The Traveling Taylors

During our Greece trip, figuring out how to get from Athens to Mykonos took more planning than expected. With multiple options, changing schedules, and sneaky fees, it can get overwhelming fast. If you’re heading to the islands, here’s everything you need to know about getting from Athens to Mykonos—fast, cheap, and stress-free.

Ferry vs. Flight: Which Is Better?

Ferry Pros: Scenic, relaxed, no luggage restrictions, multiple daily departures.
Ferry Cons: Can be slow, weather-dependent, chaotic ports.
Flight Pros: Super fast (35–45 mins), great for tight schedules.
Flight Cons: More expensive, airport transfers required, baggage fees add up.

Since you’re traveling between multiple destinations, packing cubes like these can help keep your suitcase organized so you can easily find what you need during transit.

Fastest Way: Flying from Athens to Mykonos

• Flight time: 35–45 minutes
• Airlines: Aegean, Sky Express, Volotea
• Airport: Athens International (ATH) to Mykonos Airport (JMK)
• Best for: Short trips, early arrivals, travelers with limited time

Cheapest Way: Economy Ferry from Piraeus or Rafina

• Slow ferry time: 5–6 hours
• High-speed ferry: 2.5–4 hours
• Ferry ports: Piraeus (closer to Athens) or Rafina (closer to airport)
• Operators: Blue Star Ferries (budget-friendly), SeaJets (fast but pricier)
• Best for: Budget travelers, backpackers, scenic lovers

For longer trips that involve slower ferry compression packing cubes like these can help maximize space in your luggage and keep everything neatly separated.

Easiest Option: Direct Hotel Transfer + Ferry

If logistics stress you out, book a transfer that includes hotel pickup in Athens, ferry tickets, and drop-off in Mykonos. It costs more, but saves time and headaches.

Booking Tips

• Use Ferryhopper or Bookaway to compare and book ferry tickets.
• Book flights at least 2 months out for best prices.
• Arrive early: Ferries board 30–60 minutes before departure.
• Travel light: Ferry luggage policies are more forgiving, but keep it manageable.

For travel days between cities, a lightweight travel backpack like this one is useful for carrying essentials like snacks, chargers, travel documents, and a jacket.

What We’d Choose Again

We took a high-speed ferry from Rafina to Mykonos and loved the sea views, but if time were tight, we’d fly. Both options are solid—it just depends on your style and budget. Either way, the journey from Athens to Mykonos is the start of something unforgettable.