Paros to Mykonos Ferry: How the Crossing Works and How to Book It

Direct ferries link Paros and Mykonos every day of the year, and the hop across is one of the shortest in the Cyclades. The fastest catamarans reach Mykonos in about 40 minutes, and the longest sailings take around an hour and a quarter. Summer brings more departures than the rest of the year, so build your plans around the timetable for your exact date.

How long is the ferry from Paros to Mykonos?

Crossings run from about 40 minutes up to 1 hour 15 minutes, and the average is close to 50 minutes. The fastest Seajets catamaran makes the crossing in about 40 minutes. Your crossing time can shift with the company, the sea conditions and the type of service, high-speed or conventional. Conventional sailings can take longer than the high-speed boats.

A crossing this short makes a day trip from Paros workable. Before you commit, find the last boat from Mykonos back to Paros on your date and plan the day around it.

Who runs the ferry, and what are the boats like?

Seajets runs fast catamarans on this route, including Champions League Jet 1 and 2, Worldchampion Jet and Super Jet 2. Golden Star Ferries runs its high-speed catamaran Super Express across in about an hour, and Fast Ferries and Blue Star Ferries appear on some listings. The lineup changes with the season, so the companies listed for your date are the ones sailing.

If you want a cabin, book a Blue Star Ferries sailing. Many boats have a café or snack bar on board. Bring a light jacket, because the outdoor decks get windy and the air-conditioned lounges can feel chilly.

The Seajets catamarans on this route carry cars, motorcycles and bicycles, and bikes often travel free. Many companies allow one piece of luggage up to 50 kg per passenger, and extra fees may apply for oversized or additional bags. Larger pets go in the onboard kennels, and service dogs are exempt from that rule.

How often do ferries run, and when?

Departures follow the season. There are about 14 crossings a week from June to September and around 8 a week from October to May. There are no overnight ferries on the route.

Timetables change from year to year and by day of the week. If you plan early, check your sailing again once the new timetable is out.

What do ferry tickets cost?

Fares depend on the company, the seat type and the time of day. Premium seating and cabins cost extra, and a vehicle has its own fare based on its size and the season. Fares tend to climb as your departure date gets closer. Booking early often brings lower prices, and some operators offer deals to travelers who book three to six months ahead.

For July, August, Easter and Christmas, book as soon as your dates are set. Peak-season boats can sell out, and a hotel reservation is little use without a seat on the ferry. If you're bringing a car, reserve vehicle space early too, since garage space on this route is in high demand.

Discounts for children, students and seniors may be offered, depending on the company. Booking agencies may add a commission on top of the fare.

Where do the ferries leave from and arrive?

In Paros, boats leave from Parikia, the main port. It sits right on the town's waterfront, an easy walk from the center. The KTEL bus station is just to the right as you leave the port, taxis and rental cars are easy to find, and Paros Airport is a 15 to 20 minute drive away. 2026 prices: bus tickets bought on board cost €2.80 or €4.00, which is more than buying them before you board. If you're driving to Parikia, allow extra time to find parking near the port, or arrange a drop-off.

In Mykonos, ferries dock at the New Port in Tourlos, about 1 to 1.5 miles (2 to 1.6 miles (2.5 kilometers)) north of Mykonos Town, also called Chora. The Old Port beside town is used by Delos boats and other excursions. From the New Port you can reach town on Bus Line 5 from the Tourlos stop, by SeaBus, by taxi, or often by hotel shuttle. Taxis are relatively scarce on the island, so expect to wait. Mykonos Airport is about 8 minutes from the port by transfer. The terminal has free Wi-Fi, ATMs inside, a ticket office, restrooms, parking and accessibility facilities. Tavernas such as Compass Mykonos are a short walk away.

What happens if the weather turns or plans change?

Operators can change itineraries in bad weather, so keep a little slack in your schedule. If the sea gets rough during the crossing, stay seated and follow the crew's instructions.

Cancellation rules vary by operator. Seajets allows cancellations up to 24 hours before departure with a partial refund. Booking sites sell flexible or fully refundable fares and text alerts about schedule changes. Read the terms before you pay, especially if your ferry connects to a flight.

What should you know on the day of travel?

Book online and your e-ticket arrives on your phone, so you can board without stopping at a port ticket kiosk. Be at your boarding gate at least an hour before departure. Gates can change, so check your ticket and the display boards. Pack water and a few snacks, and in summer bring sunscreen and sunglasses for the deck. If you're flying out of Mykonos, give yourself a generous cushion between your ferry's arrival and your flight.