- Must visit
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Crete’s leading archaeological museum, displaying masterpieces from Minoan sites including Knossos, Phaistos, and Zakros. Essential for island history.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
kr923
Average ticket price on Sep 18
kr923
Fastest journey on Sep 18
10 h 55 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
10 h 55 m
Ferries on Sep 18
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 kr923 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr923.
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 03:00AM | Duration 36h40 | 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 3h 20m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at kr732 if you book in advance.
There are 1 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 07:30, the last at 15:05. The fastest ferry covers the 91 nautical miles (170 km) distance in 3h 20m. Ferries from Ios to Crete (Island) are available to foot passengers.

Distance 91 nautical miles (170 km) |
Average sailing duration 3h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price kr732 |
Ferries per day 1 |
Direct ferries Available |
Fastest ferry 3h 20m |
First ferry 7:30 AM |
Last ferry 3:05 PM |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 49 days |
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
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.
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