Home » Layover Guide » Mykonos Island Layover Guide (JMK)

Mykonos Island Layover Guide (JMK)

What are you looking for in JMK?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Mykonos Island Airport (JMK) is a regional airport located on the island of Mykonos, Greece. It’s situated about 4 km (2.5 miles) from Mykonos Town (Chora). The airport officially opened in 1971. Mykonos is one of the most famous Greek islands, celebrated for its vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, and charming Cycladic architecture. The island attracts thousands of visitors each year, especially during the summer months, making it a top Mediterranean destination.

Can you leave Mykonos Island Airport (JMK) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Visitors can leave Mykonos Airport (JMK) during a layover but must pass Schengen border control. Entry rules depend on nationality: visa-exempt citizens enter visa-free; nationals from visa-required countries need a short-stay Schengen visa in advance. Ensure sufficient transit time, valid passport and documents, and check requirements. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Mykonos Town Wander narrow whitewashed alleys adorned with vibrant bougainvillaea, luxury boutiques, and traditional cafέs. Experience lively atmosphere, charming architecture, and immersive Cycladic culture while sampling local delicacies and striking seaside vistas. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi 10 minutes or public bus to Old Port)
• Windmills & Little Venice Admire iconic 16th-century windmills overlooking azure sea, then stroll to Little Venice’s cliffside taverns. Sip cocktails as waves lap below pastel balconies during enchanting golden-hour sunsets for unforgettable photo opportunities. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi 10 minutes or bus to Chora + walk)
• Panagia Paraportiani Visit the famed asymmetrical chapel complex blending four chapels into one stunning structure. Marvel at crisp white facades against cobalt sky capturing quintessential Cycladic architectural artistry and serene spiritual ambiance. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: Bus to Chora + short walk or taxi 10 minutes)
• Delos Day Trip Take a quick ferry to UNESCO-listed Delos island and explore ancient Greek ruins, marble statues, and sacred sanctuaries. Learn about mythological heritage in open-air archaeological park with expert guide narration. (Time required: 3 hours / Airport to here: Taxi 10 minutes to Old Port or bus to Chora + port)
• Paradise Beach Relax on golden sands at vibrant Paradise Beach, renowned for crystal-clear turquoise waters and energetic beach bars playing lively music. Swim, sunbathe, and join festive pool parties under Mediterranean sun. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi 15 minutes or airport bus)
• Ano Mera Village & Monastery Discover tranquil Ano Mera’s charming square, traditional tavernas, and 16th-century Panagia Tourliani Monastery featuring exquisite marble iconostasis and serene courtyard atmosphere ideal for sampling regional cuisine and cultural immersion experience. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi 12 minutes or bus)
• Armenistis Lighthouse Journey to Armenistis Lighthouse for panoramic views over Aegean Sea and surrounding islets. Capture breathtaking photographs of crashing waves against rocky promontories at sunset. Enjoy peaceful coastal ambience and solitude. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi 20 minutes or scooter rental)
• Archaeological Museum Explore Mykonos Archaeological Museum’s extensive collection of pottery, sculptures, and artifacts spanning prehistoric to Roman periods. Must-see for history enthusiasts, interactive exhibits enrich experience, offering unique insights into Mediterranean past. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi 10 minutes or bus to Chora + walk)

Things to Do in Mykonos Island Airport (JMK)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Your Mykonian Luxury Lounge by Goldair Handling is airside on the 1st floor past security near Gate 4. Open daily from 08:00–22:00 (closed mid-Oct to mid-May), it features Greek-inspired cold dishes, snacks, premium drinks, Wi-Fi, satellite TV and business facilities. Maximum stay is two hours; children under six enter free. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
A range of hotels lies within a 0.5 km radius of JMK. Options include Andronikos Hotel, Adama Mykonos Boutique (free Wi-Fi and parking), Queen Boutique Suites and Aerostay Mykonos. Most offer airport shuttle, free cancellation and reviews rating above 8/10. Rates start around €150 per night in summer. view all or book an airport hotel online

.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Mykonos Airport terminal closes daily at 18:00 and reopens mid-morning; overnight stays are not permitted. There are no dedicated rest pods or nap zones inside. Travelers seeking uninterrupted sleep should book a nearby hotel with shuttle service rather than attempt to remain in the terminal after closing.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Connect to the “Fraport-Free” network, launch your browser and follow the welcome page prompts. No registration or purchase is required, and coverage extends to all departure and arrival areas for seamless browsing, messaging and streaming.

SIM/eSIM Card: Upon arrival, the “Connect Phone” kiosk in the arrivals hall sells prepaid SIM cards for Greece, Europe and other destinations. Alternatively, purchase eSIM plans online in advance from providers like Airalo, Jetpac or SimOptions to avoid airport markups; activation is via QR code and usually completes within minutes of landing. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: The official taxi rank is directly outside the terminal exit. Licensed taxis operate 24/7 on a metered basis; a ride to Mykonos Town (4 km) takes about 10 minutes and typically costs €15–20. During peak season, pre-booking is advised due to limited availability; tipping is optional.

Train: There is no rail network on Mykonos Island and no train service to or from JMK. The nearest railway stations are on mainland Greece (Athens). All transfers on Mykonos rely on taxis, buses, shuttles or private transfers and car rentals.

Bus: Seasonal transit buses (KTEL) operate hourly during summer from the airport to Mykonos Town (Chora) and select beaches. Tickets (€2 approx.) are purchased at the stop outside arrivals. Service usually runs from early morning until late evening. (more info)

Shuttle: Many hotels and private operators offer shuttle transfers between JMK and accommodations. Services can be complimentary or paid; schedules vary by provider. Book directly with your hotel or through transfer agencies in advance to guarantee pickup times and avoid waiting at the terminal.

Car rentals: Major car rental companies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Enterprise) have desks landside in the arrivals area. Vehicles are parked on the apron; allow extra time for transfer. Driving is the most flexible way to explore the island. Pre-book online to secure desired vehicle type and avoid high walk-in rates. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Public open-air parking is available opposite the terminal building. Parking is free of charge with no time limits, though spaces can fill quickly in peak season. Follow signs on arrival; security patrols the lot, but keep valuables out of sight.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no official airport lockers or storage facilities inside JMK. Travelers can use third-party services located at or near the airport—such as Drop & Go or Radical Storage—with hourly and daily rates (€5–€10/day). Reservations online are recommended to guarantee space. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Mykonos Island Airport (JMK) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks