When planning a trip to Mykonos, it’s important to consider the various transportation options available to travel from Athens, the capital city of Greece, as this is where most people depart from.
While both ferries and planes are viable choices for reaching this idyllic paradise, traveling by ferry offers a scenic and leisurely journey, allowing travelers to soak in the beauty of the Aegean Sea. Ferries from Athens depart from two ports: Piraeus and Rafina. From these ports, high-speed hydrofoils can whisk you away to Mykonos in just 2.5 hours, while slower ferries provide a more relaxed journey of over nine hours.
On the other hand, flying from Athens to Mykonos offers a somewhat quicker alternative (and a better option for those who suffer from seasickness). With direct flights available daily, the journey takes approximately 45 minutes. During peak season, the frequency of flights increases, with up to 18 flights operating daily between the two destinations.
“But that was over there, in Greece. This was Mykonos, a seaside sanctuary so timeless that I half expected to glimpse Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings walking along the dock as we disembarked from the ferry.“
BOBBY UNDERWOOD
Athens to Mykonos Ferry
Traveling by ferry from Athens to Mykonos is a popular and convenient option for anybody interested in exploring the Aegean Sea. The trip typically takes between 2.5 to 5 hours, depending on the ferry service chosen. Several ferry companies, including Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, and Seajets, provide services on this route.
Departures primarily occur from the Piraeus Harbour, located about 25 minutes away from the downtown area of Athens and on the western side facing the Saronic Gulf, but some ferries also depart from Rafina Port, which is about 45 minutes from Athens and located on the eastern side facing the Petalioli Gulf.
One of the key advantages of the Athens to Mykonos ferry is the opportunity to easily island hop at your leisure. If you’re going to explore more than one or two islands, this allows you to break up your journey and explore multiple destinations within one trip.
And if you’re planning on exploring the “lesser known” islands like Naxos or Milos, taking a ferry is your only option.
Departure of Ferries From Athens to Mykonos
As mentioned, when traveling from Athens to Mykonos by ferry, the main departure ports are Piraeus and Rafina.
- Piraeus is the largest port in Athens and offers more frequent ferry connections to Mykonos. It’s closer to the city center, meaning it’s more connected by local transportation.
- Rafina is a smaller port and less crowded than Piraeus. It’s located northeast of this city and is closer to the Athens International Airport, making it a slightly more convenient option if you’re arriving or departing from the airport.
- Both ports provide additional amenities such as ticket offices, restaurants, shops, supermarkets, and ATMs.
Athens to Mykonos Ferry Price
The ferry prices for the Athens to Mykonos route vary depending on the season and the type of ferry you choose.
As you might imagine, during the high season, which is typically July and sometimes into August, ticket prices tend to be higher compared to other times of the year.
The approximate cost for standard ferries ranges from €43 to €68, while high-speed ferries range from €69 to €85. Keep in mind that this is one way.
Most travelers purchase one-way tickets to Mykonos from Athens as they plan to hop over to other islands, but if you’re planning on purchasing a round-trip ferry ticket, it can cost you up to roughly €150 during the high season.
The cost also differs based on the speed of the ferry. Slow ferries are usually cheaper, but the tradeoff is that they take longer to reach Mykonos.
Additionally, you’ll find a difference in ticket prices based on the seat or cabin type and any other add-ons you pile onto the ticket cost, like if you need to transport a vehicle on the ferry or not. Adding a medium-sized car currently costs about €80 to well over €130 each way.
How to Purchase Ferry Tickets From Athens to Mykonos
- When planning a trip to Mykonos, we highly recommend booking ferry tickets in advance, especially during the high season and religious holidays. Don’t wait until you arrive, and assume you can purchase tickets at the ports.
- Check schedules and prices online for accurate and up-to-date information on the ferry service from Athens to Mykonos. Ferryhopper is a great, trustworthy resource you can use to check prices and purchase tickets.
- Several ferry companies, such as Minoan Lines, Seajets, Golden Star Ferries, and Fast Ferries, operate daily crossings from various ports like Athinios in Santorini and Rafina or Piraeus in mainland Greece.
Ferry Boat Options From Athens to Mykonos: Which Is Best?
Your ferry options from Athens to Mykonos include several choices, such as Blue Star Ferries, Golden Star Ferries, SeaJet Ferries, and Fast Ferries. Regardless of the company you choose, they are all trusted, reputable companies offering reliable and convenient transportation services.
Blue Star Ferries, for instance, operates daily departures, providing a comfortable and scenic journey with onboard amenities. Golden Star Ferries and SeaJet Ferries also offer regular sailings, allowing passengers to enjoy the picturesque Aegean Sea. Fast Ferries, known for their speed, provide a swift transfer option.
While we ultimately advise you to check the official websites of these companies for updated schedules and prices before planning your trip, here’s a brief breakdown of each company and what to expect when booking a ferry ticket from Athens to Mykonos.
Blue Star Ferries
Operating out of the Piraeus Port, Blue Star Ferries offers both slow and fast ferries, with the most common ferries used to transport passengers from Athens to Mykonos being the Blue Star Myconos and the Blue Star Paros.
During the high season, one-way tickets from Athens to Mykonos start at about €43 for a Special Economy seat. However, you can also book a bed in a cabin (or snag a whole cabin for yourself). A bed in a larger cabin will typically cost just under €100.
Blue Star Ferries currently offers two trips daily from Athens to Mykonos — one in the morning at 7:30 am and one in the afternoon at 3:00 pm (although times can vary, so always check their website before planning your itinerary).
Golden Star Ferries
Golden Star Ferries operates between the Greek mainland and the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea. They’re a great option if you’re interested in departing from Rafina Port. Currently, they have about three ferries departing from Rafina daily, with the travel time varying from just under three hours to about 4.5 hours.
One-way tickets from Athens to Mykonos with Golden Star Ferries will cost between €38 to €78, with the cheaper tickets being for the trips that take slightly longer. Similar to Blue Star Ferries, you can select your seat type. However, Golden Star Ferries only offers seats, not cabins. You can upgrade to a seat with a table or add a pet to your reservation.
That being said, they do offer discounts and frequently have promotions that are worth checking out. For example, they offer a 30% discount on return tickets for same-day trips when tickets are issued simultaneously for passengers and vehicles.
SeatJet Ferries
SeaJet Ferries is advertised as having the “fastest ferries in the Cyclades,” making them an efficient choice for ferry travel in Greece. Their fleet is modern, and they have ferries departing from both Rafina and Piraeus.
Departing from the Piraeus Port on a SeaJet Ferries hydrofoil will have you in Mykonos in under four hours, with the fastest ferry getting you to the shores of the iconic Greek island in just over 2.5 hours. However, that speed comes at a cost, with the cheapest one-way tickets from Athens usually costing about €70. Opts for a platinum seat, though, and that price doubles.
Fast Ferries
As the name suggests, Fast Ferries is a popular choice for travelers seeking fast and convenient sea transportation throughout the Greek islands.
These ferries are known for their remarkable speed and efficiency and depart from both ports in Athens, ensuring convenient access for passengers (although some of the ferry options aren’t quite as fast as the SeaJet Ferries options mentioned above).
You can get from Piraeus Port in Athens to Mykonos in just under three hours with Fast Ferries (the total travel time might increase to about 3.5 hours if you’re traveling on a day where the only route they offer is on the Thunder ship), and one-way tickets start at just under €70 for a standard seat, or just under €100 for a VIP seat.
They offer plenty of unique discounts and offers, including a 20% discount if you have a Eurail pass and an impressive 50% discount if you’re a student. It’s also worth noting that they offer discounts for families traveling with children, too.
Athens to Mykonos By Plane
Traveling from Athens to Mykonos by plane is the quickest way to reach the Greek island. With a flight duration of just around 45 minutes, it’s an ideal option if you hate boats or want to maximize your time on the islands.
Plus, perhaps surprisingly, flying to Mykonos is often the cheapest way to arrive from Athens.
This mode of transportation is also a great choice for those who arrive at the Athens International Airport (ATH) and want to head directly to Mykonos. While flight prices may vary depending on the airline and season, they’re typically not more than the cost of a one-way ferry ticket.
Currently, Volotea offers the cheapest tickets, with several flights leaving daily from the Athens Airport.
What Airlines Fly From Mykonos to Athens?
Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines, both Greek airlines, offer multiple daily flights between the two destinations, providing a convenient and reliable option. These airlines have a very good range of services. SkyExpress, another low-cost Greek airline, also offers cheap flights on this route without compromising the quality of service.
As mentioned above, Volotea, a Spanish airline, also serves the Athens-Mykonos route, offering additional choices for travelers that are incredibly budget-friendly. Depending on when you purchase your ticket, you’ll find one-way flights for as low as €24.
However, consider the added time and hassle of getting to the airport, going through security, boarding, etc. If you’re traveling with kids, pets, or people who simply don’t enjoy air travel, this can add to the stress of the whole trip.
We recommend flying from Athens to Mykonos (and flew to Mykonos ourselves when visiting) if you don’t mind missing out on the scenic sea views most travelers enjoy when taking the ferry. You’ll find the seascape can get quite monotonous anyway.
The Bottom Line: Flying is the quickest and cheapest way to get from Athens to Mykonos. However, when you fly, you miss out on the chance to enjoy the seascape along the way. If you don’t mind missing out on the views and want to maximize your time on the island, book a flight to Mykonos and save the ferry rides for island hopping to other Greek islands after you’ve explored Mykonos.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting From Athens to Mykonos
How long is the ferry ride from Athens to Mykonos?
A high-speed hydrofoil journey from Athens to Mykonos can take around 2.5 hours, while slower ferries provide a more relaxed journey of over five hours.
How far is Mykonos from Athens?
Mykonos is about 114 miles away from Athens. Your two main transportation options are flights and ferries, with the quickest way to cover those 114 miles being a 45-minute flight.
Is it better to fly or take a ferry to Mykonos from Athens?
Flying is usually faster, as it takes around 45 minutes, but ferry rides can take anywhere from 2.5 to 5 hours, offering scenic views and a chance to relax. Both options have their advantages, so choose based on your preferences and priorities, such as budget. Flying is better if you’re short on time.
What is the cheapest way to get to Mykonos from Athens?
Flying is usually the cheapest option, with one-way tickets to Mykonos from Athens ranging anywhere from just over €20 with Volotea to over €40 with Aegean Air or Olympic (yes, even during the busy summer months).
Prices for ferry services vary depending on the season, ferry company, and type of ticket you purchase. However, average fares range from about €30 to €100 per person for a one-way ticket to Mykonos.
What is the easiest way to get to Mykonos?
The easiest way to get there is by taking a direct flight to Mykonos International Airport (JMK) from Athens.
