In brief:
- Traveling from Heraklion (Crete) to Santorini with a high-speed/catamaran ferry or a conventional one.
- Crossings are available from late March to mid-October.
- A one-way ticket can cost from '15' 'EUR'(15 Euros) to '92.7' 'EUR'(92.7 Euros) for a standard seat, depending on the company you will travel with.
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.
Reaching Santorini from Heraklion is possible from late March to mid-October.
The number of itineraries increases during summer, with at least 3 ferries departing from Heraklion to Athinios Port every morning.
The first ferry departs from Heraklion at 04:30 or 07:30 (depending on the day of the week) and the last one at 08:00. Once a week, a Blue Star conventional ferry leaves at 23:45.
Indicative Ferry Routes from Crete (Heraklion) to Santorini*
Schedules frequencyMultiple times per day
First ferry04:30
Last ferry23:45
Average duration02h15m
*Based on data from 2024-2025
ferry CRETE, HERAKLION - SANTORINI (THIRA)
COMPANY
VESSELS
DURATION
PRICE
COMPANY
VESSELS
3
DURATION
02h45m
PRICE
€15.00 - €107.00
COMPANY
VESSELS
2
DURATION
01h45m
PRICE
€92.70 - €129.70
Types of ferries
Santorini Palace
During the high season, the route is operated by high-speed/catamaran ferries. Additionally, a conventional ferry also operates routes between the two destinations, mainly during the shoulder season.
The distance between Heraklion and Santorini is 63 nautical miles (72 miles or 120 km).
The duration of the ferry trip is around 1 hour and 50 minutes for all high-speed/catamaran vessels. Conventional ferries will get you there in 3 to 5 hours.
The fastest ferries are those belonging to Seajets.
Prices & Tickets
The ticket price range for this route is from '15' 'EUR'(15 Euros) to '129.7' 'EUR'(129.7 Euros). For a standard seat in a conventional ferry, prices start from '15' 'EUR'(15 Euros), while for a high-speed ferry, the minimum price is '92' 'EUR'(92 Euros). Regarding Business class/VIP seats, those can reach '129.7' 'EUR'(129.7 Euros).
Ferry companies usually offer discounts (25% to 50%) that apply to certain categories of passengers. Groups of people who are eligible for reduced-priced tickets include passengers with disabilities, families with 3+ children, infants, children up to 10 years old and ISIC cardholders (after showing the relevant documents).
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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Two types of seats are available on high-speed vessels - standard airline seats and business-VIP seats. Both types correspond to numbered seats, with standard airline seats being the cheapest option and business seats being more deluxe.
On conventional ferries, standard economy seats are available as well. Holders of such tickets can either sit in one of the special lounges within the ferry or on deck. This type of seat is highly preferred since it is the most affordable option. However, these seats are not numbered, so even after booking a ticket, you do not secure any specific space on the vessel. To be able to find a comfortable place to sit throughout your journey, you should board the ferry as early as possible.
How to find your ferry in the port of Heraklion
The port of Heraklion is located in Heraklion Town. All passenger ferries depart from the western side of the port, at piers I and II. A passenger terminal is available as well.
The main port of Santorini is Athinios, which welcomes all passenger ferries that reach the island. It is located around 10 km from the capital city (Fira).
Do you need a transfer in Santorini? We've got you covered! Check out our Transfer service!
Luggage
Greek ferry companies do not have strict luggage policies allowing you to carry up to 40 kg or 0.5 cubic meters of luggage.
All vessels offer a designated area for passengers' suitcases and other bulky objects, but you can also keep your luggage next to you onboard.
We recommend taking your personal items such as your wallet, mobile phone and keys with you and using the designated area for bulky items.
Traveling with a car
The majority of ferries have a garage, allowing you to travel with your car or motorbike. To do so, a separate ticket for your vehicle is required.
In addition, you need to be at the port at least 60 minutes before departure time.
Keep in mind that you will be asked to exit your vehicle after parking and you will not be allowed to enter the garage during the trip. 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 Santorini
Santorini and Heraklion both boast international airports; nonetheless, there are no direct flights between Crete and Santorini.
At the same time, there are numerous direct flights to the International Airport of Mykonos from many cities abroad during summer. Therefore, you can take a flight to Mykonos and then board a ferry to Santorini. Ferries between Mykonos and Santorini are daily and frequent during the high season.
Another way is flying to the International Airport of Athens and then taking a ferry to Santorini from Piraeus or Rafina ports. The port of Rafina is located closer to the airport. Learn more about the Athens - Santorini ferry route.
If you want to avoid additional transport, you can book a direct flight to Santorini from the International Airport of Athens.
About Santorini
The alley from Fira to Firostefani
Deservingly ranked among the top destinations in travel guides around the world, Santorini enchants its visitors with its captivating caldera, impressive volcano, and romantic sunsets. We have compiled a list of the best things to see and do on the island in a mini-guide for Santorini.
Where to go next?
After exploring the captivating areas and sites of Santorini, consider paying a visit to the second most renowned Greek island, i.e., Mykonos, an all-time favorite destination of youth and party animals. Crossings between the two islands are frequent during summer. On the other hand, if the crowds make you hanker for peace and quiet, many areas in Naxos and Milos can provide you with a serene setting along with excellent restaurants and charming beaches. Islands like Syros, Folegandros and Tinos can gift you even more tranquility thanks to their low profile.
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