Athens Airport (ATH) → Rafina port transfer
Rafina port is just 16 km from Athens Airport, about 28–35 minutes by road, and a private car usually costs around €35–45, a minivan around €50–65. The exact price is shown before you book.
- From
- Athens Airport (ATH)
- To
- Rafina port
- Distance
- 16 km
- Typical drive
- 28–35 min
Rafina is a small harbour town on the east coast of Attica. Its ferries run mostly to Andros, Tinos and Mykonos, with some fast boats continuing further into the Cyclades, which makes it a practical choice for travellers who want to reach an island soon after landing.
Why Rafina is the closest port to the airport
The airport and Rafina are both in eastern Attica, so the drive never enters the Athens basin. It runs east across the Mesogeia plain, past villages, vineyards and suburbs, and drops down to the coast at Rafina.
Because there is no city traffic on this route, the drive time stays fairly predictable through the day. In summer, roads near the harbour can still be busy just before the main morning sailings.
Arriving at the harbour
The town sits on a slope above the port, with fish tavernas along the waterfront. The harbour is compact compared with Piraeus, but several ships may be loading at the same time. Where exactly you are set down is agreed with the provider based on your ferry.
Have your tickets ready on your phone or printed. Ferries close boarding before departure, so plan to be at the quay well ahead of the sailing time.
Planning a Rafina connection
- Same-day ferry
- Thanks to the short drive, a sailing two to three hours after landing is often realistic. Leave more time if your flight comes from outside Schengen.
- Early sailings
- Some ferries leave in the morning. If you land late, a night in Rafina or a nearby coastal town keeps the next day simple.
- Island luggage
- Long stays on Tinos or Andros often mean bigger bags. Count suitcases when choosing between a car and a minivan.
- Groups
- Friends travelling to Mykonos together can share a minivan for up to about seven people.
Frequently asked questions
Which islands can I reach from Rafina?
The main route is to Andros, Tinos and Mykonos, and some fast ferries go on to other Cyclades islands in summer. Your ticket shows the departure port, so check it says Rafina.
Is Rafina quicker than Piraeus for Mykonos?
From the airport the drive is much shorter, about half an hour instead of around an hour. Sailing times differ by ship, so compare the ferry schedules before choosing.
Does the drive use the motorway?
Most of the drive runs on regional roads across the Mesogeia plain rather than through Athens. It is one of the shortest transfers from the airport.
Can the driver wait if my ferry is cancelled?
The booked ride ends at the port. If you need another transfer because of a cancelled sailing, you can book a new ride on hoteltaxi.com or via WhatsApp.
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