Greece › Ferries › Athens to Mykonos
By Santorini Dave
Updated: March 14, 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 be purchased in Piraeus but it is best to buy ferry tickets in advance.
If You Only Read 5 Things
- The Port Choice Rule. Use Piraeus Port if you are staying in central Athens (Plaka, Monastiraki) the night before. If you are landing at the Athens Airport and going straight to the ferry, use Rafina Port. It is much closer to the airport and will save you at least 90 minutes of travel time.
- Comfort vs. Speed. High-speed catamarans take 2.5 hours but offer a bumpier ride and no outdoor access. The larger Blue Star conventional ferries take 5 hours but are cheaper, more stable, and have massive outdoor decks to enjoy the view.
- Winds and Seasickness. In July and August, the Meltemi winds can make small high-speed boats very uncomfortable. If you are prone to motion sickness, always book a large Blue Star vessel. They are much more stable in rough water.
- No Same-Day Flights. Do not plan an international flight home or a non-refundable tour within 5 or 6 hours of your scheduled ferry arrival. Delays are common, and “port chaos” can eat up a lot of time.
- Digital Tickets. Book on Ferryhopper.com and complete the online check-in 48 hours before departure. Do not rely on port Wi-Fi. Download your QR code boarding pass to your phone or Apple/Google Wallet before you leave your hotel.
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, Fast Ferries): Take about 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
- Conventional Ferries (Blue Star, Golden Star): Take about 4 to 6 hours.
In high season (May to October), there are frequently over 10 ferries per day departing from Athens. In winter, service is reduced but there is usually at least one daily ferry. Most ferries depart Athens in the morning (7:00 AM to 8:00 AM). Schedules are seasonal and often do not appear on booking sites until a few months before travel, so do not panic if you cannot see a July schedule in January.
Can I do Athens to Mykonos in one day from the airport?
Yes, provided your flight arrives early enough. If you land at Athens Airport, allow at least 4 hours before a Piraeus departure or 2 hours before a Rafina departure. This accounts for customs, luggage, and the transit time. If your flight arrives after 2:30 PM, I recommend staying one night in Athens and taking a morning ferry.
Recommended Buffer Times
- Airport to Rafina: 30 minutes by taxi plus 30 minutes at the port (Total 1 hour).
- Airport to Piraeus: 60 to 90 minutes by train/taxi plus 60 minutes at the port (Total 2.5 hours).
- Central Athens to Piraeus: 30 to 45 minutes by Metro plus 60 minutes at the port (Total 1.75 hours).
- Central Athens to Rafina: 60 to 75 minutes by taxi plus 45 minutes at the port (Total 2 hours).
Athens to Mykonos Ferry Realities: Feedback from My Readers
I get loads of emails 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.
The Pros: Why People Love the Ferry
- The Relaxed Pace of Large Ferries: Many of my readers swear by the larger vessels like the Blue Star Delos. These ships are essentially small cities with outdoor decks where you can enjoy the sea breeze. It turns a transit day into a mini-cruise.
- The Speed of Fast Catamarans: If you are in a rush, a high-speed vessel like the WorldChampion Jet cuts the travel time down to about 2.5 hours. Readers like the modern, air-conditioned interiors.
- Outdoor Freedom for Families: Conventional ferries are a godsend for kids. Unlike high-speed boats where you are mostly confined to your seat, these ships have plenty of space to move around and a cafe on board.
- The Iconic Arrival: Pulling into the New Port of Mykonos provides a beautiful first look at the whitewashed Cycladic architecture. Conventional ferries provide the best arrival views because you can stand on the deck and watch the windmills come into focus.
The Cons: The Honest Truth
- Port Confusion: I have had many readers miss their boat because they went to Piraeus when their ticket was for Rafina. Piraeus is sprawling and chaotic: confirm your gate on the day of travel as they can change.
- The Seajet Seasickness Factor: High-speed boats save time, but they can be a nightmare in July and August. They feel the waves much more than large ships because they “sit” on the water rather than cutting through it.
- The New Port Location: All passenger ferries dock at the New Port in Tourlos, 2 kilometers from Mykonos Town. It is too far to walk and the “port chaos” upon arrival can be intense as hundreds of people scramble for limited taxis.
- Lack of Airflow on High-Speeds: On many high-speed vessels, you are confined to an indoor cabin with no access to the outside deck. Readers often mention that the air can feel stale and windows are often salt-caked.
Regrets: What People Wish They Knew
- Booking Small Boats in Summer: A common regret is booking the smallest catamaran during windy months. The larger catamarans or conventional ships handle the waves much better.
- Underestimating Piraeus: Piraeus is not dangerous, just massive. Readers often regret not arriving earlier: some gates are a 15-minute walk from the Metro station. Even with an e-ticket, you should arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure.
- 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.
- Waiting for the Last Minute to Book: This route is popular. Readers often had to settle for a late afternoon ferry that arrived after dark because morning departures sold out weeks in advance in July.
How do I buy tickets and use E-Tickets?
The process is now online and fully digital. I use Ferryhopper to buy tickets and compare schedules.
- The E-Ticket Process: After you book, you must complete an Online Check-in (available 48 hours before departure) to generate your Boarding Pass.
- Boarding: Save the QR Code to your phone. A crew member scans your screen at the ramp. A phone QR code is enough for most companies, but save it to your phone before arriving at the dock.
- ID Requirements: You can be asked to show your Passport or a government-issued ID card to board. Ensure the name on your ticket matches your ID.
How much does the ferry ticket cost?
Prices are fixed by the government and do not rise dynamically like flight prices, but the cheapest economy tickets on popular morning sailings do sell out.
- High-Speed Ferries: Expect to pay roughly €100 to €110 for Economy. Business/VIP seats range from €140 to €180.
- Conventional Ferries: Standard Economy tickets cost about €50 to €60. Business Class seats are usually around €70 to €80.
Example Piraeus to Mykonos Ferry Schedule
The Athens (Piraeus) to Mykonos ferry schedule on Ferryhopper.com.
Ticket Classes Explained
- Economy (Conventional Ferries): This is ‘Deck’ seating. You sit in the lounges or outdoor decks. It is first-come, first-served. You cannot choose your own seat here; you just find an empty chair.
- Air Seat (Conventional Ferries): Reserved, numbered, reclining seats in a quiet lounge. This is the best value for a few euros more than Economy.
- Economy (High-Speed Ferries): Every ticket comes with a specific, numbered seat assigned automatically. You stay indoors.
- Business / VIP: Known as ‘Class A’ or ‘Platinum’. These lounges are quieter with wider seats. Is it worth it? On high-speed ferries, yes, for the extra space. On Blue Star, it is only necessary during the absolute peak of summer.
Seasickness and Stability
If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication 30 to 60 minutes before departure. High-speed ferries can feel much worse than large ships because they bounce over waves rather than cutting through them. On the boat, sit midship and on a lower deck, as these areas are the most stable. September is often a better time to travel than August: the sea is warmer and generally calmer.
Luggage, Strollers, and Accessibility
- Luggage: There are no weight limits. On high-speed ferries, you leave large bags in racks near the entrance. On Blue Star, you leave them on the car deck. It is safe, but keep valuables with you at your seat.
- Accessibility: Large Blue Star ferries have elevators and are the best choice for travelers with strollers or mobility issues. High-speed ramps can be steep and the boarding process feels more rushed.
- Wi-Fi and Power: Sometimes available, but do not count on it. Wi-Fi is often slow and outlets are scarce.
How To Get To Piraeus Port
From Athens City Center
- The Metro: Take Line 3 (Blue) from Syntagma or Line 1 (Green) from Monastiraki directly to Piraeus.
- Payment: You can “Tap to Pay” with a credit card or phone at the turnstiles.
- Taxi/Uber: Takes 25-40 minutes. Note that Uber in Athens dispatches regular yellow taxis. Carry some small cash for the SeaBus later in Mykonos.
Taking the metro is the easiest way to get to the port from central Athens.
From Athens Airport
- Metro Line 3 (Blue): A direct line from the Airport to Piraeus. Takes 60 minutes.
- Taxi: Expect to pay €55 to €80. If you have an early morning ferry and a late-arriving flight, I recommend sleeping in Athens first.
How do I get from the Mykonos port to my hotel?
All ferries arrive at the New Port (Tourlos).
- To Mykonos Town: Take the SeaBus. It is located right at the end of the ferry ramp. It costs €2 and drops you at the Old Port (town center).
- To Beaches (Platis Gialos/Ornos): Take a taxi or pre-book a transfer. The SeaBus only helps if you are staying in the Town center.
- Hotel Shuttles: Message your hotel with your ferry company and vessel name, not just your arrival time.
- Rental Cars/ATVs: Pre-book these for port pickup. Most companies will meet you at the dock with a sign.
Should I Fly or Ferry?
Fly if: You are in a major hurry or are traveling in peak wind season (August) and get seasick easily. Ferry if: You want a scenic trip, have lots of luggage, are island-hopping, or want a more “Greek” experience on the open decks.
Blue Star ferries are the most reliable and comfortable way to get to Mykonos.
There is now a direct train from the Athens International Airport to the Piraeus ferry port.
Public buses meet arriving ferries, but they can be very crowded in summer.
The SeaBus is usually a faster and more scenic way to reach Mykonos Town than the bus.
Common Ferries from Athens to Mykonos
The Worldchampion Jet is the fastest way to get from Piraeus to Mykonos.
Economy seats on high-speed ferries are reserved and numbered.
Business and VIP lounges offer more space and dedicated service.
The Blue Star Paros ferry.
The Blue Star Myconos ferry.
The Blue Star Patmos ferry.
The Nissos Rodos ferry (Hellenic Seaways).
The Nissos Chios ferry (Hellenic Seaways).
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