- Must visit
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Major archaeological museum presenting Minoan art, sculpture, jewellery and finds from Knossos and sites across Crete.
Cheapest price
£14
Average price
£41
Fastest journey
1 h 35 m
Average duration
3 h 53 m
Ferries per day
3
Distance
142 km
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Thira 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 Thira to Crete (Island) will cost around £41 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap ferry tickets today for only £14.
Of the 3 ferries that leave Thira 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 Wed 12 Aug the direct ferries cover the 142 km distance in an average of 3 h 53 m but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 1 h 35 m .
The slowest ferries will take 6 h 50 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 CHIOS
BLUE STAR CHIOS
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE JET 2
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE JET 2
BLUE STAR CHIOS
BLUE STAR CHIOS| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 01:00 | Arrival Time 03:55 | Duration 2h55 | Sailing Days Thu |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 12:30 | Arrival Time 14:10 | Duration 1h40 | Sailing Days Sun |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 15:45 | Arrival Time 17:20 | Duration 1h35 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 22:10 | Arrival Time 01:25 | Duration 3h15 | Sailing Days Wed |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 17:00 | Arrival Time 18:50 | Duration 1h50 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Sat |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 16:50 | Arrival Time 20:00 | Duration 3h10 | Sailing Days Thu |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 03:55 | Arrival Time 09:25 | Duration 5h30 | Sailing Days Sun |
Operator Seajets | Departure Time 12:45 | Arrival Time 14:25 | Duration 1h40 | Sailing Days Thu |
Operator Blue Star Ferries | Departure Time 23:50 | Arrival Time 04:20 | Duration 4h30 | Sailing Days Fri |
The table below shows live departures for Thira to Crete (Island) ferries for today, Tuesday 11 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
WORLDCHAMPION JET | 15:45 Athinios Port | 1h35 | 17:20 Heraklion Port | 0 changesdirect | |
ELITE JET | 17:00 Athinios Port | 2h20 | 19:20 Port of Rethymno | 0 changesdirect | |
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 Thira to Crete (Island) run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 14m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at £13 if you book in advance.
There are 2 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 01:15, the last at 23:50. The fastest ferry covers the 76 nautical miles (142 km) distance in 1h 40m. There are 10 sailings per week. Ferries from Thira to Crete (Island) are available to foot passengers.


Distance 76 nautical miles (142 km) |
Average sailing duration 3h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Ferries per day 2 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 10 |
Fastest ferry 1h 40m |
First ferry 1:15 |
Last ferry 23:50 |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 49 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 Thira 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 Thira to Crete (Island) ferries use the Thira Santorini Port to Heraklion Port port pair, with some services arriving at Sitia. Use this guide to compare Thira 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.
Port of Rethymno is 33 km from Crete city centre. Public transport options include:
Port of Rethymno has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Prima Plora (0.7km), Alana Restaurant (0.9km), Avli (0.9km)
Free WiFi. ATMs are available in the terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Port of Rethymno.
Available at Port of Rethymno: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Port of Rethymno.