Old port, archaelogical museum - bus and taxi station

The cluster of transport services near Mykonos Old Port is the practical starting point for almost every journey on the island. Ferries dock at the Old Port, buses depart from the adjacent KTEL station to 13 destinations across Mykonos, and taxis queue nearby — all within a short walk of each other in Mykonos Town. The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos sits just steps from this hub, making the area simultaneously the island's logistical core and one of its more overlooked cultural stops.

With 38 years of operation and a fleet of 31 buses, the KTEL Mykonos service (reachable at +30 2289 026797 or [email protected]) is the backbone of public transport on the island. Whether you've just stepped off a ferry and need to reach Platis Gialos, or you're heading from Mykonos Town to Ano Mera and Kalafatis on the far side of the island, this is where you start. The official bus schedule and real-time destination information are published at mykonosbus.com.

Understanding how this hub works saves significant time, especially in July and August when the port area is at its most congested. The Old Port, the bus station, and the taxi rank each occupy a slightly different position along the waterfront and its immediate back streets, so knowing which direction to walk when you arrive makes a real difference.

What to Expect

The Old Port waterfront is a working harbor. Ferries from Piraeus, Rafina, and other Cyclades islands dock here, and the quay handles both foot passengers and vehicles. The atmosphere is functional rather than scenic — mooring lines, luggage trolleys, and arriving crowds are the dominant features during peak ferry hours.

The KTEL bus station is positioned close to the port, with clearly signed stops for departing routes. Buses run to an extensive list of destinations: Super Paradise, Paradise, Platis Gialos, Agios Ioannis, Paraga, Kalo Livadi, the New Port (Tourlos), Kalafatis, Ano Mera, Agios Stefanos, Panormos, and Elia, among others. The frequency of service increases significantly in summer, but popular routes — particularly those serving Paradise and Super Paradise beaches — fill up fast in the afternoon.

Taxis at Mykonos are notorious for limited availability during summer. The taxi rank near the Old Port is the main pickup point in Mykonos Town, but demand consistently outstrips supply on busy evenings. Fares are metered and follow official Greek taxi tariffs.

The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos stands just inland from the port, a neoclassical building housing finds from Rheneia and Delos, including the famous 7th-century BC storage jar (pithos) with relief scenes from the Trojan War. It is one of the few genuinely quiet places in this otherwise hectic corner of town.

How to Get There

From the ferry terminal at the Old Port, the bus station is a short walk — under five minutes on foot along the waterfront. The taxi rank is in the same immediate area. If you arrive at the New Port (Tourlos), roughly 2 km north of Mykonos Town, a dedicated KTEL bus connects to the Old Port area; taxis are also available there.

By car from inland Mykonos, follow signs toward Mykonos Town (Chora). Parking near the Old Port is extremely limited in summer, and the central town is pedestrianized. Using the bus from your accommodation is strongly recommended rather than driving into the port area during peak season.

The Archaeological Museum is signposted from the waterfront road and is walkable from both the port and the main Chora streets.

Best Time to Visit

For transport purposes, timing matters considerably. Ferry arrivals in the mid-morning and early afternoon create the busiest periods at the bus station and taxi rank. If you are connecting from a ferry to a beach, arriving on an early morning ferry gives you the best chance of a seat on the bus without a long wait.

The KTEL buses run throughout the day in summer, with reduced schedules in spring and autumn and minimal service in winter. Check the current timetable at mykonosbus.com before planning a day trip to the far eastern beaches like Kalafatis or Elia, as return buses can be infrequent in the late afternoon.

For the Archaeological Museum, visiting in the morning — before the town heats up and before the cruise ship crowds arrive — makes for a more comfortable experience. The museum is typically less crowded than the port itself, even in high season.

Mid-September through October is the most manageable time to use this hub: ferries still run frequently, buses maintain a reasonable summer-adjacent schedule, and the taxi situation is considerably less fraught than in August.

Tips for Visiting

• Download or bookmark the KTEL timetable before you travel. The official schedule at mykonosbus.com is updated each season and is the only reliable source for departure times. Routes and frequencies change between spring, summer, and winter schedules.
• Carry exact change for the bus. Drivers sell tickets on board, but having the correct fare speeds things up considerably when buses are full.
• For taxis, book in advance for evening travel. The Old Port taxi rank is the main stand in Mykonos Town, but supply is limited after 10pm. Many visitors use the mykonos taxi app or call ahead through their hotel concierge.
• The Old Port and New Port (Tourlos) are different locations. Some ferry companies, particularly high-speed services, dock at the New Port. Confirm your arrival dock when you book your ferry ticket.
• Allow buffer time when connecting ferry arrivals to onward buses. Greek ferry schedules are approximate, and a late arrival can mean a missed bus departure.
• The Archaeological Museum is free or low-cost for EU citizens under 25. Admission is modest and the visit takes 30–45 minutes — a useful way to spend time while waiting for a ferry or bus.
• Luggage storage is not guaranteed at the bus station; check in advance with your accommodation or look for dedicated luggage storage services in Mykonos Town if you need to store bags before an onward ferry.
• Bus routes to Super Paradise and Paradise beaches are among the most heavily used. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons in July and August, standing room on these services is common — arriving at the stop early helps.

Practical Information

KTEL Mykonos Bus Service

• Website: mykonosbus.com
• Phone: +30 2289 026797
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: facebook.com/mykonosbus
• Fleet: 31 buses; 38 years in operation

Destinations served by KTEL from Old Port area: Super Paradise, Paradise, Platis Gialos, Agios Ioannis, Paraga, Old Port, Kalo Livadi, New Port (Tourlos), Kalafatis, Ano Mera, Agios Stefanos, Panormos, Elia.

Archaeological Museum of Mykonos Located just inland from the Old Port waterfront in Mykonos Town. Opening hours and admission prices are set by the Greek Ministry of Culture and may vary by season — verify current information before visiting.

Coordinates: 37.4511517, 25.3280434

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