Getting from Mykonos to Athens is easy by ferry to the ports of Piraeus or Rafina, a crossing of around 2.5 to 6 hours, or by a short flight of about 30 minutes to Athens airport. This guide covers the ferries, the flights, the journey times, the prices, the ports, booking and how to choose.
Athens is the main gateway to and from the Mykonos travel guide, so knowing the options helps. The sections below cover the journey in full.
How do you get from Mykonos to Athens?
You get from Mykonos to Athens by ferry to Piraeus or Rafina in about 2.5 to 6 hours, or by a 30-minute flight to Athens Airport. The ferry costs less; flying is fastest. Both run through the day in summer.
Two main routes connect Mykonos and Athens, and the right choice depends on your budget, your time and your onward plans. The most popular is the ferry, which links Mykonos with the Athens-area ports of Piraeus and Rafina. The crossing runs roughly 2.5 to 6 hours, depending on whether you take a fast or conventional boat. The alternative is to fly. A short flight of around 30 minutes connects Mykonos Airport with Athens International Airport, the fastest option by far.
Both the ferry and the flight run through the day across the summer season, so a convenient departure is easy to find. The ferry is cheaper and delivers the scenic, classic island-hopping experience. Flying saves hours and connects neatly to international departures at Athens airport. Travellers often take the ferry out for the experience and fly back to save time, or the reverse. Set this route alongside the guide to getting to Mykonos. The ferries serve two ports.
What are the ferries from Mykonos to Athens?
Ferries from Mykonos sail to Piraeus and Rafina, run by SeaJets, Blue Star, Golden Star and Fast Ferries. Fast catamarans take 2.5 to 3.5 hours and conventional ferries 4 to 6 hours, with over 10 daily crossings in summer.
The ferry route between Mykonos and Athens is well served, with frequent sailings and a choice of operators and boat types. Ferries leave from the New Port at Tourlos in Mykonos and sail to two ports serving Athens. Piraeus is the main port, close to the city centre. Rafina, on the east coast, sits closer to Athens airport. Four companies run the route: SeaJets, Blue Star Ferries, Golden Star Ferries and Fast Ferries, operating both high-speed catamarans and larger conventional car ferries.
The fast catamarans, such as those run by SeaJets, cover the crossing in around 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The bigger conventional ferries, such as Blue Star, take roughly 4 to 6 hours but cost less and carry vehicles. The route is busy and runs year-round, with over 10 daily crossings in the high season. Match your port and boat type to your onward plans and budget. Set this alongside the guide to the ports. Flying is the fast alternative.
What about flying from Mykonos to Athens?
Flying from Mykonos to Athens takes about 30 minutes, with daily flights in summer run by Sky Express, Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air and Volotea. It is the fastest option and useful for onward connections. Booked early, it rivals a fast ferry on price.
Flying is the quickest way to travel between Mykonos and Athens, ideal when time matters or you connect to an onward international flight. The flight from Mykonos Airport to Athens International Airport takes only about 30 minutes in the air, far faster than the ferry. Four airlines fly the route, Sky Express, Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air and Volotea, with departures throughout the day in summer, often every two to three hours. The main advantage beyond speed is the easy connection at Athens airport, sparing you the transfer from a port.
A flight can cost more than the ferry, yet booking two or three months in advance often brings the price down to little above a fast-ferry ticket. That makes it competitive as well as quick. The trade-offs are the airport check-in and security time, the baggage limits and the loss of the scenic sea journey. For speed and onward connections, flying wins. Set this alongside the guide to Mykonos Airport. Costs and times vary by option.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Mykonos to Athens ferry tickets start from around 38 euros, taking 2.5 to 3.5 hours by fast boat or 4 to 6 hours by conventional ferry. Flights take about 30 minutes and cost less booked early. Book both well ahead in summer.
The cost and journey time depend on whether you take the ferry or fly, and on the type of boat. Ferry tickets from Mykonos to Athens start from around 38 euros for a basic fare, with prices rising for faster boats, premium seats and peak-season dates. The fast catamarans take roughly 2.5 to 3.5 hours, while the larger conventional ferries take about 4 to 6 hours but usually cost less. Flights take only around 30 minutes and vary in price by airline, season and how early you book.
A flight booked well ahead often works out reasonable, sometimes close to a fast-ferry fare, though last-minute summer flights run pricey. For both ferries and flights, book in advance: the popular Mykonos to Athens routes sell out quickly in peak season. Weigh the time saved by flying against the lower cost and scenic experience of the ferry. Set this alongside the guide to Mykonos on a budget. The tips below smooth the journey.
What tips help and should you take the ferry or fly?
Book ahead for summer, pick Piraeus for central Athens or Rafina for the airport, and reach the port an hour before departure. Take the ferry for lower cost and the scenery, and fly to save time or catch a connecting flight.
Practical tips and a clear sense of the trade-offs make the Mykonos to Athens journey smooth. Book your ferry or flight well in advance for summer, as both sell out on this busy route. Ferry travellers should pick the Athens port to suit their plans. Piraeus lies closest to central Athens, its sights and hotels. Rafina sits closer to Athens International Airport, handy for an onward flight. Reach the Mykonos New Port about an hour before departure to allow for the queues and boarding.
The choice between boat and plane comes down to priorities. Take the ferry to save money and enjoy the classic, scenic island-hopping experience, accepting the longer journey. Fly to save time or connect smoothly to an international flight at Athens airport. A popular strategy is one leg each way, perhaps the ferry out and a flight back, to balance cost, time and experience. With a little planning, the trip is straightforward. Set this alongside the guides to Mykonos to Santorini and Mykonos weather. The port you land at matters too.
Should you use Piraeus or Rafina port for Athens?
Pick Piraeus for central Athens, its sights and hotels, as it is closest to the centre and linked by metro. Pick Rafina to connect to Athens International Airport, as it sits far closer to the airport, saving time and transfer cost when catching a flight.
Ferries from Mykonos arrive at one of two Athens ports, and the right one for your plans makes the journey far smoother. Piraeus is the main and largest port of Athens, close to the city centre and linked to it by metro, bus and taxi. It is the best choice for central Athens, sights such as the Acropolis, or a city hotel, since you avoid a long transfer across town. Rafina, on the east coast of Attica, is a smaller port far closer to Athens International Airport. It is the better choice for an onward flight, cutting the transfer time and cost between port and airport.
Both ports take ferries from Mykonos, though Piraeus has more frequent and varied sailings. Decide by where you are going next: Piraeus for the city, Rafina for the airport. Check which port your chosen ferry uses when booking. Set this alongside the guides to Mykonos Airport and getting to Mykonos. Travellers heading into the city take the metro from Piraeus, which is quick and cheap. Those catching a flight find Rafina far more convenient. Confirming your ferry’s arrival port at booking, and planning the onward transfer, avoids any last-minute scramble. The right port saves time and money.
Can you take a car, a pet or an overnight ferry to Athens?
Yes. Conventional car ferries from Mykonos carry vehicles to Piraeus, so you can bring a car or motorbike. Pets travel on most ferries in designated areas or carriers. Overnight sailings are rare on this short route, as most crossings run in daytime hours.
Travellers with a vehicle should book a conventional car ferry rather than a fast catamaran, since the larger conventional boats run by Blue Star and Fast Ferries carry cars, motorbikes and campers to Piraeus. Reserve the vehicle space when you buy the ticket, as car decks fill in peak season. Foot passengers have the widest choice, since every boat, fast or conventional, takes them.
Pets travel on most Mykonos to Athens ferries. Small animals ride in carriers, while larger dogs use designated deck areas or pet-friendly cabins on the conventional boats, so check each operator’s pet policy at booking. Overnight sailings are uncommon on this short crossing, since most departures run through the day and evening. Travellers wanting to sleep at sea usually route through Piraeus on a longer Cycladic line instead. Confirm the exact schedule when you book, as timings shift by season.
Is an Athens day trip from Mykonos worth attempting?
An Athens day trip is possible but tight. A 30-minute morning flight lands you in the city with hours to see the Acropolis before an evening return. The ferry is too slow for a same-day round trip, so fly if you attempt it.
Athens rewards a day trip for travellers keen to see the Acropolis, the Plaka district and the ancient centre without changing hotels. Flying makes it work: an early flight from Mykonos reaches Athens International Airport in about 30 minutes, and the airport metro or a taxi carries you to the historic core within the hour. That leaves a full afternoon for the main sights before a late flight back to the island.
The ferry is a poor fit for a day trip, since a 2.5 to 6 hour crossing each way leaves too little time in the city. Travellers set on the boat should stay overnight in Athens instead and return the next day. Whichever you choose, book both legs in advance and build in a buffer for delays, so a missed connection does not strand you. A guided highlights tour keeps a short visit efficient and covers the Acropolis and the old town in one loop.
How do you buy tickets and board the Mykonos ferry?
Book Mykonos to Athens ferry tickets online through the operator or a booking site, then collect a paper ticket or use the e-ticket where offered. Board at the New Port at Tourlos, arriving an hour early with your booking reference and ID ready.
Buying tickets is simple and best done online ahead of travel. The operators SeaJets, Blue Star, Golden Star and Fast Ferries sell through their own sites, and aggregator platforms let you compare boats, times and fares side by side. Book early for summer, since the popular fast crossings sell out. Some sailings issue an e-ticket you scan at the gate, while others still require a paper ticket collected from a port kiosk or a travel agent, so read the booking confirmation to see which applies to your sailing.
Boarding happens at the New Port at Tourlos, north of Mykonos Town, not the Old Port used by small excursion boats. Reach the port about an hour before departure to clear the queues and vehicle loading. Keep your booking reference, and a passport or national ID, within reach for check-in. Foot passengers walk straight on once boarding opens, while drivers queue for the vehicle deck. Ferry schedules can shift on public holidays and in shoulder season, so reconfirm your departure time the day before. Set this alongside the guide to the Mykonos ports.
Where should you stay near the Athens ferry ports?
Stay in central Athens or near Piraeus when you land at Piraeus, since the metro links both to the port in minutes. Stay near Athens Airport or in Rafina when you use Rafina for a flight. Match your base to your ferry’s port.
Where you sleep in Athens depends on which port your ferry uses and what you plan to do next. Travellers arriving at Piraeus for a city stay do best in central Athens, close to the Acropolis, Plaka and Syntagma, since the Piraeus metro line reaches the centre in around 20 minutes. A hotel near Piraeus itself suits an early-morning onward sailing or a late arrival, keeping you steps from the quay.
Travellers using Rafina for a flight should base themselves near Athens International Airport or in Rafina town, both a short taxi or bus ride from the port and the terminal. This avoids a long late-night transfer across the city after the crossing. Whichever port you use, book accommodation that matches your arrival time and onward transport, so the last leg of the trip stays calm. Set this alongside the guides to Mykonos boutique hotels and Mykonos luxury hotels.
How do you travel the other way, from Athens to Mykonos?
From Athens to Mykonos, the reverse of the Mykonos to Athens route, ferries sail from Piraeus in about 3 to 5 hours and from Rafina in about 2 to 4 hours, and flights from Athens airport take about 40 minutes.
Piraeus suits travellers staying in central Athens. Metro line 1 or line 3 reaches the port in 20 to 30 minutes.
Rafina suits travellers landing at Athens airport. It lies 20 to 30 minutes from the airport by taxi or bus, against 60 to 90 minutes across the city to Piraeus.
Rafina is a small port with one compact terminal, so finding the right boat is simple.
How frequent are flights between Athens and Mykonos?
Flights between Athens and Mykonos run more than 15 times a day in summer, with Aegean Airlines, its partner Olympic Air and Sky Express. The flight takes about 40 minutes in either direction.
The 40-minute flight time does not include the transfer to the airport, check-in, security and baggage collection.
Door to door, the time saved over a fast ferry from Rafina is smaller than the flight time suggests.
Flying suits travellers short on days and travellers prone to seasickness. Our Rafina port and Piraeus port pages cover both harbours.
Can you do a Mykonos day trip from Athens?
Yes. A Mykonos day trip from Athens takes an early high-speed ferry from Rafina or Piraeus, gives about six hours on the island, and returns on an afternoon or evening Mykonos to Athens sailing. A flight in both directions adds more island time.
Mykonos sits close enough to the Attica coast for a same-day round trip, which is not true of Santorini by sea. The fastest boats cross from Rafina in just over two hours and from Piraeus in two and a half to three and a half hours, so the outbound leg lands you in Mykonos Town by mid-morning. The Mykonos to Athens return leg then decides how long the island visit lasts, and it brings you back to the mainland the same evening.
The Mykonos day trip from Athens suits travellers based in Athens who want the Cyclades on their itinerary without packing a suitcase. It is a long day, with a hotel departure before 06:00 and a return to the city after dark, and it rewards a plan made in advance. The sections below cover the timetable, the ports, the organised tours, what fits into the island hours and how the Mykonos to Athens return works when the wind rises.
How do the Athens to Mykonos and Mykonos to Athens ferries fit into one day?
The first high-speed boats leave Rafina and Piraeus around 07:00 and reach Mykonos by mid-morning. The Mykonos to Athens high-speed returns leave between mid-afternoon and early evening, landing in Attica two to three and a half hours later.
The timetable works in two fixed blocks. The morning block is the Athens to Mykonos crossing on a SeaJets, Golden Star or Fast Ferries high-speed boat, which docks at the New Port at Tourlos. The evening block is the Mykonos to Athens sailing from the same port. Everything between them is island time, so the day trip starts by choosing the latest Mykonos to Athens departure that still gets you back to your hotel at a sensible hour.
Buy both legs on one booking where possible, so the Mykonos to Athens return seat is secured together with the outbound. Summer high-speed boats sell out, and a day-tripper without a confirmed Mykonos to Athens seat risks a night on the island. The slower conventional ferries take four to six hours each way, which leaves too little time ashore, so the Mykonos day trip from Athens depends on the high-speed boats in both directions.
Which port works best for a Mykonos to Athens day trip, Rafina or Piraeus?
Rafina works best for the Mykonos to Athens day trip: the crossing is shorter, the port sits 20 to 30 minutes from Athens airport, and the Mykonos to Athens return lands earlier. Piraeus suits travellers staying next to the metro in central Athens.
Rafina lies on the east coast of Attica, closer to Mykonos than Piraeus, which cuts the sailing time on both the outbound and the Mykonos to Athens return. KTEL buses run to Rafina from the terminal next to Pedion tou Areos park in central Athens, a ride of about an hour, and taxis make the trip faster before the morning traffic starts. Travellers staying near the airport reach Rafina in 20 to 30 minutes.
Piraeus is the choice for a hotel close to metro Line 1, which reaches the port from Monastiraki in about 25 minutes. The crossing is longer, and the Mykonos to Athens return docks later in the evening, but the metro ride back into the city is simple. Check the port on the ticket for both legs: some day-trippers sail out from Rafina and take a Mykonos to Athens return to Piraeus, and the two ports sit on opposite sides of Attica.
What does an organised Mykonos day trip from Athens include?
An organised Mykonos day trip from Athens bundles the high-speed ferry tickets in both directions, so the Mykonos to Athens return seat is held from the start. Options add port transfers or a guided walk through Mykonos Town.
The bestselling day trip on GetYourGuide is sold as a Mykonos day trip with ferry tickets from Athens. Its value is the booking itself: the operator matches the outbound sailing with a Mykonos to Athens return, holds both seats, and sends the tickets ahead of the day. Travellers who want the ferry only book the Athens and Mykonos ferry journey, which covers the crossing without a tour.
Read the option details before booking. Hotel transfers to Rafina or Piraeus, the guided walk, and the time on the island differ between options, and the Mykonos to Athens return time is the line that matters most, since it sets the length of the visit. Travellers who prefer to explore alone take the ticket-only option and spend the day on their own route through Chora and the beaches.
What can you see in Mykonos Town before the Mykonos to Athens ferry?
Before the Mykonos to Athens ferry, Mykonos Town covers the main sights on foot: Little Venice, the Kato Mili windmills, the Paraportiani church, Matoyianni Street, the Old Port with Petros the pelican, and the Archaeological and Maritime museums.
The ferry lands at the Mykonos New Port at Tourlos, north of the town, and the Sea Bus boat, a local bus or a taxi covers the short hop into Chora. From the Old Port, the lanes of the Kastro quarter lead to the Paraportiani church, a whitewashed cluster of five chapels joined into one building. A few minutes further, Little Venice lines the shore with captains’ houses whose balconies hang over the sea.
Above Little Venice stand the Kato Mili windmills, the row of windmills that overlooks the bay. Matoyianni Street carries the shops and cafés through the centre, and Petros the pelican, the town’s mascot, walks the waterfront. The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos and the Aegean Maritime Museum each take under an hour, and the whole loop fits into the morning with time left for lunch before the Mykonos to Athens return.
Can you add Delos or a beach before the Mykonos to Athens return?
Yes, but only one of them. The Delos boat crossing and a site visit take about four hours from the Old Port, which fills most of the day. A south-coast beach such as Ornos or Platis Gialos needs two to three hours before the Mykonos to Athens ferry.
Delos, the sacred island of Apollo and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies a 30-minute boat ride from the Old Port of Mykonos. The site covers the Terrace of the Lions, the sanctuary of Apollo and the houses of the ancient port, and a guided visit takes two to three hours on the ground. The Delos tour from Mykonos runs on fixed boat times, so match its return boat to your Mykonos to Athens departure before you book.
The beach option is simpler. Buses from the Fabrika station in Chora reach Ornos and Platis Gialos in a short ride, and the calm south-coast water suits a swim between the town walk and the Mykonos to Athens ferry. Leave at least an hour between the last bus back and the ferry departure, because the New Port asks passengers to arrive before boarding closes and the town traffic slows in the late afternoon.
Is flying the Mykonos to Athens leg better on a day trip?
Flying the Mykonos to Athens leg gives more island time: flights take 40 minutes or less and run late into the evening in summer. Mykonos airport sits 4 kilometres from Chora, and the flight lands at Athens airport, far from the city centre.
A flight in each direction turns the Mykonos day trip from Athens into a longer visit. The first flights leave Athens International Airport soon after dawn, and the last Mykonos to Athens flights depart after the ferries have stopped, which leaves room for the sunset in Little Venice. Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air and Sky Express fly the route more than 15 times a day in summer.
The trade-off is the airport time. Check-in, security and the metro or taxi from Athens airport into the city add about two hours to the Mykonos to Athens flight, which narrows the gap with the fast ferry to Rafina. A mixed plan works well: the morning ferry out from Rafina, and a late Mykonos to Athens flight back, which extends the day without the early airport start.
What happens if the meltemi cancels the Mykonos to Athens return?
When the meltemi blows at gale strength, the port authorities hold the high-speed boats, and the Mykonos to Athens return is cancelled or moved to a conventional ferry. Keep a flight or a hotel option ready from June to September.
The meltemi is the strong summer north wind of the Aegean, strongest in July and August and building through the afternoon. The light high-speed catamarans are the first boats the port authorities stop, and the evening Mykonos to Athens sailing is exposed to the windiest hours of the day. The larger conventional ferries keep running in stronger winds than the catamarans, which makes them the first backup when a fast boat is cancelled.
Check the wind forecast the evening before the trip, and keep the operator’s messages switched on during the day. If the Mykonos to Athens return is cancelled, the operator moves passengers to the next available sailing, which on a windy day is the following morning. Carry a phone charger, a passport or ID and a change of clothes, and keep the evening in Athens free, so a delayed Mykonos to Athens crossing does not collide with a flight home.
Is a Mykonos day trip from Athens worth it?
Yes, for travellers with three or more days in Athens who want one Cycladic island seen. The Mykonos day trip from Athens covers the town, the windmills and a swim, in exchange for about five hours of sailing and an early start.
The day trip rewards a clear plan. Mykonos Town is compact, the main sights sit within a 20-minute walk of each other, and the high-speed boats make the round trip from Athens a practical day out. First-time visitors to Greece use it to add the white-and-blue island scenery to a city itinerary built around the Acropolis.
Travellers who want the nightlife, the beach clubs or a slow sunset get more from a night on the island, and the two-day trips from Athens pair Mykonos with Santorini. For shorter crossings with no Mykonos to Athens timetable to watch, the islands on the day trips from Athens list, such as Aegina and Hydra, are an hour or two from Piraeus. For Mykonos itself, book both legs early, pick Rafina, and let the Mykonos to Athens return time shape the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Mykonos to Athens ferry take?
The ferry from Mykonos to Athens takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours on the fast catamarans and about 4 to 6 hours on the larger conventional ferries, sailing to Piraeus or Rafina. Over 10 daily crossings run in summer, with year-round service by SeaJets, Blue Star, Golden Star and Fast Ferries.
Is it better to fly or take the ferry from Mykonos to Athens?
Take the ferry for lower cost and the scenic island-hopping experience, accepting the 2.5 to 6 hour journey. Fly to save time or connect to an international flight, as the flight takes only about 30 minutes. Travellers frequently do one leg each way to balance cost, time and experience.
How much does the Mykonos to Athens ferry cost?
Mykonos to Athens ferry tickets start from around 38 euros, with prices rising for faster boats, premium seats and peak dates. The fast catamarans take 2.5 to 3.5 hours and the conventional ferries 4 to 6 hours. Book well ahead in summer, as this busy route sells out quickly.
Do the Mykonos ferries to Athens carry cars?
Yes. The conventional car ferries run by Blue Star and Fast Ferries carry cars, motorbikes and campers from Mykonos to Piraeus. Fast catamarans do not take vehicles. Reserve the car space when you book the ticket, as the vehicle decks fill quickly in the peak summer months.
Which Athens port do Mykonos ferries use?
Mykonos ferries sail to Piraeus and Rafina. Piraeus lies close to central Athens and links to the city by metro, so it suits sightseeing and city hotels. Rafina sits nearer Athens International Airport, so it suits onward flights. Check your ferry’s port at booking, as it varies by operator and sailing.
Can you travel with a pet on the Mykonos to Athens ferry?
Yes. Most conventional ferries from Mykonos to Athens carry pets. Small animals travel in carriers, while larger dogs use designated deck areas or pet-friendly cabins on the bigger boats. Fast catamarans have tighter rules, so check the operator’s pet policy at booking and bring the required health documents.
How far ahead should you book the Mykonos to Athens ferry?
Book the Mykonos to Athens ferry as early as you can for summer travel, ideally two to three months ahead for July and August. The fast catamarans and vehicle spaces sell out first on this busy route. Off-season, a week’s notice is usually enough, though holidays still fill quickly.