Ferries from Athens (Rafina) to Mykonos

Greece › Greek Ferries › Rafina to Mykonos
Updated: February 28, 2026 • By Santorini Dave

See Also

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

Ferries from Athens (Rafina) to Mykonos

Mykonos is a short ferry ride from the Rafina Ferry Port. If you are flying into Athens and heading straight to the islands, Rafina is the best departure point because it is much closer to the airport than Piraeus.

• Travel Time: 2.5 hours by high-speed catamaran (SeaJets, Golden Star) and 4 to 4.5 hours by conventional car ferry (Fast Ferries, Golden Star).
• The Route: Unlike Piraeus ferries, most ships from Rafina stop in Andros and Tinos before reaching Mykonos.
• Frequency: In high season (May to October), there are 6 to 9 departures per day. Morning: Most ferries leave between 07:00 AM and 08:15 AM. Afternoon: There is usually a gap in service until the afternoon ferries depart between 15:00 and 17:30.
• Warning: If your flight lands after 16:00, you will likely miss the last ferry of the day. In this case, stay at the Sofitel (at the airport) or the Avra Hotel (in Rafina) and take the first boat the next morning.

Getting from Athens Airport to Rafina Port
The drive takes only 20 to 30 minutes (compared to 60+ minutes to Piraeus).

• By Taxi: The easiest and fastest option. Taxis line up at the official stand right outside the Arrivals Hall (Exit 3). The fare is roughly €35 to €40 during the day and €50 to €55 at night (midnight to 5am).
• By Bus: The orange KTEL bus is reliable and cheap (approx. €4.00). It departs from the Arrivals level, usually between Exits 2 and 3 (opposite the Sofitel). Tickets are purchased from the driver (have small change). Buses run roughly every hour from 06:00 to 22:00.

My Tips for Tickets & Seating

• Booking: I use Ferryhopper.com to buy tickets. It tracks all the different companies (SeaJets, Golden Star, Fast Ferries) in one place. For June to September travel, book 2 to 3 months in advance. For other months, a few weeks ahead is fine.
• E-Tickets: All ferries now use E-Tickets. Check in online 48 hours before departure to get your boarding pass (QR code) on your phone.
• Best Seats: for High-Speed Ferries: I strongly recommend paying extra for Business or VIP. The economy section is crowded and chaotic; VIP is calm and spacious. Conventional Ferries: Economy class is actually great because you have access to the open decks and fresh air.

Rafina to Mykonos Ferry Realities: Direct Feedback from My Readers

I get stacks of emails and comments every year from travelers who have taken ferry trips in Greece. This list is built from the direct, honest feedback my readers have shared over the last decade about the typical pros and cons and things they wish they had known before taking the Rafina to Mykonos ferry.

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The Pros: Why People Love the Ferry

• The Airport Proximity: For many, the biggest “pro” of Rafina is that it is much closer to the Athens Airport than Piraeus. Readers often mention that after a long international flight, a 20-minute taxi ride to the port of Rafina feels like a major win compared to the hour-long trek through the city center.
• The Relaxed Atmosphere: Rafina is a much smaller, more manageable port than the sprawling madness of Piraeus. My readers frequently comment that the town of Rafina itself is a pleasant place to grab a coffee or a seafood lunch by the water while waiting for their boat, rather than being stuck in a gritty industrial port.
• The Faster Route: Geographically, Rafina is closer to the Cyclades. This means the high-speed ferries can get you to Mykonos in as little as 2 hours, and even the conventional ferries like the Superferry or Fast Ferries Andros make the trip in about 4 hours, which is faster than the boats leaving from Piraeus.
• Outdoor Decks on Conventional Ships: Ships like the Superferry are favorites among my readers. They offer large outdoor decks and comfortable lounges, making the journey feel like a true Mediterranean voyage rather than just a commute.

The Cons: The Honest Truth

• The “Meltemi” Wind Impact: Because Rafina is on the eastern coast of Attica, it is more exposed to the northern Meltemi winds. Readers often describe the “Rafina exit” as the roughest part of the journey. If it is a windy day in August, even the larger ships will feel the swell as they leave the harbor.
• The Limited Transport Options: While it is close to the airport, getting to Rafina from central Athens is a hassle. Readers who stay in the city often regret the long bus ride or the expensive taxi fare, realizing too late that the Piraeus to Mykonos ferries would have been much more convenient for them.
• Port Layout Confusion: While smaller than Piraeus, the Rafina port can still be a bit of a scramble. The ticket offices are across the street from the docks, and readers frequently mention the stress of running back and forth with luggage when the ferry is already boarding.
• Lack of High-Speed Amenities: Some of the smaller catamarans running out of Rafina are quite basic. Readers often mention that the air conditioning can be hit-or-miss and the windows are so caked with salt that you can’t see the islands as you pass.

Regrets: What People Wish They Knew

• Booking the Smallest Boat in Windy Weather: A common regret is booking a small SeaJet from Rafina when the winds are high. The “bouncing” can be intense. I recommend checking the vessel size and type as you’re booking ferry tickets.
• Underestimating the Blue Star Pace: While the conventional boats are quite a bit slower than the high-speed jets, they are also cheaper. Some readers regret not choosing the slower boat for the stability and the ability to walk around, especially when traveling with active kids.
• Not Pre-booking a Port Transfer in Mykonos: Arriving at the New Port in Mykonos puts you in the same chaotic bottleneck as every other ferry. Readers who didn’t plan ahead often find themselves waiting. I recommend booking a private transfer through Welcome Pickups to avoid the post-ferry scramble.
• Missing the Last Bus to Athens: For those returning from Mykonos to Rafina late at night, a common regret is missing the last KTEL bus back to the airport or the city. Taxis at the Rafina port late at night can be hard to find and expensive.

Happy Surprises: The Unexpected Wins

• The “Local” Feel: Many readers find that departing from Rafina feels much more “Greek” and less “touristy” than Piraeus. Starting a vacation with a gyros at a local Rafina eatery is often cited as a happy highlight.
• The Efficiency of the Crew: Just like in Piraeus, the speed at which these boats load and unload cars and people is a source of constant amazement. Readers are pleasantly surprised to be off the boat and on their way within minutes of docking in Mykonos.
• The Quality of Business Class: For a small extra fee, many readers find the Business Class or VIP lounges to be worth the added cost. They are significantly quieter, offer more comfortable seating, and have dedicated snack bars with better service.
• The Efficiency of E-Tickets: Most readers are pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to use digital boarding passes. Being able to skip the ticket office and walk straight onto the boat with a scan of their phone makes the whole experience more pleasant.

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