Crete (Island) to Athens ferry - Times and cheap Blue Star Ferries ferry tickets

Sat 11 Jul
+ Add return
Blue Star Ferries
Minoan Lines (Greece domestic)
Anek - Superfast
Seajets
Fast Ferries
2,000+ travel companies
Blue Star Ferries
Minoan Lines (Greece domestic)
Anek - Superfast
Seajets
Fast Ferries
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest ferries from Crete (Island) to Athens

Showing times and prices for 11 Jul

Cheapest price

£30

Average price

£42

Fastest journey

7 h 25 m

Average duration

8 h 35 m

Ferries per day

6

Distance

320 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Crete (Island) to Athens is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Crete (Island) to Athens will cost around £42 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap ferry tickets today for only £30.

Fast ferries

Of the 6 ferries that leave Crete (Island) for Athens every day 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat 11 Jul the direct ferries cover the 320 km distance in an average of 8 h 35 m but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 7 h 25 m .

The slowest ferries will take 9 h 30 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.

  • Blue Star FerriesASTERION II
    9:008h45
    Heraklion Port
    17:45Port of Piraeus
    £301One-way
    0 changes
  • Blue Star FerriesNISSOS RODOS
    21:009h40
    Heraklion Port
    6:40Port of Piraeus
    £301One-way
    0 changes
  • Blue Star FerriesKISSAMOS
    10:008h00
    Port of Souda
    18:00Port of Piraeus
    £381One-way
    0 changes
  • Blue Star FerriesELYROS
    21:309h15
    Port of Souda
    6:45Port of Piraeus
    £381One-way
    0 changes
  • Minoan Lines (Greece domestic)FESTOS PALACE
    21:009h30
    Heraklion Port
    6:30Port of Piraeus
    £391One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare ferry and flight for Crete (Island) to Athens

Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Crete (Island) to Athens among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the ferry with prices starting from £20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 11m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the ferry is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of £20, and a flight costs an average of £21.

Distance: 172 nautical miles (320 km)

Compare ferry with

Most popular
Ferry
Flight

£33

Average Price

Cheapest

£62

Average Price

10h 5m

Average total duration

9h 5m

Onboard

+

1h 0m

Additional time*

6h 11m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 11m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

1.0 - 1.9kg

CO2 emissions

Blue Star Ferries

Most popular ferry company

Aegean Airlines

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Crete (Island) to Athens Ferry Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationSailing Days
Operator
Blue Star Ferries
Departure Time
10:00
Arrival Time
18:00
Duration
8h00
Sailing Days
Mon, Sat, Sun
Operator
Seajets
Departure Time
08:00
Arrival Time
15:25
Duration
7h25
Sailing Days
Everyday
Operator
Minoan Lines (Greece domestic)
Departure Time
09:30
Arrival Time
18:45
Duration
9h15
Sailing Days
Wed, 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
03:20
Arrival Time
13:30
Duration
10h10
Sailing Days
Fri
Operator
Blue Star Ferries
Departure Time
21:30
Arrival Time
06:45
Duration
9h15
Sailing Days
Everyday
Operator
Blue Star Ferries
Departure Time
09:00
Arrival Time
17:45
Duration
8h45
Sailing Days
Thu, Sat
Operator
Blue Star Ferries
Departure Time
22:40
Arrival Time
10:00
Duration
11h20
Sailing Days
Sun
Operator
Blue Star Ferries
Departure Time
21:00
Arrival Time
06:40
Duration
9h40
Sailing Days
Everyday
Operator
Seajets
Departure Time
08:30
Arrival Time
19:00
Duration
10h30
Sailing Days
Wed
Operator
Blue Star Ferries
Departure Time
23:50
Arrival Time
13:30
Duration
13h40
Sailing Days
Thu
Operator
Blue Star Ferries
Departure Time
19:10
Arrival Time
10:00
Duration
14h50
Sailing Days
Sun

Live departures

Crete (Island) to Athens ferry times

The table below shows live departures for Crete (Island) to Athens ferries for today, Friday 10 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Minoan Lines (Greece domestic)KNOSSOS PALACE21:00 Heraklion Port
9h30
6:30 Port of Piraeus0 changesdirect
Blue Star FerriesNISSOS RODOS21:00 Heraklion Port
9h40
6:40 Port of Piraeus0 changesdirect
Blue Star FerriesELYROS21:30 Port of Souda
9h15
6:45 Port of Piraeus0 changesdirect
Saturday 11 July
SeajetsWORLDCHAMPION JET8:00 Heraklion Port
7h25
15:25 Port of Piraeus0 changesdirect
Blue Star FerriesASTERION II9:00 Heraklion Port
8h45
17:45 Port of Piraeus0 changesdirect
Blue Star FerriesKISSAMOS10:00 Port of Souda
8h00
18:00 Port of Piraeus0 changesdirect

This is the last ferry of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Crete (Island) to Athens 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.

Sat
11 Jul
Sun
12 Jul
Mon
13 Jul
Tue
14 Jul
Wed
15 Jul
Thu
16 Jul
Fri
17 Jul
Sat
18 Jul
Sun
19 Jul
Mon
20 Jul
Tue
21 Jul
Wed
22 Jul
Thu
23 Jul
Fri
24 Jul
Sat
25 Jul
Sun
26 Jul
Mon
27 Jul
Tue
28 Jul
Wed
29 Jul
Thu
30 Jul
Fri
31 Jul

Why should you book Crete (Island) to Athens ferries with Omio?

Blue Star Ferries as well as Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets, Fast Ferries and more offer ferries services from Crete (Island) to Athens.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Crete (Island) to Athens.

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 Crete (Island) to Athens.
  • 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 Crete (Island) to Athens.

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 Crete (Island) to Athens.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including ferry and flight to find the ideal travel option from Crete (Island) to Athens.

How far in advance should I book ferry tickets from Crete (Island) to Athens?

The best time to book your ferry from Crete (Island) to Athens is 2 days before departure. See how prices for ferries change on the Crete (Island) to Athens route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Crete (Island) to Athens per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your ferry from Crete (Island) to Athens.

Journey information

Overview: Ferry from Crete (Island) to Athens

GreeceGreece
GreeceGreece
Icon of ferry

Ferries from Crete (Island) to Athens run on average 5 times per day, taking around 9h 5m. 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 172 nautical miles (320 km) distance in 7h 50m. There are 32 sailings per week. Ferries from Crete (Island) to Athens 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
Blue Star Ferries
Minoan Lines (Greece domestic)
Anek - Superfast
Seajets
Fast Ferries
Golden Star Ferries
Distance
172 nautical miles (320 km)
Average sailing duration
9h 5m
Cheapest ticket price
£20
Ferries per day
5
Direct ferries
Available
Average weekly sailings
32
Fastest ferry
7h 50m
First ferry
0:20
Last ferry
23:45
Cabins
Available
Vehicles
Available
Foot passengers
Available
Cheapest Month
Oct
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
56 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, Golden Star Ferries from Crete (Island) to AthensYou can travel by ferry between Crete (Island) to Athens with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets, Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries 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 Duration
8h 15m
Cheapest Price
£30
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 Duration
9h 15m
Cheapest Price
£30
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

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 Duration
9h 0m
Cheapest Price
£33
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 Duration
7h 50m
Cheapest 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

Golden Star Ferries

About
Golden Star Ferries is a Greek ferry company that operates routes in the Aegean Sea. They offer services between the Greek mainland and several of the Greek islands, including the Cyclades, the Dodecanese and the Northeastern Aegean islands. Their ships are equipped with amenities such as seating areas, restaurants, and shops. Golden Star Ferries is considered one of the main ferry companies in Greece, with a good reputation for their reliable and efficient services.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Golden Star Ferries frequency
4 a day
Additional luggage
Extra luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations allowed up to 24 hours before departure with partial refund
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant and bar serving meals and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible vessels with dedicated spaces and assistance available
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers, dogs must be leashed and muzzled
Cabin reservation
Available in various categories from standard to luxury
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 Duration
9h 30m
Cheapest Price
£216
Fast Ferries frequency
1 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

FAQs: Crete (Island) to Athens ferries

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Crete (Island) to Athens 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 Athens, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap ferry tickets from Crete (Island) to Athens can start from as little as £20 when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Crete (Island) to Athens 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 Crete (Island) to Athens is 7h 50m to travel the 320 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 Crete (Island) to Athens leaves at 0:20. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest ferry from Crete (Island) to Athens leaves at 23:45.
Yes, there are 5 direct ferries a day from Crete (Island) to Athens with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Seajets, Fast Ferries. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct ferries.
Yes, you can book a cabin on sailings from Crete (Island) to Athens with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast
Yes, travelling with a vehicle from Crete (Island) to Athens is possible with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets, Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Crete (Island) to Athens is possible with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets, Fast Ferries, Golden Star 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 Crete (Island) to Athens, you can count on Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets, Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries for the best way to get you to Athens. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Crete (Island) and Athens and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
A trip to Athens from Crete (Island) is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a ferry from Crete (Island) to Athens is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Crete (Island) and Athens including taking a ferry and flight.

popular ferry ports

Important Stations and Airports in Crete (Island) and Athens

Most Crete (Island) to Athens ferries use the Heraklion Port to Port of Piraeus port pair. Use this guide to compare Crete (Island) and Athens ports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like port facilities and services.

Departure ports in Crete
Arrival ports in Athens

Which Crete (Island) port do ferries to Athens leave from?

Ferries from Crete (Island) to Athens leave from Heraklion Port. The port is 32 km from Crete (Island) city centre at Leof. Nearchou, Iraklio 713 07, Greece.
Heraklion PortLeof. Nearchou, Iraklio 713 07, GreeceWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Heraklion Port from Crete city centre

Heraklion Port is 32 km from Crete city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus10, 15, 31 · 10m · £0.89 · every ~10 min
Shuttle7m · £2

Heraklion Port port facilities and services

Heraklion Port has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Kouzina EPE (0.3km), Paralia Seaside Restaurant (0.5km), Ligo Krasi Ligo Thalassa (0.6km)

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free WiFi. ATMs are available inside the terminal.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Heraklion Port.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Heraklion Port: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Heraklion Port.

Port of Souda (Chania)Souda 732 00, Greece
City-centre transport

Getting to Port of Souda (Chania) from Crete city centre

Bus13 · 21m · every ~4 min
13 · 27m · every ~4 min
SitiaKazantzaki 3, Sitia 723 00, GreeceWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Sitia from Crete city centre

Sitia is 1 km from Crete city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus3h 0m · £15
Shuttle2h 50m

Sitia port facilities and services

Sitia has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Inodion (0.3km), Mitsakakis (0.4km), Ziafeti (0.5km)

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free WiFi. ATMs are available in the terminal.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Sitia.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Sitia: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Sitia.

More options for your journey from Crete (Island) to Athens

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeFerriesFerries in GreeceCrete (Island) to Athens ferry

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone