How To Get From Athens to Mykonos: Ferry & Flight Routes for All Budgets
Whether you prefer to travel by plane or ferry, it’s super easy to get from Athens to Mykonos. With several convenient and affordable options available to suit your budget and travel preferences, you’ll be exploring Mykonos in no time. Read on to find our more.
Mykonos is widely known as Greece's Ibiza; a sprawling, ever-expanding hub of hedonism that is an essential stop on any itinerary to Greece.
Whether you prefer to travel by plane or ferry, there are several options available to suit your budget and travel preferences.
For those short on time, you can take a direct flight from Athens to Mykonos, with daily flights operating between the city and the island.
Alternatively, if you'd prefer to have a more authentic experience, daily ferries service the Athens to Mykonos route, with both fast and slow ferries available depending on your preference.
This guide is designed to help independent travellers get from Athens to Mykonos safely, comfortably, and efficiently. We've provided the best travel options based on travel preference, time constraints and budget. Whichever option you choose, you're sure to be enchanted by the stunning beauty of Mykonos, making it an absolute must-visit destination for any traveller to Greece.
HOW TO GET FROM ATHENS TO
MYKONOS ISLAND
FERRY DEPARTURES | Up to 10 per day (Piraeus & Rafina Ports)
FERRY COST | From €30 - €80
BOOK | Through Ferry Hopper
FLIGHT DEPARTURES | 10+ per day in summer
FLIGHT COST | From €150
WHERE IS MYKONOS
Mykonos is a Greek island located in the Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades island complex. It is situated about 150 kilometres (93 miles) southeast of the Greek mainland, near the island of Delos.
For those island hopping, it is in close proximity to the islands of Tinos, Paros, Syros, Naxos. For a better look, check out our map of Mykonos below.
ATHENS TO MYKONOS FERRY
As one of Greece’s most popular islands, Mykonos is super well connected by ferry to Athens, with multiple daily ferries from Piraeus (the mainland Athens port) and Rafina port, as well as nearby Cycladic islands.
There are two types of ferries that connect Athens to Mykonos - the comfortable, high-speed, hydrofoil ferries operated by SeaJets and Golden Star, and the more traditional slow ferries, operated by Minoan Lines, Blue Star, and Fast Ferries.
Taking the slow ferry offers a much more sedate experience for travellers. There’s much more space, and stunning views as you cruise past the famous Cycladic Islands and to Mykonos. If you’re lucky enough to grab an indoor couch or chair, the ride is extremely comfortable, even in strong winds. Otherwise, sitting on the outside decks, headphones in, relaxing and watching the world go by, is one of life’s great pleasures.
On the other hand, those who wish to get to Mykonos as quickly as possible should book the fast ferry. Comfortable, and quick, yet slightly more expensive, the hydrofoil ferries will have you partying in Mykonos in no time.
Whichever way you decide, both options are affordable, ranging between €30 - €80, depending on the season, ferry type, and seat type.
All ferries arriving at Mykonos will arrive at the Mykonos New Port (Tourlos). From here, you can take a local bus, sea bus, or taxi/transfer to Mykonos town easily.
It’s probably at this point you should know that the Athens to Mykonos ferries get busy. Very busy. So we suggest booking well in advance, especially if you plan to travel during July, August or September. More on that is below.
Ferries were our preference for getting around the islands, both for cutting down on unnecessary short flights, and also because they're generally the faster, more comfortable, and more affordable option anyway.
HOW TO BOOK ATHENS TO MYKONOS FERRY TICKETS
The easiest and most efficient way to book your Athens to Mykonos ferry tickets is through a third-party provider - we used FerryHopper throughout our 2 months in Greece and loved the seamless service and affordability, especially when compared with the outdated ticket platforms used by the ferry companies.
Booking tickets on Ferry Hopper gave us peace of mind, knowing our tickets were secured ahead of time, and that nothing, pending a union strike or high winds, was going to stop us from making our journey.
The process is simple - jump on their app or online, select your travel dates, the departure time you’d prefer, or by ferry type (fast, slow), and book your required seating (deck, VIP or cabin). Make your payment, and the tickets will be sent directly to your email, as well as stored in the app, which makes boarding an absolute breeze, trust us.
It’s worth noting that when searching for Athens to Mykonos ferries, you identify the departure port - most ferry companies have departures from Piraeus port, located very close to Athens downtown, however, some depart from Rafina port, located on the east coast about 45 minutes from Athens. We highly suggest booking your departure tickets from Piraeus, which is well-connected to downtown Athens (see below).
Alternatively, you can purchase your ferry tickets directly at the ferry ports, with each company supplying on-site ticket booths. We’d advise against this, especially in summer - ferries tend to book out well in advance, so waiting until the day of departure to book your ticket is risky.
Remember to arrive at the departure port at least an hour prior to departure.
BOOK | Book your Athens to Mykonos ferry ticket through Ferry Hopper
ATHENS TO MYKONOS FERRY TICKET OPTIONS
Tickets vary from economy seats to private cabins on all of Athens to Mykonos ferries.
HIGH-SPEED FERRIES
Fast ferries offer three types of seating - economy, VIP and Platinum. Economy seats are similar to aeroplane seats - wide and comfortable, but many to a row.
VIP tickets are in a different area of the ship but are mostly the same seats as in Economy. In our opinion, they’re not worth the money.
Platinum seats are located in a quiet, contained room on board the fast ferry. The ticket features dedicated service, large, comfortable seats, and power sockets to charge your devices.
Due to the relatively quick ferry time, we recommend booking economy seats.
SLOW FERRIES
Slow ferries are more affordable and tend to have far greater ticket options due to their size and travel times.
For most ferries, tickets will include deck seating (economy), numbered seats, lounge (business class), and cabins (one bed to four beds).
We recommend booking a numbered seat, which provides a guaranteed seat that in the height of summer, is highly sought after, and potentially a power socket, depending on which company you book with. Alternatively, if you’d prefer your own space and to get some rest, the private cabins are a great option.
The economy seats aren’t bad per se - on a nice day, you can sit outside and watch the world go by, or do as backpacker Mark did 20 years ago, and set up a makeshift bed for a long nap.
BOOK | Book your Athens to Mykonos ferry ticket through Ferry Hopper
HOW LONG IS THE FERRY RIDE FROM ATHENS TO MYKONOS?
The ferry ride from Athens to Mykonos can take anywhere from 2 hours to 5 hours.
The highspeed ferry from Athens Piraeus to Mykonos takes around 2 - 3 hours, while the more traditional slow ferries take between 4 - 5 hours.
If you chose to take the ferry from Rafina port, the travel time is much the same, depending on whether you book a high-speed or slow ferry.
Remember, travel time will depend on the ferry company you choose, the time of year, and important factors such as weather conditions and tides. We suggest checking the ferry schedules and travel times prior to departure.
WHERE IS PIREAUS PORT & HOW TO GET THERE
The Port of Piraeus is actually not located within the city of Athens itself, but rather in the nearby suburb of Piraeus, which is about 10 kilometres southwest of Athens.
It is the largest port in Greece and one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean region, so there are a number of ways to get to the port from Athens city centre:
METRO | The easiest and most convenient way to get to Piraeus port from Athens is by taking the Metro Line 1 (Green Line), which connects Athens to Piraeus. The journey takes around 25 minutes from Monastiraki or Omonia stations. Expect to pay around €1.50 - €2 for the journey. From Piraeus station, it’s a short walk to the port. There are plenty of places to grab food and drink before your ferry departs.
BUS | There are also several bus routes that run from Athens to Piraeus, including buses 040, 049, 218, 232, 815, and A1. The journey takes around 30-45 minutes depending on the traffic
TAXI / UBER | Taxis and Uber are widely available in Athens, and you can take a taxi direct to Piraeus port if it’s super hot, or you have a lot of luggage. The journey takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic, and will cost around €30 - €40.
Overall, taking the metro is the most convenient and cost-effective option for getting to Piraeus port from Athens.
FERRIES FROM OTHER ISLANDS TO MYKONOS
If you’re already in the Greek Islands and wish to visit Mykonos, a number of surrounding islands have direct ferry services. These include Crete (Heraklion), Ios, Koufounisia, Milos, Naxos, Paros, Rethymnon, Santorini, Syros and Tinos.
As always, we suggest checking departure routes and times, and booking your tickets in advance through Ferry Hopper.
BOOK | Book your Mykonos ferry ticket through Ferry Hopper
HOW TO GET FROM MYKONOS PORT TO CHORA (OLD TOWN)
Ferries arrive at Mykonos New Port, otherwise known as Tourlos.
We found the easiest, cheapest, and most efficient way to get from the New Port (Tourlos) to Mykonos Chora (old port) is via the Sea Bus, which takes around 10 minutes and costs an affordable €2.
Avoiding the hectic Mykonos traffic, the Sea Bus departs from the old port (see Google Maps) and tickets are purchased at the onsite ticket office, or on board. Note, it does get very busy in the peak months, so arrive early to secure your spot on the boat.
We suggest arriving at least an hour prior to your ferry departure time to avoid issues.
There are several alternative ways to get from Mykonos Port to Chora (Old Town):
LOCAL BUS | The local bus service, KTEL, operates a regular service between the port and Chora (Old Town). The bus stop is located just outside the port, and buses run regularly throughout the day. The journey takes about 10-15 minutes, and the fare is relatively inexpensive, however, it can be delayed due to traffic, so be cautious with your departure time
TAXI | Taxis are available outside the port. Taxis are metered, and the fare will depend on the destination. The journey takes around 5-10 minutes and it's more expensive than the bus option.
Expect to pay around €25 - €30 for a taxi to Fira. For transfers to Oia, expect to pay around €60 for the 30-minute journey. If you travel as a group, a taxi can be quite a cost-effective mode of travel. Most taxis are cash only.
PRIVATE TRANSFER | You can also book a private transfer, which can be arranged in advance through a travel agency or online. A driver will meet you at the port and take you directly to your hotel or accommodation. Expect to pay €30+
WALKING | The distance from the port to Chora (Old Town) is around 1.5km and it's a flat walk, it's possible to walk, but it's not recommended during hot summer days or with heavy luggage.
ATHENS TO MYKONOS FLIGHT
Keen to visit Mykonos but don’t wish to take the ferry? Well, you’re in luck! You can fly directly from Athens to Mykonos direct, year-round.
Flying is the quickest and easiest way to visit Greece’s party island, especially if you’re only in Greece for a limited time, or have landed directly at Athens International Airport and wish to travel straight to Mykonos. Aegean and Sky Express offer flights throughout the year (yep, even in winter!).
In the summer, there are upwards of 10 flights a day between Athens and Mykonos which allows for flexibility, especially for those coming from outside Europe. Depending on your arrival to Greece from elsewhere, you may be able to fly straight to Mykonos without a night in Athens - in our opinion, this is the best option for first-time visitors to Greece.
You can fly to Mykonos from Athens year-round, while during the summer months, there are direct flights from many European capitals to Mykonos. From the airport, you can take the 10-minute local bus for ~€2, or taxis will range between €30 - 45.
Prices increase as demand increases, so the summer months can be pricey and tend to sell out quickly. We suggest booking well in advance (Jan - March are good times).
Expect to pay in excess of €100 per person in the summer, but as always, make sure you check airline baggage allowances before booking. We’d suggest booking Aegean Airlines as we’ve only had great experiences on this airline.
As always, please consider whether flying is appropriate during the climate crisis. On average, flights from Athens to Mykonos produce 25 - 30kg + of CO2 emissions, which in our opinion, is unnecessary. If you chose to fly, please offset your emissions. Learn how, here.
ATHENS TO MYKONOS FLIGHT TIME
The flight time from Athens to Mykonos is 40 minutes, depending on weather conditions.
WHERE IS ATHENS AIRPORT & HOW TO GET THERE?
Flights from Athens to Mykonos depart from Athens Domestic Airport, otherwise known as Eleftherios Venizelos
The airport is located 33 km from Athens city centre, and travel time takes around 35 - 60 minutes, depending on your mode of transport.
There are three modes of transport to get to Athens Airport - taxi / Uber, the Athens metro, or bus.
Taxis / Uber are obviously the most expensive option, and a fare is likely to cost between €40 - €60 depending on your travel time. They’re also the most comfortable option and take around 35 minutes.
The metro is our suggested option to get to the airport from the city, especially for those on a budget. We’ve taken this a number of times, and it’s safe, comfortable and air-conditioned.
Tickets for the Athens airport metro cost €9 one-way or €16 return, and the journey takes around 40 minutes. Trains are available every 30 minutes from 05:40 - 23:30.
HOW TO GET FROM MYKONOS AIRPORT TO CHORA
Fortunately, Mykonos is small, and the airport is located 2km east of Mykonos Chora, and 3km from the most popular beaches, so travel times aren’t too long, apart from during the height of summer. There are several ways to get from Mykonos Airport to the city of Mykonos, however, we found the public bus to be the easiest and best option for those on a budget.
Options include:
BUS | The local bus service, KTEL, operates a regular service between the airport and Fabrika (on the edge of Mykonos Chora). The bus stop is located just outside the airport terminal and buses run regularly throughout the day. The bus costs €2 per person and takes about 10 minutes.
TAXI | Taxis are available outside the airport terminal. Taxis are metered, and the fare will depend on the destination but expect to pay around €25 for a taxi to Mykonos town (Chora), or popular beaches.
PRIVATE TRANSFER | You can also book a private transfer, which can be arranged in advance through a travel agency or online. A driver will meet you at the airport and take you directly to your hotel or accommodation. This option is more expensive than the previous two options, but it's comfortable and convenient.
RENTAL CAR OR SCOOTER | This option is suitable for those who want to explore the island on their own. There are several car rental agencies and scooter rental agencies at the airport, which can provide you with a rental car or scooter to get around the island.
Whichever transportation option you choose, it's important to be aware of the traffic and parking situation in Mykonos, as the streets in the city can be narrow and crowded.
IS IT BETTER TO FLY OR FERRY FROM ATHENS TO MYKONOS?
Overall, we’d suggest taking the ferry from Athens Piraeus to Mykonos.
Travelling by ferry is a rite of passage in Greece, and provides a picturesque way of seeing the country’s vast network of islands. It’s also cost-effective and relaxing - the stress of boarding flights, baggage allowances and delays means that a ferry is a vastly superior option.
We recommend downloading a few of your favourite podcasts or tv shows, grabbing a few snacks, and sitting back to embrace the subtle joy of ferry travel.
WHAT IS THE CHEAPEST WAY TO GET FROM ATHENS TO MYKONOS?
The cheapest way to get from Athens to Mykonos is categorically by slow ferry.
If you purchase your ferry tickets well in advance, you can get from Athens to Mykonos for ~ €30, which is by far cheaper than flying, which costs upwards of €100. That, and it’s better for the environment (yes, we know shipping is also bad for the environment too).
ESSENTIAL MYKONOS TRAVEL INFORMATION
WHAT TO SEE AND DO ON MYKONOS
Mykonos is an incredible island full of wonderful things to see and do.
Chora is the beating heart of the island, a photogenic labyrinth of laneways and churches and boutiques and top-end restaurants. Little Venice is a must-see, especially for sunset.
The beaches, of which there are many, are gorgeous. In the southeast, the best stretches of sand are now mostly covered by super-clubs, where tunes pump all day long and deep into the night, and fun is had by all, whether on land or sea.
Beyond the beaches, we suggest exploring Armenistis Lighthouse and taking a guided day trip to historic Delos Island.
READ MORE | The best things to do on Mykonos
HOW TO GET AROUND MYKONOS
There are a few ways to get around Mykonos, although which one you should opt for the kind of depends on whether you're planning to visit during peak season or not.
Note that to rent any cars, ATVs, or motorbikes/scooters in Greece, you'll need to show an international driver’s permit along with your driver's license.
LOCAL BUS | Buses are by far the cheapest mode of transport on Mykonos, and a really great option if you're travelling here on a budget given that most journeys will set you back €2 per person at most. Check timetables and routes here
SCOOTER OR ATV | The best option if you want more flexibility and freedom with your Mykonos itinerary while not spending an absolute fortune on car rental. In peak season, you'll want to be able to zip about more freely than you can in a car or by local bus.
CAR | Our least favourite option for getting around Mykonos, especially in peak season. It can get super expensive during the peak months, and the traffic can become super congested. We'd recommend booking well in advance of your trip - we use RentalCars.com
YOUR MYKONOS PACKING ESSENTIALS
Travelling through Mykonos comes with a unique set of needs.
To help you have a comfortable, happy journey, we recommend bringing the following items with you:
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE | THE BEST INVESTMENT WE’VE EVER MADE! We use the Grayl water purification bottles, which allow us to fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world (including train taps!)
A TOTE BAG | The humble tote is a versatile little lifesaver when on the road. They're plastic-free, small, easily foldable, and can pack a surprising amount! Check out this range of beautifully designed, personalisable totes bags here
BIODEGRADABLE WET WIPES | Keep clean without destroying the planet!
HAND SANITISER | This is not something we’d actually recommend normally, but we now live in Covid times... so this can be a bloody great investment
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ADAPTER | You’ll need a European plug to keep your gear going!
POWER BANK | Don’t get caught out without power for your devices
EYE MASK | For those annoyingly early European sunrises!
BIO-FRIENDLY TOILETRIES | Avoid damaging and chemical-heavy products and facial scrubs with microbeads altogether. We recommend Lush solid shampoo, conditioner and bodywash bars, ocean-friendly sunscreen (Stream2Sea), a mooncup is a great investment for “that” week and Lip balm for the sun
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN GREECE
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
Here are our recommendations, based on 8+ years of full-time travel:
FOR TRAVELLERS | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE SOON?
Check out these essential guides, travel tips, and more to help you plan your trip:
MYKONOS DREAMING | What to see and do on Mykonos, A guide to Mykonos Town (Chora), inc. what to see, eat and do, How to get from Athens to Mykonos
SANTORINI ATTRACTIONS | Our complete Santorini Guide, The best of Santorini, A complete guide to Oia, Santorini, Exploring the stunning Ammoudi Bay, Our guide to hiking Skaros Rock, How and where to find the best Santorini sunsets, where to stay in Santorini, How to get from Athens to Santorini
EXPLORE PAROS | The best things to do on Paros, A guide to Naoussa town, The best Naoussa Hotels, A guide to Lefkes, A short guide to Parikia Paros, Where to stay on Paros, How to get from Athens to Paros Island
THE BEST OF NAXOS | Top things to do on Naxos, Where to stay on Naxos Island, Things to do in Chora Town, A guide to the pretty town of Halki, A guide to Plaka Beach, Agios Prokopios, How to get from Athens to Naxos
GREECE SAILING | This is what it’s like to sail the Greek Saronic Islands with Medsailors
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
PLAN YOUR GREEK SUMMER WITH OUR USEFUL GUIDES
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That, and you're officially a legend.
