Naxos to Mykonos Ferry: Operators, Crossing Times and How to Book

Yes, a direct ferry links Naxos and Mykonos, and it's one of the easiest hops in the Cyclades. A high-speed boat makes the crossing in about 40 minutes, and slower sailings take closer to an hour and a half. Several boats run each day in the warm months. Book ahead for July and August, and check the timetable for your exact date before you go.

Is there a direct ferry from Naxos to Mykonos?

There is. Seajets and Golden Star Ferries serve the route, and booking sites also list Fast Ferries and Blue Star Ferries. High-speed boats mostly run this route, and in summer you may also find a conventional ferry on the schedule. Foot passengers simply buy a ticket. Cars and motorbikes travel with a vehicle ticket.

How long does the crossing take?

The crossing time depends on the boat. A high-speed vessel usually takes around 40 minutes, and a conventional ferry about an hour and a quarter. Some high-speed sailings are scheduled for noticeably longer, so read the duration on the exact sailing you pick.

The quickest boats on the route are Seajets' Eurochampion Jet and Golden Star Ferries' Golden Princess.

How often do boats run?

The route operates from late March to mid-November. In high season, May through September, expect five or six crossings a day, with fewer toward the edges of the season. Weekends and holidays can also bring fewer direct sailings. Because the timetable shifts with the season and the operator, look up your date in a booking engine before you build a day around a departure.

Where does the ferry leave from, and where does it arrive?

In Naxos, the ferry port sits in Chora, the island's main town on the west coast, close to the shops, restaurants and the Portara. The port is small, so spotting your boat is easy. The center of town is a few minutes' walk away, the KTEL bus station sits just outside the port, and a taxi rank waits at the exit, though taxis can run short in high season. Both islands draw crowds and traffic builds around the port, so arrive at least an hour before departure.

In Mykonos, ferries dock at the New Port in Tourlos, about 2 to 3 km (roughly 1.2 to 1.9 miles) north of Mykonos Town. The Old Port beside town handles Delos boats and excursions, so make sure your taxi or pickup heads to Tourlos. From the New Port, KTEL buses run into town, and the SeaBus links the port with Mykonos Town. Mykonos has relatively few taxis, so be ready to wait for one.

How much does the ferry cost?

Fares vary by operator, boat type and seat class, and booking early usually gets you the lowest price. A deck ticket is usually an easy way to keep the fare low. It gives you the run of the common areas but no specific seat. Business and VIP seats cost the most. A vehicle ticket is priced separately.

What a seat ticket gets you depends on the boat. High-speed ferries have numbered seats, so a standard ticket comes with an airplane-style seat. On conventional ferries, economy seats are unnumbered, so board early to claim a comfortable one and keep an eye on it for the whole trip. Airplane seats on those ferries sit in a separate lounge and are a comfortable step up for a seat of your own. Business/VIP seats have their own lounge too.

Should you book ahead?

In July and August, yes. Greek ferries can sell out in peak summer, and both islands are hugely popular. Many tickets can be canceled up to 24 hours before departure, usually for a fee or a partial refund, so an early booking still leaves some room to change plans.

What do you need to bring on board?

If your fare includes a discount, it helps to have the card or papers that prove it.

Each ferry has a luggage storage area. Leave the big suitcase there and carry just your valuables, like your wallet, phone and keys, up to the lounge.

Can you take a car on the ferry?

Yes, with a vehicle ticket for your car or motorbike. Talk to your rental company before you buy one, since many don't allow their cars on ferries.

What about weather and cancellations?

Weather can disrupt ferry schedules, and so can slow boarding, so leave room for delays whenever the crossing feeds into another connection. If you're flying out of Mykonos, build a generous buffer between ferry and flight and skip the last boat of the day. Mykonos Airport is about 2.5 miles (4 km) from the New Port at Tourlos, and a taxi booked in advance is the fastest way to get there.