Ferry to Heraklion 2027: routes, prices & tickets

Ferries to and from Heraklion in 2027

Heraklion is served mainly by two routes. The first is the Piraeus line, which runs all year with daily sailings from three operators: Minoan Lines, Blue Star Ferries and Seajets. The second is the route to the Cyclades, where the main destination is Santorini. The cheapest ticket currently shown starts from €15. This applies mainly to economy seats on the Santorini route, not to the Piraeus crossing.

People also search for a connection to Rhodes. It doesn't run daily and usually calls at intermediate stops in the Dodecanese. If you need it, check the available dates first and book accommodation afterwards.

Piraeus to Heraklion: which ferry to choose

The crossing takes from about 7.5 hours on the fastest vessel to 9–10.5 hours on the conventional ferries. There are three main options.

• Overnight ferry (around 21:00 from Piraeus): you arrive early in the morning and gain a full day in Crete. If you sleep in a cabin, you don't need a hotel for that night. It's the best choice if you're travelling with a car.
• Morning ferry (around 08:00–09:30): you travel during the day and arrive in the afternoon. It suits anyone who would rather not travel overnight or who wants to enjoy the sea views.
• Seajets high-speed ferry: this is the quickest option on the route, but not every day is the same and the price varies. Taking a car on board isn't always possible, and the rules differ between sailings, so check before you book.

Minoan Lines and Blue Star operate different ships, timetables and prices depending on the season. Compare both the journey time and the type of seat (economy, airline-style, cabin), because the price difference is often bigger than the time difference.

Heraklion to Santorini

On this route, your choice of ferry changes the journey a great deal. On a Seajets high-speed ferry the crossing takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. On Blue Star ships it takes between 2 and 4.5 hours, depending on the sailing and the stops. Seajets has the most departures, while Blue Star sails fewer times a week. Some Blue Star sailings run at night or in the early hours. Ferries arrive at Athinios port, which is about 20–25 minutes from Fira by bus or taxi, something to factor in if you're heading on to a hotel.

If you're thinking of a day trip from Heraklion, check the return time before you pay. A same-day visit gives you only a few hours in Santorini, so it's a trip to choose with care.

When to book

• July–August: book as early as possible, especially if you're taking a car or want a cabin. Overnight ferries to Piraeus and sailings around 15 August (a major Greek holiday) sell out first.
• May–June and September–October: you'll have plenty of choice, usually at better prices. The high-speed ferry to Santorini runs more often during this period.
• Winter: sailings are reduced and the weather can cause changes or cancellations, especially on high-speed ferries. Leave some flexibility in your plans.

The 2027 timetables are being announced gradually, and the operators add sailings as the season approaches. If you can't see your date yet, try again over the coming weeks. The 'from €15' price is only a guide and changes with availability.

Travel tips

• If you have a car, check that the sailing accepts vehicles before you pay. This isn't always possible on high-speed ferries.
• If you're going from the airport to the port, note that the airport is about 5 km east of the centre, and the port is close to the city centre. A taxi or bus takes only a few minutes, but don't leave it to the last minute.
• If you have a flight to catch after your ferry, leave plenty of time, as ferries are occasionally delayed.
• On the overnight ferry to Piraeus, bring something to eat before boarding and check what the ship offers. A cabin costs more, but makes the journey much more restful.

Heraklion port

The harbour is divided into the old Venetian port, near the Koules fortress and at the end of 25th Avgoustou Street, and the new passenger and cargo port a little further east. The passenger terminal and the berths for Piraeus and Santorini are there. The city centre is within walking distance, but with luggage you'll probably prefer a taxi.

Crete has plenty to offer, starting with the Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum. Even if you arrive in the morning and leave in the evening, there are several things to see near the port. Check the timetable and prices above and choose a departure time that leaves you some margin, especially if you have a flight the next day.