Getting There & Away: Mykonos

Air Travel

Flight Connections

Airlines like Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air (codeshares with Aegean), Sky Express, and Volotea offer frequent connections from Mykonos to mainland Greece. The most common domestic route is to Athens International Airport (ATH).

International Flights

Seasonal direct flights from major European cities (e.g., London, Paris, Frankfurt) May to October.
Direct flights are predominantly from European cities. Mykonos has no direct flights from North America, Asia, or Australia.
Travelers from outside Europe usually connect via Athens (ATH) or a major European hub.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Mykonos International Airport is a small facility. It has basic services for travelers. Amenities include car rental desks, cafes, snack bars, a duty-free shop, and ATMs. Wi-Fi is available.

Transfer Options

Taxi: Limited, fixed-price (approx. €20-€35 to Mykonos Town). Long queues possible.
Public Bus (KTEL): Connects airport to Mykonos Town (Fabrika) and New Port. Frequent in season. Fare €1.60-€2.30.
Hotel Shuttle: Many hotels have complimentary or paid airport transfers. Arrange in advance for easy arrival.

Domestic Hub

Athens International Airport (ATH) is the main connection point for Mykonos from across the globe.

Seasonal Pricing

Airfares are highest in July and August. Lower prices are available in shoulder months (April, May, September, October).

Flight Availability

Flight frequency and direct international routes reduce or disappear outside the peak tourist season.

Arrival & Departure Tips

Airport Arrivals

Private Transfer: Pre-booked transfers are most convenient, especially for groups or heavy luggage. Many local agencies offer this service.
Rental Car/ATV: Pick-up is at the airport from various rental agencies, giving immediate independence for exploring the island.
Airport Departure Timing: For international flights, attempt to arrive at least 2-2.5 hours before departure. For domestic, 1.5-2 hours. Allow extra time in peak season.
Exit Fees: No specific exit fees or taxes apply to travelers departing Mykonos directly. These costs are typically included in your airline ticket price.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

Mykonos International Airport (JMK) facilities are limited. You find a few cafes, snack bars, and a duty-free shop post-security.
New Port (Tourlos) has ticket offices for various ferry companies and some small cafes or kiosks. Seating can be limited.
Ferry Departure Timing: Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departure, more if needing a physical ticket. Check status for delays, especially in windy conditions.
Collect physical tickets from a local ferry office or kiosk upon arrival or the day before departure to save time.

Land Transportation

Island Travel

Mykonos is an island. Direct land transportation to or from mainland Greece does not apply. All travel to and from the island happens via air or sea.

On-Island Transport

Once on Mykonos, land transportation options mainly cover local buses, taxis, and rental vehicles, which are covered in Section 5.

Getting Around

The island offers a variety of ways to move, from public transport for popular routes to private rentals for independence.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Ports

Mykonos is a major hub in the Aegean Sea, with extensive ferry services to connect it to mainland Greece and other islands. It also functions as a popular destination for cruise ships.

Main Ports

New Port (Tourlos): Approx. 2 km north of Mykonos Town. Main port for most large conventional and high-speed ferries.
Cruise ships dock here or anchor nearby.
Old Port (Mykonos Town): Directly in Mykonos Town. Mainly for small local boats, water taxis (to Delos Island), and some smaller ferries.

Ferry Companies & Routes

Several ferry companies operate services to and from Mykonos, presenting different types of vessels and travel times.

Major Operators

Blue Star Ferries: Large, conventional ferries. Slower but more stable in rough seas and generally cheaper. Open decks.
Seajets: High-speed ferries and catamarans. Significantly faster but often pricier and less stable in strong winds. Mostly enclosed with airplane-style seating.
Other companies: Minoan Lines, Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries also operate.

Typical Ferry Routes

Mykonos has daily connections to many popular islands in the Cyclades during the peak season.

Mainland Greece

Piraeus (Athens' main port): Frequent connections. High-speed ferries take around 2.5-5.5 hours, conventional 4-6 hours.
Rafina (closer to Athens Airport): Frequent connections. High-speed ferries take 2-5 hours. Better if flying into Athens and going directly to Mykonos.
Booking: Booking ferry tickets in advance is suggested, especially during high season, as popular routes sell out.

Other Cycladic Islands

Mykonos is a great base for island hopping, with numerous connections.

Island Connections

Syros (quick, nearby), Tinos (very close, popular day trip).
Paros (popular, easy connection), Naxos (popular, easy connection).
Santorini (popular, generally needs a high-speed ferry, 2-3 hours), Ios (party island, good connection).

Sea Travel Considerations

Immigration Procedures: Minimal checks for arrivals from within the Schengen Area. Passport control for non-Schengen cruise origins.
Port Transfers: From New Port, use public bus, taxi, hotel shuttle, or "SeaBus" to Old Port. Old Port is walking distance to Mykonos Town.
Departure Timing: Arrive 30-45 minutes before ferry departure, more for ticket collection. Check status in windy conditions.

Ferryhopper (for schedules and booking ferry tickets).
Private transfers offer guaranteed pick-up and peace of mind from ports (higher cost).
The "SeaBus" is a scenic way to get to the heart of Mykonos Town, avoiding road traffic.

Departure Information

Airport Departure

Mykonos International Airport (JMK) facilities are limited. You find a few cafes, snack bars, and a duty-free shop post-security.

Timing & Check-in

For international flights, try to arrive at least 2-2.5 hours before departure.
For domestic flights (e.g., to Athens), arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
Given the airport's small size, security lines can form quickly during peak summer hours. Allow extra time.

Ferry Departure

The New Port (Tourlos) is the main departure point for most ferries. The Old Port is for smaller local boats and water taxis.

Preparation & Ticketing

For ferry departures, arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the scheduled departure, especially during high season.
If you booked online but need a physical ticket, collect it from a local ferry office near the port or from the ferry company's kiosk.
Ferry departures may be delayed, especially in windy conditions. Check the status of your ferry on the company's website or at the port.

Smooth Departure

Give ample time for airport check-in and security, especially during peak summer months. For ferry departures, attempt to arrive at the port well in advance to collect tickets and board comfortably. Check for any delays, specifically in windy conditions.

Getting There & Away