- Must visit
Acropolis Museum
World-class museum for Acropolis finds, with superb archaic sculptures and Parthenon marbles displayed in a striking modern building.
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The cheapest and fastest ferries from Rethymno to Athens
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$40
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$65
Fastest journey on Sep 20
7 h 25 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
9 h 20 m
Ferries on Sep 20
5
Distance
299 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Rethymno to Athens is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rethymno to Athens will cost around $65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
Fast ferries
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 5 ferries from Rethymno to Athens, including 5 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct ferries cover the 299 km distance in an average of 9 h 20 m but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 7 h 25 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest ferries will take 10 h 45 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 RODOS9:00 PM9h40Heraklion Port6:40 AMPort of Piraeus$401One-way0 transfers
FESTOS PALACE9:00 PM9h30Heraklion Port6:30 AMPort of Piraeus$541One-way0 transfers- BLUE STAR CHIOS11:45 PM10h45Heraklion Port10:30 AMPort of Piraeus$571One-way0 transfers
- ELYROS9:00 PM9h20Port of Souda6:20 AMPort of Piraeus$641One-way0 transfers
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE JET 28:00 AM7h25Heraklion Port3:25 PMPort of Piraeus$1101One-way0 transfers
- CHAMPIONS LEAGUE JET 28:00 AM7h25Heraklion Port3:25 PMPort of Piraeus$1101One-way0 transfers
- ELYROS9:00 PM9h20Port of Souda6:20 AMPort of Piraeus$641One-way0 transfers
- FESTOS PALACE9:00 PM9h30Heraklion Port6:30 AMPort of Piraeus$541One-way0 transfers
- NISSOS RODOS9:00 PM9h40Heraklion Port6:40 AMPort of Piraeus$401One-way0 transfers
- BLUE STAR CHIOS11:45 PM10h45Heraklion Port10:30 AMPort of Piraeus$571One-way0 transfers
Rethymno to Athens Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 9h15 | Sailing Days Wed, Sat |
Operator Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 9h15 | Sailing Days Thu |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 7h50 | Sailing Days Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 10h45 | Sailing Days Sun |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 11h00 | Sailing Days Thu |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 10h10 | Sailing Days Fri |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 9h40 | Sailing Days Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 03:55AM | Duration 9h55 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Thu |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 8h45 | Sailing Days Tue |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 9h15 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Thu |
Operator Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 9h30 | Sailing Days Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 11h00 | Sailing Days Thu |
Live departures
Rethymno to Athens ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Rethymno to Athens ferries for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASTERION II | 9:00 PM Heraklion Port | 9h40 | 6:40 AM Port of Piraeus | 0 transfersDirect | |
| KNOSSOS PALACE | 9:00 PM Heraklion Port | 9h30 | 6:30 AM Port of Piraeus | 0 transfersDirect | |
| KISSAMOS | 9:30 PM Port of Souda | 9h15 | 6:45 AM Port of Piraeus | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, September 20 | |||||
| CHAMPIONS LEAGUE JET 2 | 8:00 AM Heraklion Port | 7h25 | 3:25 PM Port of Piraeus | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Rethymno to Athens by ferry
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.
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Sep 20
Sep 20
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Sep 26
Why should you book Rethymno to Athens ferries with Omio?
Blue Star Ferries as well as Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets, Anek - Superfast, Fast Ferries and more offer ferries services from Rethymno to Athens.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Rethymno to Athens.
Why book with Omio vs Blue Star Ferries?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Blue Star Ferries, but also compare tickets for the likes of Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets, Anek - Superfast or Fast Ferries to find the best option for your trip from Rethymno to Athens.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
Why book with Omio over Ferryhopper, Directferries or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets, Anek - Superfast or Fast Ferries to find the best option for your trip from Rethymno to Athens.
Offers and deals from Rethymno to Athens
Discover the offers available on trains covering the route from Rethymno to Athens and choose the solutions that best suit your needs. Below, you will find a selection of the most popular offers proposed by Seajets
Up to 30% off
30% off with Seajets
SeaJets helps you explore Greek islands including:
Sporades archipelago: 20% off your 2024 return tickets on superfast ferries from mainland Greece to Alonissos, Skopelos and Skiathos - as well as on many inter-island crossings. Book by 15th of June 2024.
Discover Crete: Foot passengers can get 30% off on their 2024 return tickets between Athens (Piraeus) and Chania. Valid until further notice.
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Rethymno to Athens
GreeceGreece
Ferries from Rethymno to Athens run on average 5 times per day, taking around 9h 3m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) if you book in advance.
There are 5 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 01:00, the last at 23:45. The fastest ferry covers the 161 nautical miles (299 km) distance in 6h 30m. There are 5 sailings per week. Ferries from Rethymno to Athens are available to foot passengers.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 161 nautical miles (299 km) |
Average sailing duration 9h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Ferries per day 5 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 5 |
Fastest ferry 6h 30m |
First ferry 1:00 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 1 day |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Ferry operators: Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets from Rethymno to AthensYou can travel by ferry between Rethymno to Athens with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets for as low as $27 (€22). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.
Blue Star Ferries
About
Blue Star Ferries is a Greek ferry company that operates a fleet of ferries that provide transportation services for passengers and vehicles across the Aegean Sea and the Adriatic Sea. The company was founded in 1965 and is based in Piraeus, Greece. Blue Star Ferries operates ferry services between the Greek mainland and the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and Northern Aegean islands, as well as between the Greek mainland and Italy.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Blue Star Ferries Duration
8h 0m
Cheapest Blue Star Ferries Price
$40 (€33)
Blue Star Ferries frequency
3 a day
Additional luggage
Additional luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations possible up to 24 hours before departure with varying refund rates
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurants, cafes, and bars available serving meals and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible areas and facilities available on most vessels. Assistance available upon request.
Pets
Small pets allowed in designated areas. Must be in carriers or leashed. Not allowed in restaurants.
Cabin reservation
Economy cabins to luxury suites available. Must be booked in advance
Car on board
Minoan Lines (Greece domestic)
About
Minoan Lines, established in 1972 in Greece, is a prominent ferry operator known for connecting various Greek islands and mainland destinations. Their fleet comprises modern vessels, including the HSC Santorini Palace and the Cruise Europa, offering different classes such as Economy, Business, and VIP. Onboard amenities include restaurants, bars, shops, and comfortable lounges, ensuring a pleasant journey. Passengers can choose from various ticket types, including standard seats, private cabins, and vehicle transport options. Minoan Lines' top routes include Heraklion to Piraeus, Santorini to Heraklion, and Piraeus to Chania, making it a preferred choice for travelers exploring Greece's picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) Duration
9h 15m
Cheapest Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) Price
$40 (€33)
Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) frequency
1 a day
Additional luggage
Additional luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations possible up to 14 days before departure for full refund, 7-13 days 75% refund, 4-6 days 50% refund, less than 4 days no refund
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurants, cafeterias, and bars available
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible facilities available on most vessels. Assistance available upon request.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers, dogs must be leashed and muzzled. Not allowed in restaurants or indoor accommodation areas.
Cabin reservation
Cabins available in various categories (internal, external, luxury)
Car on board
Seajets
About
Seajets is a Greek ferry company that operates a fleet of high-speed catamaran ferries that provide transportation services for passengers and vehicles across the Aegean Sea. The company was founded in 2000 and is based in Piraeus, Greece. Seajets operates ferry services between the Greek mainland and the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and Northern Aegean islands. They offer frequent daily departures and a wide range of routes, making it a convenient and efficient way to travel between the islands.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Seajets Duration
6h 30m
Cheapest Seajets Price
$27 (€22)
Seajets frequency
1 a day
Additional luggage
Extra luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations allowed up to 24 hours before departure with fees
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria and bar available with snacks and beverages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible areas available on most vessels. Assistance available upon request.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers, dogs must be leashed and muzzled
Cabin reservation
Basic cabins available on longer routes
Car on board
Complete guide to Athens
Things to do in Athens
Discover the best of Athens — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Athens trip today.
- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
Greece’s premier archaeology museum, spanning prehistory to late antiquity. Essential for masterpieces from across the country.
- Recommended
Museum of Cycladic Art
Outstanding museum of Cycladic art and ancient Greek culture. Known for elegant figurines and thoughtful contemporary presentation.
- Must visit
Plaka
Athens’ oldest neighborhood charms with neoclassical houses, lanes, and easy access to major ancient sites and traditional atmosphere.
- Must visit
Monastiraki Square
Busy square and market district known for street life, shopping, and strong transport links. Ideal for feeling the city’s energy.
- Must visit
Syntagma Square
Central ceremonial square before Parliament. A practical hub for visitors and a prime place to watch the guard-changing ritual.
Moussaka
Moussaka is a baked casserole of eggplant, minced meat, potato, and béchamel, iconic in Greek home cooking and tavern menus.
Souvlaki
Souvlaki is grilled skewered pork or chicken, a classic Athens street food, usually served with pita, onions, and tzatziki.
- Vegetarian
Spanakopita
Spanakopita is a flaky pie filled with spinach, herbs, and feta, a beloved everyday snack found in bakeries across Athens.
Spondi
Michelin-starred restaurant offering refined modern Greek cuisine and Acropolis views in an elegant setting.
Klimataria
Long-standing Psiri taverna serving classic Greek dishes, live music, and a warm traditional atmosphere.
Varvakios
Historic central market taverna known for grilled meats and traditional meze in a lively, old Athens setting.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Europe; hotels in peak season rise, but dining and transit stay fairly reasonable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or street food.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants, round taxi fares up, and leave small change at cafes.
OASA Telematics
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.20
- Day pass
- €4.10
To the city center
Port of Piraeus -> Syntagma Square
- Distance
- 10 km
- Travel time
- 20 min
- Validate paper tickets before boarding. Contactless bank cards are not accepted directly on Athens buses, trams, or metro for fare payment.
- Use the OASA Telematics app for live arrivals and route planning across metro, bus, and tram.
FAQs: Ferry from Rethymno to Athens
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rethymno 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.
Cheap ferry tickets from Rethymno to Athens can start from as little as $27 (€22) when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Rethymno to Athens is $62 (€51) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by ferry from Rethymno to Athens is 6h 30m to travel the 185 miles (299 km) long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest ferry from Rethymno to Athens leaves at 1:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Rethymno to Athens leaves at 11:45 PM.
Yes, there are 5 direct ferries a day from Rethymno to Athens with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets, Fast Ferries. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct ferries.
Yes, you can book a cabin on sailings from Rethymno to Athens with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast
Yes, travelling with a vehicle from Rethymno to Athens is possible with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets, Anek - Superfast, Fast Ferries.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Rethymno to Athens is possible with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets, Anek - Superfast, Fast Ferries. We recommend arriving at least one hour before the trip if you are travelling on foot, but please check specific times for each route. If you need to book your travel to the departure port, check our trains, buses and flight options on Omio.
When taking a ferry from Rethymno to Athens, you can count on Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets, Anek - Superfast, Fast Ferries for the best way to get you to Athens. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Rethymno and Athens and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
A trip to Athens from Rethymno is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a ferry from Rethymno to Athens is August.
Yes, you can take a ferry between Rethymno and Athens.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Athens are:
- Acropolis of Athens, an ancient citadel featuring iconic structures like the Parthenon and offering panoramic views of the city
- Acropolis Museum, a modern museum housing artifacts from the Acropolis and providing insights into ancient Greek civilization
- Ancient Agora of Athens, a historic site that was once the heart of public life in Athens, featuring ruins and a reconstructed Stoa
- National Archaeological Museum, Greece's largest museum, showcasing an extensive collection of artifacts from various archaeological locations across the country
- Plaka, a charming historic neighborhood with narrow streets, neoclassical architecture, and vibrant local shops and cafes.
The best things to do in Athens include:
- Mount Lycabettus, enjoy panoramic views of Athens from the city's highest point
- Explore the vibrant Monastiraki Flea Market, where you can find antiques, souvenirs, and local crafts
- Visit the Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble and host of the first modern Olympic Games
- Take a stroll through the National Garden of Athens, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city
- Experience a traditional Greek performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, an ancient stone theatre.
Since both Rethymno and Athens are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the ferry as it is the most popular way to get from Rethymno to Athens among Omio's users.
Greece uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cash is often preferred in smaller shops, local markets, and remote areas, while cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, and larger establishments.
In Athens, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport, popular tourist sites, and markets. Common scams include unofficial taxi drivers overcharging or taking longer routes, and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It's advisable to use official taxis or ride-hailing apps, keep valuables secure, and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or deals.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular ferry ports
Popular ports from Rethymno to Athens
Most Rethymno to Athens ferries use the Heraklion Port to Port of Piraeus port pair. Use this guide to compare Rethymno and Athens ports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like port facilities and services.
Departure ports in Rethymno
Arrival ports in Athens
Which Athens port do ferries from Rethymno arrive at?
Ferries from Rethymno to Athens arrive at Port of Piraeus. Port of Piraeus is from Athens city centre.
Port of Piraeus10, Akti Miaouli str, Pireas 185 38, Greece
City-centre transport
Getting to Port of Piraeus from Athens city centre
Metro Line 1, Piraeus Station
Port of Piraeus port facilities and services
Port of Piraeus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Kebab & Curry Indian Restaurant (0.3km), To Steki tou Ilia (0.5km), Rouan Thai (0.7km)
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi. ATMs are available in passenger terminals.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Port of Piraeus.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Port of Piraeus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Port of Piraeus.
More options for your journey from Rethymno to Athens
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular ferries to and from Athens and Rethymno
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