Which Port & Ferry from Mykonos to Athens?
 

I need help choosing which port in Athens (Rafina or Piraeus) I should sail to from Mykonos. I'll be traveling on Monday, September 12 and staying at Athens Gate Hotel near the Acropolis. Also, is there a recommended ferry type or company? Thanks!

Well, you have a choice of 8 ferries that day, leaving Mykonos as early as 7:30 am and as late as 7 pm. Rafina has the advantage of a shorter sea journey, but a 1½ hour bus ride from there to central Athens. Piraeus takes longer by sea, but only about 30 minutes to central Athens by metro.

My choice would be Blue Star Ithaki, which leaves Mykonos at 2:15 pm and arrives Piraeus at 7:45 pm. If you want a few extra hours on Mykonos, Hellenic Seaways Highspeed 6 leaves Mykonos at 5 pm and arrives Piraeus at 9:05 pm.

If you want to reach Athens earlier, one of the morning ferries to Rafina would be better. None of the ferries will be full on Sep 12th, so you can wait until you are on Mykonos to decide. :-)

Thanks, Heimdall! This information is so thorough and helpful. :-)

I have a similar question. I am trying to decide which port to leave Athens (La Plaka) from. Is there a difference in the comfort of the ferries. And since it seems like a choice between an extra hour on a ferry and an extra hour on a bus, can you tell me: are the ferries more comfortable than the bus.
Thanks, Inor

Inor, what is your destination? Knowing that would help us help you determine which port would be best for you.

The Plaka District is in Central Athens and there is no port there.

Piraeus is closer to Athens than Rafina but access to islands is more limited from Rafina than from Rafina. Go to www.gtp.gr to see what's offered to your destination from both ports.

The highspeed ferries are enclosed with no outside deck areas. The conventional car ferries have indoor as well as outdoor seating areas.

The buses are comfortable and some have air conditioning.

I meant to say: "but access to islands is more limited from Rafina than from PIRAEUS."

Sorry if I confused you.

Rafina ferries are mainly, with a few exceptions, for Tinos and Mykonos. If you are travelling anywhere else, e.g. Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Crete, Piraeus is the correct port. There are also a couple of ferries departing Piraeus for Mykonos.

Ferries are more comfortable than buses. :-)