Greece › Ferries › Athens to Mykonos
By Santorini Dave
Updated: January 7, 2026
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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 better 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 hours.
- Conventional Ferries (Blue Star, Fast Ferries): Take about 4 to 5 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.
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 for 2026 depend on speed and comfort.
- Conventional Ferries (Blue Star / Fast Ferries): Expect to pay €43 to €55 for an economy seat. These are the slower, larger boats.
- High-Speed Ferries (SeaJets / Golden Star): Expect to pay €75 to €90 for an economy seat. These get you there twice as fast.
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 is geographically closer to Mykonos, often resulting in shorter ferry travel times.
Taking the metro is a quick and easy way to get to the ferry port from central Athens.
Ferry Operators & Vessel Types
It is easiest to understand the operators by which port they depart from.
- From Piraeus (City Center): Blue Star Ferries is the most popular and reliable option. They operate large conventional ferries (like the Blue Star Paros) which are stable, comfortable, and have open decks (4 to 5 hours). SeaJets operates high-speed catamarans which are the fastest way to get there (2.5 hours) but are more expensive and can be bumpy in windy weather.
- From Rafina (Near Airport): Fast Ferries and Golden Star Ferries dominate the Rafina route. They run a mix of excellent conventional ships (e.g., Fast Ferries Andros) and high-speed vessels. SeaJets also operates high-speed routes from Rafina.
Ticket Classes Explained
- Economy (Conventional Ferries): On Blue Star, this is often called ‘Deck/Lounge’ seating. It gives you access to open decks and indoor cafes, but seats are unreserved. On busy summer days, it can be hard to find a spot if you aren’t among the first to board.
- Economy (High-Speed Ferries): On SeaJets, Economy includes a numbered, reserved airplane-style seat. There are no open decks to walk around on.
- Air Seat / Aircraft Type: Available on conventional ferries. This buys you a reserved, comfortable reclining seat in a quiet indoor lounge. I highly recommend this upgrade on Blue Star so you have a guaranteed spot.
- Business / VIP: A separate, quieter lounge with wider leather seats and usually table service for drinks.
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.
Example Piraeus to Mykonos Ferry Schedule
Piraeus-Mykonos ferry schedule on ferryhopper.com.
• How to buy ferry tickets: Ferryhopper.com
• Best seats: I recommend Business or VIP if available (nicer seats in a more relaxed setting)
• When to book tickets: 2 to 3 months in advance.
The main Mykonos ferry port (also called Tourlos or the New Ferry Port) is 2 km north of Mykonos Town. Buses and taxis pick up and drop off directly in front of the ferries. All ferries to Mykonos now arrive at the New Port.
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.)
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