- Must visit
Acropolis Museum
Modern museum presenting Acropolis finds in bright galleries, including sculptures and the Parthenon Gallery with city views.
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The cheapest and fastest ferries from Heraklion to Athens
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 01 Sept
Cheapest price on 01 Sept
£37
Average ticket price on 01 Sept
£51
Fastest journey on 01 Sept
7 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 01 Sept
8 h 58 m
Ferries on 01 Sept
4
Distance
321 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Heraklion to Athens is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Heraklion to Athens will cost around £51 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap ferry tickets today for only £37.
Fast ferries
On Tue 01 Sept, we found 4 ferries from Heraklion to Athens, including 4 direct services.
On Tue 01 Sept the direct ferries cover the 321 km distance in an average of 8 h 58 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 40 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 II21:009h40Heraklion Port6:40Port of Piraeus£371One-way0 changes
FESTOS PALACE21:009h30Heraklion Port6:30Port of Piraeus£401One-way0 changes- KISSAMOS21:309h15Port of Souda6:45Port of Piraeus£471One-way0 changes
WORLDCHAMPION JET8:007h25Heraklion Port15:25Port of Piraeus£811One-way0 changes
- WORLDCHAMPION JET8:007h25Heraklion Port15:25Port of Piraeus£811One-way0 changes
- KISSAMOS21:309h15Port of Souda6:45Port of Piraeus£471One-way0 changes
- FESTOS PALACE21:009h30Heraklion Port6:30Port of Piraeus£401One-way0 changes
- ASTERION II21:009h40Heraklion Port6:40Port of Piraeus£371One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare ferry and flight for Heraklion to Athens
Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Heraklion to Athens among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the ferry, with an average ticket price of £32 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 2h 54m. 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 £32, while a flight costs an average of £44.
Distance: 173 nautical miles (321 km)
Compare ferry with
Most popular Ferry | Flight |
|---|---|
£32 Average Price Cheapest | £44 Average Price |
9h 49m Average total duration 8h 49m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 2h 54m Average total duration Fastest 54m 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.
Heraklion to Athens Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing 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 Sun |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 03:20 | Arrival Time 13:30 | Duration 10h10 | Sailing Days Fri |
Operator Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) | Departure Time 21:00 | Arrival Time 06:30 | Duration 9h30 | Sailing Days Everyday |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 21:30 | Arrival Time 06:45 | Duration 9h15 | Sailing Days Everyday |
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 Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 00:30 | Arrival Time 11:45 | Duration 11h15 | Sailing Days Mon |
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
Heraklion to Athens ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Heraklion to Athens ferries for today, Monday 31 August. 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 | 8:00 Heraklion Port | 7h25 | 15:25 Port of Piraeus | 0 changesdirect | |
| KISSAMOS | 10:00 Port of Souda | 8h00 | 18:00 Port of Piraeus | 0 changesdirect | |
| NISSOS RODOS | 21:00 Heraklion Port | 9h40 | 6:40 Port of Piraeus | 0 changesdirect | |
| KNOSSOS PALACE | 21:00 Heraklion Port | 9h30 | 6:30 Port of Piraeus | 0 changesdirect | |
| ELYROS | 21:30 Port of Souda | 9h15 | 6:45 Port of Piraeus | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Heraklion 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.
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Why should you book Heraklion 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 Heraklion to Athens.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion to Athens.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including ferry and flight to find the ideal travel option from Heraklion to Athens.
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Heraklion to Athens
GreeceGreece
Ferries from Heraklion to Athens run on average 5 times per day, taking around 8h 49m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at £28 but you can travel from only £16 by flight.
There are 5 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 01:00, 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 Heraklion 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £16
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 173 nautical miles (321 km) |
Average sailing duration 8h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Ferries per day 5 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 30 |
Fastest ferry 8h 45m |
First ferry 1:00 |
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 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £16
Ferry operators: Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets, Fast Ferries from Heraklion to AthensYou can travel by ferry between Heraklion to Athens with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets, Fast Ferries for as low as £16. 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
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
£28
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 Anek - Superfast Duration
9h 15m
Cheapest Anek - Superfast 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 Seajets Duration
7h 50m
Cheapest Seajets Price
£89
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
£219
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
Complete guide to Athens
Things to do in Athens
Discover the best of Athens — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Athens trip today.
- Must visit
National Archaeological Museum
Major collection of Greek antiquities, from prehistoric treasures to classical sculpture. A core stop for understanding ancient Greece.
- Recommended
Museum of Cycladic Art
Private museum with Cycladic figurines, ancient Greek art and elegant displays in a refined central setting.
- Must visit
Plaka
Historic old quarter beneath the Acropolis, with neoclassical streets, steps, churches and easy access to key archaeological sites.
- Must visit
Monastiraki
Lively flea market district with lanes, antique shops, street life and a strong local character near the ancient centre.
- Recommended
Mount Lycabettus
Wooded hilltop park with walking paths, city panoramas and a classic viewpoint towards the Acropolis and the Aegean light.
Moussaka
A layered bake of aubergine, minced meat and béchamel. It is a beloved Greek home-style classic found in tavernas across Athens.
- Vegetarian
Spanakopita
A flaky pie of spinach, herbs and feta in crisp filo pastry. It is a staple snack and bakery favourite in Athens.
- Gluten-free
Souvlaki
Chargrilled pork pieces, usually served on skewers or in pita. It is one of Athens' most popular quick meals and taverna staples.
Varoulko Seaside
Well-known seafood restaurant in Piraeus, popular for fresh fish, fried calamari and classic meze in a bustling port-side setting.
Thanasis Kebab
Long-running Plaka taverna serving grilled meats, meze and Greek standards with a traditional atmosphere and live music at times.
Kostas Souvlaki
Popular grill house famed for succulent souvlaki and skewers, offering a casual local experience near the city centre.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Europe: tavernas and public transport are good value, but central hotels and peak-season dining cost more than in many Balkan cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for street food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a mid-range meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% in restaurants is appreciated. Round up in cafés and taxis; no large tip is expected.
OASA Telematics App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.20
- Day pass
- €4.10
To the city centre
Piraeus Station -> Monastiraki, Athens
- Distance
- 10 km
- Travel time
- 20 min
- Tap the same contactless bank card or device on each bus, tram or trolley, and at metro gates, so the correct fare cap is applied.
- Contactless payment is available for full-fare urban tickets, with a daily cap equal to the 24-hour ticket price.
FAQs: Heraklion to Athens ferries
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Heraklion 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.
Cheap ferry tickets from Heraklion to Athens can start from as little as £28 when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Heraklion to Athens is £32; 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 Heraklion to Athens 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 Heraklion to Athens leaves at 1:00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Heraklion to Athens leaves at 23:45.
Yes, there are 5 direct ferries a day from Heraklion 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 Heraklion to Athens with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast
Yes, travelling with a vehicle from Heraklion to Athens is possible with Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets, Fast Ferries.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Heraklion to Athens 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 Heraklion to Athens, you can count on Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines (Greece domestic), Anek - Superfast, Seajets, Fast Ferries for the best way to get you to Athens. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Heraklion and Athens and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
A trip to Athens from Heraklion 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 Heraklion to Athens is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Heraklion and Athens including taking a ferry and flight.
popular ferry ports
Important Stations and Airports in Heraklion and Athens
Most Heraklion to Athens ferries use the Heraklion Port to Port of Piraeus port pair. Use this guide to compare Heraklion and Athens ports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like port facilities and services.
Departure ports in Heraklion
Arrival ports in Athens
Which Athens port do ferries from Heraklion arrive at?
Ferries from Heraklion to Athens arrive at Port of Piraeus. Port of Piraeus is from Athens city centre.
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 Heraklion to Athens
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular ferries to and from Athens and Heraklion
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