Mykonos is a small island (about 85 square kilometres) but getting around it efficiently requires some planning. The bus network covers the main beaches and costs under 2 EUR per ride, water taxis connect the south coast beaches for 20 EUR per day, taxis exist but are scarce and expensive, and ATV/car rentals give you the most freedom. Here's what actually works.
In this guide
The first thing to understand: Mykonos Town (Chora) is pedestrian-only in the centre, so no matter how you travel around the island, you'll end up walking the final stretch. That's fine -- the town is compact and walkable. The challenge is getting between the town and the beaches, the port, the airport, and the villages.
Public Buses (KTEL)
The bus is the cheapest and most reliable way to get around Mykonos. Two main stations serve the island:
Fabrika Station (south buses): Serves Ornos, Platis Gialos, Psarou, Paradise, and the south coast beaches.
Old Port Station (north buses): Serves Tourlos (New Port), Ano Mera, Kalafatis, Elia, and Panormos.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Fare | About 1.80 EUR per ride |
| Frequency (summer) | Every 30 minutes on main routes |
| Frequency (winter) | Reduced, weather-dependent |
| Operating hours (summer) | From about 07:00 to midnight (some routes later) |
| Popular routes | Fabrika to Paradise, Fabrika to Platis Gialos, Old Port to Elia |
Strengths
- Cheap (under 2 EUR per ride)
- Reliable and frequent on main routes in summer
- No parking stress
- Runs late on party beach routes (Paradise) in July-August
Weaknesses
- Doesn't serve every beach (no service to Agios Sostis, Fokos, Agrari, Armenistis Lighthouse)
- Can be very crowded in peak season
- Infrequent on some routes (Panormos: every 2 hours)
- Last bus timing matters -- miss it and you need a taxi
The bus from Fabrika to Platis Gialos is the workhorse of the Mykonos transport system. It runs every 30 minutes, costs almost nothing, and connects you to the water taxi for the rest of the south coast. Learn this route and you'll never need a taxi for beach days.
Water Taxis
The water taxis are one of the best-kept transport secrets on Mykonos. Small boats shuttle passengers from Platis Gialos to beaches further east along the south coast.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Departure point | Platis Gialos (concrete jetty) |
| Destinations | Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, Elia |
| Day pass | 20 EUR (unlimited hops, mid-May to mid-October) |
| Individual trips | Available at lower prices |
| Season | Mid-May to mid-October |
Why it's brilliant: For 20 EUR, you can beach-hop along the entire south coast all day. No buses, no parking, no taxis. Take the bus from town to Platis Gialos (1.80 EUR), then the water taxi handles the rest.
Port Sea Bus
A bus-boat service connects the New Port (Tourlos) with the Old Port (edge of Chora). Essential if you're arriving by ferry, as the New Port is about 2 km from town.
Book your ferry tickets in advance at Ferryscanner.
Taxis
Mykonos taxis are expensive and scarce. During peak season, the demand far exceeds supply.
| Route | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Airport to Mykonos Town | 25-35 EUR |
| Town to south coast beach | 10-20 EUR |
| Cross-island evening transfer | 40-60 EUR |
The Taxi Problem
There are a limited number of licensed taxis on the island. In July-August, getting a taxi at popular times (sunset, late night) can involve long waits. The main taxi rank is at Fabrika Square. You can also call for one, but during peak hours, everyone else is calling too.
Tips: - Book taxis in advance for airport/port transfers - Don't rely on taxis for getting home from beaches -- use the bus - Late-night taxis after clubs are almost impossible to find in August - Some hotels arrange transfers -- ask
ATV / Scooter Rental
The most popular rental option on Mykonos. ATVs (quad bikes) give you freedom to reach beaches the bus doesn't serve and to explore at your own pace.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| ATV rental | From about 15-25 EUR per day |
| Scooter rental | From about 15-20 EUR per day |
| Car rental | From about 35-50 EUR per day |
| Licence requirement | Varies -- check with the rental company |
| Insurance | Essential -- check coverage carefully |
Strengths
- Freedom to go anywhere (Agios Sostis, Fokos, Armenistis Lighthouse)
- Cheaper than taxis over multiple days
- Easy to park (smaller than cars)
- Fun way to explore
Weaknesses
- The roads can be narrow and busy in summer
- Wind can make scooter riding uncomfortable
- Parking at popular beaches is still limited
- Accidents happen -- wear a helmet, drive carefully
I'd recommend an ATV for at least one day of your trip. Take it to the north coast -- Panormos, Agios Sostis, the lighthouse -- where the bus service is poor. Use the bus for south coast beach days.
Car Rental
A car makes sense if you're travelling as a family or group, staying outside of town, or planning to cover the entire island. But be aware:
- Parking in Mykonos Town is extremely limited. You'll park outside the centre and walk in.
- Beach parking fills up by 10:00 in summer. Popular beaches like Paradise and Platis Gialos have small car parks.
- The roads are narrow and you'll share them with ATVs, scooters, buses, and pedestrians.
A car is most useful if your hotel is outside of walking distance from the bus routes.
Walking
Mykonos Town is entirely walkable. The main town is compact -- you can cross it in 15-20 minutes. The walk from the Old Port to the New Port takes about 25 minutes along the waterfront.
Beyond town, walking is feasible for short distances: - Town to Ornos: About 40 minutes on foot - Platis Gialos to Psarou: About 15-20 minutes - Elia to Agrari: About 10-15 minutes (coastal path)
Transport Summary
| Getting From/To | Best Option | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airport to town | Taxi or bus | 25-35 EUR taxi, 1.80 EUR bus |
| New Port to town | Port Sea Bus or taxi | Low / 10-15 EUR |
| Town to south coast beaches | Bus + water taxi | 1.80 EUR bus + 20 EUR water taxi day pass |
| Town to north coast beaches | ATV or scooter | Rental cost |
| Town to Ano Mera | Bus | 1.80 EUR |
| Beach to beach (south coast) | Water taxi | 20 EUR day pass |
| Late night from clubs | Taxi (if you can find one) | 20-40 EUR |
Getting around Mykonos: buses (1.80 EUR per ride) cover main beaches, water taxis (20 EUR day pass) connect the south coast, taxis are expensive and scarce, and ATVs (from 15 EUR/day) give the most freedom. Use buses for south coast, ATVs for north coast.
Planning more adventures on the island? Browse our complete guide to the best day trips from Mykonos.
Last updated:
