- 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 to Crete (Island) depart on average 14 times per day, taking around 52m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $23 if you book in advance.
There are 14 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest flight covers the 198 miles (320 km) distance in 50m. July is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 198 miles (320 km) |
Average flight duration 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 |
Flights per day 14 |
Direct flights 14 |
Fastest flight 50m |
First flight 12:05 AM |
Last flight 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 49 days |
Cheapest price
$72
Average price
$171
Fastest journey
50 m
Average duration
50 m
Flights per day
35
Distance
320 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Athens 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 to Crete (Island) will cost around $171 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $72.
Of the 35 flights that leave Athens for Crete (Island) onTue, Aug 25, 22 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 25 the direct flights cover the 320 km distance in an average of 50 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 50 m .
On Tue, Aug 25 the longest flights will take 50 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.
FR 318
A3300
A3344
A3328
A3336
A3344
A3336
A3334
A3332
A3328Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Athens 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. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the ferry is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of $28, and a flight costs an average of $23.
Distance: 198 miles (320 km)
| Flight | Most popular Ferry |
|---|---|
$114 Average price | $63 Average price Cheapest |
3h 52m Average total duration Fastest 52m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 36m Average total duration 9h 36m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* |
1.0 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular ferry company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Athens to Crete (Island):
A ferry is $50 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Athens to Crete (Island) costing on average $114.
Other travel options to Crete (Island) take longer:
Ferry takes on average 9h 36m.
The table below shows live departures for Athens to Crete (Island) flights for tomorrow, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A3300 | 6:35 AM Athens International Airport | 0h55 | 7:30 AM Heraklion International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
GQ250 | 6:45 AM Athens International Airport | 0h55 | 7:40 AM Chania International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
GQ101 · GQ280 | 6:50 AM Athens International Airport | 14h30 | 9:20 PM Heraklion International Airport | 1 transfer | |
GQ210 | 7:10 AM Athens International Airport | 0h50 | 8:00 AM Heraklion International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
GQ620 · GQ600 | 7:15 AM Athens International Airport | 17h15 | 12:30 AM Heraklion International Airport | 1 transfer | |
GQ560 · GQ380 | 7:25 AM Athens International Airport | 13h00 | 8:25 PM Heraklion International Airport | 1 transfer | |
A3332 | 7:55 AM Athens International Airport | 0h50 | 8:45 AM Chania International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
A3304 | 8:00 AM Athens International Airport | 0h55 | 8:55 AM Heraklion International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
A3306 | 10:00 AM Athens International Airport | 0h55 | 10:55 AM Heraklion International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
GQ382 · GQ560 | 10:50 AM Athens International Airport | 9h35 | 8:25 PM Heraklion International Airport | 1 transfer | |
A3308 | 11:25 AM Athens International Airport | 0h55 | 12:20 PM Heraklion International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
A3338 | 11:25 AM Athens International Airport | 0h50 | 12:15 PM Chania International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
A3314 | 1:25 PM Athens International Airport | 0h55 | 2:20 PM Heraklion International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
A3334 | 2:45 PM Athens International Airport | 0h50 | 3:35 PM Chania International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
GQ212 | 3:45 PM Athens International Airport | 0h55 | 4:40 PM Heraklion International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
A3318 | 4:50 PM Athens International Airport | 0h55 | 5:45 PM Heraklion International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
GQ384 · GQ562 | 5:10 PM Athens International Airport | 24h15 | 5:25 PM Heraklion International Airport | 1 transfer | |
GQ384 · GQ560 | 5:10 PM Athens International Airport | 3h15 | 8:25 PM Heraklion International Airport | 1 transfer | |
GQ214 | 5:25 PM Athens International Airport | 0h50 | 6:15 PM Heraklion International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
GQ254 | 5:30 PM Athens International Airport | 1h00 | 6:30 PM Chania International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
GQ101 · GQ282 | 5:55 PM Athens International Airport | 3h25 | 9:20 PM Heraklion International Airport | 1 transfer | |
A3336 | 6:05 PM Athens International Airport | 0h50 | 6:55 PM Chania International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
FR 318 | 6:20 PM Athens International Airport | 0h55 | 7:15 PM Chania International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
GQ388 · GQ562 | 7:00 PM Athens International Airport | 22h25 | 5:25 PM Heraklion International Airport | 1 transfer | |
GQ620 · GQ602 | 7:10 PM Athens International Airport | 5h20 | 12:30 AM Heraklion International Airport | 1 transfer | |
A3320 | 8:15 PM Athens International Airport | 1h00 | 9:15 PM Heraklion International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
GQ284 · GQ101 | 8:35 PM Athens International Airport | 25h15 | 9:50 PM Heraklion International Airport | 1 transfer | |
GQ216 | 8:55 PM Athens International Airport | 0h50 | 9:45 PM Heraklion International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
GQ256 | 9:10 PM Athens International Airport | 0h55 | 10:05 PM Chania International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
A3322 | 9:50 PM Athens International Airport | 0h50 | 10:40 PM Heraklion International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
GQ620 · GQ606 | 9:55 PM Athens International Airport | 23h55 | 9:50 PM Heraklion International Airport | 1 transfer | |
A3344 | 10:30 PM Athens International Airport | 0h50 | 11:20 PM Chania International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
GQ390 · GQ560 | 11:35 PM Athens International Airport | 24h40 | 12:15 AM Heraklion International Airport | 1 transfer | |
GQ562 · GQ390 | 11:35 PM Athens International Airport | 17h50 | 5:25 PM Heraklion International Airport | 1 transfer | |
A3328 | 11:45 PM Athens International Airport | 0h50 | 12:35 AM Heraklion International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
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.
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 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 to Crete (Island) flights use the Athens International Airport to Heraklion International Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Athens 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