- Must visit
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Leading museum for Minoan and Cretan antiquities, with masterworks from Knossos and clear displays spanning prehistoric to Roman Crete.
Cheapest price
£136
Average price
£136
Fastest journey
1 d 14 h
Average duration
1 d 14 h
Ferries per day
1
Distance
156 km
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Ios to Heraklion is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ios to Heraklion will cost around £136 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap ferry tickets today for only £136.
To travel from Ios to Heraklion you need to make at least one change.


| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Hellenic Seaways | Departure Time 19:35 | Arrival Time 06:30 | Duration 10h55 | Sailing Days Fri, Sat, Sun |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 14:20 | Arrival Time 04:20 | Duration 38h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu |
The table below shows live departures for Ios to Heraklion ferries for today, Tuesday 18 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 14:20 Ios | 38h00 | 4:20 Heraklion | 1 change | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare ferry 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.
Ferries from Ios to Heraklion run on average 1 times per day, taking around 2h 45m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at £104 if you book in advance.
There are 1 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 07:30, the last at 15:05. The fastest ferry covers the 84 nautical miles (156 km) distance in 10h 55m. Ferries from Ios to Heraklion are available to foot passengers.



Distance 84 nautical miles (156 km) |
Average sailing duration 2h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price £104 |
Ferries per day 1 |
Direct ferries Available |
Fastest ferry 10h 55m |
First ferry 7:30 |
Last ferry 15:05 |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Discover the best of Heraklion — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Heraklion trip today.
Leading museum for Minoan and Cretan antiquities, with masterworks from Knossos and clear displays spanning prehistoric to Roman Crete.
Museum inside the restored Church of Saint Catherine, showing important icons and ecclesiastical art from Crete’s post-Byzantine period.
Compact museum dedicated to Nikos Kazantzakis, exploring the celebrated author’s life, travels, manuscripts and intellectual world.
Lively central square with the Morosini Fountain, surrounded by historic buildings and busy pedestrian streets for an easy first stop.
Long waterfront promenade by the old harbour, popular for walking, sunsets and views towards Koules Fortress and the sea.
Pedestrian shopping street in the old town, useful for strolling between churches, squares and local shops in a lively setting.
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.
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.
Apaki is cured pork, traditionally smoked with aromatic herbs. It is a classic Cretan meze valued for its distinctive flavour and old preservation methods.
Traditional Cretan taverna known for local dishes, grilled meats and warm hospitality in a relaxed old-town setting.
Long-running city restaurant focused on Greek and Cretan recipes, with a polished but approachable dining room.
Established seafood restaurant by the harbour, popular for fresh fish, shellfish and classic Greek plates with sea views.
Moderate for Greece: tourist hotels raise summer prices, but tavernas, buses and coffee remain fairly affordable versus many Mediterranean island resorts.
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.
Official public transport app
Heraklion Port -> Lion Square, Heraklion
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ios 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.

Most Ios to Heraklion ferries use the Port of Ios to Heraklion Port port pair. Use this guide to compare Ios and Heraklion ports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like port facilities and services.
Port of Ios is 4 km from Ios city centre. Public transport options include:
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need