Ferry from Mykonos to Athens

How to Get from Mykonos to Athens

Do you want to visit the historic and timeless Athens after your journey to vibrant Mykonos? Are you flying out of Athens International Airport? Whatever the reason, if you’re heading to the Greek capital, you’ll need to get to Athens. So, how can you travel from Mykonos to Athens?

A ferry from Mykonos to Athens is a widely preferred transit option among travelers. Ferries sail from Mykonos New Port, the harbor located in Tourlos, 3km/1.9 miles from Mykonos Chora and 5km/3.1 miles from Mykonos International Airport. Are you wondering how to reach the Mykonos Ferry Port from your accommodation? Mykonos port taxis are a convenient way to travel. However, they are limited in number and hard to find, especially during the summer months. Instead, you can book a private port transfer or use the services of ride-hailing companies. Car rentals are also a popular travel alternative, as they allow visitors to explore the island at their own pace. Have you rented a car for your stay in Mykonos? Plan to drop it off at Tourlos Port right before your sailing. Water taxis (Mykonos SeaBus) also travel from the Old Port in Mykonos Town to Mykonos Ferry Port. Finally, bus rides are the cheapest way to get to the Ferry Port. Nevertheless, buses link the port directly only to Mykonos Chora and Mykonos Airport.

Ferries from Mykonos run to Piraeus Port. That being said, there are also sailings to Rafina Port. Piraeus Port lies close to Athens city center and is a well-organized hub serving as the main harbor in Greece and one of the busiest in Europe in terms of passenger traffic. On the other hand, Rafina Port is a smaller facility located within a close distance from Athens Airport (El. Venizelos). Thus, passengers with an onward flight from ATH Airport typically take a ferry to Rafina Port.

Types of Ferries from Mykonos to Athens

Which type of ferry do you prefer for your ride from Mykonos to Athens? Regular ferries and high-speed vessels operate the route from Mykonos to Piraeus and Rafina. All ferries comply with the necessary safety regulations and are frequently inspected to ensure the safety and comfort of their passengers. Moreover, they offer several services and amenities, including different types of seating, self-service snack bars, and restrooms. Some vessels also feature restaurants, bars, shops, and cabins. Ferries are specially equipped to accommodate passengers with disabilities as well. For that purpose, they have accessible restrooms, elevators, and ramps. Moreover, they feature cooled interiors to enhance the travel experience during the hot Greek summer. However, many passengers report that the ferries’ interiors are too cool, requiring travelers to dress accordingly.

So, what are the plus points of each ferry category? Check the main advantages of each option:

* Therefore, conventional ferries face fewer weather-related cancellations and delays and are preferred by passengers who get seasick.

Mykonos to Athens Ferry Time and Schedule

Several ferries depart from Mykonos to Athens. Their schedule changes each year and varies depending on the season, with more frequent routes during the summer and fewer sailings at other times. Overall, itineraries are pretty much the same, with departure times and the ferries operating the route varying slightly from year to year. In any case, travelers are strongly advised to book their tickets well in advance. In that way, they’ll ensure availability and may also benefit from lower fares or discounts.

Sailings from Mykonos to Piraeus last between 3 and 5.5 hours. The selected route, the type of vessel, and the weather conditions highly affect the crossing’s duration. The travel time is longer under bad weather conditions, while in-between stops also make routes more time-consuming. Indeed, numerous passengers and vehicles board and disembark at each port during the summer months, often causing delays.

Mykonos Ferry Port gets really crowded, especially when ferries arrive at the port or right before their departure time. Hence, passengers should make their way to Mykonos New Port in Tourlos one hour before their crossing. Online tickets and check-in reduce the boarding time. However, if you need to collect your ticket from the port’s counters, you should bear in mind that there are often long lines.

Fares and Tickets for Ferries from Mykonos to Athens

The cost of the ferry ticket from Mykonos to Piraeus depends on several factors. The chosen ferry company, the selected vessel, the type of ticket and seating, and the time of the year are some of them. In general terms, an economy ticket for the sailing from Mykonos to Athens costs from €44/$50,60 to €87,70/$100,90. Children (typically from 4 to 10 years of age) pay lower fares, whereas younger children travel for free. That being said, you should always check the fare policy of the selected ferry company.

Tip to Know: Do you want to optimize the boarding process? Opt for an e-ticket and web check-in to make it easier and save time at the port.

Ferry Routes from Mykonos to Rafina

Most ferries depart from Mykonos, heading to Rafina, the secondary port serving the Athens area. As already mentioned, Rafina Port is located close to the airport, making it an ideal choice for passengers with an upcoming flight. Ferry routes to Rafina are operated by Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries, and Seajets.

On Sundays, there are seven available routes from 10:35 am to 05:45 pm. Ferry tickets cost from €38/$43,70 to €76,70/$88,20, and car ferry tickets are priced at around €74/$85,10. Sailings last between 2.5 hours (high-speed ferries) to 4 hours and 40 minutes (conventional ferries).

Ferry Companies with Routes from Mykonos to Piraeus

Routes and Fares of Ferry Companies from Mykonos to Athens (Piraeus)

Ferries sail far more frequently from Mykonos to Athens during the tourist season. Conversely, routes are scarcer at other times. While the current timetable is described below, you should always check the ferry schedule at the time of your journey:

Hellenic Seaways Ferries from Mykonos to Piraeus

Blue Star Ferries from Mykonos to Athens (Piraeus)

Seajets Ferries from Mykonos to Piraeus

A Flight or a Ferry from Mykonos to Athens?

Mykonos has an airport. Thus, travelers departing from the cosmopolitan island can choose a ferry journey or fly from Mykonos to Athens. So, which is the best option? Should you book a ferry ticket or an air ticket for your journey to Athens?

Air journeys are widely favored by passengers who value fast and luxurious travel. They are significantly shorter than ferry journeys and offer smoother and more comfortable journeys, at least compared to deck-lounge ferry tickets. Moreover, the check-in process at Mykonos Airport is considered less tedious than boarding the ferries at the often crowded Mykonos New Port.

Alternatively, sailings are considered a scenic way to travel. Indeed, passengers can enjoy sea views as well as quick glimpses of the intermediate islands while relaxing on the ferry’s decks under the Greek sun and sea breeze. Additionally, economy-class ferry tickets are usually more affordable than airfares and don’t come with significant luggage restrictions, allowing passengers to travel with heavy baggage without paying extra fees. Finally, all ferries from Mykonos to Athens can accommodate vehicles, giving travelers the option to travel with their own cars.

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