Athens to Crete (Island) ferry with Blue Star Ferries

Sat, Aug 29
+ Add return
Blue Star Ferries
Minoan Lines (Greece domestic)
Seajets
Anek - Superfast
Fast Ferries
2,000+ travel companies
Blue Star Ferries
Minoan Lines (Greece domestic)
Seajets
Anek - Superfast
Fast Ferries
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest ferries from Athens to Crete (Island)

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Aug 29

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast ferries

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.

  • Minoan Lines (Greece domestic)FESTOS PALACE
    9:30 AM9h15
    Port of Piraeus
    6:45 PMHeraklion Port
    401One-way
    0 transfers
  • Blue Star FerriesNISSOS RODOS
    9:00 PM9h50
    Port of Piraeus
    6:50 AMHeraklion Port
    411One-way
    0 transfers
  • Minoan Lines (Greece domestic)KNOSSOS PALACE
    9:00 PM9h30
    Port of Piraeus
    6:30 AMHeraklion Port
    441One-way
    0 transfers
  • Blue Star FerriesKISSAMOS
    10:00 PM9h25
    Port of Piraeus
    7:25 AMPort of Souda
    531One-way
    0 transfers
  • Blue Star FerriesELYROS
    10:00 AM8h00
    Port of Piraeus
    6:00 PMPort of Souda
    531One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare ferry and flight for Athens to Crete (Island)

Omio 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)

Compare ferry with

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

Blue Star Ferries

Most popular ferry company

Aegean Airlines

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Athens to Crete (Island) is a ferry with an average price of €51.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Athens to Crete (Island) is by flight with an average journey time of 52m.

Other travel options to Crete (Island) take longer:

Ferry takes on average 9h 36m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Athens and Crete (Island) including taking a ferry and flight.
We recommend using the ferry as it is the most popular way to get from Athens to Crete (Island) among Omio's users.

Athens to Crete (Island) Ferry Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationSailing 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

Live departures

Athens to Crete (Island) ferry times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Minoan Lines (Greece domestic)KNOSSOS PALACE9:00 PM Port of Piraeus
9h30
6:30 AM Heraklion Port0 transfersDirect
Blue Star FerriesNISSOS RODOS9:00 PM Port of Piraeus
9h15
6:15 AM Heraklion Port0 transfersDirect
Blue Star FerriesKISSAMOS10:00 PM Port of Piraeus
8h15
6:15 AM Port of Souda0 transfersDirect
Saturday, August 29
Blue Star FerriesBLUE STAR CHIOS9:00 AM Port of Piraeus
11h00
8:00 PM Heraklion Port0 transfersDirect
Blue Star FerriesBLUE STAR CHIOS9:00 AM Port of Piraeus
14h25
11:25 PM Sitia0 transfersDirect
Blue Star FerriesASTERION II9:00 AM Port of Piraeus
8h45
5:45 PM Heraklion Port0 transfersDirect
SeajetsWORLDCHAMPION JET9:30 AM Port of Piraeus
7h50
5:20 PM Heraklion Port0 transfersDirect
Minoan Lines (Greece domestic)FESTOS PALACE9:30 AM Port of Piraeus
9h15
6:45 PM Heraklion Port0 transfersDirect
Blue Star FerriesELYROS10:00 AM Port of Piraeus
8h00
6:00 PM Port of Souda0 transfersDirect

This is the last ferry of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Athens to Crete (Island) by ferry or flight

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.

Sat
Aug 29
Sun
Aug 30
Mon
Aug 31
Tue
Sep 01
Wed
Sep 02
Thu
Sep 03
Fri
Sep 04
Sat
Sep 05
Sun
Sep 06
Mon
Sep 07
Tue
Sep 08
Wed
Sep 09
Thu
Sep 10
Fri
Sep 11
Sat
Sep 12
Sun
Sep 13
Mon
Sep 14
Tue
Sep 15
Wed
Sep 16
Thu
Sep 17
Fri
Sep 18

Why should you book Athens to Crete (Island) ferries with Omio?

Blue Star Ferries as well as Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets, Anek - Superfast, Fast Ferries and more offer ferries services from Athens to Crete (Island).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Athens to Crete (Island).

Why book with Omio vs Blue Star Ferries?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Blue Star Ferries, but also compare tickets for the likes of Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets, Anek - Superfast or Fast Ferries to find the best option for your trip from Athens to Crete (Island).
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Blue Star Ferries with all available travel options, which are ferry and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Athens to Crete (Island).

Why book with Omio over Ferryhopper, Directferries or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets, Anek - Superfast or Fast Ferries to find the best option for your trip from Athens to Crete (Island).
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including ferry and flight to find the ideal travel option from Athens to Crete (Island).

How far in advance should I book ferry tickets from Athens to Crete (Island)?

The best time to book your ferry from Athens to Crete (Island) is 77 days before departure. See how prices for ferries change on the Athens to Crete (Island) route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Athens to Crete (Island) per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your ferry from Athens to Crete (Island).

Offers and deals from Athens to Crete (Island)

Discover the offers available on trains covering the route from Athens to Crete (Island) and choose the solutions that best suit your needs. Below, you will find a selection of the most popular offers proposed by Seajets, Golden Star Ferries

Up to 30% off
30% off with Seajets
SeaJets helps you explore Greek islands including: Sporades archipelago: 20% off your 2024 return tickets on superfast ferries from mainland Greece to Alonissos, Skopelos and Skiathos - as well as on many inter-island crossings. Book by 15th of June 2024. Discover Crete: Foot passengers can get 30% off on their 2024 return tickets between Athens (Piraeus) and Chania. Valid until further notice.
Up to 30% off
30% off return with Golden Star Ferries
Golden Star Ferries runs regular crossings between Rafina on the mainland and the Cyclades along with inter-island crossings. Get 30% off the return trip when booking a same-day return trip to any of Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Andros, Tinos or Ios. Let the island hopping commence!

Journey information

Overview: Ferry from Athens to Crete (Island)

GreeceGreece
GreeceGreece
Icon of ferry

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.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from €19
Official Omio partners on this route
Blue Star Ferries
Minoan Lines (Greece domestic)
Seajets
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
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from €19

Ferry operators: Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets from Athens to Crete (Island)You can travel by ferry between Athens to Crete (Island) with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets for as low as €22. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.

Blue Star Ferries

About
Blue Star Ferries is a Greek ferry company that operates a fleet of ferries that provide transportation services for passengers and vehicles across the Aegean Sea and the Adriatic Sea. The company was founded in 1965 and is based in Piraeus, Greece. Blue Star Ferries operates ferry services between the Greek mainland and the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and Northern Aegean islands, as well as between the Greek mainland and Italy.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Blue Star Ferries Duration
8h 0m
Cheapest Blue Star Ferries Price
€30
Blue Star Ferries frequency
3 a day
Additional luggage
Additional luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations possible up to 24 hours before departure with varying refund rates
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurants, cafes, and bars available serving meals and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible areas and facilities available on most vessels. Assistance available upon request.
Pets
Small pets allowed in designated areas. Must be in carriers or leashed. Not allowed in restaurants.
Cabin reservation
Economy cabins to luxury suites available. Must be booked in advance
Car on board

Minoan Lines (Greece domestic)

About
Minoan Lines, established in 1972 in Greece, is a prominent ferry operator known for connecting various Greek islands and mainland destinations. Their fleet comprises modern vessels, including the HSC Santorini Palace and the Cruise Europa, offering different classes such as Economy, Business, and VIP. Onboard amenities include restaurants, bars, shops, and comfortable lounges, ensuring a pleasant journey. Passengers can choose from various ticket types, including standard seats, private cabins, and vehicle transport options. Minoan Lines' top routes include Heraklion to Piraeus, Santorini to Heraklion, and Piraeus to Chania, making it a preferred choice for travelers exploring Greece's picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) Duration
9h 15m
Cheapest Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) Price
€31
Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) frequency
1 a day
Additional luggage
Additional luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations possible up to 14 days before departure for full refund, 7-13 days 75% refund, 4-6 days 50% refund, less than 4 days no refund
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurants, cafeterias, and bars available
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible facilities available on most vessels. Assistance available upon request.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers, dogs must be leashed and muzzled. Not allowed in restaurants or indoor accommodation areas.
Cabin reservation
Cabins available in various categories (internal, external, luxury)
Car on board

Seajets

About
Seajets is a Greek ferry company that operates a fleet of high-speed catamaran ferries that provide transportation services for passengers and vehicles across the Aegean Sea. The company was founded in 2000 and is based in Piraeus, Greece. Seajets operates ferry services between the Greek mainland and the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and Northern Aegean islands. They offer frequent daily departures and a wide range of routes, making it a convenient and efficient way to travel between the islands.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Seajets Duration
5h 45m
Cheapest Seajets Price
€22
Seajets frequency
1 a day
Additional luggage
Extra luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations allowed up to 24 hours before departure with fees
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria and bar available with snacks and beverages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible areas available on most vessels. Assistance available upon request.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers, dogs must be leashed and muzzled
Cabin reservation
Basic cabins available on longer routes
Car on board

Complete guide to Crete (Island)

Things to do in Crete (Island)

Discover the best of Crete (Island) — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Crete (Island) trip today.

  • Must visit

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Crete’s leading archaeological museum, displaying masterpieces from Minoan sites including Knossos, Phaistos, and Zakros. Essential for island history.

  • Recommended

Archaeological Museum of Chania

Excellent museum inside Chania’s old town showing finds from western Crete, from prehistory to Roman times, in a carefully curated modern space.

  • Recommended

Archaeological Museum of Rethymno

Historic museum in Rethymno’s old town with artifacts from caves, sanctuaries, and ancient cities across the region.

Euro (€)

Moderate for a Greek island. Summer rooms and car hire rise fast, but tavern meals, coffee, and buses stay reasonable versus Santorini or Mykonos.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for gyros, bakery, or fast food.
Mid-range
€18-30 per person for a tavern or casual restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
€2.50-4 for coffee or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Ferry from Athens to Crete (Island)

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.

FAQs
Cheap ferry tickets from Athens to Crete (Island) can start from as little as €22 when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Athens to Crete (Island) is €51 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by ferry from Athens to Crete (Island) is 5h 45m to travel the 198 miles (320 km) long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest ferry from Athens to Crete (Island) leaves at 12:20 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest ferry from Athens to Crete (Island) leaves at 11:45 PM.
Yes, there are 5 direct ferries a day from Athens to Crete (Island) with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets, Anek - Superfast, Fast Ferries. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct ferries.
Yes, you can book a cabin on sailings from Athens to Crete (Island) with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast
Yes, travelling with a vehicle from Athens to Crete (Island) is possible with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets, Anek - Superfast, Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Athens to Crete (Island) is possible with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets, Anek - Superfast, Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries. We recommend arriving at least one hour before the trip if you are travelling on foot, but please check specific times for each route. If you need to book your travel to the departure port, check our trains, buses and flight options on Omio.
When taking a ferry from Athens to Crete (Island), you can count on Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets, Anek - Superfast, Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries for the best way to get you to Crete (Island). You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Athens and Crete (Island) and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
A trip to Crete (Island) from Athens is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a ferry from Athens to Crete (Island) is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Athens and Crete (Island) including taking a ferry and flight.
Since both Athens and Crete (Island) are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the ferry as it is the most popular way to get from Athens to Crete (Island) among Omio's users.
Greece uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cash is often preferred in smaller shops, local markets, and remote areas, while cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, and larger establishments.
In Crete, travelers should be cautious of common pickpocketing in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Avoid unofficial taxi services to prevent overcharging. Be wary of scams involving overpriced souvenirs or misleading rental agreements, especially for cars and scooters. Always confirm prices upfront and keep personal belongings secure to ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular ferry ports

Popular ports from Athens to Crete (Island)

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.

Departure ports in Athens
Arrival ports in Crete

Which Athens port do ferries to Crete (Island) leave from?

Ferries from Athens to Crete (Island) leave from Port of Piraeus. The port is from Athens city centre at 10, Akti Miaouli str, Pireas 185 38, Greece.
Port of Piraeus10, Akti Miaouli str, Pireas 185 38, GreeceWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Port of Piraeus from Athens city centre

Metro Line 1, Piraeus Station

Port of Piraeus 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 and drink

Food options include: Kebab & Curry Indian Restaurant (0.3km), To Steki tou Ilia (0.5km), Rouan Thai (0.7km)

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free WiFi. ATMs are available in passenger terminals.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Port of Piraeus.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Port of Piraeus: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Port of Piraeus.

More options for your journey from Athens to Crete (Island)

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular ferries to and from Crete (Island) and Athens

HomeFerriesFerries in GreeceAthens to Crete (Island) ferry

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone