Rafina port is the second busiest passenger port in Athens and, for many travellers, the smartest way to reach the Cyclades. It sits on the east coast of Attica, about 25 km by road from Athens Airport, so you can step off a plane and onto a ferry without going anywhere near the city. Ferries from Rafina serve Andros, Tinos and Mykonos all year, with busy summer routes to Paros, Naxos, Ios and Santorini. Compared with the vast port of Piraeus, Rafina is small, relaxed and easy to find your way around. This guide covers how to get to Rafina port, the ferries that leave from it, journey times and tips for catching your boat.
Rafina port at a glance
Rafina is the Athens port closest to the airport, with the fastest ferries to Andros, Tinos and Mykonos.
- Location: east coast of Attica, about 30 km from central Athens
- From Athens Airport: KTEL bus for 4 euros, or a taxi of about 20 to 30 minutes
- From central Athens: KTEL bus from Pedion Areos, about 1 hour
- Ferry companies: Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries and Seajets
- Arrive: 30 to 45 minutes before your ferry, as the port is compact
Where Is Rafina Port?
Rafina is a seaside town on the east coast of Attica, facing the island of Evia. It is about 30 km east of central Athens and about 25 km by road from Athens Airport, a drive of 20 to 30 minutes. The port lies right at the foot of the town, with cafés, bakeries and fish tavernas lining the harbour. Unlike Piraeus, everything is within a few minutes’ walk, so there is no need for a shuttle bus between gates.
Because it faces north east, Rafina catches the full force of the summer meltemi wind. On very windy days, high speed ferries from Rafina are sometimes cancelled while the bigger conventional ferries still sail, so keep an eye on the forecast.
How to Get to Rafina Port
Airport bus
- KTEL Attikis
- From outside Arrivals
- Cash to the driver
- Best straight off a flight
Bus from Athens
- From Pedion Areos
- About 1 hour
- Frequent in the day
- Best from the city centre
Taxi
- From Athens Airport
- 20 to 30 minutes
- Higher fare after midnight
- Best for early ferries
Car
- Close to the airport
- No parking on the quay
- Car ferries to all routes
- Best if you take your car
Athens Airport to Rafina Port
The KTEL Attikis bus to Rafina leaves from outside the Arrivals level at Athens Airport, at exit 5. The fare is 4 euros, paid in cash to the driver, and children under 6 travel free. The first bus leaves the airport at about 04:35 and the last at about 22:20, with departures roughly every hour for most of the day. The journey usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic and stops. A taxi takes 20 to 30 minutes and costs roughly 40 to 55 euros, depending on the time of day.
| Option | Journey time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTEL bus | 30 minutes to 1 hour | 4 euros | From exit 5 at Arrivals, about 04:35 to 22:20 |
| Taxi | 20 to 30 minutes | About 40 to 55 euros | Night fare between midnight and 05:00 |
| Private transfer | 20 to 30 minutes | From about 45 euros | Book ahead for very early ferries |
Central Athens to Rafina Port
KTEL buses to Rafina leave from Mavromateon Street, next to the Pedion tou Areos park, about a 10 minute walk from Victoria metro station on Line 1. Buses run from early morning until late evening, often every 15 to 45 minutes, and the journey takes about 1 hour. Tickets cost under 3 euros. Some Rafina buses also stop at Nomismatokopio on Metro Line 3, which can be handy if you are staying near Syntagma.
Driving and Parking at Rafina
There is no free parking on the quay, but there are paid municipal car parks within walking distance of the ferries. The streets around the harbour get very busy on summer weekends, when Athenians head for Andros and Tinos, so leave extra time to find a space.
Ferries From Rafina to the Cyclades
Three companies run ferries from Rafina: Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries and Seajets. Andros, Tinos and Mykonos have sailings all year. The routes further south, to Ios and Santorini, are mainly seasonal, running from roughly April to October.
| Rafina to | Fastest ferry | Slower ferry | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andros | About 50 minutes | Up to 2 hours | All year, several a day |
| Tinos | About 2 hours | 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours | All year |
| Mykonos | About 1 hour 50 minutes | 4 hours 20 to 4 hours 30 minutes | All year |
| Paros | About 3 hours 15 minutes | Up to 6 hours 45 minutes | Busiest in summer, up to 7 a day |
| Naxos | About 4 hours 15 minutes | Up to 5 hours 50 minutes | At least daily from June to September |
| Ios | About 4 hours 20 minutes | About 5 hours | Summer, about once a day |
| Santorini | About 5 hours 20 minutes | Up to 9 hours 30 minutes | Roughly April to October |
Ferries from Rafina also run to Koufonisia and Milos on some summer schedules, and a local ferry crosses to Marmari on the island of Evia. For the western Cyclades, such as Sifnos, Serifos and Milos, Piraeus has far more sailings.
Rafina to Andros Ferry
Andros is the main reason many Greeks use Rafina. It is the lifeline between the island and the mainland, with several sailings a day all year to Gavrio, the port of Andros. The fastest boats take about 50 minutes and conventional ferries up to 2 hours. Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries and Seajets all run the route, so there is plenty of choice. See our Andros and Rafina ferry guide and how to get to Andros.
Rafina to Mykonos and Tinos
For Mykonos and Tinos, Rafina is usually quicker than Piraeus. High speed ferries reach Tinos in about 2 hours and Mykonos in as little as 1 hour 50 minutes, compared with around 2 hours 40 minutes from Piraeus. If you land at Athens Airport in the morning, you can often be on Mykonos by the afternoon.
Rafina or Piraeus?
| Rafina | Piraeus | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Athens Airport | About 25 km, 20 to 30 minutes by car | On the far side of Athens, about 1 hour by metro |
| Size | Small and easy to walk around | Huge, with gates spread over 3 km |
| Best for | Andros, Tinos, Mykonos | Western Cyclades, Santorini, Ios, Folegandros, Amorgos |
| Sailings | Fewer, and some routes are seasonal | The most choice, all year |
| Wind | More exposed to the meltemi | More sheltered |
Facilities at Rafina Port
| Facility | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Ticket offices | Ferry company and travel agency offices around the harbour, though most tickets are now sent to your phone |
| Waiting area | A passenger waiting area at the port |
| Food and drink | Cafés, a bakery and fish tavernas all around the harbour |
| Luggage storage | Luggage storage is available at the port |
| Parking | Paid municipal car parks nearby, no free parking on the quay |
| Taxis | Available 24 hours |
Staying in Rafina
Rafina is a pleasant, lived in seaside town rather than a tourist resort, and staying the night before an early ferry is a good idea, especially if your flight lands late. There are several hotels on or just above the harbour, and the tavernas on the waterfront are known for fresh fish. Kokkino Limanaki, a small beach below red cliffs just north of the port, is a nice spot for a swim while you wait.
Tips for Catching a Ferry at Rafina
- Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early. The port is compact, and boarding usually opens 20 to 30 minutes before departure. Allow longer if you are taking a car.
- Check the airport bus timetable. Departures change by season and there are fewer late at night, so plan your ferry around the bus or book a taxi.
- Watch the wind forecast. Rafina is exposed to the meltemi, and high speed ferries can be cancelled on very windy days.
- Carry some cash. The airport bus fare is paid in cash to the driver.
- Consider staying over. A night in Rafina after a late flight means a calm walk to the ferry in the morning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rafina Port
Where is Rafina port?
Rafina port is on the east coast of Attica, about 30 km east of central Athens and about 25 km by road from Athens Airport.
How do I get from Athens Airport to Rafina port?
Take the KTEL Attikis bus from exit 5 on the Arrivals level. It costs 4 euros, paid in cash, and usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. A taxi takes 20 to 30 minutes and costs roughly 40 to 55 euros.
How do I get from central Athens to Rafina?
KTEL buses leave from Mavromateon Street by Pedion tou Areos park, about 10 minutes on foot from Victoria metro station. The journey takes about 1 hour and costs under 3 euros.
Which islands can I reach from Rafina port?
Rafina has ferries to Andros, Tinos and Mykonos all year, plus summer sailings to Paros, Naxos, Ios, Santorini and sometimes Koufonisia and Milos.
How long is the ferry from Rafina to Andros?
The fastest ferries take about 50 minutes and conventional ferries up to 2 hours. There are several sailings a day all year.
How long is the ferry from Rafina to Mykonos?
High speed ferries take as little as 1 hour 50 minutes, and conventional ferries about 4 hours 20 to 4 hours 30 minutes.
Is Rafina or Piraeus better for Mykonos?
Rafina is usually better if you are coming from Athens Airport, as it is much closer and the ferries are a little quicker. Piraeus has more sailings and is easier to reach from central Athens.
How early should I arrive at Rafina port?
Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your ferry leaves. Rafina is small and boarding usually opens 20 to 30 minutes before departure. Allow longer if you are taking a car.
Is there parking at Rafina port?
There is no free parking on the quay, but there are paid municipal car parks within walking distance of the ferries.
Are ferries from Rafina cancelled in strong wind?
Sometimes. Rafina is exposed to the summer meltemi wind, and high speed ferries can be cancelled on very windy days while larger ferries often still sail.
Which ferry companies sail from Rafina?
Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries and Seajets run the ferries from Rafina to the Cyclades.
Is there anything to do in Rafina while I wait?
Yes. The harbour is lined with cafés and fish tavernas, and Kokkino Limanaki, a small beach below red cliffs just north of the port, is good for a swim.
Final Thoughts
Rafina is the easy option. It is close to the airport, simple to find your way around and the quickest port for Andros, Tinos and Mykonos. Just check the airport bus times, keep an eye on the wind and arrive half an hour early. If your island is in the western or southern Cyclades, Piraeus port will usually have more sailings, and our guide to travelling from Athens to the Cyclades compares every option.
