Athens to Mykonos: Flight vs Ferry

Greece › Ferries › Athens to Mykonos: Ferry or Flight
Updated: July 30, 2026 • By Santorini Dave

See Also

• Where to Stay in Athens
• Where to Stay in Mykonos
• Athens to Mykonos Ferry
• Rafina to Mykonos Ferry
• Mykonos to Santorini Ferry

Helpful Links

• How I buy ferry tickets: FerryHopper.com
• Pre-booked taxi service: Welcome Pickups

Because Mykonos is relatively close to Athens, the ferry is a good alternative to flying. The crossing is shorter than the Athens-Santorini route, luggage is easier, and a conventional ferry has outdoor decks and excellent views.

My recommendation: If you are staying in central Athens, take the ferry from Piraeus. If you are arriving at Athens Airport and continuing directly to Mykonos, fly or take a ferry from nearby Rafina.

Athens to Mykonos: Quick Answers

• Fastest: Fly. The flight takes about 40 minutes.
• Best from central Athens: Ferry from Piraeus.
• Best from Athens Airport: Flight or ferry from Rafina.
• Best ferry ride: A large conventional ferry with outdoor decks.
• Best for seasickness: Fly or take a large conventional ferry.
• Cheapest: A conventional ferry from Rafina or Piraeus.

Flying from Athens to Mykonos

Flying is fastest, but the total trip takes closer to three hours after getting to Athens Airport, checking in, passing security, collecting luggage, and transferring from Mykonos Airport.

• Flight time: About 40 minutes.
• Airlines: Aegean/Olympic and Sky Express, with additional seasonal flights.
• Frequency: Numerous daily flights in summer.
• Price: About €60 to €150 or more one-way.
• Airport arrival: Arrive about 90 minutes before departure.

Flights are a good choice if you are connecting through Athens Airport, find a low fare, have limited time, or are prone to severe seasickness. The disadvantages are airport procedures, strict baggage allowances, and extra fees on cheaper tickets.

Taking the Ferry from Athens to Mykonos

Ferries to Mykonos depart from both Piraeus and Rafina. The best port depends primarily on whether you are starting in central Athens or at Athens Airport.

Piraeus Port

Piraeus is best for travelers spending time in Athens before going to Mykonos.

• Best for: Plaka, Syntagma, Monastiraki, Psyri, and other central Athens neighborhoods.
• Travel from central Athens: About 30 minutes by taxi, longer in traffic.
• Metro: Lines 1 and 3 serve Piraeus.
• Ferries: The widest choice of high-speed and conventional vessels.

Piraeus is large, and ferry gates can be far apart. Check your departure gate before arriving and allow time to reach the correct terminal.

Rafina Port

Rafina is much closer to Athens Airport than Piraeus and is an excellent choice for travelers continuing directly to Mykonos.

• From Athens Airport: About 20 to 30 minutes by taxi.
• From central Athens: Less convenient than Piraeus.
• Ferries: High-speed catamarans and conventional ferries operated by SeaJets, Golden Star Ferries, and Fast Ferries.

Traveling from Athens Airport to Piraeus takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic. Choosing Rafina can save an hour or more.

High-Speed or Conventional Ferry?

High-Speed Ferries

• Crossing time: About 2 to 3 hours.
• Price: About €70 to €110 for the cheapest ticket.
• Ride: Enclosed seating with no outdoor deck on many vessels.
• Best for: Travelers prioritizing speed.

High-speed ferries save time but feel rougher in strong winds. Smaller SeaJets vessels are the worst choice for travelers prone to seasickness.

Conventional Ferries

• Crossing time: About 4 to 5 hours.
• Price: About €45 to €55 for an economy ticket.
• Ride: Larger and more stable, with open decks and more space.
• Best for: Views, comfort, families, and travelers concerned about seasickness.

A large conventional ferry is my favorite way to travel from Athens to Mykonos when the schedule works. The journey is longer, but the ride is more comfortable and feels like part of the trip rather than just transportation.

Flight vs Ferry: Total Travel Time

A 40-minute flight sounds dramatically faster, but the difference shrinks when the entire journey is included.

• Flight: About 3 hours from central Athens to a Mykonos hotel.
• High-speed ferry from Piraeus: About 4 to 5 hours from central Athens to a Mykonos hotel.
• Conventional ferry from Piraeus: About 5 to 7 hours.
• Rafina ferry after an airport arrival: About 3 to 5 hours, depending on the connection.

Do not compare only the scheduled flight or ferry duration. Include the trip to the airport or port, check-in time, possible delays, and the transfer after arriving in Mykonos.

Wind and Seasickness

The crossing can be rough, especially during the Meltemi winds of July and August. If you are prone to seasickness, fly or choose a large conventional ferry. Avoid small high-speed catamarans on windy days. Sit toward the rear and center of the vessel, stay outside when possible, and take seasickness medication before departure rather than after symptoms begin. High-speed ferries are more likely than flights or large conventional ferries to be delayed or canceled by strong winds.

Luggage

Ferry tickets include luggage. Passengers carry their own bags aboard and leave large suitcases in luggage racks near the vehicle deck. Keep passports, money, electronics, and medication with you.

Airline baggage allowances depend on the fare. The cheapest tickets frequently include only a small personal item, with extra charges for cabin bags and checked luggage.

Port and Airport Transfers

• Athens Airport to Rafina: About 20 to 30 minutes by taxi and roughly €35 to €40 during the day.
• Athens Airport to Piraeus: About 60 to 90 minutes by taxi and roughly €60 to €70 during the day.
• Central Athens to Piraeus: About 30 minutes by taxi without heavy traffic, or take Metro Line 1 or 3.
• Central Athens to Rafina: About one hour by taxi, depending on traffic.

Mykonos Airport and ferry port are both close to Mykonos Town, but summer traffic is heavy and taxis are limited. Arrange a hotel transfer in advance when arriving during July or August.

Can You Land in Athens and Take a Ferry to Mykonos the Same Day?

Yes, but leave a generous buffer. I would allow at least three hours between a scheduled flight arrival and a Rafina ferry departure, and longer when checking bags or traveling on separate tickets. I would not cross Athens for a same-day ferry from Piraeus unless the schedule leaves plenty of time. Rafina is the better port for an airport-to-ferry connection.

Do not book the final ferry of the day after a tight international flight connection. A delayed flight could leave you stranded overnight.

My Final Verdict

• Fly if you are connecting through Athens Airport, find a good fare, have limited time, or suffer from severe seasickness.
• Take the Rafina ferry if you arrive at Athens Airport and have no plans or interest in the city.
• Take the Piraeus ferry if you are staying in central Athens before visiting Mykonos.
• Choose a conventional ferry if you value a smoother ride, outdoor decks, easier luggage rules, and better views.
• Choose a high-speed ferry if saving one or two hours matters more than ride comfort.

For most travelers spending a few nights in Athens first, I recommend the ferry from Piraeus. For travelers arriving at Athens Airport and heading straight to Mykonos, compare a flight with the ferry schedule from Rafina and choose whichever gives you the easiest connection.