Athens (Piraeus) - Heraklion
Ferries to Crete
Athens (Piraeus) - Heraklion
Ferries to Crete
Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion are operated by 2 ferry companies, including Minoan Lines & SeaJets. The crossing typically takes around 9 hours 30 minutes. There are currently 24 weekly sailings on this route, with prices starting from as little as $38. Use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability, and book your ferry to Heraklion today.
Booking your Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry is simple. Enter your departure and arrival ports along with your preferred travel date to view all available sailings and prices. You can also compare alternative routes and departure times to find the option that best suits your schedule and budget.
Look out for early-booking deals and special ticket types such as upgrades or flexi fares that allow changes or cancellations. To ensure a smooth booking process, always enter accurate passenger numbers and vehicle specifications.
The best time to book ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion is as early as possible. Booking in advance often secures lower prices, along with a wider choice of departure times, seating, and cabin options. We recommend booking at least a few weeks ahead, particularly during peak holiday seasons. Prices can vary depending on demand and availability.
If no sailings from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion appear on your chosen date, this may be due to seasonal timetable changes, temporary schedule adjustments, or limited availability caused by high demand. We recommend checking alternative dates or nearby routes to find the most suitable option.
After completing your booking, you'll receive a confirmation email with your travel details. How your boarding pass is issued depends on the ferry operator you have booked with.
Some operators provide boarding passes at the time of booking, while others require check-in at the port terminal. Where available, online check-in can be completed through the Direct Ferries app.
Ticket desks are generally located near the terminal entrance. To prevent delays, we recommend arriving early to allow sufficient time for ticket collection and check-in.
At check-in you will need to present your booking confirmation and a valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. If travelling with a pet, relevant documentation like vaccination records, pet passport and insurance may also be required. Passengers using resident discounts must provide proof of eligibility.
There are around 24 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.
Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry prices typically range from $93 to $736. The average ferry price from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion is around $291. The cheapest fares usually start from $93. The average foot passenger ticket costs $187. The average price when traveling with a car is $439.
Prices may vary depending on passenger numbers, vehicle type, route, and sailing time. Please be aware that pricing data excludes service fees and is based on searches from the last 30 days. This was last updated May 26.
The cheapest tickets on the Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry cost approximately $93.11.
Direct Ferries makes it easy to compare ferry tickets and prices worldwide, so you can find the best deal for your journey. Please visit our Special Offers page to see current discounts on selected routes and operators. Booking early is typically the most reliable way to secure lower fares 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 recent graduates can receive a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To claim this, 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 routes in Spain and Italy. 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 showing the correct address must be presented at check-in.
The first ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion usually departs at around 08:30, with the last sailing leaving Athens (Piraeus) Port at approximately 23:00.
Due to the longer crossing time, ferries between Athens (Piraeus) and Heraklion are generally better suited to weekend breaks or longer stays. For ideas on the best things to do in Heraklion, please visit our blog.
Whether an overnight ferry runs between Athens (Piraeus) and Heraklion depends on the operator and timetable. Enter your travel details in our search bar to check if an overnight option is available, alongside current timetables and alternative daytime crossings. Please note that overnight crossings can sometimes take a little longer than daytime sailings.
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 $290.65.
Yes, Minoan Lines & SeaJets allow cars on ferries traveling between Athens (Piraeus) and Heraklion. Use our Deal Finder to view 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. Enter your travel details into our search bar to see which operators and vehicle options are available on the Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry.
For more advice and travel inspiration when taking a car, campervan, or caravan, please visit our blog.
Bicycles are currently not permitted on ferries sailing between Athens (Piraeus) and Heraklion.
Yes, foot passengers are welcome on ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion with Minoan Lines & SeaJets.
First class is available on ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion with SeaJets and Cyclades Fast Ferries.
Pets are permitted on ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion with Minoan Lines. The average price for traveling with a pet is $450.
Pricing is based on searches from the last 30 days, excluding service fees, and was last updated May 26.
When travelling with your pet on a ferry, you will usually need:
Pet accommodation varies by operator. Some ferries require pets to remain in your vehicle for the duration of the crossing, while others provide designated pet areas or pet-friendly cabins and lounges. Our Deal Finder shows all available options so you can choose the best crossing for you and your pet.
If you're traveling with a guide dog or assistance dog, we recommend informing the ferry operator or our customer service team at the time of booking.
Please ensure you carry all required documentation, as you may be asked to present this during check-in or while onboard.
Even where standard pet travel is not permitted, different rules may apply to guide and assistance dogs. You can confirm the specific requirements for your sailing by reaching out to our customer service team.
Yes, you can book cabins on ferries that sail from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion with Minoan Lines & SeaJets. The price of a cabin on the Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry ranges from $38.34 and $1,382.84, with an average price of $325.26. Please note that prices may vary depending on the type of cabin you book.
Passengers traveling 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.
Travel requirements vary by route, so it's important to confirm which documents you need before you set sail. In most international cases you will need a valid passport to travel from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion, and possibly a visa or national ID depending on your nationality and the destination's entry rules. To avoid delays at check-in, check out our blog post on traveling to Europe for useful tips.
| Season | From price |
|---|---|
| Autumn (Sep - Nov) | $39 |
| Spring (Mar - May) | $39 |
| Summer (Jun - Aug) | $39 |
*Based on a one-way trip with one adult
| Ticket Type | From Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $38 |
| Car | $134 |
| Cabin | $38 |
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| Athens (Piraeus) - Heraklion Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $187 | |
| 1 Adult with Car | $439 | |
| 1 Adult with Motorcycle | $199 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $325 | |
| Athens (Piraeus) - Heraklion Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Athens |
| Destination | Crete |
| No. of Operators | 2 |
| Operators | Minoan Lines & SeaJets |
| Average Price | $291 |
| Average Pet Price | $450 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 4 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 24 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 9 h 30 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 7 h 50 m |
| First Ferry | 08:30 |
| Last Ferry | 23:00 |
| Distance | 168 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 May 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.
