Athens to Crete by ferry: times, prices and ports
The fastest ferry from Athens to Crete takes about 5 to 5.5 hours to Heraklion (summer only, weather permitting), a conventional ferry about 8 to 9 hours, overnight. Here is which port to use, which companies sail, what it costs and what to expect when you arrive.
At a glance
| Athens to Crete | |
|---|---|
| From Athens | Piraeus |
| Gate in Piraeus | E2 or E3 (far from the metro: use the free port shuttle) |
| Arrives at | Heraklion or Chania (Souda) |
| High-speed ferry | About 5 to 5.5 hours to Heraklion (summer only, weather permitting) |
| Conventional ferry | About 8 to 9 hours, overnight |
| Companies | Minoan Lines and ANEK Lines (overnight), SeaJets (summer high-speed to Heraklion) |
| How often | Overnight ferries every day to Heraklion in summer, usually 3 to 4 a week in winter. Chania (Souda) has overnight ferries too. |
| Flight instead | About 50 minutes. Daily flights to both Heraklion and Chania all year. |
Ticket prices
Deck or airline seat from about €40 to €70. A bed in a shared cabin from about €65, a private 2-bed cabin from about €90 per person.
Getting to the port in Athens
Piraeus is reached by metro line 1 or 3, the suburban railway or bus X96 from the airport. Allow about 1 hour from the airport and be at the gate at least 30 minutes before departure.
Athens Airport to Piraeus port: all the options · Piraeus Port: which gate for which island
Arriving in Crete
Heraklion port is next to the city centre, about 15 minutes on foot. Souda port is about 6.5 km from Chania town: city bus line 13 takes about 25 minutes, or take a taxi.
Good to know
- The overnight ferry saves a hotel night: departures are usually around 21:00, arriving about 06:00.
- In July and August the meltemi wind can delay or cancel high-speed crossings, not the big overnight ferries.
Ferry or flight?
The flight takes about 50 minutes, but with the trip to the airport and check-in it is rarely less than 3 to 4 hours door to door. The ferry takes you from city to port with no baggage fees, and the view is part of the trip. The flight is better if you are short of time or the sea is rough. Crete airport guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Athens to Crete?
The high-speed ferry takes about 5 to 5.5 hours to Heraklion (summer only, weather permitting) and a conventional ferry about 8 to 9 hours, overnight.
Which port do ferries to Crete leave from?
From Piraeus. In Piraeus, check gate E2 or E3 (far from the metro: use the free port shuttle) and your ticket.
How much is the ferry to Crete?
Deck or airline seat from about €40 to €70. A bed in a shared cabin from about €65, a private 2-bed cabin from about €90 per person.
Is there a ferry to Crete in winter?
Overnight ferries every day to Heraklion in summer, usually 3 to 4 a week in winter. Chania (Souda) has overnight ferries too.
Ferry times, prices and the number of sailings change every season and can change because of weather or strikes. Always check your ticket and the ferry company before you travel. Prices are approximate, per person, one way. Last checked: 27 October 2026.
Other ferries from Athens
Something wrong or out of date? Report a mistake