Santorini (Thira) - Heraklion
Ferries to Crete
Santorini (Thira) - Heraklion
Ferries to Crete
Ferries from Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion are operated by 2 ferry companies, including Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets. The crossing typically takes around 1 hour 35 minutes. There are currently 9 weekly sailings on this route, with prices starting from as little as $18. Use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability, and book your ferry to Heraklion today.
The Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion ferry is a year-round ferry service spanning approximately 59.1 nautical miles across the Aegean Sea, connecting the iconic volcanic island of Santorini with the historic capital of Crete.
This route is served by 2 operators providing 9 weekly sailings, with up to 1 daily sailings in peak periods. The ferry from Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion is a popular choice for island-hoppers traveling between the Cyclades and Crete, and for those looking to experience two of Greece's most celebrated destinations in a single trip.
There are currently 2 ferry operators that provide ferries from Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion.
SeaJets operate high-speed catamaran services on the Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion route with up to 6 weekly sailings and a crossing time of approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes, making them the fastest operator and the best choice for travelers who want to maximize their time in Crete.
Blue Star Ferries provide around 2 weekly sailings on large conventional vessels with a crossing time of approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, offering the widest range of onboard accommodation including cabins.
Please note that SeaJets typically offer the fastest ferry from Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion, while Blue Star Ferries offer more comprehensive onboard facilities and cabin accommodation, making them better suited to travelers who prefer a more leisurely crossing.
Most ferries on this route allow vehicles and pets. Cabin accommodation is available on Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets on the Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion ferry, and is recommended for longer sailings on conventional vessels.
The Thira to Heraklion crossing connects two of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece and operates with departures spanning from the early morning to late at night. The first ferry departs at 06:55 and the last ferry departs at 23:50, giving travelers reasonable flexibility when planning their Santorini to Heraklion ferry schedule.
Departure windows typically run from around 06:55 for the earliest morning sailings to late evening departures at approximately 23:50. There are overnight ferries on this route, which is a practical choice for travelers who prefer to travel while sleeping and arrive in Heraklion ready to explore. On high-speed services with SeaJets, the crossing takes as little as 1 hour and 35 minutes, making daytime sailings the more popular choice for most travelers.
Please keep in mind that timetables vary significantly by season. In low season, a handful of weekly sailings are typically available across both operators, whereas in high season between June and September, frequency increases to meet tourist demand. It is strongly recommended that you book in advance to secure the best prices and availability on the Thira to Heraklion ferry, particularly during July and August when this route is at its busiest.
Ferry crossings from Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion typically range from 1 hour 35 minutes with SeaJets to 5 hours 30 minutes with Blue Star Ferries, depending on the operator and vessel type. This is one of the key Cyclades-to-Crete connections in the Greek ferry network, covering approximately 59.1 nautical miles across the southern Aegean Sea.
The fastest services, operated by high-speed catamarans, complete the crossing in around 1 hour 35 minutes, making a same-day trip from Santorini to Crete genuinely feasible, though a return on the same day is not always possible given limited return sailings.
Conventional ferry services with Blue Star Ferries take significantly longer at around 4 hours and 30 minutes. There is no overnight sailing advantage on the fast crossing, but the longer conventional service can serve as a practical choice for travelers looking to save on accommodation expenses in Santorini.
For travelers who are not in a hurry, the longer conventional crossing offers more spacious onboard facilities, open decks, and a more relaxed experience. The shorter high-speed crossing is the better choice if you want to maximize time in Heraklion or are connecting onward to another destination in Crete. The route does not pass through additional island stops on direct sailings, though some services may call at intermediate ports.
The Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion ferry price varies by operator, season, and passenger type. The cheapest tickets start from around $17, with average fares typically costing $117.31 depending on the time of year. If you are looking for a cheap ferry from Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion, traveling outside the peak summer months of July and August offers the best value. In fact, April is known to be one of the cheapest months to travel on this route.
For a foot passenger, the average one-way fare is between $17.39 and $116.48. The Thira to Heraklion car ferry cost is higher so expect to pay around $277.06 for one adult with a vehicle in standard season, reflecting vehicle supplement charges on ro-ro car ferries. Motorcycles are somewhat cheaper, costing around $149.07.
Passengers holding tickets for routes from Italy or Greece with Anek Superfast receive a 30% discount on onward tickets to the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Crete, and the Northeast Aegean islands with Blue Star Ferries. This makes the Thira to Heraklion leg particularly good value when combined with an Adriatic crossing.
Group bookings of 3 or more passengers may qualify for reduced rates on select operators. Children between the ages of 5 and 10 are eligible for a 50% discount on most sailings, and children under 5 travel free, though they will not be allocated an individual seat or accommodation.
Operators periodically offer promotional offers and discounts, particularly ahead of peak summer season. Booking early is the most reliable way to find cheap Thira to Heraklion ferry tickets. You can also find great offers on accommodation in Heraklion by visiting our accommodation page.
| Season | From price |
|---|---|
| Autumn (Sep - Nov) | $19 |
| Spring (Mar - May) | $18 |
| Summer (Jun - Aug) | $18 |
*Based on a one-way trip with one adult
| Ticket Type | From Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $17 |
| Car | $104 |
| Cabin | $17 |
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| Santorini (Thira) - Heraklion Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $116 | |
| Average Price with Car | $277 | |
| Average Price with Motorcycle | $149 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $255 | |
| Santorini (Thira) - Heraklion Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Cyclades Islands |
| Destination | Crete |
| No. of Operators | 2 |
| Operators | Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets |
| Average Price | $117 |
| Average Pet Price | $254 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 9 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h 35 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h 35 m |
| First Ferry | 06:55 |
| Last Ferry | 23:50 |
| Distance | 59 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 June 2026.
The Santorini to Heraklion ferry offers a range of onboard facilities and accommodation options depending on which operator and vessel you travel with. On the high-speed crossing of 1 hour 35 minutes with SeaJets, facilities are more sparse but perfectly adequate for a short crossing. On the longer conventional sailing of 5 hours 30 minutes with Blue Star Ferries, a wider range of amenities and accommodation is available.
The most budget-friendly option, well suited to the fast SeaJets crossing where the journey takes under 2 hours. Comfortable enough for daytime travel without the need for a cabin.
Standard seating with access to open-air deck areas, available on Blue Star Ferries vessels. A comfortable mid-tier option for travelers who want to relax and enjoy the scenery on the longer crossing.
Windowless private cabins available on Blue Star Ferries, suitable for the longer conventional sailing. More affordable than outside cabins and a practical option for passengers who want privacy or rest during the crossing.
Private cabins with a porthole or window, offering natural light and sea views. The premium cabin option on this route and recommended for the overnight crossing for both comfort and seasickness mitigation.
Available on SeaJets and Blue Star Ferries, offering enhanced seating comfort and service for passengers who prefer a more premium experience on the Thira to Heraklion ferry.
Full restaurant and café facilities are available with Blue Star Ferries, serving hot meals, snacks, and drinks throughout the crossing.
Available on SeaJets high-speed services, offering lighter refreshments for the shorter crossing. Bringing your own snacks is advisable on the fast catamaran if you have specific requirements.
Conventional ferries feature open upper decks with views across the Aegean Sea, a highlight of traveling by conventional ferry between Santorini and Crete.
Car ferry operators load vehicles below deck. Passengers leave their vehicles during the crossing and move to passenger cabin or open deck areas for the entirety of the sailing.
Blue Star Ferries vessels have onboard shops and lounge areas, making the longer conventional crossing a more complete travel experience for passengers and families.
Ferries from Santorini to Heraklion depart from Athinios Port, located approximately 8 km south of Fira, the island's capital, at the base of dramatic volcanic cliffs. This is Santorini's main ferry terminal for conventional and high-speed services. Please be aware that some smaller SeaJets ferries may depart from the Old Port at Skala Fira so it's always best to confirm your exact departure terminal on your booking confirmation before traveling.
KTEL Santorini buses operate from Fira Bus Station to Athinios Port with services timed around ferry departures. Journey time is approximately 20 minutes from Fira.
Taxis are limited in Santorini and can be very difficult to secure in the height of summer. Pre-booking a private transfer to Athinios Port is strongly recommended in July and August to avoid missing your sailing.
If you have rented a vehicle on the island, Athinios Port has a car park for returning rental vehicles prior to boarding.
Boarding: As a general rule of thumb, it's best to arrive at least 45 minutes before departure if traveling on foot and approximately 90 minutes when traveling with a vehicle. During peak summer months, please allow additional time as Athinios Port can become very congested with queues of vehicles and coaches.
Heraklion's main ferry terminal is located directly alongside the city center of Heraklion, on the north coast of Crete. It is one of the busiest ports in Greece and a major hub connecting Crete with Athens, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, and mainland Europe. The modern passenger terminal spans 2,500 square meters and provides a wide range of amenities for arriving and departing ferry passengers.
A taxi rank is located directly outside the passenger terminal. A ride to the city center or Heraklion Airport takes approximately 10–15 minutes. Pre-booking is recommended in peak season as demand can significantly exceed supply after large ferry arrivals.
KTEL Bus Station A is approximately a 6–8-minute walk from the ferry terminal and provides connections to Chania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, and other destinations across Crete. Local blue buses serve the airport and Knossos from a stop near the terminal.
The port is within easy walking distance of central Heraklion for travelers with light luggage. The city's restaurants, hotels, and main attractions including the Koules Fortress and the Archaeological Museum are all within walking distance.
Please be aware that ferry operators may use different docking berths within Heraklion Port, allocated by operator and destination. It is very important to confirm your exact boarding location on your ticket or booking confirmation to avoid confusion, particularly during peak season when the port is busy with multiple simultaneous sailings.
Pet owners will be pleased to know that pets are allowed on ferries from Thira to Heraklion with Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets. Both ports are located within Greece, which simplifies documentation requirements, though onboard pet policies vary by operator and vessel.
As both Santorini and Crete are within Greece and the EU, an EU pet passport is the standard required document. This uniform document confirms your pet's identity, microchip number, and vaccination history, and is required by ferry operators on this route.
Proof of valid rabies vaccination must be recorded in the EU pet passport. Ensure all vaccinations are current before travel.
Your pet must be microchipped in compliance with ISO standards. The microchip must have been implanted before, or on the same day as, the first rabies vaccination.
Some operators, including Blue Star Ferries, require passengers travelling with pets to declare the animal at the time of ticket booking. The pet's passport or health book number, category, size, and preferred onboard location (in cabin, in kennel, or on deck) must be registered at the point of purchase.
An EU pet passport is a uniform document that certifies your pet's identity, microchip number, and vaccination history, required for travel between EU member states and on most Greek ferry operators. It is issued by a licensed veterinarian in any EU country and serves as the definitive record of your pet's health and travel eligibility on domestic and international routes.
On most Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion ferries, small pets in carriers are allowed in the passenger cabin. Larger dogs may be required to remain in vehicles on the car deck or may be accommodated in designated kennel areas with Blue Star Ferries. Pets traveling in passenger seating areas must be transported in an appropriate box or carrier. Please verify the operator's specific pet policy at the time of booking as conditions vary by vessel and operator.
Passengers with reduced mobility traveling on the Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion ferry route should contact their operator directly at the time of booking to arrange appropriate assistance. The larger vessels with Blue Star Ferries are generally well-equipped for passengers with mobility requirements, while SeaJets high-speed catamarans may present more limited accessibility due to the nature of their design.
Blue Star Ferries vessels feature adapted cabins with wider doorways and grab rails, suitable for wheelchair users and passengers with reduced mobility. These should be requested and confirmed at the time of booking to guarantee availability.
Step-free access is available throughout most passenger areas on larger conventional ferries, with lifts connecting decks. High-speed catamarans may have more restricted access between deck levels.
Passengers with reduced mobility are usually given priority boarding ahead of other passengers. Please contact your operator in advance to make this arrangement.
Staff assistance boarding and disembarking is available upon request. This is particularly relevant at Athinios Port, where the port layout and gangway configuration can be challenging for passengers with limited mobility.
Passengers traveling with a car who have mobility needs may in some cases be permitted to remain closer to their vehicle during the crossing.
It's best to notify your operator of any accessibility or special assistance requirements at the time of booking rather than at the port. Provisions vary by vessel and advance notice ensures the right arrangements are in place. You can also contact DirectFerries customer support for guidance on accessible ferry options on the Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion route.
Reserve tickets at least 4–6 weeks in advance for June–September sailings. The Thira to Heraklion ferry is popular with island-hoppers and SeaJets high-speed services in particular sell out quickly during peak season.
Plan to arrive at Athinios Port at least 45 minutes before departure if traveling on foot and approximately 90 minutes when traveling with a vehicle. The access road to Athinios Port is narrow and can become heavily congested with coaches and cars in peak summer so factor this into your journey planning.
If you want to arrive in Heraklion quickly and have maximum time to explore, SeaJets is the clear choice at under 2 hours. If you prefer comfort, onboard amenities, and don't mind a longer journey, Blue Star Ferries' conventional service offers a more relaxed experience with cabin options.
If travelling on the conventional Blue Star Ferries service, a cabin is strongly recommended for comfort, especially on later-departing sailings. Inside cabins are the more affordable option; outside cabins with a porthole are worth the premium for the additional light and comfort.
Keep your passport or EU ID card, pet documentation, and any discount eligibility proof readily accessible at check-in. Although this is a domestic Greek route, ID is required for boarding all ferries.
High-speed and conventional ferries offer very different experiences and prices on this route. Use Direct Ferries to view all operators, crossing times, and compare live prices before booking your Santorini to Crete ferry.
The Aegean Sea between Santorini and Crete is known for strong winds, particularly in July and August. High-speed catamarans can be affected by rough sea conditions and services may be delayed or cancelled in bad weather. If you're prone to motion sickness, the heavier conventional ferry is the more stable option. Alternatively, consider taking an early morning sailing when seas tend to be calmer.
Ferries from Santorini depart from Athinios Port, approximately 8 km from Fira. Some smaller SeaJets services use the Old Port — always confirm your exact departure point on your ticket before travelling to avoid arriving at the wrong terminal.
Pre-book a taxi or check KTEL bus times for your arrival at Heraklion Port. In peak season, taxis outside the terminal can be limited after large ferry arrivals. Heraklion Airport is only 10–15 minutes by taxi from the port, particularly convenient for travelers taking onward flights from Crete.
