Port of Piraeus

1. Port Overview

Located on the coast of the Saronic Gulf, about 12 km southwest of Athens in the Attica region of Greece, the Port of Piraeus is the largest port in Greece and one of the Mediterranean's key container hubs. Controlled and operated by COSCO Shipping, it is a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative in Europe—since taking over in 2009, COSCO has transformed Piraeus from a nearly bankrupt old port into the fastest-growing hub port in the Mediterranean.

The Port of Piraeus has an annual container throughput of approximately 5.5 million TEU, with a water depth of 14–18 meters [according to PPA 2025]. Via the China-Europe Land-Sea Express Line (Piraeus Port → railway → Central and Eastern Europe), transit to Budapest, Hungary takes only about 18–22 days (including sea + rail), which is 7–10 days faster than traditional Northwest European routes.

2. Port Scale and Facilities

The Port of Piraeus has three main container terminals: Pier I, Pier II, and Pier III. Pier II and Pier III are operated by PCT, a COSCO Shipping subsidiary, and are equipped with modern quay cranes and yard equipment. With a water depth of 14–18 meters, the port can accommodate ultra-large container ships of up to 20,000 TEU. Via the China-Europe Land-Sea Express Line, the port connects directly by rail to Budapest (approx. 5 days by rail), from where cargo is distributed to Central and Eastern European countries (Serbia, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, etc.).

3. Main Routes from China

China-Europe Land-Sea Express Line: Shanghai → Piraeus → Budapest takes approximately 18–22 days, offering a significant time advantage.

4. Key Points for China-Greece Trade and Logistics

Main cargo: electromechanical products, electronic products, textiles, and chemicals. The Port of Piraeus is the core gateway for Chinese goods entering Southeast Europe and the Balkan region, and is a flagship project of China's Belt and Road Initiative in Europe.

Bofeng Logistics Experience Sharing: The China-Europe Land-Sea Express Line at Piraeus Port offers a significant time advantage for China-Central and Eastern Europe trade—cargo can be directly loaded onto trains to Budapest, Belgrade, Sofia, etc., upon arrival, avoiding the need to go via Northwest Europe, saving 7–10 days. Particularly suitable for: ① cargo destined for Hungary/Serbia/Romania/Bulgaria; ② cargo with moderate time sensitivity but cost sensitivity. Notes: ① Rail capacity from Piraeus to Central and Eastern Europe may be tight during peak season (August–October); it is recommended to book rail space 1–2 weeks in advance. ② Allow 1–2 days for local document processing at Piraeus.

5. Shipping Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which is better, the China-Europe Land-Sea Express Line or the traditional Northwest European route? A: For destinations in Hungary/Serbia/Romania/Bulgaria/North Macedonia → Land-Sea Express Line is 7–10 days faster; for destinations in Germany/France/Netherlands/Belgium → Northwest European route is more direct. Bofeng Logistics can provide a comparison of transit time and cost for both routes.

Q: What should I pay attention to for import customs clearance in Greece? A: As an EU member state, Greece follows EU unified customs clearance standards. Electronic products require CE certification, and food products require an EU health certificate. Greek customs efficiency is average among Southern European countries; it is recommended to allow time for customs clearance.

6. Bofeng Logistics Services

• Full Container Load (FCL): 20GP, 40GP, 40HQ
• Less than Container Load (LCL): Guangzhou/Shenzhen → Piraeus + rail to Central and Eastern Europe consolidation
• Customs Brokerage: China export + Greece/EU import customs consultation
• China-Europe Land-Sea Express Line: Piraeus → Budapest/Belgrade/Sofia rail combined transport

📍 Please contact us for real-time freight rates.

Related Port: Port of Valencia (synergy between two Mediterranean hubs)