How do I get from Athens Airport to the Greek islands?

From Athens Airport, take a taxi or bus to one of three ports: Piraeus (45–55 min, main hub for most islands), Rafina (20 min, closest to airport, serves Mykonos/Naxos/Cyclades), or Lavrio (35 min, serves smaller Cyclades). From the port, take a ferry to your island. Alternatively, take a domestic flight from Athens Airport directly to Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete, or Corfu.

Which port is closest to Athens Airport?

Rafina Port is the closest ferry port to Athens Airport — approximately 20 minutes away by taxi, costing around €25–35. Rafina serves Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Tinos, Andros and Syros. For most other major islands, Piraeus Port (45–55 minutes from the airport) is the main departure point.

Is it faster to fly or take the ferry from Athens to the islands?

Flights are significantly faster but also more expensive and less scenic. Athens to Santorini: 55 min by air vs 8 hours by ferry. Athens to Mykonos: 45 min by air vs 5.5 hours by ferry. Budget travellers and those carrying bikes or motorbikes typically prefer the ferry. Visitors on tight schedules prefer the flight.

Athens Airport to the Greek Islands 2026: Your Complete Route Guide

Getting from Athens Airport to a Greek island requires one extra step: a ferry or domestic flight. The transfer itself is simple — but choosing the right port makes all the difference. This guide covers every route, every option, and every price for 2026.

Ports to know

Piraeus · Rafina · Lavrio

10+

Islands covered

With full transfer guides

20 min

Rafina port

Closest port to airport

Which Port for Which Island?

Piraeus Port harbour — main ferry hub for Greek islands from Athens Airport

Island	Port	Airport to port	Ferry time	Guide
Santorini	Piraeus	45–55 min (~€55)	8h ferry / 55 min flight	Guide →
Mykonos	Piraeus or Rafina	20–55 min	5.5h ferry / 45 min flight	Guide →
Rhodes	Piraeus	45–55 min (~€55)	18h ferry / 1h flight	Guide →
Crete	Piraeus	45–55 min (~€55)	9h ferry / 1h flight	Guide →
Corfu	Patras (ferry) or flight	2h 30m to Patras	2h ferry / 1h flight	Guide →
Kos	Piraeus	45–55 min (~€55)	15h ferry / 1h flight	Guide →
Naxos	Piraeus or Rafina	20–55 min	5.5h ferry	Guide →
Paros	Piraeus	45–55 min (~€55)	5h ferry	Guide →
Kefalonia	Patras (ferry) or flight	2h 30m to Patras	2.5h ferry / 55 min flight	Guide →
Zakynthos	Patras (ferry) or flight	2h 30m to Patras	2h ferry / 55 min flight	Guide →