- Must visit
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Leading museum for Minoan and Cretan antiquities, with masterworks from Knossos and clear displays spanning prehistoric to Roman Crete.
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The cheapest and fastest ferries from Athens to Heraklion
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 02 Sept
Cheapest price on 02 Sept
£37
Average ticket price on 02 Sept
£52
Fastest journey on 02 Sept
7 h 50 m
Average journey duration on 02 Sept
9 h 24 m
Ferries on 02 Sept
6
Distance
321 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Athens to Heraklion is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Athens to Heraklion will cost around £52 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap ferry tickets today for only £37.
Fast ferries
On Wed 02 Sept, we found 6 ferries from Athens to Heraklion, including 6 direct services.
On Wed 02 Sept the direct ferries cover the 321 km distance in an average of 9 h 24 m but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 7 h 50 m .
The slowest ferries will take 10 h 25 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.
ASTERION II21:009h50Port of Piraeus6:50Heraklion Port£371One-way0 changes
FESTOS PALACE21:009h30Port of Piraeus6:30Heraklion Port£401One-way0 changes- KISSAMOS22:009h25Port of Piraeus7:25Port of Souda£471One-way0 changes
- BLUE STAR CHIOS15:0014h00Port of Piraeus5:00Sitia£531One-way0 changes
- BLUE STAR CHIOS15:0010h25Port of Piraeus1:25Heraklion Port£531One-way0 changes
WORLDCHAMPION JET9:307h50Port of Piraeus17:20Heraklion Port£811One-way0 changes- KISSAMOS22:009h25Port of Piraeus7:25Port of Souda£471One-way0 changes
- FESTOS PALACE21:009h30Port of Piraeus6:30Heraklion Port£401One-way0 changes
- ASTERION II21:009h50Port of Piraeus6:50Heraklion Port£371One-way0 changes
- BLUE STAR CHIOS15:0010h25Port of Piraeus1:25Heraklion Port£531One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare ferry and flight for Athens to Heraklion
Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Athens to Heraklion among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the ferry, with an average ticket price of £33 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 2h 57m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the ferry is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of £33, while a flight costs an average of £57.
Distance: 173 nautical miles (321 km)
Compare ferry with
Most popular Ferry | Flight |
|---|---|
£33 Average Price Cheapest | £57 Average Price |
9h 49m Average total duration 8h 49m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 2h 57m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.0 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular ferry company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Athens to Heraklion Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 22:00 | Arrival Time 07:25 | Duration 9h25 | Sailing Days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 10:00 | Arrival Time 18:00 | Duration 8h00 | Sailing Days Sat, Sun |
Operator Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) | Departure Time 09:30 | Arrival Time 18:45 | Duration 9h15 | Sailing Days Sun |
Operator Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) | Departure Time 21:00 | Arrival Time 06:30 | Duration 9h30 | Sailing Days Everyday |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 17:00 | Arrival Time 04:20 | Duration 11h20 | Sailing Days Fri |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 15:00 | Arrival Time 01:25 | Duration 10h25 | Sailing Days Wed |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 21:00 | Arrival Time 06:50 | Duration 9h50 | Sailing Days Everyday |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 09:30 | Arrival Time 17:20 | Duration 7h50 | Sailing Days Everyday |
Live departures
Athens to Heraklion ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Athens to Heraklion ferries for today, Tuesday 1 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHAMPIONS LEAGUE JET 1 | 9:30 Port of Piraeus | 7h50 | 17:20 Heraklion Port | 0 changesdirect | |
| NISSOS RODOS | 21:00 Port of Piraeus | 9h50 | 6:50 Heraklion Port | 0 changesdirect | |
| KNOSSOS PALACE | 21:00 Port of Piraeus | 9h30 | 6:30 Heraklion Port | 0 changesdirect | |
| ELYROS | 22:00 Port of Piraeus | 9h25 | 7:25 Port of Souda | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Athens to Heraklion by ferry or flight
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.
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Why should you book Athens to Heraklion ferries with Omio?
Blue Star Ferries as well as Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets, Fast Ferries and more offer ferries services from Athens to Heraklion.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Athens to Heraklion.
Why book with Omio vs Blue Star Ferries?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Blue Star Ferries, but also compare tickets for the likes of Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets or Fast Ferries to find the best option for your trip from Athens to Heraklion.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Blue Star Ferries with all available travel options, which are ferry and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Athens to Heraklion.
Why book with Omio over Ferryhopper, Directferries or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets or Fast Ferries to find the best option for your trip from Athens to Heraklion.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including ferry and flight to find the ideal travel option from Athens to Heraklion.
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Athens to Heraklion
GreeceGreece
Ferries from Athens to Heraklion run on average 5 times per day, taking around 8h 49m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at £30 if you book in advance.
There are 5 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 00:20, the last at 23:45. The fastest ferry covers the 173 nautical miles (321 km) distance in 8h 45m. There are 30 sailings per week. Ferries from Athens to Heraklion are available to foot passengers.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 173 nautical miles (321 km) |
Average sailing duration 8h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price £30 |
Ferries per day 5 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 30 |
Fastest ferry 8h 45m |
First ferry 0:20 |
Last ferry 23:45 |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Ferry operators: Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets, Fast Ferries from Athens to HeraklionYou can travel by ferry between Athens to Heraklion with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets, Fast Ferries for as low as £30. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.
Blue Star Ferries
About
Blue Star Ferries is a Greek ferry company that operates a fleet of ferries that provide transportation services for passengers and vehicles across the Aegean Sea and the Adriatic Sea. The company was founded in 1965 and is based in Piraeus, Greece. Blue Star Ferries operates ferry services between the Greek mainland and the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and Northern Aegean islands, as well as between the Greek mainland and Italy.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Blue Star Ferries Duration
8h 45m
Cheapest Blue Star Ferries Price
£30
Blue Star Ferries frequency
1 a day
Additional luggage
Additional luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations possible up to 24 hours before departure with varying refund rates
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurants, cafes, and bars available serving meals and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible areas and facilities available on most vessels. Assistance available upon request.
Pets
Small pets allowed in designated areas. Must be in carriers or leashed. Not allowed in restaurants.
Cabin reservation
Economy cabins to luxury suites available. Must be booked in advance
Car on board
Minoan Lines (Greece domestic)
About
Minoan Lines, established in 1972 in Greece, is a prominent ferry operator known for connecting various Greek islands and mainland destinations. Their fleet comprises modern vessels, including the HSC Santorini Palace and the Cruise Europa, offering different classes such as Economy, Business, and VIP. Onboard amenities include restaurants, bars, shops, and comfortable lounges, ensuring a pleasant journey. Passengers can choose from various ticket types, including standard seats, private cabins, and vehicle transport options. Minoan Lines' top routes include Heraklion to Piraeus, Santorini to Heraklion, and Piraeus to Chania, making it a preferred choice for travelers exploring Greece's picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) Duration
9h 15m
Cheapest Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) Price
£30
Additional luggage
Additional luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations possible up to 14 days before departure for full refund, 7-13 days 75% refund, 4-6 days 50% refund, less than 4 days no refund
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurants, cafeterias, and bars available
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible facilities available on most vessels. Assistance available upon request.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers, dogs must be leashed and muzzled. Not allowed in restaurants or indoor accommodation areas.
Cabin reservation
Cabins available in various categories (internal, external, luxury)
Car on board
Anek - Superfast
About
Anek Lines is a Greek-Italian ferry company that operates a fleet of ferries and high-speed vessels between Greece, Italy and Cyprus.Anek Lines operates a fleet of six ships, providing services on several routes such as: Patras - Ancona, Igoumenitsa - Ancona, Piraeus - Heraklion - Chania and Piraeus - Limassol - Larnaca.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Anek - Superfast Duration
9h 0m
Cheapest Anek - Superfast Price
£33
Anek - Superfast frequency
1 a day
Additional luggage
Additional luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations possible up to 24 hours before departure with varying fees depending on ticket type
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurants, cafeterias, and bars available
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible areas and facilities available on most vessels. Assistance available upon request.
Pets
Small pets allowed in designated areas or carriers. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled.
Cabin reservation
Various cabin types available from standard to luxury suites
Car on board
Seajets
About
Seajets is a Greek ferry company that operates a fleet of high-speed catamaran ferries that provide transportation services for passengers and vehicles across the Aegean Sea. The company was founded in 2000 and is based in Piraeus, Greece. Seajets operates ferry services between the Greek mainland and the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and Northern Aegean islands. They offer frequent daily departures and a wide range of routes, making it a convenient and efficient way to travel between the islands.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Seajets Duration
7h 55m
Cheapest Seajets Price
£90
Seajets frequency
1 a day
Additional luggage
Extra luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations allowed up to 24 hours before departure with fees
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria and bar available with snacks and beverages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible areas available on most vessels. Assistance available upon request.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers, dogs must be leashed and muzzled
Cabin reservation
Basic cabins available on longer routes
Car on board
Fast Ferries
About
Fast Ferries is a Greek company that operates high-speed ferry services in the Aegean Sea. They offer regular services between the Greek mainland and the islands of the Cyclades, such as Mykonos and Santorini, as well as services between the islands of the northeastern Aegean, like Lesvos and Chios. The company's fleet is composed of modern and fast vessels, which can reduce travel time between islands and make the trip more comfortable for passengers. They offer amenities like seating areas, cafes, and shops on board.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Fast Ferries Duration
9h 30m
Cheapest Fast Ferries Price
£220
Fast Ferries frequency
2 a day
Additional luggage
There is no restriction on the number, size, or weight of luggage allowed onboard. The luggage storage area is alongside the car deck; passengers can also keep bags with them if manageable.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled, but cancellation may sometimes occur with refund yet poor communication to passengers.
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
There are four café-snack bars on board offering snacks and refreshments.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
All Fast Ferries vessels have specially designed areas and infrastructure for people with disabilities, including accessible facilities and seating.
Pets
Pets are allowed on board but not in internal areas; special on-board pet accommodation is available. Pets must be accompanied, on leash and muzzle (for dogs), or in appropriate carriers.
Car on board
Complete guide to Heraklion
Things to do in Heraklion
Discover the best of Heraklion — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Heraklion trip today.
- Recommended
Museum of Christian Art of Saint Catherine
Museum inside the restored Church of Saint Catherine, showing important icons and ecclesiastical art from Crete’s post-Byzantine period.
- Recommended
Nikos Kazantzakis Museum
Compact museum dedicated to Nikos Kazantzakis, exploring the celebrated author’s life, travels, manuscripts and intellectual world.
- Must visit
Lion Square
Lively central square with the Morosini Fountain, surrounded by historic buildings and busy pedestrian streets for an easy first stop.
- Recommended
Heraklion Old Harbour Promenade
Long waterfront promenade by the old harbour, popular for walking, sunsets and views towards Koules Fortress and the sea.
- Recommended
Dedalou Street
Pedestrian shopping street in the old town, useful for strolling between churches, squares and local shops in a lively setting.
- Vegetarian
Dakos
Dakos is a Cretan barley rusk topped with tomato, mizithra or feta, olive oil and oregano. It is a staple meze that showcases local produce and island olive oil.
- Gluten-free
Gamopilafo
Gamopilafo is a creamy Cretan rice dish cooked in rich meat broth, usually from goat or lamb. It is served at weddings and major celebrations across Crete.
- Gluten-free
Apaki
Apaki is cured pork, traditionally smoked with aromatic herbs. It is a classic Cretan meze valued for its distinctive flavour and old preservation methods.
Peskesi
Traditional Cretan taverna known for local dishes, grilled meats and warm hospitality in a relaxed old-town setting.
Heri Restaurant
Long-running city restaurant focused on Greek and Cretan recipes, with a polished but approachable dining room.
Paralia Seaside Restaurant
Established seafood restaurant by the harbour, popular for fresh fish, shellfish and classic Greek plates with sea views.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Greece: tourist hotels raise summer prices, but tavernas, buses and coffee remain fairly affordable versus many Mediterranean island resorts.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or souvlaki.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for cappuccino or iced coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés if service was good.
Heraklion Urban Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.20
- Day pass
- €5.00
To the city centre
Heraklion Port -> Lion Square, Heraklion
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Buy or validate your ticket before boarding where required; the official operator sells e-tickets in the Heraklion Urban Bus app.
- Heraklion’s official urban transport is bus-only. I could not verify official contactless bank card acceptance on board, so carry a valid ticket or use the operator app.
FAQs: Athens to Heraklion ferries
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Athens to Heraklion by ferry. 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 ferry, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Heraklion, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap ferry tickets from Athens to Heraklion can start from as little as £30 when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Athens to Heraklion is £33; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by ferry from Athens to Heraklion is 8h 45m to travel the 321 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest ferry from Athens to Heraklion leaves at 0:20. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Athens to Heraklion leaves at 23:45.
Yes, there are 5 direct ferries a day from Athens to Heraklion with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets, Fast Ferries. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct ferries.
Yes, you can book a cabin on sailings from Athens to Heraklion with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast
Yes, travelling with a vehicle from Athens to Heraklion is possible with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets, Fast Ferries.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Athens to Heraklion is possible with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets, Fast Ferries. We recommend arriving at least one hour before the trip if you are travelling on foot but please check specific times for each route. If you need to book your travel to the departure port, check our trains, buses, and flight options on Omio.
When taking a ferry from Athens to Heraklion, you can count on Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets, Fast Ferries for the best way to get you to Heraklion. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Athens and Heraklion and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
A trip to Heraklion from Athens is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a ferry from Athens to Heraklion is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Athens and Heraklion including taking a ferry and flight.
popular ferry ports
Important Stations and Airports in Athens and Heraklion
Most Athens to Heraklion ferries use the Port of Piraeus to Heraklion Port port pair. Use this guide to compare Athens and Heraklion ports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like port facilities and services.
Departure ports in Athens
Arrival ports in Heraklion
Which Athens port do ferries to Heraklion leave from?
Ferries from Athens to Heraklion leave from Port of Piraeus. The port is from Athens city centre at 10, Akti Miaouli str, Pireas 185 38, Greece.
Port of Piraeus10, Akti Miaouli str, Pireas 185 38, Greece
City-centre transport
Getting to Port of Piraeus from Athens city centre
Metro Line 1, Piraeus Station
Port of Piraeus port facilities and services
Port of Piraeus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Kebab & Curry Indian Restaurant (0.3km), To Steki tou Ilia (0.5km), Rouan Thai (0.7km)
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi. ATMs are available in passenger terminals.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Port of Piraeus.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Port of Piraeus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Port of Piraeus.
More options for your journey from Athens to Heraklion
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular ferries to and from Heraklion and Athens
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