How to Get From Athens to Milos: A Local’s Guide for 2025

Milos boasts more than 70 beautiful beaches and a stunning volcanic landscape that makes it one of the most beautiful spots in the Aegean. After many trips, I have found several ways to reach Milos from Athens that work well for different travelers.

You can take a ferry that costs between $45 to $110. The trip takes anywhere from 2 hours and 40 minutes to 7 hours and 10 minutes. A quicker option is flying, which costs $70 to $240 and takes just 2 hours and 22 minutes. The journey is simple to plan, and during summer you'll find at least 4 daily ferry crossings from Piraeus port.

Let me show you all the ways to get from Athens to Milos in this piece. You'll learn about the ferries, flights, costs, and schedules that will help you plan your Greek island trip perfectly.

Ferry Options from Athens to Milos

The scenic routes through the Cyclades islands make the Athens to Milos ferry one of the best ways to travel. Most boats leave from Piraeus Port and give you a unique Greek island-hopping experience with beautiful Aegean views.

High-speed vs. conventional ferries

You'll need to make a big decision about your ferry type. High-speed boats complete the trip in just 2.5-3.5 hours and come with numbered airplane-style seats. All the same, these smaller vessels might face delays in strong winds, and you can't access the outdoor decks.

Regular ferries take 4-8 hours but come with several perks. You can enjoy outdoor deck seating with amazing sea views, better stability in rough seas, and more space for vehicles. On top of that, they cost less and work better if you get seasick easily.

Ferry companies and schedules

The Athens-Milos route has four main operators: SeaJets, Minoan Lines, Aegean Sea Lines, and Fast Ferries. Summer brings up to 7 daily departures, with boats leaving Piraeus from 07:00 until 22:30. Winter service drops to 1-2 daily trips.

Note that Piraeus isn't your only option—Lavrio port runs weekly services, though fewer people choose it because of the longer 15-hour trip.

How long is the ferry from Athens to Milos

Your trip time really depends on the boat type and weather. The quickest high-speed ferries cover the 84 nautical mile (155 km) distance in about 2 hours and 35 minutes. Regular boats usually take 4 to 8 hours, and overnight options can stretch to 15 hours.

Ticket prices and booking tips

Expect to pay between €20 for basic seats on regular ferries and €89.70 for premium spots on fast boats. Your final price depends on the season, boat type, seat class, and whether you're bringing a vehicle.

Book your tickets 2-3 months ahead to avoid hassles, especially in summer. Most companies now send e-tickets with QR codes you can show on your phone. Get to the port 30-45 minutes early—Piraeus is huge, and finding your gate (usually E6, E7, or E9) takes time.

Taking your vehicle? Motorcycles cost about €30-€80, while cars run between €63-€83, depending on which company you choose.

Flying from Athens to Milos

Flying to this volcanic paradise takes less than an hour and offers a convenient alternative to sea travel. The ferry provides scenic views, but air travel gets you to Milos quickly.

Airlines serving the Athens-Milos route

Three carriers currently operate flights between Athens International Airport (ATH) and Milos Airport (MLO):

Olympic Air (owned by Aegean Airlines): We used turboprop aircraft to operate 6 nonstop flights weekly
Sky Express: Provides 7 nonstop flights weekly, operating every day of the week
Aegean Airlines: Partners with Olympic Air for some connections

These airlines combine to offer about 56 flights weekly during peak season, giving travelers multiple daily options.

Flight duration and frequency

A quick 40-41 minute flight connects Athens to Milos. The actual trip takes longer due to airport procedures. Flights start at 07:20, with the last takeoff at 19:05.

The 2025 schedule includes:

13 weekly nonstop flights
3 flights daily on average
Extra flights during summer months

Flying vs ferry - making the right choice

Flying costs more usually, but it makes sense in several situations:

The 40-minute flight beats the fastest ferry trip that takes 2.5 hours. International travelers landing at Athens Airport can fly straight to Milos instead of going to Piraeus port.

Flights start at €48 one-way during off-peak months, which competes well with high-speed ferry prices. May offers the cheapest flights, while summer fares go above €100.

Flying works better if you get seasick or travel in winter. Ferry cancelations happen often during cold months, so planes give you reliable connections.

Milos Airport's location just 5km from Adamas port makes it easy to reach your accommodation after landing.

Navigating Athens' Ports and Airports

Getting from Athens to Milos needs some planning. You'll need to decide between a ferry or flight and find the best way to reach your departure point.

Getting to Piraeus Port from Athens city center

Greece's largest port Piraeus sits approximately 10-12km southwest of Athens city center. This port serves as your main gateway to Milos. Here are the most reliable ways to get there:

Metro: The green line (Line 1) takes you from central Athens to Piraeus quickly. Trains leave every 10-15 minutes from stations like Monastiraki and Omonia. A 20-minute ride costs just €1.40. This is the best way to avoid traffic.
Taxi: A ride costs €25-30 from central Athens and takes 30-35 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis work best when you have lots of luggage.
Bus: You can catch routes 040 (from Syntagma) and 049 (from Omonia) to Piraeus, but traffic can slow things down.

Note that Piraeus is huge. Give yourself extra time to find your departure gate (usually E6, E7, or E9).

Athens Airport to Milos connections

The new direct metro blue Line 3 connects the airport straight to Piraeus. This 60-minute trip costs €10.

Bus X96 runs all day and night between the airport and Piraeus. It leaves every 20-30 minutes, takes about 60 minutes, and tickets cost €6.

Flying to Milos? Olympic Air and Sky Express run direct 40-minute flights from Athens Airport.

Seasonal considerations for departure points

Ferry schedules change a lot throughout the year. Summer months (June-September) see up to 7 daily departures. Winter brings fewer options with just 1-2 daily connections.

A weekly conventional ferry also runs from Lavrio port near Athens Airport. The trip takes much longer (about 15 hours) but might work well if you're staying close to the airport.

Summer travelers should book transportation early. Flights and ferries fill up fast during peak season.

Arriving in Milos: Transportation and Logistics

The volcanic beauty of Milos awaits you, but getting around this Cycladic gem needs some planning. This Greek island has its own set of transport quirks that make it different from its larger siblings.

Getting around Milos without a car

Public busses are your cheapest way to explore Milos. A ride costs just €1.8 no matter where you go. The central bus station at Adamas port connects you to Triovasalos, Plaka, Trypiti, Pollonia, and many popular beaches. The service has its limits though - busses run less often outside summer, and you'll find few options early morning or late evening.

Budget travelers who stay in Adamas or Pollonia can walk around these towns easily. Your feet might be enough if you plan to stick to main villages and don't need much beach-hopping.

Car rental options and driving tips

You'll need your own wheels to truly experience the island. Daily car rentals cost about €50-60. Companies like Matha Rent and Europcar will meet you at the airport or port. Small cars work best on Milos's narrow roads.

ATVs are a fun option that costs around €30 per day. These machines let you tackle dirt roads and reach hidden beaches. Just remember - you need an international driving license to rent a motorcycle.

Driving here is pretty simple with light traffic. The roads are easier to handle than on busier Greek islands, but watch out for ATVs and scooters.

From Milos port to popular accommodations

Taxis wait at Adamas port for short trips, and they'll only set you back €4-6. Many rental car companies will bring your vehicle right to where you're staying.

Adamas or Pollonia make great bases if you're using public transport. Adamas works best for shorter trips since it's close to the port and sits right in the middle of everything.

Special transfer services run between the port/airport and main hotels. These services help you avoid the hassle of handling luggage on public transport, especially for early or late flights.

Conclusion

Athens offers several reliable ways to reach Milos that suit different travel styles and priorities. Ferries give you scenic routes with flexible schedules, while flights remain the fastest way to begin your island adventure.

My travel on this route over the last several years has taught me a valuable lesson - summer visitors need to book transportation ahead of time. Peak season fills up both ferries and flights fast. Standard ferries take longer but prove more reliable in rough weather and give better value to budget-conscious travelers.

Your choice between Piraeus port and Athens airport as departure points will affect your total travel time and ease by a lot. Milos's local transportation needs careful planning to help you explore its 70+ beaches and unique volcanic terrain.

A quick flight or scenic ferry ride leads to Milos's extraordinary beauty and charm. This complete guide lets you plan your trip with confidence to one of Greece's most captivating spots.

FAQs

Q1. What's the fastest way to travel from Athens to Milos?
The fastest way is by air, with flights taking about 40 minutes. However, ferries are more popular and offer scenic views, with high-speed options completing the journey in about 2.5-3.5 hours.

Q2. How much does it cost to get from Athens to Milos?
Costs vary depending on the mode of transport. Ferry tickets range from €20 for economy seats to around €90 for premium seats. Flights start from €48 one-way in off-peak months but can exceed €100 during summer.

Q3. Is it necessary to book transportation in advance?
Yes, especially during peak summer months (June-September). Both ferries and flights can sell out quickly, so it's recommended to book 2-3 months in advance for smooth travel plans.

Q4. What are the options for getting around Milos?
Public busses are the most economical option, with fares at €1.8 per ride. However, renting a car (€50-60 per day) or ATV (€30 per day) provides more flexibility for exploring the island, especially for reaching remote beaches.

Q5. How long should I plan to stay in Milos?
While you can see some highlights in 2-3 days, a stay of 4-5 days allows for a more relaxed exploration of Milos' 70+ beaches, unique volcanic landscapes, and charming villages without feeling rushed.