Heraklion - Santorini (Thira)
Ferries to Cyclades Islands
Heraklion - Santorini (Thira)
Ferries to Cyclades Islands
The Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) ferry route is provided by 2 ferry companies. The ferry crossing from Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes on most ferries servicing this route. Ferries between Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) cost around $220 and $885, 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 Santorini (Thira).
The Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) ferry route is provided by 2 operators and is available for booking all year round. The ferry crossing from Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes on ferries servicing this route. The ferry duration for the Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) ferry can range between 1 hour 35 minutes and 4 hours 30 minutes depending on the operator that you decide to travel with.
There are around 7 weekly sailings from Heraklion to Santorini (Thira).
Blue Star Ferries provide 1 sailing daily, 2 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 Santorini (Thira) is with SeaJets in 1 hour 35 minutes.
The fastest ferries from Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) usually cost around $441.06.
There are overnight ferries from Heraklion to Santorini (Thira). The first overnight sailing departs at 04:30 and arrives at 07:30.
There are cabins available on ferries from Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) with SeaJets, Blue Star Ferries and Anek Lines.
The average price of a cabin on the Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) ferry is $278, with prices ranging from $18 and $1,653.
Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) with SeaJets.
The price to bring a pet on the ferry from Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) is approximately $342.
Yes, you can bring your car on the Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) ferry with Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets.
Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Heraklion Santorini (Thira) ferry with Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets.
Passengers travelling with SeaJets and Blue Star Ferries can take a maximum of 50 kilograms of luggage per person. Cyclades Fast Ferries don't have a fixed luggage policy, but we advise that you don't exceed 50 kilograms to avoid any complications.
The price of a ferry from Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) can vary between $220.45 and $884.91 depending on the operator, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle. The average price of a foot passenger is $440.81, with prices ranging from $35 and $769. The average price with a car is $705.82. 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 Santorini (Thira) ferry.
First class is available on ferries from Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) with SeaJets, Blue Star Ferries, Anek Lines and Cyclades Fast Ferries.
Yes, you can take a day trip from Crete to Santorini by ferry. High speed vessels can travel from Heraklion to Thira in Santorini in just 1 hour and 35 minutes. This gives you plenty of time to explore the island and make it back for your return sailing.
Although flights from Crete to Santorini are faster, ferries are much cheaper by comparison. You can also bring your car on the Heraklion to Santorini ferry, which saves you having to rent one when you arrive in Santorini. Plus, you can bring much more luggage with you on the ferry than by plane.
The best way to travel from Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) is by ferry. With 1 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 - Santorini (Thira) Ferry Route Summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Country | Crete | |
| Destination Country | Cyclades Islands | |
| No. of Operators | 2 | |
| Operators | Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets | |
| Average Price | $441 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 7 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h 40 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h 35 m | |
| First Ferry | 04:30 | |
| Last Ferry | 23:45 | |
| Distance | 59 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 and busiest ferry port on the island of Crete and a major hub for ferries to Heraklion from mainland Greece and the Cyclades. Located close to Heraklion city centre, the port offers frequent ferry connections to Piraeus (Athens), as well as routes to islands such as Santorini, Paros and Naxos, making it a key gateway for exploring Crete by sea.
Heraklion Ferry Port serves both foot passengers and vehicles and is particularly busy during the summer season. Many ferries on the Athens–Crete route operate overnight and offer cabins, while high-speed ferries connect Heraklion with the Cyclades. Passengers are advised to arrive early, especially during peak travel periods, to allow enough time for check-in and boarding.
Address: Port of Heraklion, Leoforos Nearchou, 71307 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
The Port of Heraklion operates multiple passenger terminals within the main port area, with embarkation points assigned by ferry operator and destination. Terminal details may vary by sailing, so passengers should always check their booking confirmation and follow on-site signage.
The Port of Santorini (Athinios Port) is the island’s main ferry port and the primary gateway for ferries to Santorini from Athens and the Cyclades. Located on the island’s west coast below the caldera cliffs, Athinios Port handles all conventional and high-speed ferry services, connecting Santorini with Piraeus, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros and Crete.
Santorini Ferry Port is compact and can become very busy during the summer season due to high passenger demand and limited space. Services cater mainly to foot passengers, although vehicles are carried on many conventional ferries. Travellers should arrive early to allow time for check-in, boarding and onward transfers up to Fira or Oia.
Address: Athinios Port, 84700 Santorini (Thira), Greece
Santorini operates a single main ferry terminal at Athinios Port, which serves all ferry routes to and from the island. Boarding areas are allocated by ferry operator and sailing time, so passengers should follow port signage and staff instructions on arrival.
