- 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
$41
Average price
$70
Fastest journey
7 h 50 m
Average duration
8 h 39 m
Ferries per day
7
Distance
318 km
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Piraeus 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 Piraeus to Crete (Island) will cost around $70 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $41.
Of the 7 ferries that leave Piraeus for Crete (Island) on Sat, Aug 01, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 01 the direct ferries cover the 318 km distance in an average of 8 h 39 m but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 7 h 50 m .
On Sat, Aug 01 the slowest ferries will take 9 h 25 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.
ASTERION II
FESTOS PALACE
NISSOS RODOS
KISSAMOS
KNOSSOS PALACE
WORLDCHAMPION JET
KISSAMOS
ASTERION II
FESTOS PALACE
ELYROSOmio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Piraeus to Crete (Island) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the ferry with prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 57m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of $28, and a flight costs an average of $73.
Distance: 171 nautical miles (318 km)
Most popular Ferry | Flight |
|---|---|
$42 Average price Cheapest | $73 Average price |
10h 7m Average total duration 9h 7m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular ferry company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Piraeus to Crete (Island):
A ferry is $31 (€25) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Piraeus to Crete (Island) costing on average $73 (€60).
Other travel options to Crete (Island) take longer:
Ferry takes on average 9h 7m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 9h15 | Sailing Days Sun |
Operator Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 9h15 | Sailing Days Fri, Sat |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 8h00 | Sailing Days Fri, Sat |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 8h45 | Sailing Days Sat |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 03:50AM | Duration 9h50 | Sailing Days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 7h50 | Sailing Days Sat |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 11h00 | Sailing Days Thu |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 10h15 | Sailing Days Tue |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 11h20 | Sailing Days Fri |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 10h50 | Sailing Days Wed |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 9h50 | Sailing Days Thu, Fri, Sat |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 9h25 | Sailing Days Fri, Sat |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 10h15 | Sailing Days Tue |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 9h50 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun |
Operator Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 9h30 | Sailing Days Fri, Sat |
The table below shows live departures for Piraeus to Crete (Island) ferries for today, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FESTOS PALACE | 9:30 AM Port of Piraeus | 9h15 | 6:45 PM Heraklion Port | 0 transfersDirect | |
KISSAMOS | 10:00 AM Port of Piraeus | 8h00 | 6:00 PM Port of Souda | 0 transfersDirect | |
BLUE STAR CHIOS | 5:00 PM Port of Piraeus | 11h20 | 4:20 AM Heraklion Port | 0 transfersDirect | |
BLUE STAR CHIOS | 5:00 PM Port of Piraeus | 14h45 | 7:45 AM Sitia | 0 transfersDirect | |
NISSOS RODOS | 9:00 PM Port of Piraeus | 9h15 | 6:15 AM Heraklion Port | 0 transfersDirect | |
KNOSSOS PALACE | 9:00 PM Port of Piraeus | 9h30 | 6:30 AM Heraklion Port | 0 transfersDirect | |
ELYROS | 10:00 PM Port of Piraeus | 8h15 | 6:15 AM Port of Souda | 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 Piraeus to Crete (Island) run on average 5 times per day, taking around 9h 7m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at $28 (€22) if you book in advance.
There are 5 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 00:45, the last at 23:45. The fastest ferry covers the 171 nautical miles (318 km) distance in 7h 55m. There are 31 sailings per week. Ferries from Piraeus to Crete (Island) are available to foot passengers.





Distance 171 nautical miles (318 km) |
Average sailing duration 9h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 (€22) |
Ferries per day 5 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 31 |
Fastest ferry 7h 55m |
First ferry 12:45 AM |
Last ferry 11:45 PM |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 2 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 Piraeus 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 Piraeus to Crete (Island) ferries use the Port of Piraeus to Heraklion Port port pair, with some services arriving at Port of Souda (Chania). Use this guide to compare Piraeus 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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need