Mykonos operates differently from mainland Greece, and first-time visitors often arrive with the wrong assumptions about transport, money, or what is open when. See our best beaches in Mykonos for more details. This FAQ covers the practical realities: airports, ferry connections, costs, safety, and the local tips that save you time and money.
Mykonos Travel Tips: Getting There and Away
Mykonos Airport (JMK)
Mykonos Island National Airport (JMK) is 4 km southeast of Mykonos Town. It handles direct seasonal flights from London (Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted), Paris (CDG, Orly), Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP, BGY), Amsterdam (AMS), and several German cities (Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf) between May and October. The flight from Athens (ATH) takes 40 minutes and operates year-round on Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, and Olympic Air, costing EUR 50-120 one-way. There is no airport bus. See our where to stay in Mykonos for more details. A taxi to Mykonos Town costs EUR 15-20 (10 minutes). Pre-booked private transfers cost EUR 35-50. Car rental desks at the airport include Hertz, Avis, and local operators. The airport is small, single-terminal; arrive 60 minutes before domestic flights and 90 minutes before international flights.
Ferries from Athens
Ferries to Mykonos depart from two Athens ports: Piraeus (main port, metro Line 1 to Piraeus station) and Rafina (closer to Athens Airport, 30-minute bus ride). High-speed ferries (Seajets, Golden Star Ferries) take 2.5-3.5 hours and cost EUR 50-70. Conventional ferries (Blue Star Ferries) take 5-5.5 hours and cost EUR 35-45. In summer (June-September), there are 4-6 daily departures from Piraeus and 2-3 from Rafina. See our things to do in Mykonos for more details. In winter, this drops to 1-2 from Piraeus only. Book at ferryhopper.com or direct with the ferry companies. The Mykonos New Port (Tourlos) is 2.5 km north of town; a shuttle bus (EUR 2) or taxi (EUR 10) connects to Chora. Ferry schedules change monthly, so check 2-3 weeks before travel.
Mykonos Travel Tips: Getting Around the Island
Public Buses (KTEL Mykonos)
The island bus system operates from two terminals in Mykonos Town: Fabrika (southbound beaches: Ornos, Platis Gialos, Paradise, Paraga, Agios Ioannis) and the Old Port (northbound: Ano Mera, Elia, Kalafatis). Single tickets cost EUR 1.80 (buy on board, cash only). In peak season (July-August), buses to Platis Gialos and Paradise run every 15-20 minutes from 08:00 to 02:00. See our Mykonos events and festivals for more details. In May and October, frequency drops to every 30-45 minutes. Night buses (00:00-02:00) serve Paradise and Platis Gialos only. The last bus from Paradise to town is at 02:00 in summer. There is no bus to the airport, port, or north coast beaches (Fokos, Agios Sostis, Panormos).
Taxis, ATVs, and Car Rental
Mykonos has only 32 licensed taxis for the entire island. In August, the wait at the taxi stand in town can exceed 45 minutes. Taxi fare from town to Psarou costs roughly EUR 15, to Elia EUR 25, and to the airport EUR 18. There is no Uber or ride-hailing app. See our best time to visit Mykonos for more details. ATV/quad rentals cost EUR 35-60 per day and are the most popular way to explore. You need a valid driver’s licence (an EU car licence is sufficient; an IDP is recommended for non-EU licences). Car rental costs EUR 50-120 per day for a small hatchback. Book in advance for July and August. Parking in Mykonos Town is extremely limited: use the free municipal parking lot 800 metres south of town on the road to the airport.
Mykonos Travel Tips: Money, Tipping, and Costs
Greece uses the Euro (EUR). ATMs are plentiful in Mykonos Town and at Ornos, Platis Gialos, and the airport. Many beach bars and smaller tavernas are cash-only, so carry EUR 50-100 in cash. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at all hotels and most restaurants in town. See our Mykonos weather by month for more details. American Express is accepted at high-end places (Nammos, Scorpios, Cavo Tagoo) but not at smaller establishments. Tipping is 5-10% at restaurants if service is not included (check for a service charge on the bill). Round up taxi fares to the nearest EUR 5. For beach club sun lounger attendants, tip EUR 5-10 if they provide good service throughout the day. Daily budget estimates per person: budget EUR 80-120 (hostel or budget hotel, bus, taverna meals, one beach club drink), mid-range EUR 200-350 (4-star hotel, mix of tavernas and restaurants, loungers, nightlife), luxury EUR 500+ (5-star hotel, Nammos/Scorpios, fine dining, private transfers).
Mykonos Travel Tips: Practical Information
Tap Water and Drinking
Tap water on Mykonos is desalinated seawater and technically safe to drink, but most locals and regular visitors stick to bottled water due to the taste. A 1.5-litre bottle costs EUR 0.50 at supermarkets and EUR 2-3 at beach bars. Ice at established restaurants and bars is made from filtered water and is safe. At smaller family tavernas in Ano Mera, the ice and water may come from the tap, so ask if concerned.
Safety and Police
Mykonos has a low violent crime rate. The main safety concern is petty theft: phone snatching from beach loungers and bag theft at crowded bars. Do not leave phones or wallets unattended on beach loungers while swimming. Use the hotel safe for passports and extra cash. The police station is on the road between the Old Port and the New Port (Tourlos), open 24/7, phone +30 2289 022235. The public hospital (Mykonos Health Centre) is 1 km from town on the road to Ano Mera, phone +30 2289 023998. For serious emergencies, patients are airlifted to Athens. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Dress Codes and Etiquette
Beach clubs and upscale restaurants enforce dress codes after 19:00 (no swimwear, no flip-flops at Scorpios or Nammos for dinner). For Mykonos Town in the evening, smart casual is the norm: linen shirts, dresses, closed shoes for men at higher-end bars. When visiting churches and monasteries (Panagia Paraportiani, Panagia Tourliani), cover shoulders and knees regardless of gender. Topless sunbathing is common and accepted on all beaches. Nudity is tolerated at the far ends of Elia Beach, Paradise Beach, and Super Paradise Beach. Public drunkenness in town is generally tolerated in the nightlife areas but avoid it in residential neighbourhoods and on public buses.
Suggested Hotels in Mykonos
Cavo Tagoo Mykonos
Luxury cliffside hotel carved into the rock above the old port with an infinity pool and 40-metre aquarium bar. Rooms feature private plunge pools and views across to Delos. Best for honeymooners and couples who want five-star luxury within walking distance of Chora. Check rates and availability
Yiannaki Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Ornos with a large saltwater pool, mountain and sea views, and free parking. A 5-minute walk from Ornos Beach and the bus stop for Mykonos Town. Best for couples and families seeking good value near a family-friendly beach. Check rates and availability
Sofia Village
Family-run Cycladic-style hotel 400 metres uphill from Mykonos Town with a pool and terrace overlooking the Aegean. Clean rooms with fridge, kettle, and sea views. Best for budget-conscious travellers who want walking access to town without the noise of the centre. Check rates and availability
