- Must visit
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Leading museum for Minoan and Cretan antiquities, with masterworks from Knossos and clear displays spanning prehistoric to Roman Crete.
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Travel Information
Compare ferry and flight for Athens to Heraklion
Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Athens to Heraklion 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 57m. 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 £41.
Distance: 321 km
Compare ferry with
Most popular Ferry | Flight |
|---|---|
£33 Average Price Cheapest | £59 Average Price |
9h 48m Average total duration 8h 48m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 57m 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.
Compare prices and tickets Athens to Heraklion 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Athens to Heraklion
GreeceGreece
Take a train from Athens to Heraklion and enjoy the approximately 321 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
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
Ferry from £30
Distance 321 km |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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
Ferry from £30
Complete guide to Heraklion
Things to do in Heraklion
Discover the best of Heraklion — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Heraklion trip today.
- Recommended
Museum of Christian Art of Saint Catherine
Museum inside the restored Church of Saint Catherine, showing important icons and ecclesiastical art from Crete’s post-Byzantine period.
- Recommended
Nikos Kazantzakis Museum
Compact museum dedicated to Nikos Kazantzakis, exploring the celebrated author’s life, travels, manuscripts and intellectual world.
- Must visit
Lion Square
Lively central square with the Morosini Fountain, surrounded by historic buildings and busy pedestrian streets for an easy first stop.
- Recommended
Heraklion Old Harbour Promenade
Long waterfront promenade by the old harbour, popular for walking, sunsets and views towards Koules Fortress and the sea.
- Recommended
Dedalou Street
Pedestrian shopping street in the old town, useful for strolling between churches, squares and local shops in a lively setting.
- Vegetarian
Dakos
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.
- Gluten-free
Gamopilafo
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.
- Gluten-free
Apaki
Apaki is cured pork, traditionally smoked with aromatic herbs. It is a classic Cretan meze valued for its distinctive flavour and old preservation methods.
Peskesi
Traditional Cretan taverna known for local dishes, grilled meats and warm hospitality in a relaxed old-town setting.
Heri Restaurant
Long-running city restaurant focused on Greek and Cretan recipes, with a polished but approachable dining room.
Paralia Seaside Restaurant
Established seafood restaurant by the harbour, popular for fresh fish, shellfish and classic Greek plates with sea views.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Greece: tourist hotels raise summer prices, but tavernas, buses and coffee remain fairly affordable versus many Mediterranean island resorts.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or souvlaki.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for cappuccino or iced coffee.
Tipping culture
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.
FAQs: Athens to Heraklion train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Athens to Heraklion by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Heraklion, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The train distance from Athens to Heraklion is 321 km.
To get from Athens to Heraklion, you can choose from several travel options including ferry and flight.
There is no night train service from Athens to Heraklion.
The cheapest way to get from Athens to Heraklion is by ferry, costing approximately £30.
Booking trains from Athens to Heraklion in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
There is no train service directly connecting Athens to Heraklion, as Heraklion is located on the island of Crete. Travellers typically take a flight or a ferry, the latter offering scenic views of the Aegean Sea.
To fully explore Heraklion, including its historical sites like the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and nearby natural attractions, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
Currently, there is no direct train service available from Athens to Heraklion.
More options for your journey from Athens to Heraklion
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Heraklion and Athens
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