- Must visit
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Crete’s leading archaeological museum, displaying masterpieces from Minoan sites including Knossos, Phaistos, and Zakros. Essential for island history.
Cheapest price on Aug 29
€40
Average ticket price on Aug 29
€55
Fastest journey on Aug 29
7 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Aug 29
8 h 39 m
Ferries on Aug 29
9
Distance
320 km
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Athens to Crete (Island) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Athens to Crete (Island) will cost around €55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €40.
On Sat, Aug 29, we found 9 ferries from Athens to Crete (Island), including 9 direct services.
On Sat, Aug 29 the direct ferries cover the 320 km distance in an average of 8 h 39 m but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 7 h 50 m .
On Sat, Aug 29 the slowest ferries will take 9 h 25 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FESTOS PALACE
NISSOS RODOS
KNOSSOS PALACE
KISSAMOS
ELYROS
WORLDCHAMPION JET
ELYROS
ASTERION II
FESTOS PALACE
KISSAMOSOmio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Athens to Crete (Island) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the ferry, with an average ticket price of €51 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 2h 52m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the ferry is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of €51, while a flight costs an average of €91.
Distance: 172 nautical miles (320 km)
Most popular Ferry | Flight |
|---|---|
€51 Average price Cheapest | €91 Average price |
10h 36m Average total duration 9h 36m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 2h 52m Average total duration Fastest 52m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.0 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular ferry company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Athens to Crete (Island):
A ferry is €40 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Athens to Crete (Island) costing on average €91.
Other travel options to Crete (Island) take longer:
Ferry takes on average 9h 36m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 9h15 | Sailing Days Fri, Sat, Sun |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 10h35 | Sailing Days Thu |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 8h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Sat, Sun |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 8h45 | Sailing Days Sat, Sun |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 9h25 | Sailing Days Everyday |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 9h50 | Sailing Days Everyday |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 7h50 | Sailing Days Everyday |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 14h00 | Sailing Days Wed |
Operator Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 9h30 | Sailing Days Everyday |
The table below shows live departures for Athens to Crete (Island) ferries for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
KNOSSOS PALACE | 9:00 PM Port of Piraeus | 9h30 | 6:30 AM Heraklion Port | 0 transfersDirect | |
NISSOS RODOS | 9:00 PM Port of Piraeus | 9h15 | 6:15 AM Heraklion Port | 0 transfersDirect | |
KISSAMOS | 10:00 PM Port of Piraeus | 8h15 | 6:15 AM Port of Souda | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, August 29 | |||||
BLUE STAR CHIOS | 9:00 AM Port of Piraeus | 11h00 | 8:00 PM Heraklion Port | 0 transfersDirect | |
BLUE STAR CHIOS | 9:00 AM Port of Piraeus | 14h25 | 11:25 PM Sitia | 0 transfersDirect | |
ASTERION II | 9:00 AM Port of Piraeus | 8h45 | 5:45 PM Heraklion Port | 0 transfersDirect | |
WORLDCHAMPION JET | 9:30 AM Port of Piraeus | 7h50 | 5:20 PM Heraklion Port | 0 transfersDirect | |
FESTOS PALACE | 9:30 AM Port of Piraeus | 9h15 | 6:45 PM Heraklion Port | 0 transfersDirect | |
ELYROS | 10:00 AM Port of Piraeus | 8h00 | 6:00 PM Port of Souda | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare ferry and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.


Ferries from Athens to Crete (Island) run on average 5 times per day, taking around 9h 36m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at €22 but you can travel from only €19 by flight.
There are 5 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 00:20, the last at 23:45. The fastest ferry covers the 172 nautical miles (320 km) distance in 5h 45m. There are 21 sailings per week. Ferries from Athens to Crete (Island) are available to foot passengers.



Distance 172 nautical miles (320 km) |
Average sailing duration 9h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price €22 |
Ferries per day 5 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 21 |
Fastest ferry 5h 45m |
First ferry 12:20 AM |
Last ferry 11:45 PM |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Crete (Island) — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Crete (Island) trip today.
Crete’s leading archaeological museum, displaying masterpieces from Minoan sites including Knossos, Phaistos, and Zakros. Essential for island history.
Excellent museum inside Chania’s old town showing finds from western Crete, from prehistory to Roman times, in a carefully curated modern space.
Historic museum in Rethymno’s old town with artifacts from caves, sanctuaries, and ancient cities across the region.
Chania’s atmospheric waterfront promenade lined with Venetian, Ottoman, and neoclassical buildings. Ideal for walking, views, and photography.
Historic maze of alleys, courtyards, and restored houses around the harbor. One of Crete’s most enjoyable areas for strolling and discovering local character.
Lively old quarter below the Fortezza with colorful lanes, small squares, and preserved architecture. Excellent for a slower, more local urban walk.
Slow-cooked goat with wild mountain greens and olive oil. A rustic Cretan specialty tied to village cooking and the island's pastoral tradition.
Barley rusks topped with tomato, mizithra or feta, olive oil, and oregano. A classic Cretan meze showcasing local dairy and produce.
Tiny hand-cut pasta cooked in rich meat broth, often with goat or lamb. Traditional at weddings and festive family gatherings in Crete.
Popular Heraklion meze restaurant with classic Cretan flavors, local wine, and a lively atmosphere favored by locals and visitors.
Established mountain village taverna in Archanes known for hearty Cretan home cooking, grilled meats, and a traditional family feel.
Refined Cretan tasting menus in an elegant setting at Blue Palace. Known for modern island cuisine and polished service.
Moderate for a Greek island. Summer rooms and car hire rise fast, but tavern meals, coffee, and buses stay reasonable versus Santorini or Mykonos.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants for good service, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Heraklion Port -> Lion Square, Heraklion
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Athens to Crete (Island) by ferry. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest ferry, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Crete (Island), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Athens to Crete (Island) ferries use the Port of Piraeus to Heraklion Port port pair, with some services arriving at Port of Souda (Chania). Use this guide to compare Athens and Crete (Island) ports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like port facilities and services.
Port of Piraeus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Kebab & Curry Indian Restaurant (0.3km), To Steki tou Ilia (0.5km), Rouan Thai (0.7km)
Free WiFi. ATMs are available in passenger terminals.
Ticket office support is available at Port of Piraeus.
Available at Port of Piraeus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Port of Piraeus.
Heraklion Port is 32 km from Crete city centre. Public transport options include:
Heraklion Port has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Kouzina EPE (0.3km), Paralia Seaside Restaurant (0.5km), Ligo Krasi Ligo Thalassa (0.6km)
Free WiFi. ATMs are available inside the terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Heraklion Port.
Available at Heraklion Port: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heraklion Port.
Kissamos is 3 km from Crete city centre. Public transport options include:
Kissamos has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pixida (0.3km), The Cellar Tavern (0.4km), Aretousa (0.5km)
Free WiFi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Kissamos.
Available at Kissamos: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kissamos.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need