Rafina Ferry Port Guide

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Rafina Port is Athens’ second ferry port, located 30km east of the city centre on the Attic coast, and serves as the main departure point for ferries to Andros, Tinos, and Mykonos.

Most travellers arriving in Athens head straight for Piraeus, the city’s main port, without realising that Rafina Port offers a faster and often cheaper route to these northern Cyclades islands. If your destination is Mykonos, Andros, or Tinos, departing from Rafina rather than Piraeus can save you significant time and money on ferry fares.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Rafina ferry port: how to get there from Athens, which islands it serves, what facilities are available, and how to book your tickets.

Where Is Rafina Port?

Rafina is a small coastal town in the Attica region of Greece, situated approximately 30km east of central Athens and around 10km from Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos). The port sits right at the centre of the town waterfront, surrounded by fish tavernas and cafes, and is easy to find on foot once you arrive in Rafina.

Because of its location close to the airport, Rafina Port is a practical choice for travellers who want to head directly to the islands without going into Athens first. The port also serves as the gateway to Andros, the closest Cycladic island, making it the default departure point for that route.

Rafina Port waiting area

Ferry Routes from Rafina Port

Rafina is one of the primary ferry ports in Athens for Cyclades connections. The ferry routes operating from Rafina port include:

  • Rafina to Andros — the shortest crossing from Rafina, typically under 2 hours. Andros is the closest Cycladic island to the mainland.
  • Rafina to Tinos — approximately 3 to 4 hours by conventional ferry, continuing from Andros.
  • Rafina to Mykonos — one of the busiest routes. The crossing takes around 2 to 4.5 hours depending on the vessel type.

The Rafina to Mykonos route is by far the most popular, especially for travellers flying into Athens airport who want a direct onward connection to the islands without going into the city.

Important: There is no Rafina to Santorini ferry or Rafina to Paros ferry. If you need to reach Santorini, Paros, Naxos, or other southern Cyclades islands, you need to depart from Piraeus port instead. Rafina only serves the northern Cyclades route: Andros, Tinos, and Mykonos.

You can check schedules and book tickets for all Rafina ferry routes using Ferryscanner, which compares all operators and shows real-time availability. It is also worth reading the site’s dedicated Ferryscanner guide for tips on getting the best fares.

The ferry port of Rafina in Athens, Greece

Getting to Rafina Port from Athens

There are three main ways to reach Rafina port from Athens: by bus, by taxi, or via a private transfer.

Bus from Athens to Rafina

The most affordable option is the KTEL bus from Mavrommateon Street in Athens. The KTEL Attika terminal is near Pedion tou Areos park in central Athens, close to Victoria Metro station.

  • Journey time: approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes depending on traffic
  • Buses run regularly throughout the day, with increased frequency in summer
  • Tickets are purchased on board and the fare is inexpensive
  • The bus drops passengers at the top of the port area, a short walk from the ticket offices and ferry boarding points

Allow extra time on this route during morning peak hours, as the road between Athens and Rafina can be congested.

Taxi from Athens to Rafina

A taxi from central Athens to Rafina port takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes depending on traffic, and costs in the region of EUR 50 to EUR 70. For a pre-booked, reliable transfer with fixed pricing, Welcome Taxis is a good option. They offer airport pickups as well, making the Athens airport to Rafina port journey straightforward to arrange in advance.

Taxis going to Rafina port in Athens

Getting to Rafina from Athens Airport

Athens airport is only around 10km from Rafina, making this the most convenient port for direct island connections if you have just landed. A taxi from the airport to Rafina port costs roughly EUR 25 to EUR 40. Welcome Taxis also covers airport-to-port transfers and is worth booking in advance during peak season to avoid delays.

There is no direct public bus between Athens airport and Rafina port, though some travellers take a local bus into central Rafina and walk down to the port.

Port Facilities at Rafina

Rafina is a working port with basic but functional facilities. Travellers can expect the following:

  • Ferry ticket offices located along the port front, selling tickets for all operators
  • A covered waiting area with seating inside the port terminal building
  • Cafes and snack kiosks near the boarding area
  • Toilets in the terminal building
  • Taxi rank at the top of the port
  • Fish tavernas and restaurants immediately surrounding the port for a meal before departure

Rafina is a compact port and easy to navigate. Unlike Piraeus, there are no metro connections, but the smaller scale means less confusion when locating your ferry.

Tips for Using Rafina Ferry Port

  • Arrive early. Aim to be at the port at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure, especially in summer when crossings are busy.
  • Book tickets in advance. Popular routes such as Rafina to Mykonos and the Rafina to Santorini ferry fill up quickly in July and August. Use Ferryscanner to compare routes and book early.
  • Check wind conditions. Rafina sits on the windward side of Attica. In high winds, departures can be delayed or cancelled. The Aegean is particularly choppy between July and September due to the Meltemi winds.
  • Day trips from Rafina Port. The waterfront is pleasant enough to spend an hour or two before your sailing, with several fish restaurants serving fresh seafood. It is not a destination in itself, but it is more relaxed than Piraeus.
  • Spending time in Athens. If you have time before your sailing, the port is well-placed for a quick connection from the airport — but if you have a full day, consider sightseeing in Athens before heading to the port later in the day.

Booking Your Ferry from Rafina

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices on the port front, but booking online in advance is strongly recommended during peak season. Ferryscanner is the most reliable comparison tool for Greek ferry routes, allowing you to see all available sailings from Rafina across operators, compare timings and prices, and book directly. You can also check the Andros to Mykonos ferry guide if you are island-hopping onward from Andros.

For accommodation on your destination island, use Booking for hotels and apartments. If you plan to hire a car on arrival, Discover Cars compares rental options across Greece. For guided tours and activities on the islands, Get Your Guide has a broad selection.

Other Greek Ferry Guides

If you are planning island-hopping beyond the Cyclades, the following guides cover other ferry routes and ports in Greece:

Frequently Asked Questions

What ferries go from Rafina port?

Ferries from Rafina port serve several Cycladic islands including Mykonos, Andros, Tinos, Paros, Naxos, and Santorini. Seasonal routes also connect to Syros, Ios, and Heraklion in Crete. The port is operated primarily by Golden Star Ferries and SeaJets, among other operators depending on the season.

How far is Rafina port from Athens?

Rafina port is approximately 30km east of central Athens by road, and around 10km from Athens International Airport. By bus from Mavrommateon Street the journey takes about 1 hour. By taxi it typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes depending on traffic.

How long is the ferry from Rafina to Mykonos?

The Rafina to Mykonos ferry crossing takes between 2 hours on high-speed vessels and approximately 4.5 hours on conventional ferries. Journey time varies by operator and vessel type.

Is Rafina or Piraeus better for ferries to Mykonos?

For Mykonos, Rafina is generally the better option. Rafina to Mykonos ferry fares are often cheaper than from Piraeus, and the crossing distance is shorter. Rafina is also much closer to Athens airport, making it the logical choice for travellers connecting directly from a flight.

How do I get from Athens airport to Rafina port?

Athens airport to Rafina port is approximately 10km. A taxi costs around EUR 25 to EUR 40 and takes 15 to 25 minutes. Pre-booking through Welcome Taxis is recommended during peak season. There is no direct public bus between the airport and the port.

Can I buy ferry tickets at Rafina port on the day?

Yes, ticket offices at the port sell tickets on the day of travel. However, during July and August popular routes such as Rafina to Mykonos and Rafina to Paros can sell out. Booking in advance via Ferryscanner is strongly advised if you are travelling in peak summer.