Mykonos is accessible by both air and sea. For visitors arriving from outside Greece, the usual route is a flight to Athens followed by either a domestic connection or a ferry. Both options work well; the choice depends on budget, schedule, and preference. The island has an international airport that receives direct flights from major European cities in summer, and a ferry port that is among the busiest in the Cyclades.
By Air
Mykonos Airport (JMK) is 4 kilometers southeast of Chora. It receives direct international flights from multiple European cities in summer — London, Amsterdam, Paris, Milan, Frankfurt, and others — as well as domestic connections from Athens throughout the year. Flight time from Athens is approximately 40 minutes.
Domestic connections from Athens are operated primarily by Aegean Airlines and its subsidiary Olympic Air, with multiple daily departures from Athens International Airport (ATH). Book in advance for July and August — prices rise significantly and flights fill completely during peak season.
A taxi from the airport to Chora costs approximately €15–20 and takes 10 minutes. There is a public bus connection to Chora in summer, but it runs infrequently and is not reliable for tight schedules — a taxi is the more practical option on arrival.
By Ferry from Piraeus
The ferry from Piraeus (Athens) to Mykonos takes 3 hours 45 minutes on a fast ferry (high-speed catamaran) or 6–8 hours on a conventional ferry. Multiple operators run this route, including Seajets, Golden Star Ferries, and Blue Star Ferries. The fast ferry is significantly more expensive but the time saving is real.
Mykonos has two ports: the Old Port in Chora (used for some fast ferry arrivals and departures) and the New Port at Tourlos, 2.5 kilometers north of Chora (used for most ferry arrivals and larger vessels). Confirm your departure and arrival port when booking — they are different locations and the mistake causes significant inconvenience. Tickets are available through the operators’ websites and through Ferryhopper, which aggregates most routes.
By Ferry from Other Islands
Mykonos is well-connected to the other Cycladic islands — Paros, Naxos, Santorini, Tinos, Syros, and others — by both fast ferries and conventional services. Journey times vary by island and vessel type. Tinos is the closest connection (30–40 minutes); Santorini takes approximately 3 hours on a fast ferry.
The inter-island ferry network in summer is extensive but requires advance booking for July and August — particularly on the Piraeus–Mykonos and Mykonos–Santorini routes, which carry the highest tourist volumes.
Practical Tips
- The Old Port and New Port are different. Check which port your ferry uses and plan accordingly — a taxi between them takes 10 minutes and costs €8–10.
- Book ferry tickets for July and August at least 2–3 weeks in advance. High-speed vessels sell out first.
- Budget airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, and Volotea operate direct European routes to Mykonos in summer — worth checking for significant savings over Athens connections.
- Arriving by ferry in the early morning (several overnight departures from Piraeus arrive between 5am and 7am) can be a practical choice that avoids the mid-day heat and leaves the full day available.