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The cheapest and fastest ferries from Heraklion to Athens
Showing times and prices for 17 Apr
Cheapest price
£42
Average price
£59
Fastest journey
7 h 50 m
Average duration
9 h 38 m
Ferries per day
6
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 £59 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap ferry tickets today for only £42.
Fast ferries
Of the 6 ferries that leave Heraklion 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 Fri 17 Apr the direct ferries cover the 321 km distance in an average of 9 h 38 m but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 7 h 50 m .
The slowest ferries will take 11 h 35 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.
ARIADNE21:009h55Heraklion Port6:55Port of Piraeus£421One-way0 changes
FESTOS PALACE21:009h30Heraklion Port6:30Port of Piraeus£451One-way0 changes- ELYROS21:009h20Port of Souda6:20Port of Piraeus£541One-way0 changes
- DIAGORAS8:1011h35Heraklion Port19:45Port of Piraeus£601One-way0 changes
- DIAGORAS4:3015h15Sitia19:45Port of Piraeus£601One-way0 changes
EUROCHAMPION JET8:007h50Heraklion Port15:50Port of Piraeus£911One-way0 changes- ELYROS21:009h20Port of Souda6:20Port of Piraeus£541One-way0 changes
- FESTOS PALACE21:009h30Heraklion Port6:30Port of Piraeus£451One-way0 changes
- ARIADNE21:009h55Heraklion Port6:55Port of Piraeus£421One-way0 changes
- DIAGORAS8:1011h35Heraklion Port19:45Port of Piraeus£601One-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 prices starting from £30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 54m. 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 £30, and a flight costs an average of £27.
Distance: 173 nautical miles (321 km)
Compare ferry with
Most popular Ferry | Flight |
|---|---|
£33 Average Price Cheapest | £81 Average Price |
9h 44m Average total duration 8h 44m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 3h 54m Average total duration Fastest 54m Onboard + 3h 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 Seajets | Departure Time 08:00 | Arrival Time 15:50 | Duration 7h50 | Sailing Days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat |
Operator Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) | Departure Time 21:00 | Arrival Time 06:30 | Duration 9h30 | Sailing Days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 08:10 | Arrival Time 19:45 | Duration 11h35 | Sailing Days Fri |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 04:30 | Arrival Time 19:45 | Duration 15h15 | Sailing Days Fri |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 21:00 | Arrival Time 06:55 | Duration 9h55 | Sailing Days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
Live departures
Heraklion to Athens ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Heraklion to Athens ferries for tomorrow, Thursday 16 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIAGORAS | 1:30 Sitia | 15h15 | 16:45 Port of Piraeus | 0 changesdirect | |
| EUROCHAMPION JET | 5:00 Heraklion Port | 7h50 | 12:50 Port of Piraeus | 0 changesdirect | |
| DIAGORAS | 5:10 Heraklion Port | 11h35 | 16:45 Port of Piraeus | 0 changesdirect | |
| ARIADNE | 18:00 Heraklion Port | 9h55 | 3:55 Port of Piraeus | 0 changesdirect | |
| ELYROS | 18:00 Port of Souda | 9h20 | 3:20 Port of Piraeus | 0 changesdirect | |
| FESTOS PALACE | 18:00 Heraklion Port | 9h30 | 3:30 Port of Piraeus | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
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.
How far in advance should I book ferry tickets from Heraklion to Athens?
The best time to book your ferry from Heraklion to Athens is 2 days before departure. See how prices for ferries change on the Heraklion to Athens route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Heraklion 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 Heraklion to Athens.
Ferries
from £36Flights
from £77Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Heraklion to Athens
GreeceGreece
Ferries from Heraklion to Athens run on average 5 times per day, taking around 8h 44m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at £30 but you can travel from only £27 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 31 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 £27
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 173 nautical miles (321 km) |
Average sailing duration 8h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price £30 |
Ferries per day 5 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 31 |
Fastest ferry 8h 45m |
First ferry 1:00 |
Last ferry 23:45 |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 6 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 £27
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 £27. 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 45m
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 30m
Cheapest Price
£33
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 15m
Cheapest Price
£34
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
8h 5m
Cheapest Price
£224
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 Duration
9h 30m
Cheapest Price
£223
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: 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 £30 when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Heraklion 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 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 April.
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
Heraklion
Athens
Amenities at port
Wifi
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Ticket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
- Saturday-Sunday: 06:00-20:00
Car connection
Leoforos Posidonos, Exit to Akti MiaouliWifi
- Free WiFi
Dining
- Kebab & Curry Indian Restaurant (0.3km)
- To Steki tou Ilia (0.5km)
- Rouan Thai (0.7km)
Taxis
- Main companies are Piraeus Taxi and Athens Taxi.
WC
- Free
Public transport options for Port of Piraeus
- Metro Line 1, Piraeus Station
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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