- Must visit
Acropolis Museum
World-class museum for Acropolis finds, with superb archaic sculptures and Parthenon marbles displayed in a striking modern building.
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
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.
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.
NISSOS RODOS
FESTOS PALACE
ELYROS
BLUE STAR CHIOS
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE JET 1
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE JET 1
ELYROS
FESTOS PALACE
NISSOS RODOS
BLUE STAR CHIOSOmio 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)
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 |
![]() 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 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.
Other travel options to Athens take longer:
Ferry takes on average 9h 25m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing 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 |
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
KNOSSOS PALACE | 9:00 PM Heraklion Port | 9h30 | 6:30 AM Port of Piraeus | 0 transfersDirect | |
ASTERION II | 9:00 PM Heraklion Port | 9h40 | 6:40 AM Port of Piraeus | 0 transfersDirect | |
KISSAMOS | 9:30 PM Port of Souda | 9h15 | 6:45 AM Port of Piraeus | 0 transfersDirect | |
BLUE STAR CHIOS | 11:50 PM Sitia | 13h40 | 1:30 PM Port of Piraeus | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, September 18 | |||||
BLUE STAR CHIOS | 3:20 AM Heraklion Port | 10h10 | 1:30 PM Port of Piraeus | 0 transfersDirect | |
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE JET 1 | 8:00 AM Heraklion Port | 7h50 | 3:50 PM Port of Piraeus | 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 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.



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 |
Discover the best of Athens — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Athens trip today.
World-class museum for Acropolis finds, with superb archaic sculptures and Parthenon marbles displayed in a striking modern building.
Greece’s premier archaeology museum, spanning prehistory to late antiquity. Essential for masterpieces from across the country.
Outstanding museum of Cycladic art and ancient Greek culture. Known for elegant figurines and thoughtful contemporary presentation.
Athens’ oldest neighborhood charms with neoclassical houses, lanes, and easy access to major ancient sites and traditional atmosphere.
Busy square and market district known for street life, shopping, and strong transport links. Ideal for feeling the city’s energy.
Central ceremonial square before Parliament. A practical hub for visitors and a prime place to watch the guard-changing ritual.
Moussaka is a baked casserole of eggplant, minced meat, potato, and béchamel, iconic in Greek home cooking and tavern menus.
Souvlaki is grilled skewered pork or chicken, a classic Athens street food, usually served with pita, onions, and tzatziki.
Spanakopita is a flaky pie filled with spinach, herbs, and feta, a beloved everyday snack found in bakeries across Athens.
Michelin-starred restaurant offering refined modern Greek cuisine and Acropolis views in an elegant setting.
Long-standing Psiri taverna serving classic Greek dishes, live music, and a warm traditional atmosphere.
Historic central market taverna known for grilled meats and traditional meze in a lively, old Athens setting.
Moderate for Europe; hotels in peak season rise, but dining and transit stay fairly reasonable for tourists.
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants, round taxi fares up, and leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Port of Piraeus -> Syntagma Square
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.

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.
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.
Sitia is 1 km from Crete city centre. Public transport options include:
Sitia has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Inodion (0.3km), Mitsakakis (0.4km), Ziafeti (0.5km)
Free WiFi. ATMs are available in the terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Sitia.
Available at Sitia: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sitia.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need