Mykonos has a deceptively awkward transport situation. The island is small - roughly 14km across - but the road network is winding, parking in Mykonos Town is essentially nonexistent, and bus service to the beaches is unreliable in practice. The combination of ATV hire and water taxis solves most of it. Prices listed here are approximate as of 2026.
Guided Tours and Island Excursions
| Tour | Duration | Price (from) | Group Size | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mykonos Full-Island Tour by Minibus | 4 hrs | from €40/person | Up to 20 | Ano Mera village, Panagia Tourliani Monastery, windmills, panoramic stops |
| Mykonos Windmills and Little Venice Walking Tour | 2 hrs | from €20/person | Up to 15 | Old Town lanes, windmill views, Little Venice, local history |
| Private Jeep Island Tour | 5 hrs | from €90/person | Up to 6 | Off-road access to east coast beaches, Delos views, photo stops |
| Mykonos Town and Delos Combo Day Tour | 8 hrs | from €75/person | Small group | Old Town walk, Delos ferry, site guide, Rhenia swim stop |
| Quad and ATV Guided Adventure Tour | 3 hrs | from €50/person | Small group | Guided ATV circuit of south coast beaches and viewpoints |
Browse all Mykonos guided tours and island excursions → GetYourGuide
Understanding Mykonos’s Layout
Mykonos Town (Hora) sits on the west coast and is the main hub for accommodation, dining, and nightlife. The airport is 3.5km to the south-east; the New Port (Tourlos, where most large ferries dock) is 2km north.
The main beaches run along the southern coast: Ornos, Platis Gialos, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia, stretching from west to east. Kalafatis and Lia are at the far eastern end. Agios Ioannis and Kapari are on the western coast, closer to town.
The interior of the island is largely farmland and hills with few visitor sites. Almost all activity concentrates in Mykonos Town and the southern beach strip.
KTEL Buses
KTEL Mykonos runs bus services from two main stops in Mykonos Town: Fabrika (southern stop, near the windmills) and the Old Port (northern stop).
Routes from Fabrika reach: Ornos, Platis Gialos, Paradise Beach, Paraga, Elia, Kalafatis, and the airport. Routes from the Old Port reach: Agios Stefanos, Ano Mera village, and Kalo Livadi beach.
The catch: in peak season (July–August), buses fill quickly and do not always run to the timetable. Services to Paradise Beach in particular are irregular and crowded. Super Paradise Beach has no direct bus service - you board at Paradise and walk, or use a water taxi. Waiting 45 minutes for a bus that arrives already full is a common summer experience.
For a reliable schedule check: visit the KTEL Mykonos website or ask at the bus stops in Mykonos Town. Fares are low - typically €1.80–2.50 per route as of 2026.
ATV and Scooter Hire
ATV and scooter rental is the most practical transport solution for most visitors, particularly those visiting multiple beaches in a day.
- ATV (2-person quad): approximately €35–50/day as of 2026
- Scooter (50cc): approximately €20–30/day
- Scooter (125cc): approximately €30–40/day
Most rental shops are in Mykonos Town, with additional outlets near Platis Gialos. You will need a valid driving licence; motorcycles require the appropriate licence category (check your licence covers the engine size). Prices drop significantly in shoulder season (May–June, September–October).
Important: Mykonos Town is largely pedestrianised. You cannot drive an ATV through the Kastro and alleyway areas of the town. Park outside the pedestrian zone and walk in - the main ATV and scooter drop-off areas are on the approach roads to town.
Roads between beaches on the southern coast are paved and manageable. The road to Kalafatis and eastern beaches is narrow in sections; drive slowly and give way on blind bends.
Water Taxis (Caïques)
Water taxis are the most enjoyable way to travel between beaches on the southern coast. Fixed-price caïques depart from Platis Gialos beach and stop at Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia.
- Cost: approximately €5–10 per person per leg as of 2026 (displayed at the Platis Gialos dock)
- Running hours: approximately 10am to 6pm in season, weather dependent
- No booking required: turn up at the Platis Gialos dock and take the next available boat
To reach Platis Gialos from Mykonos Town: bus from Fabrika (frequent), ATV, or taxi (approximately €8–12). Once at Platis Gialos, the water taxi system replaces the need for road transport to the further beaches.
Water taxis also run from the Old Port to Platis Gialos and to some beaches directly - ask at the port for current services.
Taxis
Taxis in Mykonos are limited and heavily oversubscribed in summer. The main taxi rank is in Mykonos Town at Matogianni Street junction.
Standard fares as of 2026:
- Mykonos Town to Platis Gialos: approximately €8–12
- Mykonos Town to Paradise Beach: approximately €10–15
- Mykonos Town to airport: approximately €10–15
- Mykonos Town to New Port (Tourlos): approximately €8–10
Pre-booking via your hotel is strongly recommended for airport and port transfers. Hailing a taxi in central Mykonos in peak season can mean a 30–60 minute wait.
Renting a Car
Car hire is an option but has significant limitations on Mykonos:
- Parking in Mykonos Town is effectively impossible - you will park outside and walk
- The road network is narrow; meeting oncoming traffic on single-track lanes is frequent
- Cost starts at approximately €50–70/day for a small car as of 2026
A hire car makes sense for families with young children (where carrying beach equipment on a scooter is impractical) or for day trips to Ano Mera village and the eastern beaches in a single loop. For most visitors, ATV plus water taxi covers more ground more easily.
Getting to/from New Port and Old Port
New Port (Tourlos): Large Blue Star and Minoan Lines ferries dock here. A regular bus connects the port to Mykonos Town (Fabrika stop) - approximately 10 minutes, €1.80 as of 2026. Taxis are available at the port exit.
Old Port: SeaJets and smaller fast ferries dock at the Old Port, which is walking distance from Mykonos Town centre (5–10 minutes along the waterfront).
Ferry to Delos: The daily ferry to Delos departs from the Old Port. See our day trips from Mykonos guide for timings and prices.
Airport Transfers
Mykonos International Airport is 3.5km from Mykonos Town. Options:
- Bus: from Fabrika stop, runs to coincide with some flight arrivals, approximately €1.80
- Taxi: approximately €10–15 as of 2026 (pre-book for early morning flights)
- Transfer: many hotels offer private airport transfers - confirm cost when booking
For the full island guide, see Mykonos travel guide. For accommodation across Mykonos Town, Ornos, and the beach areas, see where to stay in Mykonos.
See Also
- Mykonos Travel Guide - island overview, neighbourhoods, and getting there
- Things to Do in Mykonos - windmills, Little Venice, beaches, and nightlife
- Best Beaches in Mykonos - Paradise, Platis Gialos, Super Paradise, and Elia
- Day Trips from Mykonos - Delos UNESCO site, Rhenia, and Naxos ferry
- Where to Stay in Mykonos - Mykonos Town vs Ornos vs beach areas
- Mykonos Nightlife Guide - clubs, beach bars, and the Little Venice scene