Heraklion – Santorini (Thira)
Ferry to Cyclades Islands
Heraklion – Santorini (Thira)
Ferry to Cyclades Islands
You can get a ferry from Heraklion to Santorini (Thira). Ferries from Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) run all year round, with an average crossing time of 1 hour 55 minutes. With 12 weekly sailings, it's easy to find a ferry from Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) to suit you.
Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) first ferry: departs Heraklion at 04:30.
Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) last ferry: departs Heraklion at around 23:45.
Bear in mind that Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) ferry times can vary by season. We recommend checking the latest Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) ferry timetable before you book.
The Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) ferry duration depends on whether you’re travelling on an Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) fast ferry or a conventional ferry. The Heraklion to Santorini ferry time is usually around 1 hour 55 minutes on average.
Average Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) ferry time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Fastest ferry crossing to Santorini (Thira): 1 hour 35 minutes
Longest ferry crossing to Santorini (Thira): 4 hours 20 minutes
The fastest Santorini (Thira) Heraklion ferry takes 1 hour 35 minutes. Bear in mind, the Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) ferry duration can vary.
Ferries from Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) are provided by 2 ferry companies; Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets. There are a combined total of 2 daily and 12 weekly sailings. Bear in mind, the Heraklion Santorini (Thira) ferry timetable can change throughout the seasons, with more options available in the summer months.
Ferry frequency: the Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) ferry runs all year round
Blue Star Ferries: 1 daily sailing and 6 weekly sailings
SeaJets: 1 daily sailing and 6 weekly sailings
With the fastest ferries from Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) taking around 1 hour 35 minutes, you can easily do an Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) day trip.
Heraklion Thira ferry prices can vary depending on the ferry company you're travelling with and the season you're travelling in.
Average Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) ferry cost: £80.76
Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) distance: approximately 68.0 miles (109.4km) or 59 nautical miles.
Yes, you can take your car on the Crete to Santorini ferry.
Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) car operators: Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets
Car prices: usually between £90 and £630
Cheapest car price: £69
Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Heraklion ferry to Santorini (Thira).
Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) foot passenger ferries: Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets
Foot passenger prices: usually between £28 and £463
Cheapest foot passenger price: £15
Yes, you can take your camper on the ferry to Thira from Heraklion.
Camper prices: £118 to £255
Minimum camper price: £95
Here's everything you need to know about taking your pet on the ferry to Santorini (Thira).
Pets are allowed on Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) ferries. However, you must let the ferry company know you are travelling with a pet at the time of your booking.
Pet-friendly operators:
SeaJets
You will need the following things with you when travelling with your pet on board the Heraklion Santorini (Thira) ferry.
Seajets:
You can travel with guide dogs and assistance dogs on the ferry to Santorini (Thira) from Heraklion with SeaJets. However, you must let the ferry company know at the time of booking. You may also have to present any necessary certificates if asked to do so on board.
Seajets: free
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| Heraklion - Santorini (Thira) Ferry Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Destination | Crete | |
| Destination | Cyclades Islands | |
| No. of Operators | 2 | |
| Operators | Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets | |
| Average Price | £81 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 2 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 12 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h 55 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h 35 m | |
| First Ferry | 04:30 | |
| Last Ferry | 23:45 | |
| Distance | 59 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 April 2025.
"Latvija"
"Kassos to Sitia"
"Naxos - Sifnos"
"Milos-Sifnos A/R"
Yes, a day trip is possible with a quick ferry ride.
From Santorini, you can easily reach neighboring islands like Mykonos, Paros, and Naxos by ferry. These islands offer their own unique charm, with Mykonos known for its lively nightlife, Paros for its picturesque villages, and Naxos for its beautiful beaches. Ferry services are frequent between the islands, making island hopping a popular and convenient option for travelers.
The high-speed ferry from Crete (Heraklion) to Santorini operated by SeaJets, takes 1h 35m, costs around £337.
Flying is faster, taking about 30-45 minutes while a ferry can take 5-8 hours. Ferries offer scenic views, relaxation, and ease of travel but can be similarly timed or even faster than flying when factoring in airport waits, security checks, and transportation to/from the airports. If you value a more scenic and leisurely journey, taking a ferry to Thira can provide a unique and enjoyable experience while still being a feasible option for getting to the island.
Yes, you will need a passport to travel from Heraklion to Santorini as the two islands are part of Greece. However, if you are an EU/EEA citizen, you may be able to travel using just your national ID card. Make sure to check the latest travel requirements and restrictions before your trip.
From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to the port. The taxi ride takes about 15 minutes, while the bus journey can take around 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Once you arrive at the port, you can board a ferry to Santorini.
The ferry ride from Heraklion to Thira can be rough, particularly in the peak summer months when the Meltemi winds can create choppy seas. It is essential to factor in potential motion sickness and seasickness, especially for those prone to it. Travelers should check the weather forecast and sea conditions before embarking on the journey.
The fastest way to travel from Heraklion to Thira is by taking a direct flight, which usually takes around 30 minutes. For a more scenic journey, consider taking a ferry, which offers beautiful views of the Aegean Sea during the 2-3 hour trip. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, taking a ferry or a slower boat can be more cost-effective than flying, with prices varying depending on the type of vessel and class of ticket chosen.
The Greek city of Heraklion is the capital and largest city on the island of Crete. A popular visitor attraction near the city is Knossos, which is around 5 km from Heraklion. This important archaeological site was the Palace of King Minos and home to the Minotaur, if legend is to be believed. The palace was built over the remains of a former Neolithic settlement in around 1900 BC.
An important attraction in the city itself is the Archaeological Museum which can be found on one corner of the central Eleftherias Square, in a converted power station. The museum collects and displays many artefacts from Knossos, Archanes, Phaestos, Zakros and many other important archaeological sites on the island. The museum's collection spans several thousand years and includes the Phaestos disc, classic Hellenic and Roman sculptures, frescos, jewellery, wall paintings and pottery.
Visitors to Heraklion can take a ferry from the port, which is important for both passenger services and cargo, to destinations including Santorini, Ios, Paros, Mykonos and Rhodes. There are also daily sailings to the mainland port of Piraeus.
Heraklion ferry port is located on the northern coast of Crete and is easily reached by car and public transport. If you are travelling by car, simply follow the Green National Road 90 as this joins the port with all the major cities on the northern coast. Alternatively, there is a public bus service that departs hourly from Chania, which drops passengers directly outside the terminals.
The Greek island of Santorini is one of the Cyclades group of islands that lies in the south Aegean Sea. The island has very much been shaped by its volcanic past which has created a rather unusual landscape in places. A popular site on the island is the water filled 'Caldera' crater and is surrounded by a wall of colourful cliffs which are packed full of charming houses. The island is also known for its lovely beaches, its busy port, its archaeological finds and the wonderful sunsets which are best viewed from the village of Oia, on the island's northernmost tip.
The island's beaches are distinctive in that they are mainly made up of dark volcanic sands, which can get very hot during the summer, and therefore a sun lounger or towel are an essential piece of kit. The best beaches tend to be located around the eastern coastline and always popular is the stretch found at Perissa. However, a little to the south is Perivolos Beach which is also lovely as is Red Beach which is close to ancient Akrotiri, where the red cliffs are hard to miss.
We recommend to book your ferry from Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) in advance to get it at the cheapest price. The Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) ferry cost varies depending on the season you’re travelling in. Most Santorini (Thira) Heraklion ferry prices are higher in the peak summer months between June to September. Ferries during these months can sell out so if you’re wanting to travel on a Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) ferry in summer it’s always best to make sure you book in advance. Check out our special offers page for all the latest ferry discounts and to find the best ferry from Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) to suit you.
Yes, students can get a 5% discount on Heraklion Santorini (Thira) ferry tickets all year round. Check out our special offers page for more discounts and to get the cheapest Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) ferry booking.
It all depends on the size of the ship but disembarking the ferry can take around 15-45 minutes.
If you're getting the Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) ferry with luggage, then there are certain restrictions that may apply. The amount of luggage you can take on the Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) ferry depends on the ferry company you are travelling with.
Seajets: up to 50kg
Blue Star Ferries: up to 50kg
There are a wide range of facilities available on board the Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) ferry. These include cafes, restaurants, bars and gift shops. Bear in mind that each ship’s facilities will vary.
The accommodation and seating on the boat from Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) differs depending on the ferry company and how long the journey is. Prices are also dependent on the company you travel with and the size of your cabin.
Seajets: The high-speed ferries do not have cabins on board. Instead, there’s airline-style seating available. You can choose from standard Economy seats or Business/VIP seats for extra comfort and additional amenities.
Blue Star Ferries: As well as Economy and airline-style seating, there are also both private and shared cabins available on board including 2, 3 and 4 berth cabins.
Yes, the ferries from Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) are suitable for people with reduced mobility. The exact facilities on board will depend on the ship you’re travelling on. It's best to inform the ferry company at the time of booking to see if they can accommodate any requests.
Seajets: People with reduced mobility can travel on all ferry routes. Just let them know when boarding the ship or at the time of booking.
Blue Star Ferries: Special cabins, priority boarding and wheelchairs are available on board.
If you're travelling from Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) by ferry, we recommend arriving at Heraklion port at least 1 hour before departure. However, if you are travelling with a vehicle, it’s best to arrive 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours before departure to allow time for parking. Wherever you’re travelling from, you should allow plenty of time to get to the port in case of traffic.
Your Heraklion to Santorini (Thira) ferry tickets will be sent by email. You will then need to check in with the ferry company before you travel and you may receive an additional boarding pass.
The latest check-in time for your Heraklion Santorini (Thira) ferry crossing should be in your confirmation email.
Blue star ferries: from 48 to 2 hours before the scheduled departure time
Seajets: from 48 to 2 hours before the scheduled departure time
Yes, parking is available at Heraklion port.
Heraklion ferry port is located on the north coast of Crete. With good transport links, it's easy to get to the port from the rest of the island.
From Heraklion centre: the port is less than 10 minutes walk from the centre or a few minutes drive.
From Heraklion airport: you can get the Line 6 bus to Heraklion city centre. From here, you can either walk or get a taxi to the port. Alternatively, you can get a taxi from the airport direct to the port in around 10 minutes.
From elsewhere on the island: public buses are also available from various destinations across the island including Chania and Rethymno.
Santorini can get very busy in peak season. If you’re travelling during the summer, it’s best to arrange transportation to your accommodation beforehand as finding a taxi at the port can be tricky.
If you’re travelling by car, Santorini’s speed limits are as follows:
Urban areas: 50km/h or 31mph
Open roads: 80km/h or 49mph
Highways: 100km/h or 62mph
