Athens (Piraeus) - Heraklion
Ferries to Crete
Athens (Piraeus) - Heraklion
Ferries to Crete
The Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry route is provided by 2 ferry companies. The ferry crossing from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion is approximately 9 hours 15 minutes on most ferries servicing this route. Ferries between Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion cost around $94 and $790, 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 Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion.
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 50 minutes and 11 hours 20 minutes depending on the operator that you decide to travel with.
There are around 20 weekly sailings from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion.
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 Athens (Piraeus) Port at approximately 09:00 and the last ferry leaves at approximately 23:00. Ferry schedules can vary by operator and season.
The fastest ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion is with SeaJets in 7 hours 50 minutes.
The fastest ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion usually cost around $317.16.
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.
The average price of a cabin on the Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry is $291, with prices ranging from $36 and $1,314.
Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion with Minoan Lines.
The price to bring a pet on the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion is approximately $421
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 $93.95 and $790.06 depending on the operator, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle. The average price of a foot passenger is $187.62, with prices ranging from $35 and $192. The average price with a car is $484.78. 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 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 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 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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| Athens (Piraeus) - Heraklion Ferry Route Summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Country | Athens | |
| Destination Country | Crete | |
| No. of Operators | 2 | |
| Operators | Minoan Lines & SeaJets | |
| Average Price | $317 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 3 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 20 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 9 h 15 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 7 h 50 m | |
| First Ferry | 09:00 | |
| Last Ferry | 23:00 | |
| Distance | 168 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 February 2026.
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 just south of Athens city centre, Piraeus offers extensive ferry connections to destinations across Greece, including the Cyclades, Crete, the Dodecanese and the Saronic Islands, making it the primary departure point for island travel.
Piraeus Ferry Port serves both foot passengers and vehicles and operates year-round, with a very high frequency of daily sailings. Due to its size and the number of terminals, the port can be busy, particularly during the summer season. Passengers are advised to arrive early to allow sufficient time for check-in, boarding and locating the correct departure gate.
Address: Port of Piraeus, Akti Miaouli, 18538 Piraeus, Greece
The Port of Piraeus operates multiple terminals and departure gates, with different areas serving specific island groups. Gates E6–E9 are commonly used for ferries to the Cyclades and Crete, while other gates serve the Saronic Islands and the Dodecanese. Passengers should always check their booking confirmation and port signage for their assigned gate.
The Port of Heraklion is the largest ferry port on the island of Crete and one of the most important ferry hubs in Greece. Located on Crete’s north coast, the port offers frequent ferry connections to Piraeus (Athens) and seasonal routes to the Cyclades, making it a key gateway for travelers visiting Crete.
Heraklion Ferry Port serves both foot passengers and vehicles and is especially busy during the summer season. Many ferries on the Athens–Crete route operate overnight and offer 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 area, with embarkation points allocated by ferry operator and destination. Terminal details may vary by sailing, so passengers should check their booking confirmation and follow on-site signage.
Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the world’s most historic cities and the primary starting point for ferry journeys to the Greek islands. Ferries to Crete typically depart from the Port of Piraeus, located just outside the city centre, offering frequent connections to Heraklion throughout the year.
Heraklion is the capital of Crete and the island’s busiest ferry port, welcoming travellers from mainland Greece and the Aegean islands. Known for its rich Minoan history, lively waterfront and cultural attractions, Heraklion is a popular arrival point for ferries from Athens.
