Ferry to Rethymno 2027: routes, prices & tickets

Ferry to Rethymno: how it works in practice

Rethymno is on the north coast of Crete, between Chania and Heraklion. Its port is small, next to the Venetian harbour and the Old Town, and it doesn't have the frequency of the island's main ports. There are no daily sailings from Piraeus as there are to Heraklion and Chania (Souda). So the first decision is whether to sail directly or to arrive at another Cretan port and continue by road.

If the timetable above shows no sailings for your dates, it usually means the operator hasn't yet announced its schedule for the season. It doesn't mean the route has been withdrawn. Rethymno's seasonal routes are usually published late and change from year to year.

Routes serving Rethymno

Santorini – Rethymno

In summer 2026 the connection that operated was the Santorini route, run by SeaJets with a high-speed ferry. It sailed twice a week from May to October, and the crossing took about 2 hours 20 minutes. The schedule we saw had a morning departure from Rethymno and an afternoon return from Santorini. That makes a day trip to the island possible, but with little margin. Prices for 2026 started at around €105 per person. For a car the range was very wide, from about €90 to over €180, depending on the day and the size of the vehicle. For 2027, treat these figures as a guide only, not as confirmed information.

Piraeus – Rethymno

In some years there has been a seasonal connection with Piraeus, with an intermediate stop at Milos (for example on Fridays and Sundays in summer 2025). There is no guarantee it will return. If it is announced for 2027, it will appear in the timetable on this page. Until then, don't plan a trip on the assumption that it will run.

Heraklion or Chania: which port to choose

Most travellers heading for Rethymno arrive by ferry at one of the two big ports and continue by road. Both are about an hour away by car or bus.

• Chania (Souda): the overnight ferry from Piraeus usually leaves in the evening, around 21:00–22:00, takes 8–9 hours and arrives in the morning. It suits you best if your accommodation is west of Rethymno or if you also plan to visit Chania.
• Heraklion: it has the most departures during the day, with morning high-speed and conventional ferries, and the overnight ferry arrives at around 06:30. It suits you best if you want a choice of departure times or are coming from Santorini, Rhodes or the Dodecanese.

For Rethymno the difference in distance is small. Choose based on departure time, cabin availability and price. If you have a hire car, check where you will collect it. Picking it up at the port or airport at a time that matches your ferry's arrival saves time.

When to book for 2027

• July–August and around the 15 August holiday: book as soon as the timetables are released, especially if you need a car space or a cabin. The Santorini route has few departures and fills up easily.
• May–June and September: there is usually availability and slightly lower prices. If you want a specific day, book early.
• Winter: don't count on a direct ferry to Rethymno. Use the year-round Piraeus – Heraklion or Piraeus – Chania routes.

High-speed ferries are affected by the strong Aegean winds, mainly in July and August. If you have a flight the next day, don't schedule the ferry for the day before, and leave yourself a margin.

Getting to and from Rethymno port

The port is at the edge of the Old Town and the central sights are close by. If you are staying in the Old Town or the centre, you can walk, even with a suitcase. For accommodation further away, for example along the long town beach, there are taxis at the port. Rethymno has no airport. The nearest are Chania and Heraklion, and KTEL intercity buses connect both airports with the town frequently.

What to do near the port

Within the first few minutes' walk you'll find the Venetian harbour with its lighthouse, the Fortezza and the narrow lanes of the Old Town with their Venetian and Ottoman buildings. Further afield, we recommend Arkadi Monastery, the beaches of southern Rethymno (Preveli, Plakias) and the mountain villages of Mount Psiloritis. If you are leaving Rethymno on a morning ferry to Santorini, stay in the Old Town or the centre so that you can reach the port quickly the next day.

Tips before you book

• Check the return date before you pay, because seasonal routes only run on certain days of the week.
• If you are taking a car, reserve the space first and then book your accommodation. Vehicle space on high-speed ferries is limited.
• If you are travelling on a conventional ferry from Piraeus, a cabin helps on a trip that arrives in the morning and is followed by a drive.
• Keep your tickets in electronic form and bring the passport or ID card that you gave when booking.