- Must visit
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Major archaeological museum presenting Minoan art, sculpture, jewellery and finds from Knossos and sites across Crete.
Cheapest price
£31
Average price
£36
Fastest journey
9 h 15 m
Average duration
9 h 15 m
Ferries per day
3
Distance
318 km
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Piraeus to Crete (Island) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Piraeus to Crete (Island) will cost around £36 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap ferry tickets today for only £31.
Of the 3 ferries that leave Piraeus for Crete (Island) every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun 09 Aug the direct ferries cover the 318 km distance in an average of 9 h 15 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 15 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.






Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Piraeus to Crete (Island) 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 57m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of £20, and a flight costs an average of £54.
Distance: 171 nautical miles (318 km)
Most popular Ferry | Flight |
|---|---|
£31 Average Price Cheapest | £54 Average Price |
10h 7m Average total duration 9h 7m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular ferry company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 22:00 | Arrival Time 06:15 | Duration 8h15 | Sailing Days Tue, Fri, Sat |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 10:00 | Arrival Time 18:00 | Duration 8h00 | Sailing Days Sat |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 21:00 | Arrival Time 07:50 | Duration 10h50 | Sailing Days Wed |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 16:30 | Arrival Time 03:30 | Duration 11h00 | Sailing Days Thu |
Operator Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) | Departure Time 09:30 | Arrival Time 18:45 | Duration 9h15 | Sailing Days Tue, Fri, Sat |
Operator Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) | Departure Time 06:30 | Arrival Time 15:45 | Duration 9h15 | Sailing Days Sun |
Operator Minoan Lines (Greece domestic) | Departure Time 21:00 | Arrival Time 06:30 | Duration 9h30 | Sailing Days Tue, Fri, Sat |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 17:00 | Arrival Time 04:20 | Duration 11h20 | Sailing Days Fri |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 19:00 | Arrival Time 04:15 | Duration 9h15 | Sailing Days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 18:00 | Arrival Time 03:50 | Duration 9h50 | Sailing Days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 21:00 | Arrival Time 06:50 | Duration 9h50 | Sailing Days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 09:30 | Arrival Time 17:20 | Duration 7h50 | Sailing Days Tue, Fri |
The table below shows live departures for Piraeus to Crete (Island) ferries for today, Saturday 8 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FESTOS PALACE | 9:30 Port of Piraeus | 9h15 | 18:45 Heraklion Port | 0 changesdirect | |
ELYROS | 10:00 Port of Piraeus | 8h00 | 18:00 Port of Souda | 0 changesdirect | |
NISSOS RODOS | 21:00 Port of Piraeus | 9h50 | 6:50 Heraklion Port | 0 changesdirect | |
KNOSSOS PALACE | 21:00 Port of Piraeus | 9h30 | 6:30 Heraklion Port | 0 changesdirect | |
KISSAMOS | 22:00 Port of Piraeus | 8h15 | 6:15 Port of Souda | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Ferries from Piraeus to Crete (Island) run on average 5 times per day, taking around 9h 7m. 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 00:45, the last at 23:45. The fastest ferry covers the 171 nautical miles (318 km) distance in 7h 55m. There are 31 sailings per week. Ferries from Piraeus to Crete (Island) are available to foot passengers.





Distance 171 nautical miles (318 km) |
Average sailing duration 9h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price £20 |
Ferries per day 5 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 31 |
Fastest ferry 7h 55m |
First ferry 0:45 |
Last ferry 23:45 |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Crete (Island) — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Crete (Island) trip today.
Major archaeological museum presenting Minoan art, sculpture, jewellery and finds from Knossos and sites across Crete.
Modern museum in Chania tracing Cretan history from prehistory to modern times through ceramics, mosaics and carved objects.
Well-curated museum in Vori exploring traditional Cretan life, crafts and social history through strong displays and local detail.
Atmospheric old quarter with Venetian lanes, harbour walks, shops and historic buildings that reward slow exploration.
Lively waterfront promenade in Heraklion lined with sea views, harbour activity and access to the Koules fortress.
Elegant old harbour district in Rethymno with narrow streets, coloured facades and an easy route between the port and Fortezza.
Dakos is a Cretan barley rusk topped with tomato, mizithra or feta, olive oil and oregano. It is a staple meze that showcases the island’s olive oil and produce.
Gamopilafo is a creamy rice dish cooked in rich meat stock, traditionally served at weddings. It is one of Crete’s signature celebratory foods.
Antikristo is lamb slow-roasted around an open fire with only salt. This ancient shepherds’ method is strongly associated with mountainous Crete.
Well-known Heraklion restaurant serving refined Cretan and Greek cooking in an elegant but relaxed setting near the historic centre.
Established seafront fish taverna in Rethymno, popular for fresh seafood, classic meze and harbour views.
Casual local favourite in Chania for traditional Cretan plates, grilled meats and hearty portions in a simple setting.
Moderate for a Greek island. Rooms, tavernas and buses are fair value, but resort areas, car hire and peak summer stays cost more than mainland Greece.
Service is usually included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% at restaurants is appreciated. Round up taxi fares and leave small change in cafés if service is good.
Official public transport app
Heraklion Port -> Lions Square, Heraklion
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Piraeus to Crete (Island) 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 Crete (Island), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Piraeus to Crete (Island) ferries use the Port of Piraeus to Heraklion Port port pair, with some services arriving at Port of Souda (Chania). Use this guide to compare Piraeus and Crete (Island) ports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like port facilities and services.
Heraklion Port is 32 km from Crete city centre. Public transport options include:
Heraklion Port has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Kouzina EPE (0.3km), Paralia Seaside Restaurant (0.5km), Ligo Krasi Ligo Thalassa (0.6km)
Free WiFi. ATMs are available inside the terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Heraklion Port.
Available at Heraklion Port: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heraklion Port.
Sitia is 1 km from Crete city centre. Public transport options include:
Sitia has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Inodion (0.3km), Mitsakakis (0.4km), Ziafeti (0.5km)
Free WiFi. ATMs are available in the terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Sitia.
Available at Sitia: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sitia.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need