If you’re dreaming of crystal-clear water, Mediterranean sunshine, fresh seafood, and those iconic whitewashed Greek buildings, then Mykonos should absolutely be on your summer travel list. It’s one of those places that works for almost every trip whether it’s solo adventures, romantic honeymoons, or a fun girls’ getaway. Between the glamorous beach clubs and lively energy, it’s easy to see why Mykonos is one of the most popular destinations.
That said, when you start planning your trip, you might wonder how you actually get there. After all, it is an island sitting in the middle of the Aegean Sea. The good news? It’s much easier than you think, especially if you’re starting in Athens. For my Greek island trip, we kicked off the trip by flying into Athens (and yours mostly likely will too!) so knowing all the best options is essential.
Whether Mykonos is just one stop on your Greek island-hopping itinerary or the main highlight of your trip, there are several ways to get there. In this post, I’m breaking down all the options for traveling from Athens to Mykonos. This way, you can choose what works best for your budget, schedule, and travel style.
How to Get from Athens to Mykonos: The Best Routes to Take
Did you even go to Greece if you didn’t make a stop in Mykonos? I’m only half joking. Mykonos is one of those iconic islands that every traveler should experience at least once. When planning my Greece trip, I initially contemplated skipping Mykonos entirely for fear of it being too “busy or expensive”, and now looking back, I am SO glad I didn’t because it ended up being my favorite part of the entire trip.
But when you start planning your trip, one practical question comes up pretty quickly… What’s the best way to get from Athens to Mykonos?
The goal, of course, is to make the most of your vacation. That means choosing a transportation option that fits your schedule, budget, and travel style. In this post, I’m breaking down all the different ways to get from Athens to Mykonos. With this information, you can plan your trip confidently and make sure this gorgeous island isn’t left off your itinerary, because trust me, it is worth it.
How Far Is Mykonos from Athens?
Mykonos sits about 93 miles from Athens, across the beautiful Aegean Sea. It’s part of the Cyclades islands, which are scattered south of mainland Greece. Because of that, there are really only two ways to get there: by ferry or by flight.
Flying from Athens International Airport is the fastest option. The flight only takes about 45 minutes, so you’ll be on the island before you know it. This is what I personally prefer to do upon arriving in Athens after a long overnight flight, but then ferry between the islands and back to Athens at the end.
However, many travelers choose the ferry entirely instead, and for very good reason. It’s a much more scenic experience, especially if you love being out on the water. Depending on the type of ferry you take, the journey usually takes between 2 and 5 hours.
Here’s a quick breakdown of different types of flights and ferries you can take to get from Mykonos to Athens:
How to Get to Mykonos, Greece from Athens
Ferry
The most popular way to get from Athens to Mykonos is by ferry. And honestly, it’s part of the Greek island experience. We ended up taking the ferry from Santorini to Mykonos, and then from Mykonos back to Athens at the end of the trip and it worked out great. I loved the freedom to walk around on the ferry, get snacks, and even step up on the deck to enjoy the views of the other islands passing by,
Ferries depart from two ports in Athens: Rafina port and the port of Piraeus. Rafina is closer to Athens International Airport, which makes it really convenient if you’ve just landed. Piraeus, on the other hand, is the main port of Athens and is about 30 minutes from the city center. You can easily reach it using Metro Line 1 or by taxi.
Since most travelers start their Greek adventures in Athens (even if just at the airport like I did) there are plenty of ferry options running this route. Some of the most popular ferry companies include Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries, Blue Star Ferries, and Seajets, some of which operate high-speed ferry routes.
Traveling by ferry is also just a really enjoyable way to get from Athens to Mykonos. You get to watch the deep blue Aegean Sea roll by, relax in comfortable seats, and grab a Greek coffee from the onboard cafe. It’s the perfect way to ease into island mode before arriving in Mykonos.
Flight
If you want to cut down on travel time, flying to Mykonos is another great option. The flight from Athens takes less than an hour, making it the fastest way to reach the island. And if you’re not planning to spend time in Athens, this option is particularly convenient. Just catch a quick connecting flight after landing. For any Greek Island trip, I’d recommend setting your itinerary the way I did with Islands first, Athens last so you’re near the airport before heading home.
Flying works best for travelers on a tight schedule or anyone who prefers convenience over a longer ferry ride. We ended up flying with Aegean airlines, and they were fantastic! We arrived in Athens earlier than anticipated, and instead of waiting around for our flight to the islands they were able to get us on an earlier flight which gave us more time in our destination.
Just keep in mind that flights are usually more expensive than ferries, depending on the season and how early you book your tickets.
Private Transfer
Mykonos is all about luxury so if you really want to arrive in style, there are some pretty incredible options. Some travelers choose private transfers from Athens, like chartering a helicopter or a private boat to the island. It’s definitely the most glamorous way to get there.
With a private transfer, you can relax, skip the crowds, and create a travel plan that fits your schedule perfectly. It’s not the most budget-friendly option, but if you’re celebrating something special (or just want the full VIP experience), it’s unforgettable.
Ferries from Athens to Mykonos
Seajets
If you want to take the ferry but still get to Mykonos quickly, ferries operated by Seajets are one of the best options, and the one that we ended up using for our island hopping. Their high-speed ferries can get you from Athens to Mykonos in about three hours, making them the fastest route choice.
Seajets runs routes from both Rafina and Piraeus, which gives you a bit more flexibility when planning your trip. Plus, the ferries offer onboard cafes, small shops, Wi-Fi, and accessibility features like escalators and elevators. Instead of feeling like a long travel day, the journey feels relaxed and easy while you cruise across the Aegean.
Blue Star Ferries
Blue Star Ferries is another popular option for traveling by ferry from Athens to Mykonos, especially if you prefer a larger, more stable ship. Their ferries are conventional (not high-speed), but many travelers like them because the ride tends to feel smoother and more spacious. One nice perk in particular? Their private cabins. It’s a great opportunity to grab some privacy and relax in a nice, quiet place.
Sailings from Athens Piraeus to Mykonos run daily, so it’s usually easy to find a departure that fits your itinerary. Travel time typically ranges from four to six hours, depending on the ferry route, vessel, and sea conditions.
Golden Star Ferries
Golden Star Ferries is another great ferry option, especially if you’re flying into Athens and want to head straight to Mykonos. Their ferries depart from Rafina Port, the port closest to Athens International Airport. They operate both high-speed and conventional ferries, with travel times typically ranging from two to four hours.
The onboard experience is also pretty comfortable. You’ll find free Wi-Fi, cafes, and small shops, plus electronic ferry tickets that make boarding quick and easy. Golden Star Ferries is also known for offering discounts for students, families, same-day trips, and young children. So it’s a great option if you’re looking for budget-friendly transport.
Fast Ferries
Fast Ferries departs mostly from Rafina Port, making it convenient to travel from Athens airport to Mykonos. Despite the name, these are conventional ferries, so the journey usually takes around four to five hours. But many travelers actually enjoy the slower pace because the ships are larger and more spacious.
You’ll find comfortable interiors, wide outdoor decks, and plenty of places to relax along the way. There are bars, lounges, small shops, and free Wi-Fi onboard. This means you can sip a drink, scroll through Pinterest, or start planning which beach clubs and restaurants you want to try once you arrive.
Flights from Athens to Mykonos
Aegean Airlines
The most popular flight route from Athens to Mykonos is operated by Aegean Airlines. Flights depart from Athens International Airport and land at Mykonos Airport in about 45 minutes, with multiple departures running daily.
Aegean is a full-service airline, which makes the experience a bit more comfortable than some budget carriers. You typically get one carry-on, and you’re often offered a small snack and beverage during your short trip.
It’s a quick, easy option if you want to get to Mykonos fast and start enjoying the island right away.
Sky Express
If you’d rather fly but want to keep costs down, Sky Express is a great option. It’s essentially Greece’s version of a budget airline—similar to Ryanair or EasyJet—but focused mostly on domestic routes.
The flight time is still about 45 minutes, just like other airlines. However, Sky Express typically uses smaller aircraft. And since it’s not a full-service airline, you may need to pay extra for things like a carry-on bag or seat selection.
If you’re not sure how much to budget for your trip to Greece, check out my travel cost breakdown in my post “Is Greece Expensive to Visit?”
How to Go From Athens to Mykonos
Check the weather before ferry departure.
If you’re planning to take a ferry to Mykonos, the weather is something you’ll definitely want to keep an eye on. Sea conditions can naturally affect ferry schedules. If the water is too rough, departures may be delayed or even canceled for safety reasons.
This happens most often during the winter months, when the weather in the Aegean can be a bit more unpredictable. Because of that, it’s always a good idea to check the weather and your ferry’s status before heading to the port with all your luggage. A quick check can save you a lot of stress and help you adjust your plans if needed.
Pack snacks, water, and sea-sickness remedies for ferry trips.
I always like to be a little over-prepared when traveling, especially for longer ferry rides. One thing I always do? Pack a few snacks and a bottle or two of water. Trust me, when you hit hour three of a conventional ferry trip, you’ll be very glad you did.
Another smart thing to bring is something for motion sickness, just in case. I like packing sea-sickness wristbands or motion sickness patches, or a non-drowsy motion sickness medicine, especially if the water gets a bit choppy. You may not end up needing it, but it’s definitely better to have it than to spend the entire ride feeling queasy.
Consider booking a private transfer at Mykonos port or airport.
When you arrive in Mykonos—whether by ferry or plane—you’ll probably notice one thing right away: crowds. The areas around the port and airport can get pretty busy, and the taxi lines usually have a limited number of taxis available. To avoid stress, I always recommend booking a private transfer ahead of time.
When I visited Greece, I used Welcome Pickups, which made the arrival so much easier. An English-speaking driver meets you right outside and takes you directly to your hotel. It’s one of those small travel decisions that makes the start of your trip feel a lot smoother.
Verify baggage allowance before boarding.
Whether you’re traveling to Mykonos by ferry or flight, it’s always a good idea to double-check your baggage allowance. The last thing you want is to show up and get hit with extra fees. Or worse, having to rearrange your suitcase at check-in.
Ferries are usually more relaxed when it comes to luggage compared to airlines. Most allow passengers to bring multiple bags. However, during peak travel season, the luggage areas can fill up quickly, so it’s still smart to pack thoughtfully.
If you’re not sure what to bring with you, check out my post, “What to Wear in Greece: Outfit Ideas and Travel Essentials.” It’ll help you plan exactly what to pack so you have everything you need for your Greek adventure.
Plan your unforgettable trip to Greece with confidence.
I totally get it; planning travel in a new country can feel a little intimidating at first. Navigating the airlines and ferry system was the part I was the most worried about when planning our trip. Figuring out how to get from point A to point B is often the part that stresses people out the most. But now you know exactly how to get from Athens to Mykonos. And you have several options depending on your budget, timeline, and travel style!
Whether you’re traveling solo, planning a girls’ trip, going with family, or celebrating a honeymoon, there’s a route that will work for you. Go book your transportation with confidence and focus on what really matters: enjoying an unforgettable trip to Greece.
If you found this guide helpful, check out my other posts, “All-Inclusive Vacations for Solo Female Travelers” and “Best Travel Tours for Couples.” And don’t forget to come say hi on Instagram @sierrainthecity for real-time travel tips and updates from wherever I am in the world.
