Updated 10 November 2026 · By Mykonos Luxury Team
The fastest way from Athens to Mykonos is a 40–45 minute flight from Athens International Airport. If you are landing in Athens and prefer the sea, take a fast ferry from Rafina, the port closest to the airport, which reaches Mykonos in about 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours. From central Athens, ferries leave from Piraeus.
Your options at a glance
| Option | Leaves from | Journey time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | Athens International Airport (ATH) | About 40–45 minutes | Connecting straight from an international flight |
| Fast ferry | Rafina port | About 2h 15m–3h | Arriving at Athens airport and wanting to sail |
| Fast ferry | Piraeus port | About 2h 40m–3h 30m | Staying in central Athens first |
| Conventional ferry | Piraeus or Rafina | About 4h 30m–5h 30m | A calmer, cheaper crossing with open decks |
| Private jet or helicopter | Athens airport or private terminals | Under an hour | Groups who want to travel on their own schedule |
Times are typical for the summer timetable and vary by vessel and route. Fewer flights and sailings run between November and March.
Flying from Athens to Mykonos
Aegean Airlines (with its regional brand Olympic Air) and Sky Express fly between Athens and Mykonos. In summer there are many flights a day, from early morning to late evening; in winter there are only a few.
- Book the domestic flight on the same ticket as your international flight where you can, so a delay is covered by the airline.
- Allow at least 1 hour 30 minutes between an international arrival and the Mykonos flight if they are on separate tickets.
- Mykonos Airport (JMK) is about 4 km from Mykonos Town, roughly 10 minutes by car.
Taking the ferry
From Rafina: best if you land at Athens airport
Rafina is about 15 km from Athens airport, around 20–30 minutes by taxi, and there is also a KTEL bus. Fast catamarans (mainly Seajets) reach Mykonos in about 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours; slower ferries from Golden Star Ferries and Fast Ferries take about 4 hours 30 minutes and often stop at Andros and Tinos.
From Piraeus: best if you are staying in Athens
Piraeus is the main port of Athens, around 30 minutes from the city centre by taxi or metro. Seajets fast boats take about 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes, and Blue Star Ferries conventional ships take about 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours 30 minutes, usually stopping at Syros and Tinos.
Ferry tips
- Book July and August sailings early, especially for weekends and if you are bringing a car.
- Arrive at the port at least 30–45 minutes before departure.
- On windy days in July and August, fast catamarans can be bumpy and are occasionally cancelled; larger conventional ferries are steadier.
- Ferries arrive at the Mykonos new port in Tourlos, about 2–3 km north of Mykonos Town.
Private jet and helicopter
For groups and families who want to skip queues and timetables, a private jet or helicopter from Athens reaches Mykonos in under an hour. Our concierge can arrange private flights and meet you on arrival.
Arriving in Mykonos
Taxis on Mykonos are limited in July and August, and queues at the airport and port can be long. Book a private transfer in advance and your driver will meet you at arrivals or at the port and take you straight to your villa.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to fly or take the ferry to Mykonos?
Fly if you are connecting from an international flight or short on time. Take the ferry if you enjoy the sea, are travelling with lots of luggage or a car, or are already staying in Athens.
Which Athens port is closest to Mykonos?
Rafina. It is closer to Mykonos than Piraeus and only about 15 km from Athens airport.
Can I do Athens to Mykonos in one day?
Yes. With a flight or a morning fast ferry you can land in Athens and be at your villa by the afternoon.
Travelling to one of our villas? Tell us your arrival details and we will arrange your transfer from the airport or port.