redpen

I arrive in Athens June 21st at 1pm and see that the next connection to Mykonos isn't until 6pm -- do people typically just wait the 5 hrs. or are there other options? Would it be easier to try to catch a ferry from the airport or is that only more complicated?

brotherleelove2004

Not complicated at all. There's a bus from the airport directly to Rafina, where you can catch a highspeed ferry leaving at 4 PM that gets to Mykonos at 6 PM.

Heimdall

There may be some afternoon ferries leaving Rafina or Piraeus. Last year the SeaJet2 and Hellenic Seaways Highspeed 3 both left Rafina around 4pm. They would have arrived at Mykonos about the same time as the 6pm flight, though, so you wouldn't really gain any time by taking the ferry. I guess it boils down to whether you would rather sit around the airport for 5 hrs or take the bus to Rafina and sit on the ferry for 2-3 hrs.

redpen

Thanks for the insight -- is the ferry trip fairly straightforward and worth doing just for the scenery?

Heimdall

You will get to see a little bit of the Greek countryside on the way to Rafina. The two ferries I mentioned are both catamarans, the SeaJet2 being passenger-only, and the Highspeed a larger carry-carrying ship. You sit in airline type seats in the cabin rather than on deck. Both ferries stop at Tinos enroute to Mykonos.

Many people consider a ferry trip to be part of the Greek Island experience. Whether it is worth the extra trouble of carrying your bags from airport terminal to bus, and bus to ferry is up to you. Anything is better than sitting around an airport departure lounge, IMO. Arriving at the port in Mykonos and not having to wait for your bags to come off the airplane will give you a headstart on the island.

worldinabag

Hi

Have you checked both Aegean and Olympic airline schedules?

Heimdall

worldinabag, I wondered about that too, so checked myself. The only flights after redpen's arrival are Olympic at 1800, and Aegean at 1910.

redpen

How do I go about booking a Ferry? And how long does it typically take to clear customs and catch the bus to Ravina? Is that part of the package with the ferry or do I have to find my own way to the dock?

Thanks for the help!

Heimdall

It will probably take you about an hour to collect your bags and clear customs. There will be a bus outside the departure area of the terminal, that will take you directly to Rafina docks, where you can buy your tickets from a travel agent. You don't need to book tickets that time of year, but it is possible to do it online if you prefer. I know some travellers feel better by booking the tickets in advance, but I prefer to wait to make sure the ferry is actually running before buying the tickets. Brotherleelove knows of a ticket agent at the airport, but I don't remember the name. Brotherleelove?

brotherleelove2004

"Amphitrion Holidays" at the airport sells ferry tickets.