Heraklion - Athens (Piraeus)
Ferries to Athens
Heraklion - Athens (Piraeus)
Ferries to Athens
The Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) ferry route is provided by 2 ferry companies. The ferry crossing from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) is approximately 9 hours 15 minutes on most ferries servicing this route. Ferries between Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) cost around $55 and $582, depending on ticket details. Prices exclude any service fees. Ferry timetables change seasonally, use our Deal Finder to get live pricing and availability for ferries from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus).
The Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) ferry route is provided by 2 operators and is available for booking all year round. The ferry crossing from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) takes approximately 9 hours 15 minutes on ferries servicing this route. The ferry duration for the Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) ferry can range between 7 hours 25 minutes and 11 hours 5 minutes depending on the operator that you decide to travel with.
There are around 20 weekly sailings from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus).
Minoan Lines provide 1 sailing daily, 8 sailings weekly. SeaJets provide 1 sailing daily, 7 sailings weekly. Please keep in mind that ferry timetables often increase during the high season.
The first ferry leaves Heraklion Port at approximately 04:30 and the last ferry leaves at approximately 23:45. Ferry schedules can vary by operator and season.
The fastest ferry from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) is with SeaJets in 7 hours 25 minutes.
The fastest ferries from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) usually cost around $209.05.
There are overnight ferries from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus). The first overnight ferry departs the port of Heraklion at 21:00 and arrives in Athens at 06:15.
There are cabins available on ferries from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) with SeaJets and Minoan Lines.
The price of a cabin on the Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) ferry ranges from $39.16 and $944.28, with an average price of $232.13. Please note that prices may vary depending on the type of cabin you book.
Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) with Minoan Lines.
Yes, you can bring your car on the Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) ferry with Minoan Lines & SeaJets.
Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Heraklion Athens (Piraeus) ferry with Minoan Lines & SeaJets.
Passengers travelling with SeaJets can take a maximum of 50 kilograms of luggage per person at no additional cost. Please do not exceed this limit otherwise you may be forced to pay additional fees.
The price of a ferry from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) can vary between $55.03 and $582.02 depending on the operator, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle. The average price of a foot passenger is $130.48, with prices ranging from $33 and $220. The average price with a car is $380.23. Car prices can range from $105 to $460. All ferry prices can change from season to season. Please be aware that prices do not include booking fees. 1 February 2026
Find cheap ferry tickets using our deal finder. It is highly recommended that you book in advance to ensure yourself the best possible prices and availability on the Athens (Piraeus) ferry.
The cheapest tickets on the Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) ferry cost approximately $55.03. However, prices can reduce to as little as $39.13 in the winter.
First class is available on ferries from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) with SeaJets and Minoan Lines.
Unfortunately, you can't take a day trip from Heraklion to Athens by ferry due to the duration of the sailing. We recommend that you at least stay in Athens overnight to make your journey worthwhile.
Flying is the easiest and fastest way from Heraklion to Athens, with multiple daily flights taking 50 minutes. Ferries take 6–9 hours, with overnight options available. While flights are quicker, ferries are far more budget-friendly and scenic. They are also very convenient for those who wish to bring their car.
The best way to travel from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) is by ferry. With 3 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.
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| Heraklion - Athens (Piraeus) Ferry Route Summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Country | Crete | |
| Destination Country | Athens | |
| No. of Operators | 2 | |
| Operators | Minoan Lines & SeaJets | |
| Average Price | $209 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 3 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 20 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 9 h 15 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 7 h 25 m | |
| First Ferry | 04:30 | |
| Last Ferry | 23:45 | |
| Distance | 168 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 February 2026.
The Port of Heraklion is the largest ferry port on the island of Crete and one of the most important hubs for ferries from Crete to Athens and the Greek islands. Located on Crete’s north coast close to Heraklion city centre, the port offers frequent year-round ferry connections to Piraeus (Athens), as well as seasonal routes to Santorini, Mykonos and other Cyclades islands.
Heraklion Ferry Port handles both foot passengers and vehicles and is especially busy during the summer tourist season. Many sailings between Heraklion and Piraeus operate as overnight ferries with cabins and onboard facilities. Passengers are advised to arrive early to allow sufficient time for check-in, vehicle boarding and security procedures.
Address: Port of Heraklion, Leoforos Nearchou, 71307 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
The Port of Heraklion operates several passenger terminals within the main port complex. Boarding areas are allocated by ferry operator and destination and may vary by sailing, so passengers should check their booking confirmation and follow port signage and information screens.
The Port of Piraeus is Greece’s largest and busiest ferry port and the main gateway for ferries from Athens to the Greek islands. Located approximately 10 km south of central Athens, Piraeus offers extensive ferry connections to the Cyclades, Crete, the Dodecanese, the North Aegean and the Saronic Islands, making it the primary hub for island hopping in Greece.
Piraeus Ferry Port serves both foot passengers and vehicles and operates year-round with a high frequency of daily sailings. Due to its size and multiple departure gates, the port can be busy, particularly in summer. Passengers are strongly advised to arrive early to allow sufficient time to locate their departure gate and complete check-in and boarding procedures.
Address: Port of Piraeus, Akti Miaouli, 18538 Piraeus, Greece
The Port of Piraeus operates multiple departure gates (E1–E12), each serving different island groups. For example, certain gates are commonly used for ferries to Crete and the Cyclades, while others serve the Saronic Islands and Dodecanese. Terminal assignments vary by ferry operator and destination, so passengers should check their booking confirmation and follow port signage carefully.
Crete is the largest island in Greece and one of the country’s most popular ferry destinations. With regular ferry connections between Crete and Athens (via the Port of Piraeus), the island is easily accessible from mainland Greece. Crete is renowned for its Minoan history, spectacular beaches, dramatic gorges and distinctive Cretan cuisine.
Athens, the capital of Greece, is the cultural and historical heart of the country. Ferries to Crete typically depart from the Port of Piraeus, Athens’ main ferry port, offering frequent daily and overnight services. Athens combines world-famous ancient monuments with modern city life and Mediterranean charm.
