- Must visit
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Crete’s leading archaeological museum, displaying masterpieces from Minoan sites including Knossos, Phaistos, and Zakros. Essential for island history.
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 $181 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $181.
It's difficult to get from Ios to Crete (Island) without transferring at least once.

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Take a ferry from Ios to Crete (Island) and enjoy the approximately 91 nautical miles (170 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest ferry runs at 07:30, the last at 14:50. Ferries from Ios to Crete (Island) are available to foot passengers.


Distance 91 nautical miles (170 km) |
First ferry 7:30 AM |
Last ferry 2:50 PM |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 14 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Ios to Crete (Island).
| 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 |
The table below shows live departures for Ios to Crete (Island) ferries for today, Sunday, November 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:35 PM Ios | 10h55 | 6:30 AM Crete (Island) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Crete (Island) — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Crete (Island) trip today.
Crete’s leading archaeological museum, displaying masterpieces from Minoan sites including Knossos, Phaistos, and Zakros. Essential for island history.
Excellent museum inside Chania’s old town showing finds from western Crete, from prehistory to Roman times, in a carefully curated modern space.
Historic museum in Rethymno’s old town with artifacts from caves, sanctuaries, and ancient cities across the region.
Chania’s atmospheric waterfront promenade lined with Venetian, Ottoman, and neoclassical buildings. Ideal for walking, views, and photography.
Historic maze of alleys, courtyards, and restored houses around the harbor. One of Crete’s most enjoyable areas for strolling and discovering local character.
Lively old quarter below the Fortezza with colorful lanes, small squares, and preserved architecture. Excellent for a slower, more local urban walk.
Slow-cooked goat with wild mountain greens and olive oil. A rustic Cretan specialty tied to village cooking and the island's pastoral tradition.
Barley rusks topped with tomato, mizithra or feta, olive oil, and oregano. A classic Cretan meze showcasing local dairy and produce.
Tiny hand-cut pasta cooked in rich meat broth, often with goat or lamb. Traditional at weddings and festive family gatherings in Crete.
Popular Heraklion meze restaurant with classic Cretan flavors, local wine, and a lively atmosphere favored by locals and visitors.
Established mountain village taverna in Archanes known for hearty Cretan home cooking, grilled meats, and a traditional family feel.
Refined Cretan tasting menus in an elegant setting at Blue Palace. Known for modern island cuisine and polished service.
Moderate for a Greek island. Summer rooms and car hire rise fast, but tavern meals, coffee, and buses stay reasonable versus Santorini or Mykonos.
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.
Official public transport app
Heraklion Port -> Lion Square, Heraklion
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Crete (Island).
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