Ferries from Athens (Rafina) to Mykonos

Greece › Greek Ferries › Rafina to Mykonos
Updated: March 20, 2026 • By Santorini Dave

See Also

• Where to Stay in Athens
• Where to Stay in Mykonos
• Best Hotels in Mykonos

Rafina to Mykonos Ferries – My Tips

• If you are flying into Athens and heading straight to Mykonos, Rafina is usually the most convenient departure port because it is much closer to the airport than Piraeus. If you are staying in central Athens first, Piraeus can be the easier choice.
• Travel Time: The fastest ferries usually take a little over 2 hours, while the larger conventional ferries are usually around 4 to 4.5 hours. Exact times vary by vessel, weather, and whether the ferry also stops at other islands.
• The Route: Many Rafina ferries to Mykonos also stop at Andros and/or Tinos along the way, so always check the exact itinerary before booking.
• Frequency: In summer there are usually multiple departures per day, often with a heavy concentration in the morning and additional sailings later in the day. Schedules change by season and date, so check your exact sailing before making hotel or flight plans.
• Same-Day Flight Warning: Rafina works very well for travelers arriving at Athens Airport, but I would still leave a generous buffer between your flight and ferry. If your flight lands late in the day, or if you are arriving on a windy summer day when delays are possible, it is often smarter to stay near the airport or in Rafina and take the first ferry the next morning.
• Wind & Seas: The Rafina route can feel rougher than some travelers expect when the Meltemi winds are blowing. If you are prone to seasickness, I would choose a larger conventional ferry over a smaller high-speed boat whenever possible.

Getting from Athens Airport to Rafina Port

• Rafina is much closer to the airport than Piraeus. In light traffic, the drive is often about 20 to 30 minutes, but allow extra time during busy periods.
• By Taxi: This is the easiest option, especially if you have luggage or are trying to make a tight connection. Taxis queue at the official airport taxi stand outside the Arrivals Hall. The fare is not something I would treat as fixed here – expect it to cost noticeably more at night, and confirm the current price before you ride or pre-book a transfer if you want certainty.
• By Bus: The Attica KTEL bus is the cheapest option and usually goes directly between Athens Airport and Rafina. At the airport, check the current departure point before boarding; the official airport information places the Rafina bus stop at the Arrivals level outside Exit 5. Bus schedules do change, so look up the live timetable on the day you travel.
• Practical Tip: If you are arriving from an international flight and have a ferry to catch, a taxi is usually worth the extra cost for simplicity and speed. The bus is fine when you have more time.

My Tips for Tickets & Seating

• Booking: I use Ferryhopper.com because it makes it easy to compare companies, ferry types, and departure times in one place. For June through September, book as early as you reasonably can – especially for morning departures, weekends, and trips with a car. In shoulder season, booking a few weeks ahead is usually enough.
• E-Tickets: Most major ferry companies now use e-tickets or online check-in, but the process can vary by operator and booking method. After booking, check the instructions for your specific company so you know whether you can board directly with a QR code or need to complete online check-in first.
• When to Arrive: Even with an e-ticket, do not show up at the last minute. Arrive early enough to find your dock, sort out luggage, and board without stress – especially in summer or if you are traveling with a vehicle.
• Best Seats on High-Speed Ferries: If you want a quieter, calmer ride, paying extra for Business or VIP can be worth it. Standard seating is fine for many travelers, but the upgraded cabins are usually less crowded and more comfortable.
• Best Seats on Conventional Ferries: Standard economy is often perfectly good on the larger ferries. You can walk around, go out on deck, and the ride is usually steadier in windy weather.

Rafina to Mykonos Ferry Realities: Direct Feedback from My Readers

I get lots of emails and comments every year from travelers who have taken ferry trips in Greece. These are the most common pros, cons, and regrets my readers mention after taking the Rafina to Mykonos ferry.

---

The Pros: Why People Love the Ferry

• The Airport Proximity: For many travelers, the biggest advantage of Rafina is that it is much closer to Athens Airport than Piraeus. After a long international flight, the shorter transfer to Rafina can make the trip to Mykonos much easier.
• The Relaxed Atmosphere: Rafina is a much smaller and more manageable port than Piraeus. It feels less hectic, and the waterfront area is a pleasant place to wait for your ferry if you arrive early.
• Outdoor Decks on Conventional Ships: Readers who choose the larger conventional ferries often mention how much they enjoy being able to walk around, sit outside, and get fresh air during the crossing.

The Cons: The Honest Truth

• The “Meltemi” Wind Impact: Because Rafina is on the eastern coast of Attica, crossings can feel rough when the summer Meltemi winds are blowing. Readers often say the first part of the trip out of Rafina is the bumpiest.
• The Limited Transport Options: Rafina is very convenient from the airport, but less convenient from central Athens. Travelers staying in the city sometimes realize too late that Piraeus would have been the easier departure point for them.

Regrets: What People Wish They Knew

• Booking the Smallest Boat in Windy Weather: A common regret is choosing a smaller high-speed ferry on a windy day. If you are worried about seasickness or traveling with kids, it is worth checking the vessel type before you book.
• Not Pre-booking a Port Transfer in Mykonos: Arriving at the New Port in Mykonos can be crowded and chaotic, especially in summer. Readers who do not arrange a transfer in advance often end up waiting longer than expected for a taxi or bus.
• Missing the Last Bus from Rafina: Travelers returning late from Mykonos sometimes get stuck at Rafina after the last bus has left. If you are arriving late at night, have a plan for how you will get onward to the airport, central Athens, or your hotel.

Example Rafina to Mykonos Schedule

Rafina-Mykonos ferry schedule on Ferryhopper.com.

Common Ferries from Athens (Rafina) to Mykonos

Read More

• Greek Ferry Guide
• The Best Greek Islands

• Best Hotels in Athens
• Best Hotels on the Athens Riviera
• Best Hotels in Athens for Families
• Where to Stay in Athens

• Best Hotels in Mykonos
• Best Hotels in Mykonos for Families
• Mykonos Ferry Port Guide