Ferries from
Athens to Crete
Ferries from
Athens to Crete
Ferries from Athens to Crete are available with 4 operators. There are 5 ferry routes. Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion and Athens (Piraeus) to Chania are popular ferry trips from Athens to Crete. Sailing frequency can change throughout the year and often sailings increase during peak season.
You can get a ferry from Athens to Crete. Ferries to Crete from Athens sail approximately 43 times per week and are provided by 4 operators including Minoan Lines, Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries & SeaJets.
The duration of the ferry from Athens to Crete depends on a number of factors including the ferry company you're travelling with and the weather conditions at the time of sail. The duration of the Athens Crete ferry also varies between routes, with the Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry taking approximately 9 hours 25 minutes on average.
Fastest Athens to Crete ferry time: 5 hours 25 minutes
Longest Athens to Crete ferry time: 35 hours
The fastest ferry from Athens to Crete is the Athens (Piraeus) - Chania route. This ferry is provided by SeaJets and takes approximately 5 hours 25 minutes.
Athens Crete ferry times can differ depending on the route you choose and which ferry company you're travelling with. The season you travel in can also affect the times, with more options usually available in the peak summer months. If you're travelling from Athens to Crete by boat, it's best to check the latest Athens to Crete ferry timetable before you book.
There are 4 ferry companies providing this route. Athens to Crete ferry operators include Minoan Lines, Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries & SeaJets
Popular Athens to Crete ferry routes include:
Athens (Piraeus) - Heraklion
Athens (Piraeus) - Chania
Athens (Piraeus) - Sitia
Athens (Piraeus) - Kissamos
Athens (Piraeus) - Rethymno
The most popular ferry is Athens (Piraeus) – Heraklion with up to 5 daily and 34 weekly sailings. The journey usually takes about 9 hours 25 minutes.
Another popular route is the Athens (Piraeus) – Chania ferry with up to 1 daily and 8 weekly sailings. The Athens (Piraeus) – Chania ferry takes about 8 hours 30 minutes.
Yes, you can get from Athens to Crete by car.
Car Operators: Minoan Lines, Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries & SeaJets
Check out our deal finder for more information on routes and to find Athens to Crete car ferry prices.
The Athens to Crete ferry price can vary depending on a number of factors including the route, ferry company, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle or not.
We recommend booking your Athens to Crete ferry tickets in advance to get them at the best price. The cheapest ferries from Athens to Crete are usually out of season and at off-peak times. Visit our special offers page to take advantage of all the latest Athens to Crete ferry discounts and to find the cheapest ferry to Crete.
Crete to Athens distance: 156 miles (250km) and 135 nautical miles.
You can book Athens to Crete ferry tickets online at Direct Ferries. Compare Athens to Crete ferry prices, timetables and ferry companies using our Deal Finder.
| From | To | Average price | |
|---|---|---|---|
From PiraeusAthens |
To HeraklionCrete |
Average price£214.06 | |
From PiraeusAthens |
To ChaniaCrete |
Average price£217.33 | |
From PiraeusAthens |
To SitiaCrete |
Average price£379.84 |
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Athens, the capital of Greece, offers a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern city life. The iconic Acropolis, crowned by the Parthenon, stands as a testament to the city's role as the birthplace of Western civilization. Visitors can explore the National Archaeological Museum, wander through the charming Plaka district, or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Monastiraki Square. For those seeking coastal beauty, the nearby Athens Riviera provides beautiful beaches and seaside towns. Throughout the year, Athens hosts numerous cultural events, including the Athens Festival in summer with performances at the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus. The city serves as an excellent starting point for ferry journeys to the Greek islands, with regular connections to popular destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete from the busy port of Piraeus. Day trips to nearby islands such as Aegina, Hydra and Poros are also possible, making Athens an ideal base for exploring the Aegean Sea.
Crete, the largest Greek island, blends ancient history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. The island houses ruins of the Minoan civilization, including the Palace of Knossos where the legendary Minotaur once roamed. Beach lovers will enjoy the pink sands of Elafonisi and the palm-fringed shores of Vai. For nature enthusiasts, the Samaria Gorge offers a challenging hike, while the charming old towns of Chania and Rethymno showcase Venetian architecture and winding alleyways filled with tavernas and craft shops. Food lovers can enjoy authentic Cretan cuisine, known for its olive oil, fresh seafood and local cheeses. The Heraklion Summer Festival brings music, theatre and dance performances throughout the summer. From Heraklion port, ferries connect Crete to mainland Greece and other islands like Santorini, Rhodes and Mykonos, making it perfect for island-hopping adventures.
