Greece › Ferries › Athens-Mykonos Transportation
By Santorini Dave
Updated: November 29, 2025
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A ferry departing to the Cyclades from the Piraeus ferry port near Athens.
Deciding whether to fly or take the ferry from Athens to Mykonos is a different calculation than it is for Santorini. Because Mykonos is closer to the mainland, the ferry ride is shorter, making the boat a much more attractive option for many travelers.
There is also a third option that many first-time visitors miss: The Rafina-Mykonos ferry.
Here is the breakdown of the pros, cons, and my personal recommendations for 2026.
The Cheat Sheet (Quick Answers)
• Fastest Way: Flight (40 minutes in the air).
• Smartest for Airport Arrivals: Ferry from Rafina Port (only 30 mins from the airport).
• Most Scenic Way: Blue Star Ferry from Piraeus.
• Cheapest Way: Conventional Ferry (Economy deck ticket).
My Recommendation: If you are staying in central Athens, take the ferry from Piraeus. If you are landing at Athens Airport, either fly or take the ferry from Rafina.
Tourists waiting for pick up at Arrivals at the Mykonos International Airport.
Option 1: The Flight (Speed & Comfort)
Flying is the fastest method, but once you factor in security and travel to the airport, it saves less time than you might think compared to the high-speed ferry.
• Flight Time: 40 minutes.
• Airlines: Aegean/Olympic and Sky Express run daily. Volotea runs seasonally.
• Cost: €50 to €150+ one-way.
• Frequency: High. In summer, there are over 15 flights a day.
The Pros:
• Reliability: Flights are rarely cancelled due to wind, whereas high-speed ferries can be.
• Comfort: Smooth ride, no seasickness.
The Cons:
• Baggage Fees: Checked bags almost always cost extra.
• Airport Hassle: You must arrive 90 minutes early.
Option 2: The Ferry (Piraeus vs. Rafina)
This is where the Athens-Mykonos route gets interesting. You have two ports to choose from.
A. Piraeus Port (Best if you are in the City)
Piraeus is the main port of Athens. It is huge, chaotic, and exciting.
• Best For: Travelers staying in downtown Athens (Plaka, Syntagma, Monastiraki).
• Getting There: Easy access via Metro (Line 1 or 3) or a 30-minute taxi ride from the center.
• Vessels: Offers the widest range of options, from the massive Blue Star (slow, stable, cheap) to the Seajets (fast, expensive, bumpy).
B. Rafina Port (Best if you are at the Airport)
Rafina is a smaller port located on the east coast of Attica.
• Best For: Travelers arriving at Athens Airport who do not want to fly to Mykonos.
• The “Rafina Hack”: Rafina is only a 20 to 30-minute taxi ride from the airport. Piraeus is 60 to 90 minutes away. By taking a ferry from Rafina, you save over an hour of sitting in traffic.
• Vessels: Mostly high-speed catamarans (Seajets, Golden Star) and some conventional ferries (Fast Ferries).
Ferry Types: High-Speed vs. Conventional
High-Speed (Seajets, Golden Star):
• Time: 2.5 hours.
• Ride: Enclosed seating only. Can be very bumpy in strong winds.
• Cost: Expensive (~€70–€80).
Conventional (Blue Star, Fast Ferries):
• Time: 4 to 5 hours.
• Ride: Large, stable ships with open decks. Great for views and photos.
• Cost: Cheap (~€35–€50).
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Flight | Ferry (Piraeus) | Ferry (Rafina) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | 40 min (flight only) | 2.5 to 5 hours | 2.5 to 4 hours |
| Total Trip Time | ~3.5 hours | ~4 to 6.5 hours | ~3.5 to 5 hours |
| Seasickness Risk | None | Med/High (on fast boats) | Med/High (on fast boats) |
| Convenience For | Airport Arrivals | City Center Stays | Airport Arrivals |
| Avg Cost | €60–€150 | €40–€80 | €35–€70 |
Important Logistics
1. The “Meltemi” Wind & Seasickness
• Mykonos is known as the “Island of the Winds” for a reason. The passage to Mykonos can be rough, especially in July and August.
• If you get seasick, take the Blue Star Ferry (Conventional) or Fly.
• Avoid the small high-speed catamarans (like SeaJet 2) if it is windy.
2. Luggage
• Ferry: Free. You carry your own bags onto the ship and leave them in the luggage racks on the lower deck. It is safe and chaotic.
• Flight: Strict weight limits and high fees for checked bags.
3. Transfers
• To Rafina: A taxi from the airport costs about €35-€40 during the day.
• To Piraeus: A taxi from the airport costs about €60-€70 during the day.
My Final Verdict
• Fly if: You find a flight under €80 or you are prone to severe motion sickness.
• Take the Rafina Ferry if: You land at Athens Airport before 4:00 PM. You can hop in a quick taxi to Rafina and be on a boat to Mykonos in no time.
• Take the Piraeus Ferry if: You are spending any time in Athens before heading to the islands. The Metro takes you directly to the Piraeus port.
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