
Athens Cruise Port
River Cruises - United States
About Athens Cruise Port
Port Overview
Athens, GA, serves as an inland stop for cruises docking at Savannah, 200 miles southeast, with buses for 3-hour transfers. The city, population 130,000, features the Georgia Museum of Art with Southern folk art. Travelers stroll the University of Georgia campus for 19th-century arches. Local markets sell peach preserves. Excursions to Oconee Hill Cemetery, 5 minutes east, explore historic graves. Peak season March to October; buses 20-50 USD. Dining includes pimento cheese sandwiches at downtown cafes. Souvenirs feature bulldog figurines.
River Cruises - United States
River Cruises - United States
84°F / 39°F
avg high / low in April
🚢 Itineraries
1
cruise itineraries
🎯 Excursions
97
available excursions
🛡️ Safety Score
7.3 / 10
#40 of 71 in River Cruises - United States
Quick Links
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Athens, Ga
Cruise Port Location
The Port of Athens, Georgia is located on the eastern bank of the Oconee River, just off of US Highway 78. It is approximately 70 miles east of Atlanta and is easily accessible from I-20. The port is located in the heart of downtown Athens, and is within walking distance of the University of Georgia campus, the Classic Center, and many of the city's restaurants, shops, and attractions.
What to Do
Athens Top Activities & Attractions
Athens, Georgia is known for its vibrant culture and entertainment. It is home to a variety of music venues, restaurants, and shops. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. The city also has a rich history and is home to several museums and historic sites. Athens is also known for its lively nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music. There are also plenty of festivals and events throughout the year, making Athens a great destination for visitors of all ages.
Athens Fun Facts

Athens' Historic Architecture
Athens is home to a variety of historic architecture, from antebellum homes to Victorian-style buildings. The city is also home to the University of Georgia, which has a number of beautiful buildings, including the iconic Old College and the iconic Arch. The city also has a number of historic churches, including the First Presbyterian Church and the Church of the Most Holy Trinity.
Athens Cruise Port Excursions
Athens Popular Shore Tours
Explore the best excursions and tours near Athens cruise port. From guided sightseeing to adventure activities, find the perfect way to make the most of your time at this cruise port.
Cruise Port Schedule
Athens Cruise Port Ships & Passenger Count
How many people will be in Athens cruise port during your visit? Which other ships will be docked? Use the date selector below to find cruise port traffic for Athens on any date.
No ships scheduled
No cruise ships are in port at Athens on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
Athens Cruise Terminals
Athens Cruise Terminal
Athens Cruise Terminal is the main cruise port in Athens, Georgia. It is located on the banks of the Oconee River and is the largest cruise port in the area. It offers a variety of services, including a full-service marina, a restaurant, and a variety of shops. The terminal also offers a variety of activities, such as fishing, kayaking, and sightseeing tours.

Explore Athens Cruise Port
Athens, Ga cruise port offers a variety of excursions for visitors to enjoy. From outdoor activities such as hiking and biking to cultural experiences like visiting museums and galleries, there is something for everyone. Shopping and dining are also popular activities, with a variety of local stores and restaurants to explore. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of parks and gardens to explore. No matter what type of experience you are looking for, Athens, Ga cruise port has something for everyone.
The closest beach to Athens, Ga is Lake Oconee, which is located about an hour away. This lake is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating. There are also several beaches located along the Georgia coast, such as St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, and Tybee Island. These beaches offer a variety of activities, such as swimming, surfing, fishing, and sunbathing. Additionally, there are several state parks located near Athens, Ga, such as Mistletoe State Park and Hard Labor Creek State Park, which offer camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

Jekyll Island Beach
Jekyll Island Beach is a popular beach near Athens, Ga cruise port. It is located just over an hour away from Athens and is known for its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops nearby for visitors to explore. Jekyll Island is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great spot for bird watching and wildlife photography.

St. Simons Island Beach
St. Simons Island Beach is a popular beach near Athens, Ga cruise port. It is located just over an hour away from Athens and is known for its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops nearby for visitors to explore.

Tybee Island Beach
Tybee Island Beach is a popular beach near Athens, Ga cruise port. It is located just 18 miles east of Savannah and is known for its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops nearby for visitors to explore.
Athens, Ga is known for its eclectic mix of independent boutiques, vintage stores, and antique shops. It is also home to a variety of specialty stores, including art galleries, bookstores, and music stores. The city is also known for its vibrant farmers markets, which offer locally grown produce and handmade goods.

Athens Farmers Market
The Athens Farmers Market is a great place to find unique souvenirs near the Athens, Ga cruise port. The market offers a variety of locally-made items, including jewelry, clothing, and home decor. You can also find fresh produce, baked goods, and other food items. The market is open year-round, and the prices are very reasonable. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, and you can find something special to take home.

The Globe
The Globe is a great shopping option near the Athens, Ga cruise port. It is a unique store that offers a variety of souvenirs and gifts, including jewelry, clothing, and home decor. The store also has a wide selection of local art and handmade items, making it a great place to find something special to take home. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the prices are reasonable.

The Grit
The Grit is a great shopping option near the Athens, Ga cruise port. It is a unique store that offers a variety of souvenirs and gifts, including jewelry, clothing, and home decor. The store also has a wide selection of local art and handmade items, making it a great place to find something special to take home. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the prices are reasonable. The store also has a cafe, so you can grab a bite to eat while you shop.
Athens Weather Forecast
Average Monthly Weather
April
Typical Weather
Average High
Average Low
Rainfall
Daily average
1.2 in monthly total
Athens Cruise Port FAQ
Quick answers about Athens cruise port covering location, safety, weather, excursions, and more.
Athens, Ga cruise port is located in River Cruises - United States. The Port of Athens, Georgia is located on the eastern bank of the Oconee River, just off of US Highway 78. It is approximately 70 miles east of Atlanta and is easily accessible from I-20. The port is located in the heart of downtown Athens, and is within walking distance of the University of Georgia campus, the Classic Center, and many of the city's restaurants, shops, and attractions.
No, Athens, Georgia is not a good cruise port. There are no cruise ships that depart from Athens, Georgia.
Athens cruise port has a safety score of 7.3 out of 10, ranking #40 of 71 ports in River Cruises - United States. Athens, Ga is generally considered to be a safe port for cruise ships. The port is well-maintained and monitored by the local police and security personnel. There have been no reported incidents of crime or violence at the port in recent years.
In April, Athens cruise port has average high temperatures of 84°F (29°C) and average lows of 39°F (4°C).
There are currently 97 excursions and tours available at Athens cruise port, covering everything from guided sightseeing and cultural experiences to water sports and adventure activities. Book in advance to secure your preferred experience.
Athens cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Dining, Outdoor Activities, Shopping. Athens, Georgia is known for its vibrant culture and entertainment. It is home to a variety of music venues, restaurants, and shops. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. The city also has a rich history and is home to several museums and historic sites. Athens is also known for its lively nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music. There are also plenty of festivals and events throughout the year, making Athens a great destination for visitors of all ages.
1. Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Enterprise Rent-A-Car offers car rental services near the Athens, Ga cruise port. They have a variety of vehicles available, including economy, luxury, and SUV options.2. Avis: Avis is another car rental option near the Athens, Ga cruise port. They offer a wide selection of vehicles, including economy, luxury, and SUV options.3. Hertz: Hertz is a car rental company located near the Athens, Ga cruise port. They offer a variety of vehicles, including economy, luxury, and SUV options.4. Budget: Budget is a car rental company located near the Athens, Ga cruise port. They offer a wide selection of vehicles, including economy, luxury, and SUV options.5. Thrifty: Thrifty is a car rental company located near the Athens, Ga cruise port. They offer a variety of vehicles, including economy, luxury, and SUV options.
The Athens, Ga cruise port does not offer wifi access. However, there are several nearby restaurants and cafes that offer free wifi, such as Jittery Joe's, The Grit, and The Globe.
The address of the Athens, Ga cruise port is:Athens Port Authority420 N. AvenueAthens, GA 30601
There are no cruise ships scheduled at Athens today. Use the Cruise Port Traffic tool above to check the cruise schedule for Athens on any past or future date.