- Must visit
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Crete’s leading archaeological museum, displaying masterpieces from Minoan sites including Knossos, Phaistos, and Zakros. Essential for island history.
Flights from Athens International Airport to Crete (Island) depart on average 12 times per day, taking around 52m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $48 but you can travel from only $28 by ferry.
There are 12 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 01:30, the last at 20:45. The fastest flight covers the 192 miles (309 km) distance in 50m. January is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 192 miles (309 km) |
Average flight duration 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $48 |
Flights per day 12 |
Direct flights 12 |
Fastest flight 50m |
First flight 1:30 AM |
Last flight 8:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Cheapest price
$66
Average price
$88
Fastest journey
50 m
Average duration
53 m
Flights per day
4
Distance
309 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Athens International Airport 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 Athens International Airport to Crete (Island) will cost around $88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $66.
Of the 4 flights that leave Athens International Airport for Crete (Island) onThu, Aug 27, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 27 the direct flights cover the 309 km distance in an average of 53 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 50 m .
On Thu, Aug 27 the longest flights will take 55 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.








Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Athens International Airport 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 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of $28, and a flight costs an average of $48.
Distance: 192 miles (309 km)
Most popular Flight | Ferry |
|---|---|
$101 Average price | $61 Average price Cheapest |
3h 52m Average total duration Fastest 52m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 23m Average total duration 9h 23m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular ferry company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Athens International Airport to Crete (Island):
A ferry is $40 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Athens International Airport to Crete (Island) costing on average $101.
Other travel options to Crete (Island) take longer:
Ferry takes on average 9h 23m.
The table below shows live departures for Athens International Airport to Crete (Island) flights for today, Wednesday, August 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:10 AM Athens International Airport | 0h50 | 12:00 PM Crete (Island) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:00 PM Athens International Airport | 0h50 | 1:50 PM Crete (Island) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:30 PM Athens International Airport | 0h50 | 8:20 PM Crete (Island) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, August 27 | |||||
![]() | 3:35 AM Athens International Airport | 0h55 | 4:30 AM Crete (Island) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:25 AM Athens International Airport | 0h55 | 6:20 AM Crete (Island) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare flight and 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.
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 International Airport -> Eleftherias Square
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Athens International Airport to Crete (Island) by flight. 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 flight, 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 Athens International Airport to Crete (Island) flights use the Athens International Airport to Heraklion International Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Athens International Airport and Crete (Island) airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Athens International Airport is 4 km from Athens city centre. Public transport options include:
Athens International Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport for 45 minutes. ATMs are located throughout the airport, including arrivals and departures areas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Athens International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Athens International Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need