We are traveling to Athens followed by Mykonos in mid May. Are there any recommendations on flying vs. fast ferry during that time of year? Flight is only 40 minutes but more expensive. Fast ferry From Rafina is about 2-2.5 hours and much cheaper than flight. Any insight on which would be more easier/more convenient? Thanks
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3576 posts
The problem is that getting to the port of Rafina from Athens city center isn't going to be easy unless you take an expensive taxi. It might be an option if you're taking a ferry from Rafina immediately after a flight arriving in Athens.
Ferries to Mykonos also leave from the port of Piraeus, which is more convenient and easier to reach from the center of Athens (20 minutes max by metro).
If you're flying to Mykonos, you'll need to get to the airport (about a 50-minute journey from downtown) and arrive 45 minutes before your flight. Then you'll need to arrange a transfer from Mykonos airport to your accommodation on the island. So, not really more efficient compared to the ferry.
That being said, I don't think it's worth thinking in terms of transportation costs when going to Mykonos, one of the most expensive places in Europe. Saving money isn't generally a priority for people who go to Mykonos knowing what to expect.
Posted by
OP
9 posts
Thank you for the detailed response. Based on some info I’ve read, I thought leaving from Piraeus would be busier and more hectic than Rafina. I also noticed the ferry ride is quicker from Rafina which is our main goal (saving time).
Putting costs aside, I’ll compare the time it will take to get to the airport vs. the fast ferry and make a decision based on that. Thanks for the tips.
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3576 posts
Yes, I've already taken ferries from both ports. The port of Piraeus is huge compared to Rafina, but as long as you know your ferry's departure gate, it's not a problem. Everything is very well signposted.
As for the "hectic" aspect, I understand roughly what you read was referring to; I'd say it's part of the experience. You won't escape it, regardless of the port.
A trip to Mykonos by high-speed ferry takes about 20 minutes longer from Piraeus than from Rafina, but a taxi to Rafina from the center of Athens can take an hour or more, depending on the time of day and traffic.
So, without even considering the cost, if time is the deciding factor, you have to take everything into account.
- The flights or ferries departure times
- The time it takes to get to the port or airport
- How long before your ferry / flight do you need to be at the port/ airport.
- The travel time to Mykonos
- And finally, the transfer time from the Mykonos port or airport to your hotel.
Ultimately, it's up to you.
But don't forget that you are in Greece, the land of the Siga Siga philosophy; the relationship to time here is very different from what you're used to.
https://greekreporter.com/2026/01/12/greece-siga-siga-culture-2026-blueprint-wellness/