Most visitors reach Mykonos from Athens, either by ferry or on a short flight. The boat turns the journey into part of the vacation, with open decks and the Aegean sliding past. The plane gets you there in well under an hour. Either way, the last stretch to your hotel is short, because Mykonos is a small island and both its ferry port and its airport sit close to town.
How do you get to Mykonos from Athens?
You have three choices. Ferries leave daily, all year, from Piraeus, the city's main port. They also sail from Rafina, a smaller port on the Attica coast very close to Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos). Or you can fly from that same airport to Mykonos in 45 minutes. If you're starting in northern Greece, there's also a flight from Thessaloniki that takes 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Is it better to take the ferry or fly to Mykonos?
Think about the whole travel day, not just the time on the water or in the air.
Flying is the quickest way. It's the obvious pick when your days are limited or boats aren't your thing.
The ferry takes longer, but it's an experience in itself. Ferries on this route often have air-conditioned lounges, open decks, snack bars and restaurants, and Wi-Fi packages are usually available to buy. Luggage is rarely a worry: Blue Star Ferries and Seajets typically allow up to about 110 pounds (50 kg), stored in a designated area on board.
Here's how to choose:
- First trip with time to spare: take the ferry for the open decks and sea views.
- Family with lots of luggage or a car: take a conventional ferry.
- Tight budget: take a conventional ferry, then the bus once you land.
- Short on time: fly.
One caution applies to both. Transportation strikes in Greece can shut down seaports and airports alike, and demonstrations can disrupt transport with little notice. Build some slack into your arrival day, and don't book anything fixed and expensive for that first evening.
How long is the ferry to Mykonos?
From Piraeus, the crossing time depends on which of the two kinds of boat you board.
High-speed ferry from Piraeus
Seajets runs the quickest crossings, around 2 hours 40 minutes to 2 hours 55 minutes. Tickets cost a bit more than on conventional boats, and so do the upgrades like numbered and business seats. You can bring a vehicle on most of these boats.
Conventional ferry from Piraeus
Blue Star Ferries runs the big conventional boats, which take around 4 hours 40 minutes or 5 hours 50 minutes. In exchange they're roomier, with outdoor decks for watching the sea and car decks below, and tickets are slightly cheaper. They typically offer cabins for one to four people, a nice way to rest on the way.
Ferry from Rafina
Leaving from Rafina spares you the trip across Athens to Piraeus, which matters if you're coming straight off a plane. Several operators sail from Rafina to Mykonos daily. In summer, Seajets alone runs up to four high-speed routes a day from Rafina, serving Mykonos, Andros, Tinos, Paros and Naxos. Boats range from fast catamarans to slower ferries, so crossing times vary widely. Compare them before you book.
How do you get to the ferry in Athens?
Piraeus is about 6 to 9 miles (10 to 15 km) south of central Athens, and you can get there by car, taxi, bus, metro or suburban railway. From the airport, about 28 miles (45 km) away, public transportation takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours and a car or taxi about 45 minutes.
Ferries to the Cyclades usually leave from Gates E6 and E7, but gates can change, so check your ticket. If you're coming by public transport, allow extra time to find your gate, and ask the Port Authority staff if you're unsure. On the metro, keep a hand on your bag, because pickpocketing and purse-snatching are common on Greek public transportation. Validate your ticket, too: riding without a valid one can bring a fine of up to 60 times the basic fare.
How do you book ferries to Mykonos?
Book well ahead. Tickets sell out fast, especially in the high season from June through August. The travel agencies at the port fill up with people hunting for last-minute seats, and that's a stressful way to start a vacation. Booking online lets you compare operators, times and prices in one place, and current offers are applied automatically as you go.
Ask about discounts when you book. Older children, Greek university students, ISIC cardholders and travelers with disabilities often get reduced fares, though the rules vary by company. Residents of Greek islands and loyalty program members can get discounts too. Pets generally travel free, kept on outside decks and in designated areas, muzzled and leashed or in a carrier, with the right paperwork. Vehicle fares vary by ferry and vehicle type.
Cancellation rules differ by operator, so read them before you pay. After booking, you'll pick up your ticket at the collection point named in your confirmation email. With operators that offer e-tickets, you simply show a QR code on your phone. Try not to leave ticket collection to the last minute, since the desk tends to be busy. Many travelers aim to reach the port at least an hour before departure, which leaves time for the crowds and for a coffee while you wait.
Where does the ferry arrive in Mykonos?
Mykonos has two ports, and the one you want is the New Port at Tourlos. It sits about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) from Mykonos Town, also called Chora, and about 2.5 miles (4 km) from the airport. The Old Port is in Chora itself and mostly handles excursion boats, including the ones to Delos. If you're ever unsure which port your boat uses, call the Mykonos Port Authority at +30 22890 22218.
The New Port gets crowded in high season, and the heat on the quay makes waiting uncomfortable. Crowds and confusion there have caused people to miss their boats, so the hour-early rule matters just as much on the way home. A few mini-markets and coffee shops help pass the time.
How do you get from the port or airport to your hotel?
Mykonos is small, and nowhere on the island is more than about half an hour from anywhere else. The real question is which option suits your bags and your hotel.
From the New Port, KTEL buses run into Mykonos Town from a stop at the port. Taxis wait there too, but the island has relatively few, so be ready to queue. A pre-booked taxi or minibus waiting on arrival is the quickest option. It's an easy choice after a long day, especially with a family or lots of bags.
From the airport, the KTEL bus is the public transportation option. The stop is just outside the terminal doors, opposite the taxi rank, and the ride to Mykonos Town takes about 10 minutes without traffic. Bring cash, ideally small bills, since the driver may not be able to make change. If you land outside its hours, arrange a taxi or transfer ahead.
Connecting straight from a flight to a ferry? The airport and the port are very close, roughly 7 to 8 minutes apart by car. Don't build a tight connection around that bus, though. Flights and ferries both run late, and traffic in July and August can be awful.
After the bus or taxi drops you off, you may still face a 5- to 15-minute walk along uneven lanes and steps. Pack a bag you can carry easily, or ask your hotel how to reach it from the stop.
How do you get to Mykonos from other islands?
Mykonos is a natural stop for island hopping. Popular routes link it with Tinos, Syros, Andros, Santorini, Paros, Naxos and Heraklion on Crete, and boats also connect it with the Dodecanese and the mainland. The large ferries from the other Cyclades use the New Port too, so the transfer options above apply.
What do Americans need to enter Greece?
U.S. citizens can visit Greece without a visa for up to 90 days of tourism. Your passport should have at least three months of validity beyond your planned departure date, and a passport that has been reported lost or stolen won't get you in. Officers may ask for proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket or other evidence of departure, so keep both handy. Once you're in Greece, carry your passport or another form of photo ID at all times.
Sources
- ferryhopper.com (https://www.ferryhopper.com/en/ferry-routes/direct/piraeus-athens-to-mykonos), checked October 17, 2026
- ferryhopper.com (https://www.ferryhopper.com/en/blog/ferry-news/mykonos-port), checked October 17, 2026
- omio.com (https://www.omio.com/ferries/piraeus/mykonos-ba0zn), checked October 17, 2026
- santorinidave.com (https://santorinidave.com/mykonos-buses), checked October 17, 2026
- mykonos-international-airport.com (https://mykonos-international-airport.com/transportation/bus/), checked October 17, 2026
- U.S. Department of State (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Greece.html), checked October 15, 2026
- U.S. Department of State (https://travel.state.gov/content/tsg_aem/us/en/home/international-travel/travel-advisories/destination.grc.html), checked October 15, 2026
- seajets.com (https://www.seajets.com/), checked October 15, 2026
- Visit Greece (GNTO) (https://www.visitgreece.gr/islands/cyclades/mykonos/), checked October 15, 2026
- archaeologicalmuseums.gr (https://archaeologicalmuseums.gr/en/museum/5df34af3deca5e2d79e8c18e), checked October 15, 2026