The Ultimate Getting Around Mykonos Guide | Island Travel Made Easy
Key Takeaways
- Getting around Mykonos can be done through a variety of transportation options, including bus, walking, rental (bicycle or scooter), taxi, and boat.
- The bus stands out as an affordable and convenient choice, with 17 stations covering various towns and attractions, providing a hassle-free way to explore Mykonos.
- Walking is recommended for exploring Chora or Mykonos Town, where car-free streets offer a charming and immersive experience.
- Renting a scooter or bicycle proves to be an easy and flexible means to navigate the picturesque island of Mykonos.
One of the most popular Greek islands is Mykonos, for the beautiful Aegean waters, bustling nightlife, and gorgeous beaches.
So, it’s no surprise that many travelers arrive via ferry at the island's port or by airplane at Mykonos International Airport (JMK) annually.
This can make traveling around Mykonos a bit challenging, as transportation costs can skyrocket if you’re unprepared. Fear not, as we’ll help you discover that getting around Mykonos isn’t all doom and gloom.
So keep reading, and we’ll do all the work!
Mykonos Transport Summed Up
There are numerous ways to get around Mykonos; however, we’d strongly advise against renting a car.
Not only are they expensive to rent, but parking is a pain, as the island’s hub is car-free. But don’t worry, as there are many other ways to get around.
Here are the five main options:
- By bus
- On foot
- By rental (bicycle or scooter)
- By taxi
- By boat
Enough chit-chat. Let’s get into the best ways to get around Mykonos.
Getting Around Mykonos Via Bus
One of the best methods to get around Mykonos is via bus.
This is because there are 17 different bus stations across the island, passing through many towns and attractions, with locations including some of Mykonos’ best beaches, Mykonos airport, Mykonos Old Port ferry quay, and smaller villages.
As a result, you can arrive at your hotel from Mykonos International Airport without a hassle. Even on a bus, Mykonos is a magical place, so gaze out of the window the Cycladic beauty ahead!
What’s more, buses are an affordable option, as you can purchase multi-day passes or daily passes.
The bus fare costs between $1 and $3, depending on the distance traveled. How’s that for a convenient odyssey?
It’s also fantastic for those looking for a flexible way to travel around the island, as Mykonos Bus offers bus routes from 7:15 AM to 10:15 PM, depending on the route.
Staying close to a bus station, especially if you have no means of transport, can be a lifesaver on the Greek islands!
Getting Around Mykonos on Foot
The best way to get around Chora or Mykonos Town is by walking, as they have car-free streets. Moreover, it’s a charming way to explore and familiarize yourself with the area.
Don’t worry if the twisting streets start to disorientate you, as friendly locals are more than willing to assist you. Just make sure to say efcharistó in response to their kindness.
That said, venturing forth into other parts of the island will be significantly more challenging. While the island is small, it will still be a Herculean task to walk to Mykonos’ other coasts.
Getting Around Mykonos Via Taxi
If you need a private way to get around Mykonos without needing to lug a suitcase on foot, we recommend catching a taxi.
These taxis are a great alternative to driving, especially if you want to venture to Mykonos’ less-frequented spots, such as Ornos, Ano Mera, Kalafati, or Psarrou.
Taxis will be one of the more expensive options for moving around the island, as they use a flat rate. And with peak summer in Greece, catching a cab might be challenging as you’ll have to wait in line.
If this isn’t an issue, this might be the ideal travel option. Before we forget, there’s no Uber on Mykonos, much to our dismay.
Getting Around Mykonos Via a Rental
Another popular way to get around Mykonos is by hiring a scooter, a bicycle from a car rental service.
Why? Because it’s an easy way to get around both Chora and the rest of this fabulous Cycladic Island.
Mykonos has a relatively flat terrain, making it easy and ideal for cycling. It’s also perfect for those looking for an affordable-meets-flexible option. While a bike rental is cheaper, renting a scooter isn’t far behind.
Scooters or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) have the ability to access Mykonos’ more remote villages and beaches, making it the best method for explorers. That said, with bumpy roads and inexperienced drivers, it can be risky.
Lastly, renting a scooter will cost around 20 - 40$ per day, making it a reasonable way to get around.
This exploration of the island, however, can be done only if you hold an international driver's license that will allow you to rent and drive a vehicle, and of course, not in areas where motor vehicles are banned, such as the tiny alleys of Mykonos Town.
Getting Around Mykonos Via Boat
Last but certainly not least, getting around Mykonos via a water taxi (or sea bus) is the most exciting way to travel.
Water taxis are definitely an exhilarating way to get around the island as you sail across the gorgeous Aegean Sea to multiple beaches, like Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia, and have the sea breeze blow your problems away.
Boats depart from Ornos or Platis Gialos, with them leaving every hour. Departures from Platis Gialos start at 10:20 AM and end at 4:20 PM. In comparison, departures from Ornos occur hourly from 10 AM until 4 PM.
Lastly, Mykonos Sea Transfer offers return trips from the island’s southern beaches from 12:45 AM until 6:15 PM. An all-day, all-beach pass costs $22 per person, but that’s nothing for a fun-filled beach day!
Final Thoughts on Mykonos Transportation
Now that you know how to get around Mykonos, what’s the delay? This island’s crystal-clear azure waters and white sand beaches are waiting. Now, all that’s left is to buy a plane ticket.
Okay, there’s more than just that, but luckily, we know all the best places to stay in Mykonos and the best restaurants in Mykonos.
The only guarantee we can’t provide is whether or not you’ll want to leave this gorgeous destination!