The Mykonos to Paros ferry is a quick, frequent crossing in the central Cyclades, taking 35 minutes on a high-speed boat and running up to ten times a day in summer for about €36 to €60. The two popular islands sit a short channel apart, making the hop easy. This guide covers the ferry times, prices, operators and how to plan the trip.
The route is one of the busiest links to the island, set out among the connections in the guide to how to get to Paros. Mykonos lies just to the north-east. The sections below cover the crossing in detail and how to use it.
How long is the crossing?
The crossing takes about 35 to 50 minutes on a high-speed catamaran and up to 1 hour 30 on a conventional ferry. The two islands lie close together in the central Cyclades, so even the slower boat reaches Paros in well under two hours.
The journey is short whichever boat you take. High-speed catamarans cover the channel in 35 to 50 minutes, while the larger conventional ferries take up to 1 hour 30 and ride the summer meltemi more steadily. Some sailings call at Naxos or Tinos on the way, which lengthens the trip a little. The brief, frequent crossing makes Paros an easy add-on to a Mykonos holiday, or a calmer base beside its lively neighbour. Knowing the schedule helps with planning.
What is the ferry schedule?
The route runs up to ten times a day in summer, with the first boat from Mykonos around 09:40 and the last about 21:20. The service operates roughly April to November and thins out in winter, when the high-speed boats are reduced.
The timetable is dense in the high season. From April to November a mix of high-speed and conventional boats offers as many as ten departures a day, spread across the day, which supports a same-day return. Schedules shift week to week, so confirming the exact time a day or two before sailing is wise. Summer sailings fill quickly, and the Mykonos port gets crowded, so arriving at least 45 minutes before departure is sensible. From late autumn the catamarans thin out and the conventional ferries continue. Fares stay moderate for the short hop.
How much does the trip cost?
A standard seat costs about €36 to €60 each way, with the high-speed catamarans at the higher end. Taking a car across starts from around €40 and a motorbike from €17, and children and students receive reduced fares with most operators.
The short crossing is reasonably priced. A foot-passenger seat runs from roughly €36 to €60, with the fast catamarans charging a little more than the conventional ferries. Carrying a car across starts near €40, and a motorbike from €17. The fare makes a two-island split between Mykonos and Paros easy and affordable. Children, students and residents qualify for discounts with most companies. Booking early secures both the lowest price and a guaranteed place in the busy summer months. A few operators share the route.
Which companies run the route?
Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries and Seajets run the route, with both high-speed and conventional vessels. The crossing forms part of the busy central Cyclades network that links Mykonos, Paros, Naxos and the islands beyond.
Several operators share the channel. Fast Ferries and Golden Star Ferries run high-speed and conventional boats across the central Cyclades, while Seajets adds fast catamaran services in peak season. The dense schedule comes from these companies combining their departures. A single ticket along the line often allows island-hopping, on to Naxos or Santorini to the south. Comparing operators on a booking platform shows the fastest and cheapest option for a date. The ports themselves are simple to use.
Where do the ferries depart and arrive?
Boats leave from Mykonos New Port at Tourlos, a few kilometres north of Mykonos Town, and arrive at Parikia, the main port of Paros. Allow time to reach the Mykonos port by bus, sea-shuttle or taxi before departure.
The ports are conveniently placed at each end. Ferries depart from Mykonos New Port at Tourlos, north of Mykonos Town, reached by the local bus, the sea-bus shuttle or a taxi, so travellers allow time to get there. On arrival, Parikia sits in the heart of the island’s capital, so the old town, the Church of 100 Doors and the bus terminal are all within a short walk, with no onward transfer needed. This central docking makes the day efficient, a pattern the guide to how to get to Paros describes. The arrival sets up the rest of a visit.
What can you do on arrival in Paros?
On arrival, you can explore Parikia and its Byzantine church, head to Naoussa and the best beaches, or take a boat trip to Antiparos. The central port puts the island’s main sights and the bus network within easy reach.
The crossing lands you in the middle of the island’s life. From Parikia it is a short walk to the marble old town and the Church of 100 Doors, and buses and rental cars reach Naoussa, the windsurfing sands of Golden Beach and the mountain village of Lefkes within the hour, all covered in the guide to things to do in Paros. A short stay or a day trip both work well from this central arrival. The questions below cover the points travellers ask most.
Can you take a car on the ferry?
You can take a car on the conventional ferries, which carry vehicles, with fares starting from around €40 for a car and €17 for a motorbike. The high-speed catamarans are mostly foot-passenger only, so check the boat type when booking a vehicle.
Carrying a vehicle is straightforward on the right boat. The larger conventional ferries have car decks and take vehicles across for about €40 and up, with motorbikes from €17, useful for travellers touring the Cyclades by car. The fast catamarans focus on foot passengers and rarely carry cars, so confirming the vessel type matters when booking a vehicle. Vehicle spaces sell out fastest in peak season, so reserving well ahead is wise, as the guide to Paros car rental notes. The sea conditions are worth knowing too.
Is the crossing rough?
The crossing can be choppy in the afternoon when the summer meltemi wind blows, especially on the faster catamarans, though the larger conventional ferries ride the swell more steadily. Morning sailings are usually calmer than later ones.
The short crossing is usually comfortable but depends on the wind. The meltemi, strongest from mid-July to mid-August, can ruffle the channel by afternoon, giving the high-speed boats a bumpier ride, while the heavier conventional ferries handle the swell more smoothly. Choosing a morning departure, before the wind builds, makes for a calmer trip, and those prone to seasickness may prefer the larger boats. The crossing is short enough that rough spells pass quickly, as the guide to the best time to visit Paros reflects. Booking tickets is simple.
How do you book tickets?
You book tickets online through a ferry platform or operator, or at a port agency, choosing the boat and seat type. Booking ahead is wise in summer, when popular sailings sell out, and e-tickets are often scanned directly at boarding.
Ticketing is easy with a little notice. Online platforms let you compare the operators, times and prices, and book a foot-passenger seat or a vehicle space in minutes, while port agencies sell tickets in person. In the busy summer months, the popular departures fill quickly, so reserving ahead secures a place and the best fare. Many operators now accept e-tickets scanned at the gate, though some still require collecting a paper ticket at the port, so checking the rule avoids a last-minute scramble. Arriving early helps, set out alongside the guide to how to get to Paros. The short hop also suits a day trip.
Is Paros a good day trip from Mykonos?
You can do a day trip from Mykonos, thanks to the short, frequent crossing. A morning fast ferry and an evening return give a full day to see Parikia, swim at a beach and explore Naoussa, a calmer contrast to busy Mykonos.
The quick crossing makes a day trip easy. Travellers based on Mykonos catch a morning fast boat, reaching Parikia in 35 to 50 minutes, and return on an evening sailing for a full day on the quieter island. A day covers the marble old town and the Church of 100 Doors in Parikia, a swim at a nearby beach, and an afternoon in the harbour town of Naoussa. The two islands’ frequent links make the pairing simple, set out alongside the guide to things to do in Paros. The questions below cover the points travellers ask most.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the crossing from Mykonos to Paros take?
The crossing takes about 35 to 50 minutes on a high-speed catamaran and up to 1 hour 30 on a conventional ferry. The two islands sit close together in the central Cyclades, so even the slower boat arrives in under two hours.
How much is this crossing?
A standard seat costs about €36 to €60 each way, with high-speed catamarans at the higher end. Taking a car across starts from around €40 and a motorbike from €17, and children and students receive discounts with most operators.
How often does the ferry run?
The ferry runs up to ten times a day in summer, with the first boat from Mykonos around 09:40 and the last about 21:20. The service runs roughly April to November and thins out in winter, when high-speed boats are reduced.
Where does the boat from Mykonos arrive on Paros?
The boat arrives at Parikia, the capital and main port of Paros, leaving from Mykonos New Port at Tourlos. Parikia’s old town, the Church of 100 Doors and the bus terminal are all a short walk from the dock.