- Recommended
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno
Displays from prehistoric to Roman Crete, giving a compact introduction to the region's long history in a central Old Town setting.
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The cheapest and fastest ferries from Athens to Rethymno
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 02 Nov
- Cheapest price on 02 Nov
- £29
- Average ticket price on 02 Nov
- £33
- Fastest journey on 02 Nov
- 9 h 15 m
- Average journey duration on 02 Nov
- 9 h 33 m
- Ferries on 02 Nov
- 2
- Distance
- 299 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Athens to Rethymno is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Athens to Rethymno will cost around £33 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap ferry tickets today for only £29.
Fast ferries
On Mon 02 Nov, we found 2 ferries from Athens to Rethymno, including 2 direct services.
On Mon 02 Nov the direct ferries cover the 299 km distance in an average of 9 h 33 m but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 9 h 15 m .
The slowest ferries will take 9 h 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.
19:00 9h15 Athens 4:15 Rethymno £29 1 One-way 0 changes18:00 9h50 Athens 3:50 Rethymno £36 1 One-way 0 changes
19:00 9h15 Athens 4:15 Rethymno £29 1 One-way 0 changes18:00 9h50 Athens 3:50 Rethymno £36 1 One-way 0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Athens to Rethymno
GreeceGreece
Ferries from Athens to Rethymno run on average 5 times per day, taking around 9h 12m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at £20 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 161 nautical miles (299 km) distance in 7h 50m. There are 10 sailings per week. Ferries from Athens to Rethymno 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 161 nautical miles (299 km) |
Average sailing duration 9h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £20 |
Ferries per day 5 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 10 |
Fastest ferry 7h 50m |
First ferry 0:20 |
Last ferry 23:45 |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 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
Frequently asked questions about your Athens to Rethymno trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Athens to Rethymno.
Cheap ferry tickets from Athens to Rethymno can start from as little as £20 when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Athens to Rethymno is £46; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest ferry from Athens to Rethymno leaves at 0:20. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Athens to Rethymno leaves at 23:45.
Yes, there are 5 direct ferries a day from Athens to Rethymno with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct ferries.
Athens to Rethymno Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 21:00 | Arrival time 07:50 | Duration 10h50 | Sailing Days wed |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 08:00 | Arrival time 18:15 | Duration 10h15 | Sailing Days tue |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 07:00 | Arrival time 17:15 | Duration 10h15 | Sailing Days tue |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 15:00 | Arrival time 01:40 | Duration 10h40 | Sailing Days fri |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 16:30 | Arrival time 03:30 | Duration 11h00 | Sailing Days thu |
Operator Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) | Departure Time 06:30 | Arrival time 15:45 | Duration 9h15 | Sailing Days sat |
Operator Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) | Departure Time 21:00 | Arrival time 06:30 | Duration 9h30 | Sailing Days fri, sun |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 06:15 | Arrival time 14:10 | Duration 7h55 | Sailing Days sat |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 19:00 | Arrival time 04:15 | Duration 9h15 | Sailing Days mon, tue, wed, thu, sat |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 18:00 | Arrival time 03:50 | Duration 9h50 | Sailing Days mon, wed, thu, sat |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 21:00 | Arrival time 06:50 | Duration 9h50 | Sailing Days thu |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 09:30 | Arrival time 17:25 | Duration 7h55 | Sailing Days sun |
Live departures
Athens to Rethymno ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Athens to Rethymno ferries for today, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 EUROCHAMPION JET | 9:30 Port of Piraeus | 7h55 | 17:25 Heraklion Port | 0 changesdirect | |
 KYDON PALACE | 21:00 Port of Piraeus | 9h30 | 6:30 Heraklion Port | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Athens to Rethymno ferries with Omio?
Blue Star Ferries as well as Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) or Seajets offer ferries services from Athens to Rethymno.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Athens to Rethymno.
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) or Seajets to find the best option for your trip from Athens to Rethymno.
- 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.
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) or Seajets to find the best option for your trip from Athens to Rethymno.
Ferry operators: Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets from Athens to RethymnoYou can travel by ferry between Athens to Rethymno with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets for as low as £20. 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 0m
Cheapest Blue Star Ferries Price
£29
Blue Star Ferries frequency
3 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
£29
Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) frequency
1 a day
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
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 50m
Cheapest Seajets Price
£20
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
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Athens and Rethymno
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Yes, you can book a cabin on sailings from Athens to Rethymno with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic)
Yes, travelling with a vehicle from Athens to Rethymno is possible with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Athens to Rethymno is possible with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets. 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 Rethymno, you can count on Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets for the best way to get you to Rethymno. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Athens and Rethymno and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
Complete guide to Rethymno
Things to do in Rethymno
Discover the best of Rethymno — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Rethymno trip today.
- Recommended
Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno
A small museum in a former prison presenting local history, crafts and domestic life through costumes, textiles and everyday objects.
- Recommended
Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete
A specialist collection devoted to marine life and fossils, suitable for a shorter visit and especially popular with families.
- Must visit
Old Town of Rethymno
The atmospheric historic quarter of narrow lanes, arches and Venetian-Ottoman buildings, ideal for wandering between major sights.
- Must visit
Old Venetian Harbour
The picturesque old harbour combines Venetian heritage, moored boats and waterfront views, especially appealing around sunset.
- Recommended
Rethymno Beach Promenade
A long sandy seafront promenade for walking, cycling and sea views, connecting the harbour area with the modern beachfront.
- Vegetarian
Dakos
Dakos is a Cretan barley rusk topped with tomato, mizithra or feta, olive oil and oregano. It is a simple island staple that showcases local produce.
- Gluten-free
Gamopilafo
Gamopilafo is a rich Cretan rice pilaf cooked in meat broth, traditionally served at weddings. It is prized for its silky texture and celebratory status.
- Gluten-free
Antikristo
Antikristo is lamb slow-roasted around an open fire with salt only. This mountain shepherd method is one of Crete’s most iconic traditional meat dishes.
Prima Plora
Elegant old-town restaurant serving refined Cretan and Greek dishes in a historic courtyard setting.
Avli
Traditional Cretan taverna in the old town, known for meze, grilled meats and warm local atmosphere.
Zefyros Family Fish Taverna
Long-running seafood spot by the Venetian harbour, popular for fresh fish, shellfish and sea views.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Greece: tavernas and buses are reasonable, but summer hotels and seafront dining cost more than in less touristy Cretan towns.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or simple taverna meals.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants. Leave small change in cafés. Taxi fares are usually rounded up.
FAQs: Athens to Rethymno ferries
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Athens to Rethymno 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 Rethymno, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Yes, you can take a ferry between Athens and Rethymno.
popular ferry ports
Important Stations and Airports in Athens and Rethymno
Most Athens to Rethymno ferries use the Port of Piraeus to port pair. Use this guide to compare Athens and Rethymno ports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like port facilities and services.
Departure ports in Athens
Arrival ports in Rethymno
Which Athens port do ferries to Rethymno leave from?
Ferries from Athens to Rethymno 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 Rethymno
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular ferries to and from Rethymno and Athens
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