Crete (Island) to Athens ferry with Blue Star Ferries

Fri, Sep 18
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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
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The cheapest and fastest ferries from Crete (Island) to Athens

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18

Cheapest price on Sep 18

$40

Average ticket price on Sep 18

$68

Fastest journey on Sep 18

7 h 50 m

Average journey duration on Sep 18

9 h 17 m

Ferries on Sep 18

5

Distance

320 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Crete (Island) to Athens is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Crete (Island) to Athens will cost around $68 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.

Fast ferries

On Fri, Sep 18, we found 5 ferries from Crete (Island) to Athens, including 5 direct services.

On Fri, Sep 18 the direct ferries cover the 320 km distance in an average of 9 h 17 m but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 7 h 50 m .

On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest ferries will take 10 h 10 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.

  • Blue Star FerriesNISSOS RODOS
    9:00 PM9h40
    Heraklion Port
    6:40 AMPort of Piraeus
    $401One-way
    0 transfers
  • Minoan Lines (Greece domestic)FESTOS PALACE
    9:00 PM9h30
    Heraklion Port
    6:30 AMPort of Piraeus
    $541One-way
    0 transfers
  • Blue Star FerriesELYROS
    9:30 PM9h15
    Port of Souda
    6:45 AMPort of Piraeus
    $641One-way
    0 transfers
  • Blue Star FerriesBLUE STAR CHIOS
    3:20 AM10h10
    Heraklion Port
    1:30 PMPort of Piraeus
    $721One-way
    0 transfers
  • SeajetsCHAMPIONS LEAGUE JET 1
    8:00 AM7h50
    Heraklion Port
    3:50 PMPort of Piraeus
    $1101One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare ferry and flight for Crete (Island) to Athens

Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Crete (Island) to Athens among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the ferry, with an average ticket price of $62 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 2h 51m. 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 $62, while a flight costs an average of $111.

Distance: 172 nautical miles (320 km)

Compare ferry with

Most popular
Ferry
Flight

$62

Average price

Cheapest

$111

Average price

10h 25m

Average total duration

9h 25m

Onboard

+

1h 0m

Additional time*

2h 51m

Average total duration

Fastest

51m

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 Crete (Island) to Athens is a ferry with an average price of $62.

This is compared to other travel options from Crete (Island) to Athens:

A ferry is $49 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Crete (Island) to Athens costing on average $111.

The fastest way to travel from Crete (Island) to Athens is by flight with an average journey time of 51m.

Other travel options to Athens take longer:

Ferry takes on average 9h 25m.

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

Crete (Island) to Athens Ferry Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationSailing Days
Operator
Blue Star Ferries
Departure Time
09:30PM
Arrival Time
06:45AM
Duration
9h15
Sailing Days
Everyday
Operator
Blue Star Ferries
Departure Time
07:10PM
Arrival Time
10:00AM
Duration
14h50
Sailing Days
Sun
Operator
Seajets
Departure Time
08:00AM
Arrival Time
03:50PM
Duration
7h50
Sailing Days
Everyday
Operator
Blue Star Ferries
Departure Time
10:40PM
Arrival Time
10:00AM
Duration
11h20
Sailing Days
Sun
Operator
Blue Star Ferries
Departure Time
03:20AM
Arrival Time
01:30PM
Duration
10h10
Sailing Days
Fri
Operator
Blue Star Ferries
Departure Time
11:50PM
Arrival Time
01:30PM
Duration
13h40
Sailing Days
Thu
Operator
Blue Star Ferries
Departure Time
09:00PM
Arrival Time
06:40AM
Duration
9h40
Sailing Days
Everyday
Operator
Seajets
Departure Time
08:15AM
Arrival Time
07:15PM
Duration
11h00
Sailing Days
Thu
Operator
Minoan Lines (Greece domestic)
Departure Time
09:00PM
Arrival Time
06:30AM
Duration
9h30
Sailing Days
Everyday

Live departures

Crete (Island) to Athens ferry times

The table below shows live departures for Crete (Island) to Athens ferries for today, Thursday, September 17. 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 Heraklion Port
9h30
6:30 AM Port of Piraeus0 transfersDirect
Blue Star FerriesASTERION II9:00 PM Heraklion Port
9h40
6:40 AM Port of Piraeus0 transfersDirect
Blue Star FerriesKISSAMOS9:30 PM Port of Souda
9h15
6:45 AM Port of Piraeus0 transfersDirect
Blue Star FerriesBLUE STAR CHIOS11:50 PM Sitia
13h40
1:30 PM Port of Piraeus0 transfersDirect
Friday, September 18
Blue Star FerriesBLUE STAR CHIOS3:20 AM Heraklion Port
10h10
1:30 PM Port of Piraeus0 transfersDirect
SeajetsCHAMPIONS LEAGUE JET 18:00 AM Heraklion Port
7h50
3:50 PM Port of Piraeus0 transfersDirect

This is the last ferry of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Crete (Island) to Athens 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 Crete (Island) to Athens ferries with Omio?

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

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 Crete (Island) to Athens.
  • 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 Crete (Island) to Athens.

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 Crete (Island) to Athens.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including ferry and flight to find the ideal travel option from Crete (Island) to Athens.

Offers and deals from Crete (Island) to Athens

Discover the offers available on trains covering the route from Crete (Island) to Athens 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 Crete (Island) to Athens

GreeceGreece
GreeceGreece
Icon of ferry

Ferries from Crete (Island) to Athens run on average 5 times per day, taking around 9h 25m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at $27 but you can travel from only $25 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 6h 30m. There are 14 sailings per week. Ferries from Crete (Island) to Athens 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 $25
Official Omio partners on this route
Blue Star Ferries
Minoan Lines (Greece domestic)
Seajets
Distance
172 nautical miles (320 km)
Average sailing duration
9h 25m
Cheapest ticket price
$27
Ferries per day
5
Direct ferries
Available
Average weekly sailings
14
Fastest ferry
6h 30m
First ferry
12:20 AM
Last ferry
11:45 PM
Cabins
Available
Vehicles
Available
Foot passengers
Available
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
56 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 $25

Ferry operators: Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets from Crete (Island) to AthensYou can travel by ferry between Crete (Island) to Athens with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets for as low as $25. 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
$38
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
$38
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
6h 30m
Cheapest Seajets Price
$27
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 Athens

Things to do in Athens

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

  • Must visit

Acropolis Museum

World-class museum for Acropolis finds, with superb archaic sculptures and Parthenon marbles displayed in a striking modern building.

  • Must visit

National Archaeological Museum

Greece’s premier archaeology museum, spanning prehistory to late antiquity. Essential for masterpieces from across the country.

  • Recommended

Museum of Cycladic Art

Outstanding museum of Cycladic art and ancient Greek culture. Known for elegant figurines and thoughtful contemporary presentation.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Europe; hotels in peak season rise, but dining and transit stay fairly reasonable for tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or street food.
Mid-range
€20-35 per person for a meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
€2.50-4 for cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants, round taxi fares up, and leave small change at cafes.

FAQs: Ferry from Crete (Island) to Athens

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Crete (Island) to Athens 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 Athens, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap ferry tickets from Crete (Island) to Athens can start from as little as $27 when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Crete (Island) to Athens is $62 ; 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 Crete (Island) to Athens is 6h 30m 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 Crete (Island) to Athens leaves at 12:20 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest ferry from Crete (Island) to Athens leaves at 11:45 PM.
Yes, there are 5 direct ferries a day from Crete (Island) to Athens with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets, Fast Ferries. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct ferries.
Yes, you can book a cabin on sailings from Crete (Island) to Athens with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast
Yes, travelling with a vehicle from Crete (Island) to Athens 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 Crete (Island) to Athens 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 Crete (Island) to Athens, 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 Athens. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Crete (Island) and Athens and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
A trip to Athens from Crete (Island) is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a ferry from Crete (Island) to Athens is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Crete (Island) and Athens including taking a ferry and flight.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Athens are:
  • Acropolis of Athens, an ancient citadel featuring iconic structures like the Parthenon and offering panoramic views of the city
  • Acropolis Museum, a modern museum housing artifacts from the Acropolis and providing insights into ancient Greek civilization
  • Ancient Agora of Athens, a historic site that was once the heart of public life in Athens, featuring ruins and a reconstructed Stoa
  • National Archaeological Museum, Greece's largest museum, showcasing an extensive collection of artifacts from various archaeological locations across the country
  • Plaka, a charming historic neighborhood with narrow streets, neoclassical architecture, and vibrant local shops and cafes.
The best things to do in Athens include:
  • Mount Lycabettus, enjoy panoramic views of Athens from the city's highest point
  • Explore the vibrant Monastiraki Flea Market, where you can find antiques, souvenirs, and local crafts
  • Visit the Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble and host of the first modern Olympic Games
  • Take a stroll through the National Garden of Athens, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city
  • Experience a traditional Greek performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, an ancient stone theatre.
Since both Crete (Island) and Athens 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 Crete (Island) to Athens 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 Athens, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport, popular tourist sites, and markets. Common scams include unofficial taxi drivers overcharging or taking longer routes, and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It's advisable to use official taxis or ride-hailing apps, keep valuables secure, and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or deals.
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 Crete (Island) to Athens

Most Crete (Island) to Athens ferries use the Heraklion Port to Port of Piraeus port pair. Use this guide to compare Crete (Island) and Athens ports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like port facilities and services.

Departure ports in Crete
Arrival ports in Athens

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

Ferries from Crete (Island) to Athens leave from Heraklion Port. The port is 19 miles (32 km) from Crete (Island) city centre at Leof. Nearchou, Iraklio 713 07, Greece.
Heraklion PortLeof. Nearchou, Iraklio 713 07, GreeceWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Heraklion Port from Crete city centre

Heraklion Port is 32 km from Crete city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus10, 15, 31 · 10m · $1 · every ~10 min
Shuttle7m · $2

Heraklion Port port facilities and services

Heraklion Port has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Kouzina EPE (0.3km), Paralia Seaside Restaurant (0.5km), Ligo Krasi Ligo Thalassa (0.6km)

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free WiFi. ATMs are available inside the terminal.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Heraklion Port.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Heraklion Port: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Heraklion Port.

Port of Souda (Chania)Souda 732 00, Greece
City-centre transport

Getting to Port of Souda (Chania) from Crete city centre

Bus13 · 21m · every ~4 min
13 · 27m · every ~4 min
SitiaKazantzaki 3, Sitia 723 00, GreeceWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Sitia from Crete city centre

Sitia is 1 km from Crete city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus3h 0m · $21
Shuttle2h 50m

Sitia port facilities and services

Sitia has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Inodion (0.3km), Mitsakakis (0.4km), Ziafeti (0.5km)

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free WiFi. ATMs are available in the terminal.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Sitia.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Sitia: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Sitia.

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

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

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

HomeFerriesFerries in GreeceCrete (Island) to Athens ferry

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