Athens (Piraeus) – Heraklion
Ferries to Crete
Athens (Piraeus) – Heraklion
Ferries to Crete
The Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry route is provided by 2 operators and is available for booking all year round. The ferry crossing from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion takes approximately 9 hours 15 minutes on ferries servicing this route. The ferry duration for the Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry can range between 7 hours 20 minutes and 11 hours 20 minutes depending on the operator that you decide to travel with.
There are around 27 weekly sailings from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion.
Minoan Lines provide 1 sailing daily, 8 sailings weekly. SeaJets provide 2 sailings daily, 14 sailings weekly. Please keep in mind that ferry timetables often increase during the high season.
The first ferry leaves Athens (Piraeus) Port at approximately 07:00 and the last ferry leaves at approximately 21:00. Ferry schedules can vary by operator and season.
The fastest ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion is with SeaJets in 7 hours 20 minutes.
The fastest ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion usually cost around $218.52.
There are overnight ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion. The first overnight ferry departs at 17:00 and arrives in Heraklion at 03:00.
There are cabins available on ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion with SeaJets and Minoan Lines.
Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion with Minoan Lines.
Yes, you can bring your car on the Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry with Minoan Lines & SeaJets.
Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Athens (Piraeus) Heraklion 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 Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion can vary between $78.21 and $592.71 depending on the operator, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle. The average price of a foot passenger is $154.40, with prices ranging from $35 and $192. The average price with a car is $343.99. Car prices can range from $106 to $468. All ferry prices can change from season to season. Please be aware that prices do not include booking fees. 1 March 2025
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 Heraklion ferry.
First class is available on ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion with SeaJets and Minoan Lines.
Although the flight from Athens to Heraklion is only 55 minutes, we recommend travelling by ferry. Not only is it cheaper than a flight, but you can also bring your car onboard. You can also bring much more luggage on the ferry than if you travelled by plane.
Unfortunately, you can't take a day trip from Athens to Heraklion by ferry due to the duration of the sailing. We recommend that you at least stay in Crete overnight to make your journey worthwhile.
The best way to travel from Athens to Crete is by ferry or plane. If you're short on time, flying is best, but if you prefer a relaxed experience and want to save on a night’s accommodation, the overnight ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion is ideal.
The best way to travel from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion is by ferry. With 4 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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| Athens (Piraeus) - Heraklion Ferry Route Summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Country | Athens | |
| Destination Country | Crete | |
| No. of Operators | 2 | |
| Operators | Minoan Lines & SeaJets | |
| Average Price | $218 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 4 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 27 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 9 h 15 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 7 h 20 m | |
| First Ferry | 07:00 | |
| Last Ferry | 21:00 | |
| Distance | 168 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 March 2025.
The best time to book sailings from Piraeus to Heraklion is typically in advance, especially during peak travel seasons like summer. It is recommended to book your tickets at least a few weeks before your desired departure date to ensure availability and secure the best prices. Weekdays tend to have lower fares compared to weekends, so if you have flexibility in your travel dates, consider booking your sailing during the week.
The baggage allowance on the ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion may vary depending on the ferry company you choose. It is recommended to check with the specific ferry company you are traveling with for their baggage policies. Typically, passengers are allowed to bring at least one piece of luggage with them. Additional luggage may incur extra fees. Make sure to check the weight and size restrictions for your bags as well.
Yes, most ferries from Piraeus to Heraklion have accessibility for disabled passengers. They typically have ramps, elevators, and designated seating areas for individuals with disabilities. It is recommended to inform the ferry company in advance so they can assist you with boarding and any special accommodations needed during the journey.
The disembarkation process from the ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of the ferry, the number of passengers onboard, and any additional security or customs checks that may be required.
There may be no sailings from Piraeus to Heraklion due to high demand, maintenance, weather conditions, or schedule changes. Contact us for updated timetables.
On ferries from Piraeus to Heraklion operated by Anek Lines, Anek Superfast, Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, and SeaJets, passengers can choose from the following accommodation and seating options:
Each ferry company may offer different types of cabins and seating options, so it's best to check with the specific company for more details on their offerings.
Yes, you can take your campervan on the ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion. The average price for campers is $599.59, with a minimum of $118.79.
The ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion offers a convenient and scenic way to travel between mainland Greece and the island of Crete. The journey typically takes around 8-9 hours, depending on the weather conditions and type of vessel. Passengers have the option of enjoying the onboard amenities, such as restaurants, cafes, and lounges, or simply relaxing on deck and taking in the stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Some ferries even offer entertainment options like live music or movies to keep passengers entertained during the trip. Overall, the ferry experience provides a comfortable and enjoyable way to reach Heraklion, allowing passengers to arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore all that Crete has to offer.
Passengers collecting ferry tickets at Piraeus must check in with the ferry operator upon arrival at the terminal, where they may receive a new boarding pass. It is important to have their confirmation email, identification, and any other required documents ready for presentation. Ticket booths are usually located near the ferry terminal for ticket collection. It is recommended to arrive at the terminal with ample time before departure to avoid any delays. To ensure a smooth check-in process, passengers should double-check their travel details, have all necessary documents easily accessible, and follow any instructions given by the ferry operator.
To get to Piraeus Port in Greece, you can take a taxi, bus, or train. If you are traveling by car, you can drive on the Poseidonos Avenue towards Piraeus, which is a major road that leads directly to the port. If you prefer to take the train, you can use the Athens Metro Line 1, also known as the Green Line, which has a station at Piraeus Port. Additionally, there are several bus routes that serve the port, including bus numbers 040, 049, and A1. Travelers with reduced mobility can access the port easily as there are ramps and elevators available. Nearby landmarks to look out for include the Hellenic Maritime Museum and the Municipal Theatre of Piraeus, which can help you navigate your way to the port.
The ferry offers a range of facilities to enhance the travel experience for passengers. The dining options include a cafeteria serving hot meals, a snack bar for quick bites, and a sit-down restaurant for a more formal dining experience. There are various seating areas onboard, including comfortable lounge chairs, tables for dining, and outdoor deck seating for enjoying the views. Passengers can also make use of the shops selling souvenirs, snacks, and essentials. For those looking for a more comfortable journey, cabins are available for overnight trips with options for different budgets. Families traveling with children can take advantage of designated child-friendly zones with play areas and activities to keep little ones entertained. Special services such as Wi-Fi connectivity, premium lounges for a more exclusive experience, and accessibility features for passengers with disabilities are also available. Overall, these facilities cater to the diverse needs of passengers and contribute to a more enjoyable and comfortable journey.
Upon arrival in Heraklion, travelers can expect to find parking options available near the port area. Taxis are readily available for transportation to various destinations in the city, and there are nearby train stations for those looking to explore further. Taxis can be found outside the port area, and train stations are located within walking distance. When driving in Heraklion, be aware of the local speed limits and traffic regulations, as well as any toll roads that may be encountered. It is important to follow all traffic laws and drive safely while navigating the city.
