Santorini (Thira)
Heraklion
Ferries to Crete
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Open tickets are valid for up to 12 months from booking date (see ticket conditions).

Open Ticket?

Open tickets are valid for up to 12 months from booking date (see ticket conditions).

Trip Details
Outbound
Round Trip

Ferry from Santorini to Heraklion (Crete)

The Santorini to Crete ferry route is provided by 5 operators and runs all year round. The ferry crossing from Santorini to Crete is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes on ferries servicing this route. Santorini to Crete ferry duration can range between 1 hour 45 minutes and 6 hours 20 minutes depending on the operator you are sailing with.

Santorini to Crete Ferry Schedule

There are 29 weekly sailings from Santorini to Heraklion. SeaJets provide up to 14 weekly sailings, Golden Star Ferries provide up to 7 weekly sailings, Anek Lines provide 1 weekly sailing, while Minoan Lines and
Cyclades Fast Ferries
each provide up to 3 weekly sailings. Please note that ferry timetables often increase during the high season.


Santorini to Crete Ferry Time

The first ferry departs Santorini at around 01:00 and the last ferry departs at around 17:30. Ferry schedules can vary by operator and season.

Overnight Ferries from Santorini to Crete

There are ferries that sail overnight from Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion. The first overnight sailing from Santorini (Thira) usually departs at 01:00.

High Speed Ferry Santorini to Crete

The fastest ferry from Santorini to Crete is with SeaJets in 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Is there an overnight ferry from Santorini to Heraklion?

There are ferries that sail overnight from Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion. The first overnight sailing from Santorini (Thira) usually departs at 01:00.

Can I reserve a cabin on the Santorini to Heraklion ferry?

Yes, there are cabins available on the ferry from Santorini to Crete with Anek Lines, Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets and Minoan Lines. There is a range of onboard accommodation including 4 berth cabins with a bathroom and shower.

Are pets allowed on the Santorini Crete ferry?

Yes, pets are allowed on the ferry from Santorini to Heraklion with SeaJets. They provide pet friendly cabins with enough room for 2 pets weighing up to 30 kilograms combined. Dogs must be muzzled and remain on a leash when walking around the ship. Please also ensure that your pet has been fully vaccinated and you have a valid pet passport upon boarding.

How much luggage can I bring on the ferry from Santorini to Crete?

Those travelling with SeaJets and Blue Star Ferries can take a maximum of 50 kilograms of luggage per passenger at no extra cost. Those travelling with Minoan Lines can take 2 pieces of luggage and a bag.

Santorini to Crete Ferry Price

Ferry price from Thira – Heraklion can range between $171 and $434 depending on the operator, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle. The average price of a foot passenger is $211, prices can range between $171 and $424. The average price with a car is $477. Car prices can range between $239 and $823. Prices may vary for other vehicle types. All ferry prices can vary from season to season.

Prices subject to change, pricing representative of searches over last 30 days.

Ferry Ride from Santorini to Crete Cheap Tickets

Find cheap ferry tickets using our deal finder. We recommend that you book in advance for the best possible prices and availability. Please visit our special offers page to stay updated with all the latest discounts on the ferry to Heraklion.

How to get from Santorini to Heraklion

The best way to get from Santorini to Heraklion is by ferry. With up to 5 sailings per day, you are bound to find a suitable ferry crossing to suit your needs. However, there are alternative routes to explore if you require additional flexibility including the Mykonos to Crete ferry.

Can you travel in first class on the Santorini to Heraklion ferry?

First class is available on ferries from Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion with Anek Lines, Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries, Minoan Lines and SeaJets.

Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion Ferry Alternatives

For more information, please visit our Ferries from Cyclades Islands to Crete page.
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Santorini (Thira) - Crete (Heraklion) Route summary
Departure Country Greece
Destination Country Greece
No. of Operators 5
Operators Anek Lines, Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries, Minoan Lines & SeaJets
Average Price $177*
Average Daily Sailings 2
Average Weekly Sailings 14
Average Sailing Duration 1h 52m
Fastest Sailing Duration 1h 40m
First Ferry 01:00
Last Ferry 17:00
Distance 59 nautical miles

* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 2023-08-01.

Most popular questions

  • How long is the ferry from Thira to Heraklion?

    The typical crossing time for ferries from Thira to Heraklion is approximately 3h 07m. However, please keep in mind that sailing duration might change depending on what season you choose to travel.
  • How much is the ferry from Thira to Heraklion?

    The average price of a ferry from Thira to Heraklion is approximately $188. However, please remember that the price of a ferry from Thira to Heraklion can differ depending on the season. Price exclusive of booking fees.
  • Which ferry companies operate between Thira to Heraklion?

    There are currently 5 popular ferry operators travelling from Thira to Heraklion. The following operators that provide this service are
    • Blue Star Ferries
    • Anek Lines
    • SeaJets
    • Minoan Lines
    • Cyclades Fast Ferries
  • How can I book ferry tickets from Thira to Heraklion?

    Ferries from Thira to Heraklion are available for booking through our deal finder. Please also visit our offers page to stay updated with all the latest ferry offers on this route.
  • How far is Heraklion from Thira?

    Thira to Heraklion is approximately 59 nautical miles distance apart.

Santorini Heraklion Port Guide

Santorini Port Guide

More commonly known as Athinios, the Thira ferry port is situated 8km from Santorini’s capital town of Fira and is easily accessible by car and public transport. There is a regular bus service departing from Fira and Oia, which run in conjunction with the ferry timetable. If you want a faster alternative, we suggest booking a private transfer service like Welcome Pickups. In the meantime, please visit our accommodation page for all the cheapest prices on hotels near Athinios.

How to get from Santorini to Crete

The most convenient way of travelling from Santorini to Crete is by ferry. There are 2 ferry routes which operate between these two popular holiday destinations including the Santorini to Heraklion ferry and the Santorini to Sitia ferry. Both are available for booking throughout the year and are operated by 5 ferry companies.

Heraklion Port Guide

The Greek city of Heraklion is the capital and largest city on the island of Crete. A popular visitor attraction near the city is Knossos, which is around 5 km from Heraklion. This significant archaeological site was the Palace of King Minos and home to the Minotaur, if legend is to be believed.

Visitors to Heraklion can take a ferry from the port to a number of destinations across Greece including Santorini, Ios, Paros, Mykonos and Rhodes. There are also daily sailings to the mainland port of Athens.

The ferry terminal building a range of modern facilities including a payphone, an air-conditioned lounge, hot and cold vending machines and public toilets. There is also wheelchair access throughout the terminal as well as parking spaces available on site.


How to get to Heraklion port

As Heraklion is a rather small city, walking is the easiest way to get around if you do not have a lot of luggage. However, passengers can get a KTEL bus from most places in Crete to Heraklion port including Chania and Rethymnon, which arrive at Heraklion Bus Station A, located only 6 minutes from the port.

Santorini to Crete Day Trip

You can take a day trip from Santorini to Crete by ferry. Ferries operate from as early as 01:00 on this route. Simply take an early ferry and arrive at Heraklion in 1 hour and 40 minutes. You can even bring their cars on this ferry service, making it easier to explore the whole island at your leisure. However, please note that only 1 vehicle is allowed per booking.


Thira to Heraklion Ferry Timetables

Timetables between 3/25/2024 and 3/31/2024


Operator Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Sailing Days
Blue Star Ferries 00:50 04:00 3 hours 10 minutes Fri
Blue Star Ferries 00:50 05:15 4 hours 25 minutes Sun
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