Heraklion - Athens (Rafina)
Ferries to Athens
Heraklion - Athens (Rafina)
Ferries to Athens
SeaJets provides the ferry from Heraklion to Athens (Rafina). Heraklion Athens (Rafina) ferries cost from just $159 vary based on season, availability and whether you’re going by foot or by car. Prices exclude any service fees. Ferry schedules change seasonally. Use our Deal Finder to get the latest ferry ticket information for Heraklion Athens (Rafina) ferries.
Heraklion Athens (Rafina) ferry prices typically range from $159* to $684*. The average ferry price from Heraklion to Athens (Rafina) is around $372*. The cheapest fares usually start from $159*. The average foot passenger ticket costs $371*. The average price when traveling with a car is $593*.
Prices may vary depending on passenger numbers, vehicle type, route and sailing time. Pricing data is based on searches from the last 30 days, excludes service fees, and was last updated July 26.
We make it easy to compare ferry tickets and prices worldwide, helping you find the best option for your trip. Visit our Special Offers page to see current discounts on selected routes and operators. Booking early is often the best way to secure lower prices and better availability.
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a range of discounts throughout the year. Where available, senior discounts are applied automatically during the search process. Simply select the relevant age range when entering passenger details.
Students and graduates can receive a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To claim this, you’ll need to register with our partner Student Beans and verify your student or graduate status. Once confirmed, you’ll receive a discount code to use at checkout.
Resident discounts are available on selected Spanish and Italian routes. When applicable, choose the “Residents” option during booking, and the discount will be applied automatically. Please note that proof of residence or a valid ID with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
For more information on budget-friendly ferry travel, also check out our discounts guide.
Heraklion Athens (Rafina) ferries typically depart at around 08:00.
Due to the longer crossing time, ferries between Heraklion and Athens (Rafina) are generally better suited to weekend breaks or longer stays. If you’re planning a trip and need ideas on what to see and do, visit our blog.
Yes, SeaJets allow cars on ferries traveling between Heraklion and Athens (Rafina). Use our Deal Finder to see live prices for car ferries on this route.
Whether you can take a campervan or caravan on the ferry depends on the operator and vessel used for your chosen crossing. Simply enter your travel details into our search bar to see which operators and vehicle options are available for this route.
For more advice and travel inspiration when taking a car, campervan or caravan, visit our blog or Caravan Holiday Guide.
Currently, bicycles are not permitted on ferries traveling between Heraklion and Athens (Rafina).
Yes, foot passengers can travel on ferries between Heraklion and Athens (Rafina) with SeaJets.
Pets are currently not permitted on ferries traveling from Heraklion to Athens (Rafina). Use our Deal Finder to search for alternative routes that allow pet travel.
Please be aware that even if pets are not allowed on board, different regulations may apply to passengers traveling with guide dogs and assistance dogs. We recommend talking to our customer service to check the specific rules on your preferred sailing. For general information on travelling with assistant dogs and guide dogs, visit our Special Assistance Help page and our dedicated Accessible Ferry Travel guide.
Whether an overnight ferry runs between Heraklion and Athens (Rafina) depends on the operator and timetable. To check if an overnight option is available, enter your travel details in our search bar. The results will show if your chosen sailing operates overnight, plus current timetables and alternative day crossings.
Please note that overnight crossings can sometimes take a little longer than daytime sailings.
Travel requirements vary by route, so it’s important to confirm which documents you need before you travel. In most international cases, you will need a valid passport to travel from Heraklion to Athens (Rafina), and possibly a visa or national ID depending on your nationality and the destination’s rules. To avoid delays at check-in, see our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide and our blog post on travelling to Europe for useful tips.
To book ferry tickets, enter your departure and arrival ports plus your travel date. You’ll then see all available sailings and prices. The search also shows alternative routes and times so you can choose the best option for your trip.
Watch out for early-booking deals and special ticket types like upgrades or flexi fares that allow changes or cancelations. To ensure a smooth booking, enter accurate details such as passenger numbers and vehicle specifications.
Tip: Also check out our 101 on Booking and Boarding Your Ferry and Frequently Asked Questions page.
After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. How your boarding pass is issued depends on the ferry operator you’ve booked with.
Some operators provide the boarding pass at the time of booking, while others require you to check in at the port. Where available, you can usually check in online via the Direct Ferries app.
Ticket desks are typically located close to the terminals. To avoid delays at the port, allow extra time for ticket collection and check-in.
At check-in, you will need to show your booking confirmation and an official photo ID (for example, a passport or identity card). You may also be asked for pet documentation (vaccinations, insurance, etc.) or proof of residence if you applied a resident discount to your booking.
There are several reasons why no sailings may be available from Heraklion to Athens (Rafina) on your chosen date. This can include temporary timetable changes, limited capacity, or seasonal adjustments to services. We recommend checking alternative dates or nearby routes to find the best available option.
The best time to book ferries from Heraklion to Athens (Rafina) is generally as early as possible. Booking in advance often means lower prices, along with a wider choice of departure times and cabin or seating options.
To secure the best deals, we recommend booking at least a few weeks ahead of travel. Please note that prices can vary depending on the season and availability.
More routes than anyone else.
Compare fares, times & routes in one place.
Change plans easily with flexi tickets.
Book e-tickets & manage trips in-app.
Live ship tracking & real-time updates.
Top-rated customer support when you need it.
| Heraklion - Athens (Rafina) Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $371 | |
| Average Price with Car | $593 | |
| Heraklion - Athens (Rafina) Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Crete |
| Destination | Athens |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | SeaJets |
| Average Price | $372 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 7 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 8 h 35 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 7 h 50 m |
| First Ferry | 08:00 |
| Last Ferry | 08:00 |
| Distance | 161 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 July 2026.
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 important archaeological site was the Palace of King Minos and home to the Minotaur, if legend is to be believed. The palace was built over the remains of a former Neolithic settlement in around 1900 BC.
An important attraction in the city itself is the Archaeological Museum which can be found on one corner of the central Eleftherias Square, in a converted power station. The museum collects and displays many artefacts from Knossos, Archanes, Phaestos, Zakros and many other important archaeological sites on the island. The museum's collection spans several thousand years and includes the Phaestos disc, classic Hellenic and Roman sculptures, frescos, jewellery, wall paintings and pottery.
Visitors to Heraklion can take a ferry from the port, which is important for both passenger services and cargo, to destinations including Santorini, Ios, Paros, Mykonos and Rhodes. There are also daily sailings to the mainland port of Piraeus.
The Greek town of Rafina lies on the east coast of the Attica region of mainland Greece, on the shores of the Aegean Sea. The town is close to the town's of Artemida and Nea Makri and also to the Greek capital, Athens, which is around 25 km to the west. because of its proximity to Athens Rafina is popular with many Athenians who visit to enjoy the town's many fish restaurants that can be found lining the harbour. It is not uncommon to see the day's catch lying on beds of ice outside each restaurant.
In ancient times Rafina was named Arafinidon Alon but its history dates back to prehistoric times, but more specifically to pre-Hellenic times. In Askitario, to the south of Rafina, archaeologists have found a unique vase with a dog painted on it which has been dated back to 2,800 BC. Another significant find was near the town's port where a bronze foundry was discovered and is thought to be one of the oldest in Europe, and dates back to 1800 BC.
After the Port of Piraeus, Rafina's port is the second largest in Attica. Ferry services operating from the port depart to the southern part of Euboea and to the Cyclades islands.
Wimbledon 2026 Guide
Alternative Channel Ferry Routes with Brittany Ferries
Summer Holidays 2026: The Best Travel Destinations in Europe by Ferry
The Best Coffee Spots in Italy
Take the Scenic Route to Spain with Brittany Ferries
South Korea Ferry Travel Guide
Guide to Booking a Ferry and Bus Combo
Pride Season 2026: Best Pride Parades Worldwide
Helsinki to Tallinn Ferry Travel Guide
The 24 Hours of Le Mans 2026 Guide
