- Must visit
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
One of Greece’s most important museums, housing major Minoan treasures from Knossos, Phaistos, and across Crete. Essential for understanding the island’s Bronze Age history.
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The cheapest and fastest ferries from Athens to Heraklion
Showing times and prices for Jul 12
Cheapest price
$40
Average price
$63
Fastest journey
7 h 50 m
Average duration
8 h 48 m
Ferries per day
6
Distance
321 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Athens to Heraklion is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Athens to Heraklion will cost around $63 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
Fast ferries
Of the 6 ferries that leave Athens for Heraklion on Sun, Jul 12, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 12 the direct ferries cover the 321 km distance in an average of 8 h 48 m but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 7 h 50 m .
On Sun, Jul 12 the slowest ferries will take 9 h 30 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.
NISSOS RODOS9:00 PM9h50Port of Piraeus6:50 AMHeraklion Port$401One-way0 transfers
FESTOS PALACE9:30 AM9h15Port of Piraeus6:45 PMHeraklion Port$491One-way0 transfers- KNOSSOS PALACE9:00 PM9h30Port of Piraeus6:30 AMHeraklion Port$541One-way0 transfers
- KISSAMOS10:00 PM9h25Port of Piraeus7:25 AMPort of Souda$641One-way0 transfers
- ELYROS10:00 AM8h00Port of Piraeus6:00 PMPort of Souda$641One-way0 transfers
WORLDCHAMPION JET9:30 AM7h50Port of Piraeus5:20 PMHeraklion Port$1091One-way0 transfers- ELYROS10:00 AM8h00Port of Piraeus6:00 PMPort of Souda$641One-way0 transfers
- FESTOS PALACE9:30 AM9h15Port of Piraeus6:45 PMHeraklion Port$491One-way0 transfers
- KISSAMOS10:00 PM9h25Port of Piraeus7:25 AMPort of Souda$641One-way0 transfers
- KNOSSOS PALACE9:00 PM9h30Port of Piraeus6:30 AMHeraklion Port$541One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare ferry and flight for Athens to Heraklion
Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Athens to Heraklion among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the ferry with prices starting from $40. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 57m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the ferry is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of $40, and a flight costs an average of $47.
Distance: 173 nautical miles (321 km)
Compare ferry with
Most popular Ferry | Flight |
|---|---|
$46 Average price Cheapest | $116 Average price |
9h 47m Average total duration 8h 47m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 3h 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Athens to Heraklion is a ferry with an average price of $46 (€38).
This is compared to other travel options from Athens to Heraklion:
A ferry is $69 (€57) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Athens to Heraklion costing on average $116 (€95).
The fastest way to travel from Athens to Heraklion is by flight with an average journey time of 57m.
Other travel options to Heraklion take longer:
Ferry takes on average 8h 47m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Athens and Heraklion including taking a ferry and flight.
We recommend using the ferry as it is the most popular way to get from Athens to Heraklion among Omio's users.
Athens to Heraklion Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 11h20 | Sailing Days Wed, Fri |
Operator Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 9h15 | Sailing Days Wed, Sun |
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 Thu, Sat |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 8h15 | Sailing Days Everyday |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 9h50 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 7h50 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 01:25AM | Duration 10h25 | 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 Heraklion ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Athens to Heraklion ferries for today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASTERION II | 9:00 PM Port of Piraeus | 9h50 | 6:50 AM Heraklion Port | 0 transfersDirect | |
| KNOSSOS PALACE | 9:00 PM Port of Piraeus | 9h30 | 6:30 AM Heraklion Port | 0 transfersDirect | |
| KISSAMOS | 10:00 PM Port of Piraeus | 8h15 | 6:15 AM Port of Souda | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, July 12 | |||||
| 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 prices and tickets Athens to Heraklion 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.
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Why should you book Athens to Heraklion ferries with Omio?
Blue Star Ferries as well as Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets, Fast Ferries and more offer ferries services from Athens to Heraklion.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Athens to Heraklion.
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), Anek - Superfast, Seajets or Fast Ferries to find the best option for your trip from Athens to Heraklion.
- 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 Heraklion.
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), Anek - Superfast, Seajets or Fast Ferries to find the best option for your trip from Athens to Heraklion.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including ferry and flight to find the ideal travel option from Athens to Heraklion.
Offers and deals from Athens to Heraklion
Discover the offers available on trains covering the route from Athens to Heraklion and choose the solutions that best suit your needs. Below, you will find a selection of the most popular offers proposed by Seajets
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.
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Athens to Heraklion
GreeceGreece
Ferries from Athens to Heraklion run on average 5 times per day, taking around 8h 47m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at $40 (€33) if you book in advance.
There are 5 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 00:20, the last at 23:45. The fastest ferry covers the 173 nautical miles (321 km) distance in 7h 55m. There are 31 sailings per week. Ferries from Athens to Heraklion 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
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 173 nautical miles (321 km) |
Average sailing duration 8h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $40 (€33) |
Ferries per day 5 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 31 |
Fastest ferry 7h 55m |
First ferry 12:20 AM |
Last ferry 11:45 PM |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 6 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
Ferry operators: Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets, Fast Ferries from Athens to HeraklionYou can travel by ferry between Athens to Heraklion with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets, Fast Ferries for as low as $40 (€33). 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 Duration
8h 15m
Cheapest Price
$40 (€33)
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 Duration
9h 15m
Cheapest Price
$40 (€33)
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
Anek - Superfast
About
Anek Lines is a Greek-Italian ferry company that operates a fleet of ferries and high-speed vessels between Greece, Italy and Cyprus.Anek Lines operates a fleet of six ships, providing services on several routes such as: Patras - Ancona, Igoumenitsa - Ancona, Piraeus - Heraklion - Chania and Piraeus - Limassol - Larnaca.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 0m
Cheapest Price
$45 (€37)
Anek - Superfast frequency
1 a day
Additional luggage
Additional luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations possible up to 24 hours before departure with varying fees depending on ticket type
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurants, cafeterias, and bars available
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible areas and facilities available on most vessels. Assistance available upon request.
Pets
Small pets allowed in designated areas or carriers. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled.
Cabin reservation
Various cabin types available from standard to luxury suites
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 Duration
7h 55m
Cheapest Price
$121 (€100)
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
Fast Ferries
About
Fast Ferries is a Greek company that operates high-speed ferry services in the Aegean Sea. They offer regular services between the Greek mainland and the islands of the Cyclades, such as Mykonos and Santorini, as well as services between the islands of the northeastern Aegean, like Lesvos and Chios. The company's fleet is composed of modern and fast vessels, which can reduce travel time between islands and make the trip more comfortable for passengers. They offer amenities like seating areas, cafes, and shops on board.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 30m
Cheapest Price
$297 (€244)
Fast Ferries frequency
2 a day
Additional luggage
There is no restriction on the number, size, or weight of luggage allowed onboard. The luggage storage area is alongside the car deck; passengers can also keep bags with them if manageable.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled, but cancellation may sometimes occur with refund yet poor communication to passengers.
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
There are four café-snack bars on board offering snacks and refreshments.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
All Fast Ferries vessels have specially designed areas and infrastructure for people with disabilities, including accessible facilities and seating.
Pets
Pets are allowed on board but not in internal areas; special on-board pet accommodation is available. Pets must be accompanied, on leash and muzzle (for dogs), or in appropriate carriers.
Car on board
Complete guide to Heraklion
Things to do in Heraklion
Discover the best of Heraklion — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Heraklion trip today.
- Recommended
Historical Museum of Crete
A well-curated museum covering Cretan history from early Christian times to the modern era, with notable El Greco works and strong historical context.
- Recommended
Natural History Museum of Crete
A modern museum focused on the natural environment of Crete and the eastern Mediterranean, with interactive exhibits, earthquakes, and local biodiversity displays.
- Must visit
Old Venetian Harbor
The city’s most atmospheric waterfront area, ideal for walking, photos, and sunset views around the harbor and fortress.
- Recommended
Lion Square
The lively central square around Morosini Fountain is a key orientation point and one of the busiest places in the historic center.
- Recommended
25th of August Street
A historic pedestrian street connecting the center to the harbor, lined with notable buildings and often featured in city walks and social media posts.
- Vegetarian
Dakos
A classic Cretan meze of barley rusk topped with grated tomato, mizithra or feta, olive oil, and oregano. It is one of the island’s most iconic everyday dishes.
- Vegetarian
Kalitsounia
Small Cretan pastries, often filled with local cheeses or wild greens. They are a traditional snack or appetizer found across Heraklion and wider Crete.
- Gluten-free
Gamopilafo
A rich ceremonial rice dish cooked in meat broth and finished with lemon or staka. It is closely tied to Cretan celebrations and weddings.
Peskesi
Well-known Cretan restaurant in central Heraklion focused on traditional island ingredients, old recipes, and a polished but warm atmosphere.
Parasties Urban Kitchen
Popular contemporary Cretan and Greek restaurant known for grilled meats, local products, and a stylish yet approachable setting.
Erganos
Long-running traditional taverna known for hearty Cretan dishes, rustic decor, and a local feel away from the most touristy spots.
Euro
Moderate for Greece: tavernas and coffee are affordable, while hotels and tourist-area dining cost more in summer.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for gyros or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- EUR 18-30 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 45-80 per person at upscale venues.
- Coffee
- EUR 2.50-4 for coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants. Tip taxi fares up slightly. Small tips are optional in cafes and for hotel staff.
Iraklio City Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 1.20
- Day pass
- None
To the city center
Heraklion Port, Heraklion -> Heraklion Bus Station A, Heraklion
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Single urban bus tickets are typically bought from kiosks or onboard, but onboard purchase may cost more; check the latest fare rules on the official operator website.
- Card payment availability can vary by bus and sales point, so carry some cash for tickets if you are not buying in advance.
FAQs: Ferry from Athens to Heraklion
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Athens to Heraklion 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 Heraklion, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap ferry tickets from Athens to Heraklion can start from as little as $40 (€33) when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Athens to Heraklion is $46 (€38) ; 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 Heraklion is 7h 55m to travel the 199 miles (321 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 Heraklion leaves at 12:20 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Athens to Heraklion leaves at 11:45 PM.
Yes, there are 5 direct ferries a day from Athens to Heraklion with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets, Fast Ferries. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct ferries.
Yes, you can book a cabin on sailings from Athens to Heraklion with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast
Yes, travelling with a vehicle from Athens to Heraklion is possible with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets, Fast Ferries.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Athens to Heraklion is possible with with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets, Fast 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 book your travel to the departure port check our trains, buses and flight options on Omio.
When taking a ferry from Athens to Heraklion, you can count on Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets, Fast Ferries for the best way to get you to Heraklion. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Athens and Heraklion and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
A trip to Heraklion from Athens is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a ferry from Athens to Heraklion is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Athens and Heraklion including taking a ferry and flight.
Since both Athens and Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transportation. Avoid accepting unsolicited help from strangers offering taxi services or tours, as overcharging scams can occur. It's advisable to use official taxis and verified transportation tickets to ensure safety and fair pricing. Staying aware of surroundings and securing personal belongings will help prevent common petty crimes.
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.
More options for your journey from Athens to Heraklion
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular ferries to and from Heraklion and Athens
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