- Must visit
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
One of Greece’s most important museums, with exceptional Minoan collections including finds from Knossos and Phaistos.
Cheapest price
$142
Average price
$142
Fastest journey
10 h 55 m
Average duration
10 h 55 m
Ferries per day
1
Distance
170 km
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Ios 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 Ios to Crete (Island) will cost around $142 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $142.
It's difficult to get from Ios to Crete (Island) without transferring at least once.


| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 38h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu |
Operator Hellenic Seaways | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 10h55 | Sailing Days Fri, Sat, Sun |
Compare ferry 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 Ios to Crete (Island) run on average 1 times per day, taking around 4h 15m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at $142 (€116) if you book in advance.
There are 1 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 07:30, the last at 14:50. The fastest ferry covers the 91 nautical miles (170 km) distance in 10h 55m. There are 4 sailings per week. Ferries from Ios to Crete (Island) are available to foot passengers.



Distance 91 nautical miles (170 km) |
Average sailing duration 4h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $142 (€116) |
Ferries per day 1 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 4 |
Fastest ferry 10h 55m |
First ferry 7:30 AM |
Last ferry 2:50 PM |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Crete — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Crete trip today.
One of Greece’s most important museums, with exceptional Minoan collections including finds from Knossos and Phaistos.
Modern archaeological museum presenting finds from ancient Eleutherna, giving strong context to one of Crete’s key excavation sites.
Covers Cretan history from early Christian times to the modern era, with notable El Greco works and wartime material.
Crete’s most atmospheric historic quarter, prized for Venetian lanes, harbor views, and strong day-to-evening appeal.
World-famous coastal area known for shallow turquoise water and pale pink-tinted sand, heavily featured on social media.
One of Crete’s most iconic viewpoints, celebrated for panoramic lagoon scenery and influencer-favorite photography.
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.
Small Cretan pastries filled with local cheese or wild greens, sometimes sweetened with honey. They are strongly associated with home cooking and village baking traditions.
A celebratory Cretan rice dish cooked in rich meat broth and finished with butter and lemon. Traditionally served at weddings and festive gatherings.
Highly regarded Chania restaurant famous for wood-fired cooking and traditional Cretan recipes, especially meat dishes and slow-cooked specialties.
Well-known Heraklion restaurant focused on traditional Cretan cuisine, local ingredients, and a refined rustic atmosphere. Good choice for classic island dishes with careful execution.
Established Chania restaurant near the old town, known for modern presentations of Cretan and Greek cooking in a stylish but relaxed setting.
Moderate overall. Taverns and buses are good value, but resorts and peak summer stays cost more.
Tipping is appreciated, not mandatory. Leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service, round up taxis, and tip small change for cafés or hotel staff.
Official public transport app
Heraklion Port, Heraklion -> Heraklion Central Bus Station, Heraklion
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ios 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 Ios to Crete (Island) ferries use the Port of Ios to Heraklion Port port pair. Use this guide to compare Ios and Crete (Island) ports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like port facilities and services.
Port of Ios is 4 km from Ios city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need