How to Get to Milos: The Quickest, Easiest & Cheapest Routes Explained
Milos is quickly becoming one of the most loved islands in Greece and honestly, I can see why. I first visited in 2021 and returned again in 2026, and I was relieved to find that the island still feels relatively unchanged compared to places like Santorini or Mykonos.
The thing that puts many travellers off visiting Milos is simply figuring out how to get there. Is it difficult? Does it take all day? Do you need to take a ferry?
Thankfully, getting to Milos is actually much easier than most people expect. The island even has its own airport, which many first-time visitors don’t realise.
In this guide, I’ll explain the easiest ways to get to Milos from Athens, the UK and nearby Greek islands like Santorini, Paros and Crete. I’ve also included up-to-date summer 2026 ferry routes, flight times, prices and my honest recommendations after visiting the island myself.
Quick Answer: The Easiest Ways to Get to Milos
- Does Milos have an airport?
Yes — Milos has a small domestic airport with daily flights from Athens. - Fastest way to get to Milos:
Fly from Athens to Milos Airport (around 40 minutes). - Cheapest way to get to Milos:
Take a ferry from Athens (Piraeus Port), especially if booking in advance. - Best option for island hopping:
Take a ferry from nearby islands like Santorini or Paros. - How long is the ferry from Athens to Milos?
Depending on the ferry, journeys usually take between 2.5 and 7 hours. - Can you fly directly to Milos from the UK?
No — there are no direct international flights
Start Planning Your Greek Island Hopping Trip 
Below is everything you need to plan your trip to Greece, from where to go, how to structure your route, and how to get around.
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Where is Milos?
Milos is a volcanic island located in the Cyclades, a group of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. It sits southwest of islands like Paros and Mykonos, and just northwest of Santorini.
Despite becoming increasingly popular on social media thanks to its beautiful beaches and bright blue water, Milos still feels quieter and less developed than many of Greece’s more famous islands.
Because of its location, many travellers assume Milos is difficult to reach, but it's very accessible. The island has a domestic airport and regular ferry connections from Athens and nearby Cycladic islands including Santorini, Paros, Mykonos, Sifnos and Crete.
Can You Fly to Milos?
Flights from Athens to Milos
Most people don't realise that you can fly from Athens to Milos in just 40 minutes and there are multiple flights a day, making connections possible from all over Europe and further.
That being said, of course I couldn't make any of the flights work from the UK on the way out (coming back was fine!), so instead I flew to Santorini and took the ferry.
The planes carry up to 50 passengers, and whilst it's not the most common way of getting to the island, I advise booking early in the summer months. Flights are operated by Olympic Air and Sky Express and usually cost between £60–£120 depending on the season and how early you book (before baggage).
Sky Express tends to be slightly more expensive than Olympic Air.
Milos Airport is tiny, I remember when I first landed there... there's no passport control etc and there was only one baggage carousel!
Can You Fly Directly to Milos From the UK?
No, you cannot fly directly to Milos from the UK, you must connect in Athens. In order to do this, you will have to get an early flight out of the UK, not a lunchtime or afternoon one.
The last flight from Athens to Milos in summer is 7:30pm, and Greece is two hours ahead of the UK. You need atleast 2.5 hours to change in Athens Airport as you will need to pick your luggage up and re check it.
If you want my honest opinion, it is better to fly into Santorini and take the ferry if you're coming from the UK, I'll get to that down below!
Is Flying to Milos Worth It?
Honestly, if you are flying long haul then yes, I think flying into Milos is worth it.
It is a very small, no fuss airport and very quick to get through. When you have taken a long flight to Athens the last thing you want to do is leave the airport, get into a taxi, drive to the port, wait for a ferry and then get on the ferry.
It's much easier if you are transiting through Athens Airport to just connect to the 40 minute flight to Milos, especially if you can book your journey all on one ticket (not possible from the UK unless you find an Aegean Airways flight).
However, if you want to save money, then the ferry will most likely be cheaper as there are no baggage or seat costs.
If you are embarking on a wider Greek island hopping itinerary then you might find it easier to fly into Mykonos or Santorini.
Taking the Ferry to Milos
Ferry From Athens to Milos
During the height of summer there are between 4 to 7 sailings daily from Athens to Milos, they all depart from Piraeus Port.
The fastest ferry is with Seajets at just 2 hours and 30 minutes, this departs daily at 9am, costing just under £70 per person (€80/$94).
The slowest and cheapest ferry is with Fast Ferries (oh the irony!), which takes 5 hours 50 minutes, costing £36 (€41/$48).
If your flight gets into Athens late then no worries, there is a late ferry at 10pm with Anek Lines, taking 4 hrs and 35 minutes at a cost of £37 (€42/$50).
How to get from Athens Airport to Piraeus Port
The easiest way to get to Piraeus from Athens Airport is of course by taxi (Uber is readily available here) which takes an hour during the day, longer if you are travelling in peak traffic.
There is a 24 hour bus (the X96) from Athens Airpot to Piraeus which takes 1-1.5 hours, departing every 30-40 minutes. You can buy your tickets on the bus itself, or from the kiosk. The bus is the cheapest way to get to Piraeus Port at just €6 (kids under 6 are free).
Lastly, there is the subway, but there are no designated luggage spaces so if you are carrying a lot, this might not be for you. You need to take the Blue Line 3 which departs every 36 minutes, from 06:10 am to 11:34 pm, to Piraeus Station. Tickets cost €9 (children under 6 are free) and it takes 58 minutes.
Athens to Milos: Ferry vs Flight
Ferry | Flight | |
|---|---|---|
| Journey Time | 2.5–7 hours depending on route | Around 40 minutes |
| Typical Price | €40–€90 | €50–€150 |
| Best For | Island hopping & budget travel | Short trips & convenience |
| Departure Point | Piraeus Port, Athens | Athens International Airport |
| Luggage | More generous baggage allowance | Stricter baggage limits |
| Most Stressful Part | Boarding chaos, delays & rough seas | Airport security/check-in |
| Cheapest Option | Slow ferries from Athens | Usually more expensive in summer |
| Fastest Option | Fast ferry (still 2.5+ hrs) | Flight (40 minutes) |
| Easiest Option | Better for multi-island itineraries | Best for simplicity & speed |
| Best for Island Hopping | Ferry | Ferry |
How to Get to Milos From Other Greek Islands
The Cyclades are perfect for island hopping as there are so many ferry connections, and luckily Milos is nicely connected into the main routes.
Santorini to Milos
There is one direct ferry per day from Santorini to Milos in the height of summer, this is with Seajets and costs £86.52 (€100/$116), departing at 14:25 and arriving at 16:20 (1 hour 55 minutes).
On a Wednesday there is an extra sailing, with Fast Ferries, that takes 5 hours. This departs Santorini at 19:30 and is much slower, taking 5 hours. However, it is much cheaper at just £14 (€16/$18.50)
Paros to Milos
There are two direct ferries per day from Paros to Milos in the height of summer, this is with Seajets both costing £80 (€92/$107). The first departs at 10:10am and the second at 12pm (taking 1 hr 50 minutes and 1 hr 45 minutes).
If you want a cheaper ferry, there are two a week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays with Hellenic Seaways, costing just £10.60 (€12/$14). This ferry leaves at 9:05am and takes 5 hrs 25 minutes.
Mykonos to Milos
There is one direct ferry per day from Mykonos to Milos in the height of summer, this is with Seajets and costs £96 (€110/$129), departing at 17:10 and arriving at 19:55 (2 hrs 45 minutes).
Crete to Milos
There are just 2 days a week with sailings from Crete to Milos, on Sundays and Mondays, most ferries depart Heraklion but there is one weekly service from Chania on a Sunday.
Sunday is the best day to travel with 3 sailings. The best option in my opinion is the 9:30am sailing with Minoan Lines, taking 4 hrs 20 minutes, costing £52 (€60/$70).
The cheapest option, which happens to be the fastest, is the 22:00 sailing from Chania costing £37 (€42/$50).
What to Expect When you Arrive into Milos
The main port for Milos is in Adamas, this is also the largest town on the island and a popular place to stay.
The port is very small and less stressful than Santorini, Mykonos and Paros. The road opposite is lined with tour offices, car rentals, and small restaurants.
Meanwhile, the airport feels much more rural and is located further inland, I recommend pre-booking a transfer to your accommodation on arrival or pre-booking a car hire. I highly recommend Avance Car Rental, I have used them twice now in Milos and both time has been a great experience.
Compare car rental costs here.
Tip if you arrive by ferry:
If possible, I recommend you arrive during the day. The car hires mostly close at 10pm so if you are on a ferry that gets in at 1am you have no choice but to stay in Adamas - there are not many taxis around at this time
How to Get Around Milos
Should you hire a car in Milos?
Once in Milos I recommend hiring a car or an ATV, both are popular choices.
The roads here are dusty so if you choose an ATV, I recommend packing a scarf to cover your mouth and sunglasses to cover your eyes.
I have driven both times, as mentioned I hired a car from Avance, picking up in Pollonia and dropping off at Adamas Port.
The main roads are fine although as of June 2026 there are some roadworks meaning some stretches of roads are bumpy. Expect potholes!
The smaller roads are bumpier and more dusty with rogue rocks lying around. It never caused me a problem but you do need to be cautious.
No matter where you drive on there island there are many sharp corners you need to be wary of. I do not recommend driving in Plaka as the roads are extremely narrow (yes, I scraped my wing mirror AGAIN). I stayed in accommodation on the edge of Plaka and the roads were narrow so you often have to reverse to let people past. Parking was tight which caused stress but having the freedom of a car was worth it.
Cars vs ATVs
I know the idea of riding an ATV car free around one the Greece's most beautiful islands sounds wonderful and romantic, but honestly? I think it's hugely overrated.
Firstly, if you are of Northern European descent, you will burn to a crisp. The Greek sun is HOT and often underestimated, especially when it's breezy. The amount of tourists I saw that resembled a lobster was quite staggering.
Secondly, if you have luggage, you need a car, or you need transfers. There is no way of attaching big suitcases to the ATVs.
Thirdly, the dust. Oh boy is Milos dusty! You will step off that ATV feeling filthy.
And lastly? It's quite frankly dangerous. I know, I know, I am a bore! But if you get into an accident you can be seriously hurt or worse.
The benefits of an ATV are being able to nip around traffic jams easier, getting into tighter places, the narrow streets are easier to get through, and the larger wheels cope with the bumpy roads well.
Can you Get Around Milos by Bus?
Milos has a pretty decent bus service that a lot of people use. You can reach the well known spots like Fyroplaka Beach, Sarakiniko, Mandrakia, Plaka etc, but you won't be able to go everywhere.
The bus is your best option if you cannot drive or just don't feel comfortable doing so, taxis are expensive and best avoided.
If your main goal is flexibility and to get to harder to reach places, then you really need to rent a car or ATV.
The bus system is easy to use, bus stops are well marked and there is a flat fee of €2 per trip which you pay on disembarkation. For the full bus schedule please click here, it changes every few weeks as it transitions from the shoulder season into summer.
By mid-June to mid-August the bus schedule really ramps up, running regular services to all the main points in the island.
Bus fares must be paid in cash directly to the driver, don't expect change so bring the right amunt to avoid overpaying.
Final Thoughts on Getting to Milos
Although Milos can look far away on a map, getting there is much easier than most people expect.
Whether you choose to fly from Athens or take the ferry through the Cyclades, both journeys are very manageable once you understand the timings and logistics.
Personally, I think the best route depends entirely on your wider trip. If you are travelling long haul or visiting Greece for a shorter amount of time, flying into Milos is by far the easiest and least stressful option.
However, if you are island hopping through Greece, the ferry is part of the experience and a much more flexible (and often cheaper) way to travel.
Whichever route you take, Milos is absolutely worth the effort and became one of my favourite islands in the Mediterranean.
I hope this guide helped make planning your trip a little easier, and I hope to see you back in Greece next summer!
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to Milos
1. What is the best way to get to Milos?
The best way to get to Milos depends on your trip. If you are travelling long haul or visiting Greece for a shorter trip, flying from Athens to Milos is the easiest and least stressful option as the flight only takes around 40 minutes. However, if you are island hopping through the Cyclades, taking the ferry is often cheaper, more flexible and part of the experience.
2. What airport do you fly into for Milos?
You fly into Milos National Airport (MLO), a small domestic airport located centrally on the island. There are no direct international flights to Milos, so most travellers connect through Athens Airport before taking a short domestic flight to the island.
3. Is it better to ferry or fly from Athens to Milos?
Flying from Athens to Milos is faster and more convenient than the ferry, especially after a long international flight. The flight takes around 40 minutes, while ferries take between 2.5 to almost 6 hours depending on which service you choose. However, ferries are usually cheaper and better suited to travellers island hopping around Greece.
4. How long is the ferry ride from Athens to Milos?
The fastest ferry from Athens (Piraeus Port) to Milos takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes with Seajets. Slower ferries can take between 4.5 to almost 6 hours depending on the route and ferry company.
5. Can you fly directly to Milos from the UK?
No, there are currently no direct flights from the UK to Milos. If you want to fly to Milos you will need to connect via Athens Airport before taking a domestic flight to the island. Many travellers from the UK instead choose to fly directly to Santorini or Mykonos and take the ferry to Milos.
6. How long is the ferry from Santorini to Milos?
The ferry from Santorini to Milos usually takes between 2 and 3 hours depending on the ferry company and route. Santorini is one of the easiest islands to connect from if you are planning a wider Cyclades itinerary.
7. How much does the ferry from Athens to Milos cost?
Ferry prices from Athens to Milos vary depending on the company and speed of the ferry. In summer, tickets usually cost between €41 and €80 per person. Faster ferries such as Seajets are more expensive, while slower ferries are cheaper.
8. Should you hire a car in Milos?
Yes, I highly recommend hiring a car in Milos if possible. Although there are buses on the island, many of Milos’ best beaches and quieter areas are easier to reach by car or ATV. The roads can be dusty and narrow in places, especially around villages like Plaka, but having the freedom to explore the island is worth it.
About the author
Hannah has been travelling the world for the last 10 years but after a trip to Greece in 2019 with her sister, she can't stop going back. Whilst the Cyclades are her most visited island, she now travels to Greece every summer to find somewhere new.
Hannah loves all things pink so the summer bougainvillea that shades the Greek streets means she has her camera in her hands 24/7.
Hannah dreams of spending 6 months travelling through the Greek islands but hasn't done so yet because of her dog, Baxter, who wouldn't like the summer heat. So that's a dream for the future!
Hannah has set her sights on a number of Greek islands, mostly the Ionian Islands of which she would love to explore further. What keeps bringing her back? Aside from its beauty she loves the people, the food, and of course one of her favourite movies is Mamma Mia.
Where next? This summer she is heading back to Santorini, Milos and Paros, but has added in the tiny island of Kimolos!
