Athens (Piraeus) - Heraklion
Ferry to Crete
Athens (Piraeus) - Heraklion
Ferry to Crete
Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion are operated by 2 ferry companies including Minoan Lines & SeaJets. The journey usually takes around 9 hours 15 minutes. There are currently 20 weekly sailings on this ferry route. Prices start from as little as £68.62. Use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability and book your ferry to Heraklion today.
Yes, you can get a ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion. Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion are available all year round. This ferry route is operated by 2 ferry companies; Minoan Lines & SeaJets. With around 3 daily and 20 weekly sailings, there are plenty of options to choose from. Just use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability and book your ferry to Heraklion today.
Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion first ferry: departs Athens (Piraeus) at 07:00.
Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion last ferry: departs Athens (Piraeus) at around 23:00.
Bear in mind that Athens (Piraeus) Heraklion ferry times can vary by season. We recommend checking the latest Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry timetable before you book.
The duration of the Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry depends whether you’re travelling on a Athens (Piraeus) Heraklion fast ferry or conventional ferry. The Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry duration is usually around 9 hours 15 minutes on average.
Average Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry time: 9 hours 15 minutes
Fastest ferry: 7 hours 50 minutes
Longest ferry: 11 hours 20 minutes
The fastest ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion take 7 hours 50 minutes.
Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferries are provided by 2 ferry companies; Minoan Lines & SeaJets. There are a combined total of 3 daily and 20 weekly sailings. Bear in mind, the Athens (Piraeus) Heraklion ferry timetable can change throughout the seasons, with more options available in the summer months.
Ferry frequency: the Athens (Piraeus) ferry to Heraklion runs all year round
Minoan Lines: 1 daily sailing and 8 weekly sailings
SeaJets: 1 daily sailing and 7 weekly sailings
Due to the crossing time, ferries between Athens (Piraeus) and Heraklion are currently not suitable for a day trip.
Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion distance: approximately 193.9 miles (312.1km) or 168 nautical miles.
Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry prices can vary depending on the ferry company you're travelling with and the season you're travelling in. The price of the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion varies between £68.62 to £577.02.
Average Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry cost: £231.64
The cheapest Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry costs £68.62.
Yes, students can get a 5% discount on Athens (Piraeus) Heraklion ferry tickets all year round. Check out our special offers page for more discounts and to get the cheapest Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry booking.
We recommend booking in advance to find the cheapest ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion. Heraklion to Heraklion ferry prices vary depending on the season you’re travelling in.
Most Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) ferry prices are higher in the peak summer months between June to September. Ferries during these months can sell out so if you’re travelling from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion by boat in summer it’s always best to make your Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry booking in advance.
Check out our special offers page for all the latest ferry discounts and to find the cheapest ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion.
Yes, you can get the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion with a car.
Car operators:
Minoan Lines
SeaJets
Average car price: £354.06
Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry.
Foot operators:
Minoan Lines
SeaJets
Average foot passenger price: £137.03
Pets are allowed on Athens (Piraeus) ferries to Heraklion. However, you must let the ferry company know you are travelling with a pet at the time of your booking.
Pet-friendly operators:
Minoan Lines
You will need the following things with you when travelling with your pet on a ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion.
Minoan Lines:
Seajets:
You can travel with guide dogs and assistance dogs on the boat from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion. 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.
Yes, cabins are available on the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion.
Cabin operators:
Minoan Lines
SeaJets
It all depends on the size of the ship but disembarking the ferry can take around 15-45 minutes.
If you're taking luggage on board the Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry, then there are certain restrictions that may apply. The amount of luggage you can take on the Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry depends on the ferry company you are travelling with.
There are a wide range of facilities available on board the ferry between Athens (Piraeus) and Heraklion. These include cafes, restaurants, bars and gift shops. Bear in mind that each ship’s facilities will vary.
The accommodation and seating on the Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion boat 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.
Yes, the ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion 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.
It all depends on the ferry company you are travelling with. In general, we recommend arriving at Athens (Piraeus) 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 Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion 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 Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion ferry booking should be in your confirmation email.
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| Athens (Piraeus) - Heraklion Ferry Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Athens | |
| Destination | Crete | |
| No. of Operators | 2 | |
| Operators | Minoan Lines & SeaJets | |
| Average Price | £232 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 3 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 20 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 9 h 15 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 7 h 50 m | |
| First Ferry | 07:00 | |
| Last Ferry | 23:00 | |
| Distance | 168 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 February 2026.
"Excellent ferry "
"ATHENS TO Heraklion "
"Excellent trip"
"Great trip"
Located around 10km from Athens, Piraeus is home to Greece’s largest passenger port which serves as a gateway to the beautiful Greek Islands. Although many travellers simply pass through the city, stay a little longer and you’ll soon realise there’s more to Piraeus than just its busy transport hub. This vibrant city has a range of attractions, from museums to markets, shops, restaurants and bars. Just a stone’s throw from the ancient sites of Athens, it’s the perfect starting point to your Greek adventure.
The centre of Piraeus is compact so you can easily explore the main streets and attractions by foot. There is also a public bus service connecting the centre with surrounding areas. Alternatively, taxis are available too.
Piraeus ferry port is located around 10km southwest of Athens. It’s the biggest port in Greece and also one of the largest in Europe. It’s a busy port, connecting mainland Greece with Greek Islands such as the Cyclades, Saronic and Dodecanese. Ferry companies operating out of the port include Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, Minoan Lines, Anek Lines and Seajets. There are 12 departure gates at the port, with shuttle buses connecting the main ferry gates.
From Athens:
You can get a metro, bus or taxi to Athens (Piraeus) port from Athens town centre.
No, parking inside the port is prohibited. However, you can find private parking lots nearby.
Amenities at Piraeus port include waiting areas, ATMs, currency exchange services, toilets, shops and cafes.
10 Akti Miaouli Street, 185 38, Piraeus, Greece
Ferries to Crete’s capital will take you to a lively port city with a rich history and vibrant culture. With ancient sights, an amazing culinary scene and beautiful beaches just a stone's throw from the city, Heraklion ticks every box when it comes to the perfect holiday destination. Whether you fancy an action-packed getaway or a relaxing escape, there's something for everyone in Heraklion.
You can easily explore Heraklion by foot. The Old Town has pedestrianised streets and many of the city's attractions are within walking distance of each other. There is also a good public bus service connecting the town with the airport and attractions such as Knossos and the nearby beaches. Many tourists also choose to hire a car to explore the island further, with plenty of car rental places across the city.
Heraklion port is the main port in Crete, located on the north coast of the island. It's also the third busiest port in the whole of Greece. The port serves both cargo and passenger ferries to Athens, the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands.
Heraklion ferry port is conveniently located in the centre of Heraklion, just a short stroll from the Old Town. With good transport links, it's easy to get to the port from the rest of the island too.
Yes, parking is available at Heraklion port. You'll find both short and long-term parking along with designated parking for disabled passengers.
At Heraklion port there are a variety of amenities including a waiting area, toilets, information desks, a taxi rank and a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants near the port.
λεωφοροσ 713 07, Leof. Nearchou 78, Iraklio 713 07, Greece
