bari?

More importantly, which car are you taking?? Look forward to the write up

[bolidemichael]

Terra1 said:

bolidemichael said:

Thanks guys -- I appreciate the practical tips regarding the ferry.

How long has it taken you to drive to Bari?

More importantly, which car are you taking?? Look forward to the write up

I really want to take the FFRR, but it'd have to be the E500 for reliability, roofbox and smashing out the miles in style.

[omniflow]

bolidemichael said:

How long has it taken you to drive to Bari?

I've done Bari -> London and it took a little over 2 days - we got as far as Dinant in Belgium on the 2nd day and I was just too tired to carry on. Mind you, this was about 30 years ago in a 1982 Alfasud Sprint, and I was the only driver.

In a decent car I would say you could do it in 2 days.

[Bill]

Ok, I have to ask why??!? Seems bonkers on the face of it, and I love epic road trips! Hope the ferry has aircon!

[stevethegreek]

I drove down to my place in Kefalonia last year via Ancona to Igoumenitsa ferry, 18 hours(ish) from Calais via Switzerland (Lucerne) with a few fuel/coffee/snack stops. 20 hours on the ferry so plenty of time to rest after the drive down to Italy - there is a 'superfast' service which is around 16 hours from memory. From there it's around 5 hours to Piraeus.

Give or take then, around the same time as your Michelin route...

[Terra1]

bolidemichael said:

I really want to take the FFRR, but it'd have to be the E500 for reliability, roofbox and smashing out the miles in style.

Strong choice, hope you have a great trip!