Greece › Ferries › Athens to Mykonos
Updated: July 23, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com
See Also
- Where to Stay in Athens
- Where to Stay in Mykonos
- Piraeus Ferry Port Guide
- Rafina to Mykonos Ferry
- Mykonos to Santorini Ferry
Athens has frequent ferries to Mykonos, with the greatest choice from late spring through early autumn. Use Piraeus when staying in central Athens and Rafina when traveling directly from Athens Airport.
High-speed ferries take roughly 2 to 3½ hours but cost more and feel rougher in windy weather. Large conventional ferries take about 4 to 5½ hours but are cheaper, steadier, and more comfortable. If I’m already in central Athens, then I take an early morning Piraeus ferry. From the airport, I prefer Rafina because the shorter transfer often matters more than the ferry journey time.
Helpful Links
- Compare ferry schedules and buy tickets: Ferryhopper
- Pre-booked transfers in Athens: Welcome Pickups
- Pre-booked transfers in Mykonos: Welcome Pickups
Athens to Mykonos Ferry: Quick Guide
- Best port from central Athens: Piraeus. It has direct metro service from Syntagma and Monastiraki and the widest choice of ferries.
- Best port from Athens Airport: Rafina. It is about 30 minutes from the airport by taxi and avoids crossing Athens to reach Piraeus.
- Best ferry for comfort: A large conventional ferry. It is slower but steadier, cheaper, and better for children, luggage, strollers, and seasickness.
- Best ferry for speed: A high-speed ferry. The fastest sailings take a little over two hours from Rafina and around 2½ to 3 hours from Piraeus.
- When to book: Book as soon as your dates are fixed for June through early September, especially for morning sailings, premium seats, and vehicle spaces.
Piraeus Ferry Port is about 30 to 45 minutes from central Athens by metro or taxi. Mykonos ferries use several gates, so check your ticket and the electronic port signs on the day of travel. I prefer to buy ferry tickets in advance.
Should You Use Piraeus or Rafina?
Choose the port based on where you begin the travel day, not simply on which ferry has the shortest crossing.
Piraeus: Best from Central Athens
Piraeus is the best choice when staying in Plaka, Syntagma, Monastiraki, or elsewhere in central Athens. Metro Lines 1 and 3 run directly to the port, and Piraeus has the widest range of departures.
- Ferry time: Roughly 2½ to 5 hours, depending on the vessel and route.
- From central Athens: About 30 to 45 minutes by metro or taxi in normal conditions.
- Best for: Travelers spending the previous night in Athens, winter travel, and anyone wanting the greatest choice of ferries.
- Main drawback: Piraeus is large and busy. Allow time to find the correct gate.
Mykonos ferries commonly use the central Cyclades ferry area, but gate assignments change. Check your current ticket, ferry-company message, and the port signs rather than relying on an old gate number.
Rafina: Best from Athens Airport
Rafina is the better choice when landing at Athens Airport and continuing directly to Mykonos. It is much closer to the airport than Piraeus, and a slower Rafina ferry can still produce a faster door-to-door journey.
- Ferry time: A little over 2 hours to about 4½ hours, depending on the vessel and stops.
- From Athens Airport: About 30 to 40 minutes by taxi or pre-booked transfer.
- Best for: Travelers going directly from the airport to Mykonos.
- Main drawback: Rafina is less convenient from central Athens and has fewer sailings outside the main travel season.
Both ports can have year-round service, but schedules are much fuller from spring through autumn. For winter travel, I check Piraeus first.
Which Athens to Mykonos Ferry Should You Take?
Large conventional ferries are the most comfortable option from Athens to Mykonos, especially in windy weather.
Large Conventional Ferry: Best for Comfort
Large conventional ferries are slower but cheaper, steadier, and easier for travelers with children, strollers, substantial luggage, or seasickness concerns. They have indoor lounges, cafés, and outdoor decks, and passengers can move around during the trip.
I prefer a large conventional ferry when the schedule works and saving an hour or two is not important.
High-Speed Ferry: Best for Saving Time
The Worldchampion Jet is one of the large high-speed ferries that has operated between Athens and Mykonos. Vessel assignments change by date and season.
High-speed ferries have assigned indoor seats and make the crossing much faster. They cost more, offer little or no outdoor access, and feel rougher when the Aegean is windy.
Choose a high-speed ferry when the earlier arrival meaningfully improves the day. Do not choose one solely because it is labeled “high-speed”; compare the actual journey time, vessel size, departure port, and arrival time.
Athens to Mykonos Ferry Times and Frequency
Ferries run between Athens and Mykonos throughout the year, with far more departures from late spring through early autumn. Summer schedules include several daily sailings from Piraeus and Rafina. Winter service is reduced.
- Fastest Rafina ferries: A little over 2 hours.
- Fastest Piraeus ferries: About 2½ to 3 hours.
- Conventional ferries: About 4 to 5½ hours.
Exact times change by date, vessel, route, and intermediate stops. Ferry companies release summer schedules in stages, so a limited selection far in advance does not mean the route is sold out.
Example Piraeus-to-Mykonos sailings on Ferryhopper.com. Use this only as an example; departure times, vessels, and prices change by travel date.
How Much Do Athens to Mykonos Ferry Tickets Cost?
Standard fares start at roughly €40 from Rafina and €50 to €55 from Piraeus. High-speed ferries and upgraded seating cost more, with many fast Piraeus sailings priced around €90 to €110.
- Conventional ferry: The cheapest option. Reserved seats, Business Class, cabins, and vehicle tickets cost extra.
- High-speed ferry: More expensive but includes an assigned indoor seat.
- Children: Infant and child discounts differ by ferry company. Enter each passenger’s correct age when booking.
- Vehicles: Car and motorcycle spaces are limited and can sell out before passenger seats.
Ferry fares do not normally change minute by minute like airline fares, but prices differ by company, vessel, route, and ticket class. Booking early is mainly about securing the departure and seat category you want.
Buying Tickets, E-Tickets, and When to Book
I use Ferryhopper because it lets me compare Piraeus and Rafina, journey times, vessel size, ticket classes, and prices in one search.
Ferryhopper lists the vessel size and passenger capacity for many sailings. When seasickness is a concern, choose the largest conventional ferry available rather than a small high-speed catamaran.
- Search both ports: Compare Piraeus and Rafina rather than assuming one is always better.
- Check the vessel: Larger conventional ferries provide the steadiest ride. High-speed ferries save time but keep passengers indoors.
- Follow the confirmation email: Some operators issue a boarding pass immediately; others require online check-in shortly before departure.
- Save the QR code: Download the boarding pass or take a screenshot before leaving your hotel. Do not rely on mobile data at the port.
- Bring identification: Carry the passport or identification used for the booking.
When to Book
- June through early September: Book as soon as your dates are fixed, especially for morning ferries, high-speed sailings, premium seats, and vehicles.
- May, late September, and October: Several weeks ahead is normally enough, but weekends and holiday dates deserve earlier booking.
- Winter: Availability is rarely the main problem. The schedule is simply less frequent.
Can You Connect from Athens Airport to a Ferry on the Same Day?
Yes, provided the flight arrives early enough and you leave a realistic buffer. Check Rafina first because it is much closer to the airport.
- Airport to Rafina: I want at least 2½ hours between the scheduled flight arrival and ferry departure.
- Airport to Piraeus: I want at least 4 hours, and more with checked luggage, a non-Schengen arrival, young children, or peak-summer traffic.
These are minimum planning buffers, not guarantees. Flight delays, passport control, baggage delivery, traffic, and ferry boarding all take time. If the flight lands in the afternoon, spend the night in Athens or Rafina and take a morning ferry.
Ticket Classes Explained
Economy seats on high-speed ferries are reserved and numbered.
- Deck or Lounge: The cheapest conventional-ferry ticket. It gives access to public lounges and outdoor decks but does not reserve a specific seat.
- Reserved Air Seat: A numbered reclining seat in a dedicated indoor lounge. This is the best-value upgrade on a conventional ferry.
- High-Speed Economy: Includes an assigned indoor seat. Passengers spend most or all of the journey inside.
- Business or VIP: Provides larger seats, more space, and a quieter lounge. It does not necessarily include priority boarding or faster disembarkation.
- Cabin: Available on some conventional ferries. A cabin is unnecessary for most daytime trips but useful for privacy, rest, or travel with small children.
Business and VIP lounges offer more space and a quieter trip on busy summer ferries.
Seasickness, Luggage, and Accessibility
Seasickness
The route crosses open Aegean water and can be rough when the Meltemi blows, especially in July and August. Choose a large conventional ferry, sit near the middle of the vessel on a lower deck, and take motion-sickness medication before departure according to the package instructions or your doctor’s advice.
Luggage
Ferry luggage allowances are generous, and bags are rarely weighed, but they are not technically unlimited. Leave large suitcases in the designated luggage area near the vehicle deck or ferry entrance. Keep passports, medication, electronics, money, and valuables with you.
Strollers and Accessibility
Large conventional ferries are easier with strollers and substantial luggage because boarding is less cramped and there is more room to move around. Accessibility varies by vessel, so contact the ferry company before booking when step-free access, elevators, or an adapted cabin is essential.
Wi-Fi and power outlets are available on some ferries but are not reliable enough to plan around. Download tickets, maps, hotel details, and entertainment before boarding.
How to Get to Piraeus Port
From Central Athens
- Metro: Take Line 3 from Syntagma or Lines 1 or 3 from Monastiraki directly to Piraeus. Follow the port signs to your departure gate.
- Taxi: Allow 25 to 45 minutes in normal traffic. Uber in Athens dispatches licensed taxis.
- Private transfer: Best with young children, substantial luggage, or a very early departure.
- Arrival time: Be at the port 45 to 60 minutes before departure and earlier with a vehicle.
Taking the metro from central Athens to Piraeus ferry port.
From Athens Airport
- Metro Line 3: Direct service from Athens Airport to Piraeus. The train journey takes about an hour, plus waiting and walking time.
- Taxi or transfer: Allow roughly 45 to 75 minutes depending on traffic.
- Better airport option: Use Rafina when a suitable ferry operates. It is much closer to the airport.
Metro Line 3 connects Athens Airport directly with Piraeus, though Rafina is the easier airport port when the ferry schedule works.
How to Get to Rafina Port
- From Athens Airport: Taxi or pre-booked transfer is easiest and takes about 30 to 40 minutes in normal traffic.
- From central Athens: Taxi or private transfer takes roughly 60 to 90 minutes. Piraeus is normally more convenient from downtown.
- Arrival time: Be at Rafina 45 to 60 minutes before departure and earlier with a vehicle.
Rafina is compact and easier to navigate than Piraeus. Cafés and restaurants line the waterfront, making it a more relaxed place to wait when you arrive early.
How to Get from Mykonos Ferry Port to Your Hotel
All Athens ferries arrive at the Mykonos New Port in Tourlos, not in Mykonos Town. The port becomes congested when several ferries arrive close together, so arrange onward transportation before traveling.
The SeaBus is the best way to reach Mykonos Town from the New Port. It does not serve the main beach resorts.
- Mykonos Town: Take the inexpensive SeaBus from the New Port to the Old Port. The journey takes about 10 minutes and avoids road traffic.
- Beach hotels: Pre-book a hotel transfer, taxi, or rental car for Ornos, Platis Gialos, Psarou, Agios Ioannis, Paradise, Elia, and other beach areas.
- Hotel pickup: Send the hotel your ferry company, vessel name, departure port, and scheduled arrival time. “Arriving from Athens” is not enough because several Athens ferries can arrive on the same day.
- Taxis: Mykonos has too few taxis for peak-summer demand. Do not depend on finding one quickly after arrival.
- Rental car: Reserve in advance and confirm the exact port meeting point.
- Walking: Do not plan to walk from the New Port to Mykonos Town with luggage. The road is busy, exposed, and not designed as a pleasant pedestrian route.
Public buses meet some ferry arrivals but become crowded in summer. The SeaBus is better for Mykonos Town; pre-book a transfer for beach hotels.
Should You Fly or Take the Ferry from Athens to Mykonos?
Take the ferry when staying in Athens first, island-hopping, carrying substantial luggage, bringing a vehicle, or wanting the scenic arrival by sea.
Fly when connecting through Athens Airport, traveling outside convenient ferry times, very prone to seasickness, or trying to reach Mykonos as quickly as possible.
From central Athens, the ferry is often simpler than traveling back to the airport, checking in, passing security, and transferring from Mykonos Airport. From an Athens Airport hotel, flying is normally faster.
Athens to Mykonos Ferry FAQ
Is Piraeus or Rafina better for Mykonos?
Piraeus is better from central Athens. Rafina is better when traveling directly from Athens Airport.
Do Athens to Mykonos ferries run year-round?
Yes, but frequency is much higher from spring through autumn. Check Piraeus first for winter travel.
Can I take a ferry directly from Athens Airport?
No. Athens Airport has no ferry port. Rafina is the closest port and takes about 30 to 40 minutes by taxi.
Which ferry is best for seasickness?
Choose the largest conventional ferry available. It will be steadier than a small high-speed catamaran in windy conditions.
How early should I arrive at the port?
Arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure and earlier when traveling with a vehicle. Confirm the gate and save your boarding pass before leaving your hotel.
Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to 
We are planning to take the Golden Star ferry Andros Queen from Mykonos 07:35 which arrives in Rafina at 12:15 at the end of July. Our plane departure is 22:35 from Athens, on the same day. We know that there is a risk for ferry cancellation, but we wonder if you know if the ferry route between Mykonos and Rafina is exposed to strong winds and often is cancelled, or if cancellation is rare for this route?
July is prime time for the Meltemi winds in the Cyclades, and Mykonos specifically earns its nickname as “Island of the Winds. While the winds provide a welcome cool-down, their strength can affect ferry schedules. You’re taking the Golden Star Ferries’ Andros Queen, which is a conventional ferry. This is a significant advantage, as conventional ferries are far more robust and less susceptible to cancellations or significant delays due to wind than the faster, smaller catamarans or hydrofoils. Golden Star Ferries generally maintains a reliable schedule with these larger vessels. Although conventional ferries handle the Meltemi better, exceptionally strong winds (around 7-8 Beaufort scale) can still cause delays, and in very rare instances, cancellations. These strong winds typically peak from late-morning to sunset, so your 07:35 AM departure may experience slightly calmer conditions. Full cancellations of conventional ferries on the Mykonos to Rafina route are rare, but delays are more frequent. Your flight at 22:35 from Athens provides a substantial buffer, making it probable you’ll reach the airport with plenty of time, even with a delay.
Hi Dave,
First off, thanks for all of the great info!! So i’m currently trying to book a ferry from Athens to Mykonos on 8/14/24, and Seajets is offering a 9:30am trip on the “Jumbo Jet”, however, I cannot find this vessel on their website or anywhere else?! Would like to see the size/type of boat before purchasing, as the only other viable option for us would be the “WorldChampion Jet” at 7am. Would you happen to know anything about the “Jumbo Jet”? Perhaps it was rebranded recently? Thank you!!
I’m pretty sure the Seajets “Jumbo Jet” is the Champion Jet 1.
Hi Dave, do you know by chance what the difference is between lounge 2 and lounge 1 business seats on Blue Star Ferry Mykonos boat? There is no information available anywhere about seating plans and differences on Blue Star ferries.
Thanks!
Inna
On the Blue Star, Lounges 1 & 2 have airplane-style seating and are near the front of the ferry but on opposite sides of the ship. Essentially, no difference between the two lounges.