Athens to Mykonos Ferry Guide: Schedules, Tickets, and Tips

Greece › Ferries › Athens to Mykonos
By Santorini Dave
Updated: February 28, 2026

See Also

• Where to Stay in Athens
• Where to Stay in Mykonos
• Mykonos Travel Guide
• Mykonos to Santorini Ferry

The Piraeus Ferry Port is 30-minutes by taxi or train from central Athens. Ferries to Mykonos depart from Gates E6, E7, and E8 which are directly across the street from the train station. Tickets can purchased in Piraeus but it’s best to buy ferry tickets in advance.

Ferries from Athens to Mykonos

Mykonos is one of the most accessible islands from Athens. The ferry ride takes between 2.5 and 5 hours, depending on the vessel and the departure port.

• High-Speed Ferries (Seajets, Golden Star): Take about 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
• Conventional Ferries (Blue Star, Fast Ferries): Take about 4 to 6 hours.

In high season (May to October), there are frequently over 10 ferries per day departing from Athens. In the winter low season, there is always at least one daily connection. Most ferries depart Athens in the morning (7:00 AM to 8:00 AM) and return from Mykonos to Athens in the afternoon, though afternoon departures from Athens are also available in summer.

Athens to Mykonos Ferry Realities: Direct Feedback from My Readers

I get loads of emails and comments every year from travelers who have taken ferry trips in the Greek islands. This list is built from the direct, honest feedback my readers have shared over the last decade about the typical pros and cons, and things they wish they knew before booking and taking the Athens to Mykonos ferry.

---

The Pros: Why People Love the Ferry

• The Relaxed Pace of the Blue Star: Many of my readers swear by the larger vessels like the Blue Star Delos or Blue Star Paros. These ships are essentially small cities on the water with massive outdoor decks where you can sit and enjoy the sea breeze. It turns a transit day into a mini-cruise, and because they are so stable, they are almost never cancelled due to wind.
• The Speed of the WorldChampion Jet: If you are in a rush, this is the vessel to book. It is a high-speed catamaran that cuts the travel time from Piraeus to Mykonos down to about 2.5 hours. Readers like the sleek and modern interior.
• Outdoor Freedom for Families: When traveling with kids, the conventional Blue Star ferries are a godsend. Unlike the high-speed boats where you are mostly confined to your seat, these ships have plenty of space for children to move around. Having a Goody’s Burger House on board also makes it easy to keep everyone fed.
• The Iconic Arrival: While it is not the Santorini caldera, pulling into the New Port of Mykonos still provides a beautiful first look at the white-washed Cycladic architecture. The Blue Star ferry provides the best arrival views because you can stand on the outdoor decks and watch the windmills and the town come into focus as the ship docks.

The Cons: The Honest Truth

• The Rafina vs Piraeus Confusion: Many first-time travelers do not realize that ferries to Mykonos leave from two different ports. Piraeus is easier if you are staying in central Athens, but the Rafina to Mykonos route is better if you’re coming from the airport. I’ve had many readers miss their boat because they went to the wrong port or underestimated the hour-long commute from the city center to Piraeus in morning traffic.
• The Seajet Seasickness Factor: While the high-speed boats save time, they can be a nightmare in July and August when the Meltemi winds are blowing. Smaller catamarans can feel every wave, and many readers spend the entire three-hour journey holding onto a sick bag. If you have a sensitive stomach, stick to the larger ships.
• The New Port Location: All passenger ferries dock at the New Port in Tourlos, which is about 2 kilometers away from Mykonos Town. It’s too far to walk, and the “port chaos” upon arrival can be intense as hundreds of people scramble for a handful of taxis.
• Lack of Airflow on High-Speeds: On many high-speed vessels like the Tera Jet, you are confined to an indoor cabin with no access to the outside deck once the ship is moving. Readers often mention that the air can feel stale and the windows are often salt-caked, making it hard to see the view.

Regrets: What People Wish They Knew

• Booking the Smallest Boat in Summer: A common regret is booking a ticket on the smallest Seajet vessels during windy months. The larger catamarans or the conventional Blue Star ships handle the waves much better. I recommend checking the vessel size on Ferryhopper.com before you book ferry tickets.
• Underestimating the Blue Star Pace: The Blue Star is quite a bit slower, usually taking around 5 hours compared to the 2.5 or 3 hours on a high-speed ferry. However, it is also cheaper. Many readers regret not realizing the time difference until they were already on the boat, though they often end up preferring the comfort anyway.
• Not Pre-booking a Port Transfer: Arriving at the New Port without a plan is a major regret. Taxis are scarce on Mykonos, and the bus is often standing-room only. I recommend booking a private transfer through Welcome Pickups to have a driver waiting for you at the pier.
• Waiting for the Last Minute to Book: Because the Athens to Mykonos route is so popular, the best seats and morning departure times sell out weeks in advance in July and August. Readers who often had to settle for a late afternoon ferry that arrived after dark.

Happy Surprises: The Unexpected Wins

• The Convenience of the SeaBus: For those who didn’t book a transfer, the SeaBus is a happy discovery. It is a small water taxi that takes you directly from the New Port to the heart of the Old Port in Mykonos Town for a few euros, avoiding the traffic on the main road.
• The Stability of the Tera Jet: Even though it is a high-speed ferry, the Tera Jet is massive. Readers are often surprised by how stable it feels even in choppy water, providing a good middle ground between the speed of a catamaran and the comfort of a big ship.
• The Quality of Business Class: For a small extra fee, many readers find the Business Class or VIP lounges to be a huge win. They are significantly quieter, offer much more comfortable seating, and have dedicated snack bars with waiter service.
• The Efficiency of E-Tickets: Most readers are pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to use digital boarding passes. Being able to skip the ticket office and walk straight onto the boat with a scan of their phone makes the morning rush in Piraeus much more manageable.

How do I buy tickets and use E-Tickets?

The process is now fully digital and simple. The days of waiting in lines at dusty port kiosks are over.

• Where to buy: I use Ferryhopper.com. It connects to all the ferry databases, allows you to compare fast vs. slow boats easily, and handles E-Tickets seamlessly.
• The E-Ticket Process: After you book, you will receive a confirmation email. For most companies (like Blue Star and SeaJets), you complete a quick Online Check-in (usually available 48 hours before departure) to generate your actual Boarding Pass.
• Boarding: Download the Boarding Pass (which is a QR Code) to your phone. When you walk up to the ferry ramp, a crew member scans your phone screen. That is it. You do not need to print anything.

How much does the ferry ticket cost?

Ferry prices vary significantly depending on the type of boat (high-speed vs. conventional) and the class of seat you choose. Prices are fixed by the government and do not fluctuate like airline tickets, though they can sell out in high season (June to September).

• High-Speed Ferries (e.g., Seajets): These are the fastest option (approx. 2.5 to 3.5 hours) but the most expensive. Expect to pay roughly €100 to €110 for a standard Economy seat. Business/VIP seats usually range from €140 to €180.
• Conventional Ferries (e.g., Blue Star): These are larger, slower (approx. 4 to 6 hours), and more stable in rough seas. Standard Economy tickets cost about €50 to €60. Business Class seats (highly recommended for the extra space and quiet) are usually around €70 to €80.
• Discounts: Children under 5 usually travel for free, and children aged 5-10 typically get a 50% discount. There are rarely discounts for booking early; the price is the price.

Example Piraeus to Mykonos Ferry Schedule

The Athens (Piraeus) to Mykonos ferry schedule on Ferryhopper.com.

Departure Ports in Athens: Piraeus vs. Rafina

Ferries to Mykonos depart from two primary ports. Choosing the right one depends entirely on where you are starting your day.

• Piraeus Port (Best for City Center Stays): This is the main port of Athens, located about 10km southwest of the city center. Choose this if you are staying in downtown Athens (Plaka, Syntagma, or Monastiraki). It is easily reached via Metro Line 1 or Line 3 directly from the city center. Tip: You can now use “Tap to Pay” with your credit card or phone at the Metro turnstiles.
• Rafina Port (Best for Airport Arrivals): This is a smaller port located on the east coast of Attica. Choose this if you are landing at Athens Airport and heading straight to the ferry. It is only a 20 to 30-minute taxi ride from the airport (compared to 60+ minutes to Piraeus). Rafina to Mykonos ferries are usually a little faster, owing to the shorter distance.

Ticket Classes Explained

• Economy (Blue Star / Conventional Ferries): Also known as ‘Deck’ or ‘Lounge’ tickets. This gives you access to the open decks and indoor cafes/lounges, but it does not provide a specific seat. You sit wherever you find an empty chair or sofa. If you get up to buy food or use the restroom, you risk losing your spot. In July and August, these ferries are packed and I strongly recommend arriving early to claim a seat.
• Economy (SeaJets / High-Speed Ferries): Usually called ‘Silver’. Unlike conventional ferries, every ticket on a high-speed ferry corresponds to a specific, numbered airplane-style seat. You are guaranteed a seat, but you are generally confined to the indoors. (Note: The WorldChampion Jet is the only high-speed vessel on this route with a small outdoor deck that is accessible during the trip).
• Air Seat / Airplane Type: Available on conventional ferries (Blue Star). This buys you a reserved, numbered, reclining seat in a quiet, dedicated indoor lounge. This is the best value option. For only a few euros more than Economy, you have a guaranteed comfortable spot and can wander the ship without worrying about losing your seat.
• Business / VIP: Known as ‘Class A’ on Blue Star or ‘Platinum’ on SeaJets. These are located in a separate, exclusive lounge (usually on an upper deck) with wider leather seats, tables, and waiter service for drinks and snacks. It is much quieter and less chaotic than the general seating areas.

Taking the metro is a quick and easy way to get to the ferry port from central Athens.

How To Get To Piraeus Port

From Athens City Center (Syntagma/Monastiraki)

• The Metro (Best Way): Take the Green Line (Line 1) or Blue Line (Line 3) from Monastiraki or the Blue Line (Line 3) from Syntagma directly to Piraeus.
• Cost & Payment: Tickets cost €1.20. You can now tap your credit card or phone (Apple Pay/Google Pay) directly at the turnstile – no need to buy a physical ticket from a machine.
• Taxi/Uber: Takes 25-40 minutes depending on traffic. Cost is €25–€30 (metered). Uber is a little more expensive but also more convenient.

From Athens Airport

• The Metro (Blue Line): Take the Blue Line (Line 3) straight from the Airport to Piraeus. It takes an hour and costs €9. No transfers needed.
• The Bus (X96): Runs 24/7. Takes 60-90 minutes. Costs €5.50. Best for late-night arrivals.
• Taxi/Uber: Taxi: Expect to pay €55 to €65 (Day) and €70 to €80 (Night). There is no official ‘flat rate’ for Piraeus like there is for the city center, so confirm the price before getting in. Takes 45-60 minutes. Uber uses Exit 4 of Arrivals as its pickup point.

What is the luggage allowance?

It is very relaxed. There are no weight limits and no extra fees. You carry your bags onto the ship and leave them in the luggage racks on the car deck. Keep your valuables and small bag with you at your seat.

Are there food and drink options?

Yes.

• High-Speed: Small cafe/bar for coffee, sandwiches, and snacks.
• Blue Star: Full self-service restaurant (Goody’s Burger House), multiple cafes, and bars. You can also bring your own food.

What happens if my ferry is delayed or canceled?

• Delays: Common, especially later in the day. Use the MarineTraffic app to track your boat.
• Cancellations (Wind): In July/August, the Meltemi winds can cancel high-speed ferries. Conventional ferries (Blue Star) almost never cancel. If canceled, you get a full refund or rebooked on the next boat.

How do I get from the Mykonos ferry port to my hotel?

All ferries arrive at the New Port (Tourlos), located about 2km north of Mykonos Town (Chora). Do not walk from the New Port to your hotel. The road is narrow, has no sidewalks, and is very dangerous due to heavy bus and truck traffic.

• Hotel Shuttle: This is the easiest option. Many Mykonos hotels provide free or paid transfer service. Contact your hotel in advance to see if they offer this. Drivers will wait for you at the dock holding a sign with your name or the hotel name.
• SeaBus: This is the best way to get to Mykonos Town. The SeaBus departs from directly next to the ferry dock and drops you at the Old Port in the center of town. It costs €2 per person, takes about 10 minutes, and has plenty of room for luggage. It runs every 30 minutes (every 15 minutes in high season).
• Bus: KTEL buses depart from the New Port to either Fabrika (the main bus station on the south side of town) or the Old Port station. Tickets cost roughly €1.80 and you pay the driver in cash. This is a cheap option but can be chaotic and crowded when large ferries arrive.
• Taxi: Mykonos has very few taxis (around 30 for the whole island). In July and August, the line for a taxi at the port can be extremely long. I do not recommend relying on a taxi upon arrival unless you have no other choice. Uber is best if you’re really stranded.
• Private Transfer: If your hotel does not offer a shuttle and you want a direct ride, pre-book a private transfer. I recommend Welcome Pickups for reliable service.

Practical Tips

• The Seasickness Rule: In summer (especially July and August), the Meltemi winds can be strong. High-speed ferries can get very choppy and uncomfortable. If you are prone to motion sickness, always book a Conventional Ferry (Blue Star or Fast Ferries). They are massive and stable.
• Arrival Time: Arrive at Piraeus Port at least 45 to 60 minutes before departure. The port is massive, chaotic, and gates can be far apart. For Rafina Port, arriving 30 minutes before departure is sufficient.
• Pack a Jacket: Even in August, the A/C inside the ferries is freezing, and the wind on the open deck can be cool. Bring a hoodie or light sweater.

Ferries to Mykonos depart from gates directly across the road from the metro train station.

There is now a direct train from the Athens International Airport to the Piraeus ferry port. The station is directly across the street from the E6 port entrance.

Two buses will be at the Mykonos Ferry Port for all arriving ferries. One bus to the airport and Fabrika bus station (for buses to most Mykonos beaches) …

… and one bus to the Old Port (in Mykonos Town) and Agios Stefanos.

Common Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Mykonos

The SeaJets Worldchampion Jet is the fastest ferry from Piraeus to Mykonos.

Standard Seating (silver) on the Worldchampion Jet ferry between Athens and Mykonos.

Business (club class) and VIP (platinum) are similar but have tables and more space and leg room. The best views are found in Business and VIP.

The FastFerries Thunder ferry from Piraeus to Mykonos.

The Blue Star Paros ferry from Athens to Mykonos.

The Blue Star Myconos ferry from Athens to Mykonos.

The Blue Star Patmos ferry from Athens to Mykonos.

The Hellenic Seaways Nissos Rodos ferry from Piraeus to Mykonos. (Hellenic is owned by Blue Star so it’s often named the Blue Star Rodos Nissos on ticketing sites.)

The Hellenic Seaways Nissos Chios ferry from Piraeus to Mykonos. (Hellenic is owned by Blue Star so it’s often named the Blue Star Chios Nissos on ticketing sites.)

Read More

• Greek Ferry Guide
• Athens Travel Guide
• Mykonos Travel Guide