High-speed ferries
Half the time, higher fares, seats indoors and a rougher ride in wind. Seajets is the main high-speed operator. Most likely to be cancelled when the meltemi blows hard.
العبّارات والتنقل بين الجزر من ميكونوس
أثينا وتينوس وباروس وناكسوس وسانتوريني — مدة العبور، وأي ميناء، والسريعة أم البطيئة، وكيف تحجز.
- Ferries from the New Port
- Athens 2–5 h
- Santorini 2–3 h
- Book Jul–Aug early
Routes
Where the ferries go from Mykonos
| To | Typical crossing | Operators (season) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens — Piraeus | about 2.5 h fast · 5–5.5 h conventional | Seajets, Blue Star | Fastest link to the city centre and metro |
| Athens — Rafina | about 2.25 h fast · 4–4.5 h conventional | Seajets, Golden Star, Fast Ferries | Closest port to Athens airport |
| Tinos | about 30 min fast | several | Easy day trip |
| Paros | about 1 h fast | several | Natural next stop |
| Naxos | about 75 min fast | several | Long beaches, villages |
| Santorini | about 2–3 h fast | Seajets and others | The classic pairing |
| Delos | 30–40 min | Excursion boats, Old Port | Not on ferry timetables — see Delos |
Crossing times from operator and booking-site timetables (greeka.com, directferries, go-ferry.com; previous seasons' data, checked Oct 2026). Schedules change every season — always check the operator timetable for your date.
Ports
Two ports — know which one you need
Almost every scheduled ferry uses the New Port at Tourlos, north of Chora. The Old Port in town is for Delos boats, the Sea Bus and small excursion craft. Your ticket names the port — check it, and allow time to get there.
- To the New Port: Sea Bus from the Old Port, KTEL bus from the Old Port station, or a taxi (book ahead in summer).
- Arrive early: 45 minutes before departure in July and August; boarding ramps are busy and ferries leave on time.
- Luggage: you load it yourself on most ships — keep valuables and medicines in a day bag.
Choose
Fast ferry or conventional ship?
Conventional ships
Slower and cheaper, with open decks, cafés and a smoother ride. Blue Star and Golden Star run big ships; the better choice with children or a nervous stomach.
Booking
How to book ferries properly
Where
Book on the operator's website, a major booking site, or an agent in Chora. E-tickets are standard; keep the booking code offline.
When
July–August and weekends: as soon as timetables open. Shoulder season: a few days ahead is usually fine.
Weather
Check for cancellations the evening before and again in the morning. Never plan a ferry on the same day as a flight home.
Day trips
Which islands work as a day trip
Tinos
About 30 minutes away, with a full day ashore: the pilgrimage church, marble villages and dovecotes.
Easy day
Paros
About an hour each way — doable on early and late boats, much nicer with a night in Naoussa.
Better overnight
Santorini
Two to three hours each way. Too far for a day: give it two or three nights on its own.
Stay a few nights
Island hopping
Three proven routes from Mykonos
- Classic Athens → Mykonos (3 nights) → Paros (2) → Santorini (2) → fly home from Santorini.
- Quiet Athens (Rafina) → Tinos (2 nights) → Mykonos (3) → Naxos (3) → ferry back to Piraeus.
- Short Mykonos (3 nights) → Naxos (2) → fly or ferry back to Athens.
Fly into one island and out of another to avoid backtracking: Mykonos, Paros, Naxos and Santorini all have airports with flights to Athens. Put the longest crossing early in the trip, and leave a spare night before your flight home.
On board
A smoother ferry day
Seasickness
Sit low and in the middle of the ship, look at the horizon, and take tablets before you board on windy days.
Food and water
Ships have cafés, but prices are high and queues long — bring water and a snack.
Bags
Large cases go in the hold area by the ramp. Keep your passport, tickets and medicine with you.
Common questions
Ferry questions
How long is the ferry from Athens to Mykonos?
From Piraeus, about 2.5 hours on a high-speed ferry and 5–5.5 hours on a conventional ship. From Rafina, closer to Athens airport, about 2.25 hours fast and 4–4.5 hours conventional. Times vary by vessel and season; check the operator timetable for your date.
Which port do ferries use in Mykonos?
Almost all scheduled ferries use the New Port at Tourlos, about 2.5 km north of Chora. The Old Port in town is for Delos boats, the Sea Bus and small excursion boats. Reach the New Port by Sea Bus, KTEL bus from the Old Port station or taxi.
Can you go from Mykonos to Santorini by ferry?
Yes. High-speed ferries link the two islands in season in about two to three hours, some calling at Paros, Naxos or Ios on the way. Book early in July and August, and keep a spare day before your flight in case strong wind delays sailings.