In brief, traveling to Heraklion from Athens is quite uncomplicated!
- Passenger ferries depart from the port of Piraeus and operate the route daily all year round.
- The average duration of the trip is around 9 hours.
- Ticket prices for this route start from '36' 'EUR'(36 Euros).
Disclaimer: The information provided below is based on previous years' data. To find the exact routes for your dates, please refer to our booking engine.
Crossings to Heraklion take place throughout the year.
However, ferry companies add extra itineraries in summer to serve the thousands of passengers who wish to visit Heraklion or other regions of Crete. During the high season, 2-5 ferries leave from Piraeus every day.
The first ferry departs at 09:00 and the last at 21:00.
Once a week, though, the two available ferries depart at the same time in the evening (21:00).
Indicative Ferry Routes from Piraeus port*
Schedules frequencyMultiple times per day
First ferry09:00
Last ferry21:00
Average duration09h22m
*Based on data from 2022-2023
ferry ATHENS, PIRAEUS - CRETE, HERAKLION
COMPANY
VESSELS
DURATION
PRICE
COMPANY
VESSELS
2
DURATION
09h00m
PRICE
€36.00 - €151.00
COMPANY
VESSELS
2
DURATION
09h00m
PRICE
€42.00 - €209.00
COMPANY
VESSELS
1
DURATION
10h10m
PRICE
€45.50 - €136.50
COMPANY
VESSELS
1
DURATION
09h20m
PRICE
€83.00 - €103.00
Types of ferries
Conventional and high-speed vessels both operate the Athens-Heraklion route.
The distance between Piraeus and Heraklion is 173 nautical miles (200 miles or 320 kilometers).
The duration of the trip ranges between 8.5 and 10 hours.
Even though high-speed ferries are faster, they stop at other islands before arriving at Heraklion; then again, conventional ferries head directly to the port of Heraklion after departing from Piraeus. Hence, all available crossings do not have much of a duration difference.
The fastest ferry is Thunder by Fast Ferries.
Prices & Tickets
Ticket prices pertain to the type of vessel and seat. Concerning conventional ferries, the cost for a standard ticket starts from '36' 'EUR'(36 Euros), for an airline-type seat from '40' 'EUR'(40 Euros) and for a cabin (without a view) from '55' 'EUR'(55 Euros).
Regarding high-speed ferries, the price of a standard ticket starts from '82' 'EUR'(82 Euros), while that of a VIP seat is '103' 'EUR'(103 Euros) - '107' 'EUR'(107 Euros). The high-speed ferries do not propose cabins.
Some passengers may meet the requirements for discount tickets. People with disabilities, families with 3 or more children, children under 10 years old and ISIC cardholders are among the groups that can benefit from discounts. Additionally, most Greek ferry companies let babies and toddlers travel for free.
On FerriesinGreece, you can search for all available ferry schedules and timetables, compare ferry boats, companies and prices, create your itinerary, and book your ferry tickets in 4 easy steps on our secure server.
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High-speed ferries offer two types of seats; the first one is standard seats and the second is VIP seats. Both are numbered, but lie in different lounges, with VIP seats being hosted in a more luxurious lounge.
Conventional ferries offer an extra type of seat, which is the standard/economy seat. It is the most affordable type of seat. Ticketholders are allowed to sit either on the deck or in one of the indoor lounges.
Booking an economy seat does not come with a reserved area on the ferry. In order to find a comfortable place to sit, getting on the ship as early as possible is recommended.
How to find your ferry in the port of Piraeus
Ferries with Crete as their final destination, depart from Gate E3 of Piraeus Port.
The gate of departure is written on the ferry tickets. Piraeus is one of the largest European ports and the distances between its gates are long. Going to the wrong gate may lead to missing your ferry, so make sure to arrive at the port early and use a map to orient yourself. Don't get lost! Get our Piraeus Port Map!
The port of Heraklion is located in Heraklion Town. All passenger ferries depart from piers I and II at the western area of the port.
Do you need a transfer in Athens? We've got you covered! Check out our Transfer service!
Luggage
Greek ferry companies are quite flexible regarding luggage policy.
Passengers can carry up to 40 kg or 0.5 cubic meters of luggage each and can leave it in the vessel’s designated area. Alternatively, they can take it upstairs with them.
We recommend leaving bulky items in the baggage area but keeping your personal items (mobile phone, keys, wallet, etc.) with you on board.
Traveling with a car
All ferries reaching Heraklion boast a garage. After booking a separate ticket for your vehicle, you can take your car or motorbike to Crete.
Drivers have to be at the gate at least 60 minutes before the ferry departure.
For safety reasons, entering the garage during the crossing is forbidden. Note: Many car rental companies do not allow customers to ferry their vehicles. We recommend avoiding purchasing a vehicle ticket before contacting your car rental company.
Alternative ways to reach Heraklion
Heraklion boasts an international airport and receives several domestic flights from Athens, Thessaloniki and Rhodes, as well as copious flights from abroad. Germany, France, the UK, Poland, the Netherlands and Belgium are some European countries connected with Heraklion via flights.
An alternative way to reach Heraklion is by ferry from Santorini or Mykonos. The two islands boast an international airport each and, at the same time, there are daily ferries to Heraklion from both during the high season.
About Heraklion
Heraklion is the largest city in Crete, housing plentiful places of interest and shops. The renowned archaeological site of Knossos lies only 5 km from the city center. We have accumulated the best things to see & do in the area in a mini-guide for Heraklion.
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