Mykonos to Naxos Ferry: Direct Boats, 35 Minutes to About 1.5 Hours

Yes, ferries run direct from Mykonos to Naxos, with several sailings a day in summer. The hop is short: some high-speed ferries take under an hour to reach Naxos Town from Mykonos. Greek ferries can sell out in July and August, so book those months early, and check the timetable for your exact date before you set out.

Who runs the Mykonos to Naxos ferry?

High-speed boats carry most of the traffic. Blue Star adds a high-speed boat of its own, and Fast Ferries runs the route's conventional ferry. Golden Star Ferries also appears in booking listings.

How long is the crossing?

The conventional Fast Ferries boat takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The booking page shows the exact time for your sailing.

How often do the ferries run?

From mid-June to mid-September, expect at least six departures a day. One of them is the conventional ferry, which sails about once a day in high season. Sailings start in late March. Operators usually announce their summer timetables that same month, and summer departures show up for booking from then on. Outside high season the number of sailings varies, so check your date.

Which port do you leave from, and where do you arrive?

In Mykonos, Naxos ferries leave from the New Port at Tourlos, a little over a mile (2 km) north of Mykonos Town. The Old Port beside town handles Delos boats and excursions, so skip it. Local buses and taxis both reach Tourlos, and the SeaBus links the New Port with town. Mykonos has relatively few taxis, so allow for a wait at busy times. From the airport, the transfer to the port takes about 8 minutes.

Summer crowds can clog the port. Many visitors arrive at Tourlos about an hour before departure, with a printed ticket or an e-ticket on hand, since the port can get crowded in summer. The terminal has free Wi-Fi, ATMs and a ticket office.

In Naxos, the boat docks right at Naxos Town (Chora), a few minutes' walk from the center, its shops and restaurants. The Portara, the island's landmark, stands less than a third of a mile (500 meters) from the pier, and the old Kastro quarter is about as close. The bus station sits opposite the port. There's a taxi rank as well, but cabs run short when a ferry lands, so book a transfer in advance if you need one.

How much does the ticket cost?

Fares vary with the boat and the seat. Standard economy seats are a popular pick for travelers on a budget. Business and VIP seats, in a luxury lounge, cost the most. Prices change daily with availability, and booking early often gets you a lower fare.

What an economy ticket gets you depends on the boat. On high-speed vessels, seats are numbered, so a standard economy ticket comes with an assigned seat. On the conventional ferry, economy seats are usually unnumbered. Board in good time to claim one in a lounge or out on deck, and keep an eye on it for the whole trip.

Students, children, large families and passengers with disabilities may qualify for discounts. Each company sets its own policy, so check the booking page. Some ferry operators on this route let you cancel up to 24 hours before departure, usually with a fee, so check the terms when you book.

What about luggage, cars and pets?

Luggage rules are relaxed. Most companies allow around 88 lb (40 kg) per person, with no set number of bags. Stow suitcases in the luggage room or keep them by your seat, and keep valuables with you.

Pets can come along. Fast Ferries keeps pets out of indoor areas and has dedicated pet accommodation on board.

You can't get to the car during the crossing. Many rental companies don't allow their cars on ferries, so ask yours before buying a vehicle ticket.

Most travelers can leave the car behind. You won't need one in Naxos Town or the nearby beach areas such as Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna. A car helps for villages, mountain roads and quieter beaches, and most of the island's rental companies have offices a few steps from the Naxos port entrance.

What about wind and cancellations?

Strong wind and waves hit the smaller high-speed boats hardest. High-speed boats are small and can be affected by rough weather, so delays happen, and passengers may feel the motion more. The conventional ferry is slower but steadier and usually keeps to schedule, which makes it the kinder pick if you're prone to seasickness. If you have a flight or another ferry to catch the same day, book the larger boat or leave a generous cushion between the two.