Ferries from
Crete to Athens
Ferries from
Crete to Athens
Ferries from Crete to Athens are available with 4 operators. There are 5 ferry routes. Ferries from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) and Chania to Athens (Piraeus) are popular ferry trips from Crete to Athens. Sailing frequency can change throughout the year and often sailings increase during peak season.
Getting a ferry is a great way of getting from Crete to Athens. Ferries to Athens from Crete sail approximately 37 times per week and are provided by 4 operators; Minoan Lines, Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries & SeaJets, giving you plenty of options to choose from.
The duration of the ferry from Crete to Athens 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 Crete Athens ferry also varies between routes, with the Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) ferry taking approximately 9 hours 15 minutes on average.
Fastest Crete to Athens ferry time: 5 hours 20 minutes
Longest Crete to Athens ferry time: 34 hours 45 minutes
The fastest ferry from Crete to Athens is the Chania - Athens (Piraeus) route. This ferry is provided by SeaJets and takes approximately 5 hours 20 minutes.
Crete to Athens 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 Crete to Athens by boat, it's best to check the latest Crete to Athens ferry timetable before you book.
There are 4 ferry companies providing this route. Crete to Athens ferry operators include Minoan Lines, Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries & SeaJets
Unfortunately, a Crete to Athens day trip isn't possible due to the length of the journey. We'd recommend staying at least a night.
Popular Crete to Athens ferry routes include:
Heraklion - Athens (Piraeus)
Chania - Athens (Piraeus)
Sitia - Athens (Piraeus)
Kissamos - Athens (Piraeus)
Rethymno - Athens (Piraeus)
The most popular ferry is Heraklion – Athens (Piraeus) with up to 4 daily and 27 weekly sailings. The journey usually takes about 9 hours 15 minutes.
Another popular route is the Chania – Athens (Piraeus) ferry with up to 1 daily and 8 weekly sailings. The Chania – Athens (Piraeus) ferry takes about 8 hours 30 minutes.
Yes, you can get from Crete to Athens 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 Crete to Athens car ferry prices.
The Crete to Athens 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 Crete to Athens ferry tickets in advance to get them at the best price. The cheapest ferries from Crete to Athens are usually out of season and at off-peak times. Visit our special offers page to take advantage of all the latest Crete to Athens ferry discounts and to find the cheapest ferry to Athens.
Athens to Crete distance: 156 miles (250km) and 135 nautical miles.
You can book Crete to Athens ferry tickets online at Direct Ferries. Compare Crete to Athens ferry prices, timetables and ferry companies using our Deal Finder.
| From | To | Average price | |
|---|---|---|---|
From HeraklionCrete |
To PiraeusAthens |
Average price£131.97 | |
From ChaniaCrete |
To PiraeusAthens |
Average price£110.32 | |
From SitiaCrete |
To PiraeusAthens |
Average price£322.62 |
More routes than anyone else.
Compare fares, times & routes in one place.
Change plans easily with flexi tickets.
Book e-tickets & manage trips in-app.
Live ship tracking & real-time updates.
Top-rated customer support when you need it.
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.
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.
