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Your Complete Guide to Ferry Routes from Crete
Crete has six main passenger ports on its north coast: Heraklion, Souda (Chania), Rethymno, Kissamos, Sitia and Agios Nikolaos. They do not all serve the same kind of traffic: Heraklion and Souda handle the biggest mainland links, Rethymno is useful for selected seasonal island routes, Kissamos opens a different western corridor, Sitia serves eastern Aegean and Dodecanese journeys, and Agios Nikolaos is mainly a local and occasional ferry point.
Whether you’re planning to visit the iconic white villages of Santorini, explore the nightlife of Mykonos, discover the quieter islands of the Cyclades, travel across to the Dodecanese, or simply return to Athens, there’s a good chance you’ll find a ferry departing from somewhere on Crete.
Heraklion remains the busiest and most versatile departure point. Souda, serving Chania, has a strong year-round link with Piraeus. Rethymno is useful for selected seasonal sailings such as Santorini, while Kissamos serves western-Crete routes towards places including Kythira, Antikythira and the Peloponnese as well as selected Athens sailings. In the east, Sitia is the important long-distance ferry port for Santorini and the Dodecanese; Agios Nikolaos should be treated as a smaller local or occasional departure point rather than a substitute for Heraklion or Sitia.
Choosing the right departure port can save both time and money. If you’re holidaying in western Crete, it rarely makes sense to drive all the way across the island to catch a ferry from Heraklion when a closer alternative may be available. Likewise, visitors staying around Elounda, Agios Nikolaos or Sitia often have much more convenient options nearby.
In this guide we’ll explain how to reach each ferry port, which destinations each serves, which ferry companies operate the routes, and help you decide which departure point is the best choice for your journey.
Why Crete is the Perfect Starting Point for Island Hopping
Few places in Greece offer as many ferry connections as Crete. Sitting at the crossroads of the Aegean Sea, the island acts as a natural bridge between the Greek mainland, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese and many of the country’s most popular holiday destinations.
Heraklion has the broadest network, with 2026 schedules including Piraeus, Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Milos, Ios, Syros, Tinos and Anafi, alongside selected longer routes towards Kasos, Karpathos, Diafani, Chalki and Rhodes. Not every connection runs daily or all year, so treat this as a route overview rather than a permanent timetable.
One of the biggest advantages of starting your journey in Crete is flexibility. Many visitors spend a week exploring the island before continuing to another destination by ferry rather than returning to the airport. This makes it easy to combine several islands into a single holiday without the need for additional flights.
Crete is also exceptionally well served by high-speed ferries and overnight conventional ferries, allowing travellers to choose between the quickest crossing or a slower service that often accommodates vehicles and overnight cabins.
Whether you’re planning a classic Athens–Santorini–Crete itinerary or building a longer adventure through the Cyclades and Dodecanese, Crete provides some of the best ferry connections anywhere in Greece.
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Although people often refer simply to “the ferry from Crete”, the island actually uses six main north-coast passenger ports, and choosing the right one can save hours of unnecessary road travel.
| Port | Best for | Typical route pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Heraklion | Widest choice | Piraeus, Santorini, Cyclades and selected Dodecanese routes |
| Souda (Chania) | Western Crete to Athens | Year-round Piraeus service plus selected island sailings |
| Rethymno | Seasonal island hopping | Selected seasonal routes, including Santorini |
| Kissamos | Far-west Crete | Kythira, Antikythira, Peloponnese and selected Piraeus services |
| Sitia | Eastern Crete | Santorini, Piraeus and Dodecanese connections |
| Agios Nikolaos | Local/occasional sailings | Limited scheduled ferry traffic; check before planning around it |
Schedules change significantly by season. The route pattern matters more than memorising a frequency from an old timetable, so always confirm the exact sailing for your travel date before arranging hotels or onward transport.
Heraklion Port is by far the busiest and offers the largest selection of routes. Most year-round services to Athens (Piraeus) depart from here, alongside numerous high-speed ferries to the Cyclades during the summer months.
On the island’s north-west coast, Souda Port, serving Chania, provides another important gateway to the mainland and selected islands. It is particularly convenient for visitors staying in western Crete, removing the need to drive across the island to Heraklion.
Rethymno Port is mainly useful when its seasonal routes line up with your travel dates. In 2026, for example, the Rethymno–Santorini service is scheduled seasonally rather than year-round, so it should never be assumed to be available simply because you are travelling from central Crete.
Kissamos, on the far western side of the island, deserves separate consideration because it serves a very different corridor towards Kythira, Antikythira, the Peloponnese and selected mainland services. Further east, Sitia is the important scheduled gateway for routes towards Santorini, Kasos, Karpathos, Chalki and Rhodes. Agios Nikolaos is much more limited and is better thought of as a local or occasional ferry point.
It’s important to remember that not every route operates throughout the year. Some sail daily even in winter, while others run only during the summer season or on selected days of the week. Before booking accommodation around a particular ferry, check the live schedule with the operator. The main companies serving Crete include Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines and Seajets.
Heraklion Port: Access, Routes & Sailing Times
Located on the north coast of Crete, Heraklion Port is the island’s busiest passenger ferry terminal and the main departure point for ferries to Athens, the Cyclades and the Dodecanese. Conveniently situated beside Heraklion’s Old Town, it’s easy to reach whether you’re staying in the city, arriving by air or travelling from another part of the island.
If you’re arriving at Heraklion International Airport, the port is only around 5 kilometres away. A taxi usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes in normal traffic. Public transport is also possible, but check the current urban and intercity bus pattern rather than assuming every airport bus terminates at the same stop. Heraklion Central Bus Station A is close to the ferry port and is the main interchange for many onward coaches.
Visitors travelling from elsewhere on Crete will find excellent coach connections into Heraklion. KTEL Heraklion–Lassithi serves eastern destinations including Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Malia, Hersonissos and Sitia, while KTEL Chania–Rethymno connects the city with Rethymno, Chania and western Crete.
The passenger terminal offers ticket offices, waiting areas, cafés, toilets, ATMs, luggage facilities and several nearby convenience stores. During the busy summer season it’s advisable to arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes before departure, especially if you’re travelling with a vehicle or collecting ferry tickets.
Heraklion Ferry Routes and Sailing Times
Heraklion offers the widest selection of ferry routes anywhere on Crete, making it the island’s principal hub for ferry travel. Throughout the year you’ll find regular services to the Greek mainland, while summer brings a huge choice of high-speed routes linking many of the country’s most popular islands.
| Destination | Approximate sailing time | Typical pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Santorini | 1 hr 35 min–4 hr 30 min | Frequent seasonal high-speed and conventional services |
| Naxos | About 3–4½ hr | Mainly seasonal |
| Paros | About 3 hr 35 min–4 hr | Mainly seasonal |
| Mykonos | About 4 hr 20 min–6 hr 25 min | Mainly seasonal, often via other Cyclades islands |
| Milos | About 5 hr | Selected seasonal services |
| Piraeus | From about 7 hr 50 min | Year-round, including overnight sailings |
These are practical planning ranges rather than fixed timetable promises. Vessel type, intermediate stops and the day of travel can all change the journey time, so check the exact sailing before booking onward transport.
The busiest route is Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus), operated throughout the year by several ferry companies. This is the main connection between Crete and mainland Greece, with both overnight conventional ferries and fast daytime sailings available depending on the season.
During the summer, Heraklion is one of the most useful starting points for the Cyclades. Current 2026 schedules include direct or through services to major stops such as Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios, Milos, Syros, Tinos and Anafi. Smaller-island combinations vary much more by season and vessel, so check the exact itinerary before building a multi-island trip around a particular connection.
The port also provides important links with the Dodecanese, including services to Rhodes, Karpathos, Kasos, Chalki and Diafani, together with domestic sailings to Sitia and Rethymno on selected services.
Some routes operate year-round, while many of the island-hopping services are seasonal, generally running between late spring and early autumn. Frequencies also vary, with popular routes such as Santorini and Athens operating far more often than smaller island connections.
Whether you’re heading to another Greek island or beginning a longer island-hopping adventure, Heraklion offers by far the greatest choice of ferry destinations from Crete.
Heraklion, Crete to Athens (all ports) Ferry Times & Departures
Use Ferryhopper to check live sailings between Heraklion, Crete and Athens (all ports) in both directions. Select your travel date to compare scheduled ferry departures, sailing times and available tickets.
Select the date you want to travel. The times shown on the right-hand side are the scheduled departure and arrival times for each ferry.
Availability can change quickly, particularly during weekends and the summer season. Some sailings may stop accepting bookings a few hours before departure. If a timetable is blank, there may be no available sailings for today. Try moving to a later date to check future services.
This is the timetable for the outward direction. Use it to check sailings from Heraklion, Crete to Athens (all ports) for the date you plan to travel.
This is a separate timetable for the opposite direction. It does not select a return ticket for the journey above. Use it to check sailings from Athens (all ports) to Heraklion, Crete.
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Compare routes, operators, sailing times and prices with Ferryhopper or Direct Ferries.
Heraklion, Crete to Santorini (Thira) Ferry Crossings & Times
Compare ferry crossings between Heraklion, Crete and Santorini (Thira) with Ferryhopper. The live timetable shows scheduled departure and arrival times so you can choose a suitable sailing in either direction.
Select the date you want to travel. The times shown on the right-hand side are the scheduled departure and arrival times for each ferry.
Availability can change quickly, particularly during weekends and the summer season. Some sailings may stop accepting bookings a few hours before departure. If a timetable is blank, there may be no available sailings for today. Try moving to a later date to check future services.
This is the timetable for the outward direction. Use it to check sailings from Heraklion, Crete to Santorini (Thira) for the date you plan to travel.
This is a separate timetable for the opposite direction. It does not select a return ticket for the journey above. Use it to check sailings from Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion, Crete.
Looking for different ferry routes or other ferry options?
Compare routes, operators, sailing times and prices with Ferryhopper or Direct Ferries.
Souda (Chania) Port: Access, Routes & Sailing Times
Although many travellers refer to it simply as Chania Port, ferries actually depart from Souda Port, located around 7 kilometres east of Chania Old Town. Souda is one of Crete’s busiest ferry terminals and provides important year-round links with the Greek mainland, together with selected seasonal island services.
If you’re arriving at Chania International Airport, Souda Port is roughly 15 kilometres away. A taxi normally takes around 20 to 30 minutes in normal traffic. KTEL buses connect the airport with Chania Central Bus Station, where you can continue towards Souda, but check the current timetable if you are trying to make a same-day ferry connection.
Visitors staying in Chania Old Town, Nea Chora, Agia Marina, Platanias, Stalos and nearby resorts can easily reach the port by taxi, local bus or hire car. If you’re travelling from elsewhere on the island, long-distance KTEL coaches provide direct services to Chania Central Bus Station from destinations including Heraklion, Rethymno, Kissamos and Paleochora, allowing straightforward onward travel to Souda.
The ferry terminal itself is modern and well equipped, with ticket offices, indoor waiting areas, cafés, toilets, parking, car rental facilities and nearby refreshment outlets. During the busy summer season, arriving 45 to 60 minutes before departure is recommended, especially if you’re travelling with a vehicle.
Souda Ferry Routes and Sailing Times
While Heraklion offers the largest number of ferry connections, Souda Port serves as the principal ferry gateway for western Crete and is the most convenient departure point for anyone staying around Chania.
| Destination | Approximate sailing time | Typical pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Piraeus | About 8–9 hr 20 min | Year-round, commonly overnight |
| Milos | Varies by seasonal itinerary | Selected seasonal services |
| Other island links | Depends on route and intermediate stops | Limited and seasonal |
For most travellers using Souda, the key route is the overnight connection with Piraeus. Island-hopping options are much less extensive than from Heraklion, so check the live schedule before choosing Souda specifically for an island connection.
The most important route is the Chania (Souda) to Athens (Piraeus) ferry, which operates throughout the year. Several sailings are available each week, with overnight ferries proving particularly popular as they allow passengers to maximise their sightseeing time while travelling comfortably between Crete and the mainland.
During the summer months, additional services may operate to selected Cycladic islands, including Milos, providing another option for travellers planning an island-hopping itinerary without first travelling across Crete to Heraklion.
Although the choice of destinations is more limited than at Heraklion, Souda remains an excellent departure port thanks to its convenient location and excellent road connections. Visitors staying in Chania, Agia Marina, Platanias, Stalos, Kissamos and the surrounding resorts can save considerable travel time by departing from here rather than crossing the island.
Most ferry services from Souda accommodate foot passengers, cars, motorhomes, motorcycles and bicycles, making the port particularly popular with visitors undertaking longer road trips around Greece.
As with all ferry routes from Crete, seasonal schedules can change from year to year, so it’s always worth checking departure times and availability before making travel plans.
Chania, Crete to Athens (all ports) Ferry Schedules & Tickets
Check the current Chania, Crete to Athens (all ports) ferry schedule with Ferryhopper. Change the date to compare available crossings, departure times and bookable tickets for both directions.
Select the date you want to travel. The times shown on the right-hand side are the scheduled departure and arrival times for each ferry.
Availability can change quickly, particularly during weekends and the summer season. Some sailings may stop accepting bookings a few hours before departure. If a timetable is blank, there may be no available sailings for today. Try moving to a later date to check future services.
This is the timetable for the outward direction. Use it to check sailings from Chania, Crete to Athens (all ports) for the date you plan to travel.
This is a separate timetable for the opposite direction. It does not select a return ticket for the journey above. Use it to check sailings from Athens (all ports) to Chania, Crete.
Want to compare alternative ferry routes and more sailing options?
Compare routes, operators, sailing times and prices with Ferryhopper or Direct Ferries.
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View transfersRethymno Port: Access, Routes & Sailing Times
Situated between Heraklion and Chania, Rethymno Port offers a convenient departure point for visitors staying in central Crete. Located beside the city’s attractive Venetian Harbour and within walking distance of the Old Town, it’s one of the island’s most accessible ferry terminals and provides an excellent alternative to the larger ports during the summer season.
If you’re travelling from Heraklion International Airport, the journey to Rethymno takes around 1 hour 15 minutes by car or taxi via the BOAK (A90/E75) highway. Visitors arriving through Chania Airport can usually reach the port in approximately 1 hour. Frequent KTEL coach services also connect Heraklion, Chania and Rethymno throughout the day, with the central bus station only a short walk from the ferry terminal.
Travellers staying within Rethymno itself will find the port easy to reach on foot from most hotels in the Old Town, while taxis are readily available for those staying further away.
Although smaller than the ferry terminals at Heraklion and Souda, Rethymno Port provides the facilities most travellers need before departure, including ticket offices, nearby cafés, restaurants, convenience stores, ATMs and waiting areas. During the summer season it’s still advisable to arrive 45 to 60 minutes before your scheduled sailing, particularly if you’re travelling with a vehicle.
Rethymno Ferry Routes and Sailing Times
Although Rethymno operates fewer ferry services than Heraklion, it has become an increasingly important departure point for seasonal island-hopping routes, particularly during the summer months.
| Destination | Approximate sailing time | Typical pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Santorini | About 2 hr 20 min | Seasonal, selected days |
| Other Cyclades links | Varies by seasonal timetable | Limited and seasonal |
Rethymno is useful when the timetable fits your dates, not as a year-round substitute for Heraklion. The short Santorini crossing is the standout option, but availability is seasonal and can be limited to particular days of the week.
The port offers seasonal connections to several of the Cyclades, allowing visitors to travel directly without first making the journey to Heraklion. Depending on the time of year, ferries operate to destinations including Santorini, Milos, Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Syros, Sifnos, Serifos, Folegandros, Ios, Koufonissi and Katapola on Amorgos.
Selected services also connect Rethymno with Heraklion, creating another useful option for passengers travelling between Crete’s north coast ports.
Many of these routes are operated by high-speed ferries, making Rethymno an attractive departure point for travellers planning multi-island holidays through the Cyclades. However, unlike the year-round mainland services from Heraklion and Souda, most sailings from Rethymno operate only during the tourist season, generally from late spring until early autumn.
If you’re staying in Rethymno or nearby resorts, using the local port can save several hours of travel compared with driving across the island to another departure point.
Agios Nikolaos Port: What Travellers Need to Know
Located on the beautiful Mirabello Bay in eastern Crete, Agios Nikolaos Port is a much smaller ferry terminal than those at Heraklion, Souda or Rethymno, but it still provides useful ferry connections and is particularly convenient for visitors staying in the eastern part of the island.
The port sits in the centre of Agios Nikolaos, within easy walking distance of the marina, the famous Lake Voulismeni, hotels, restaurants and shops. Most visitors staying in the town can simply walk to the terminal, while taxis are readily available for those staying further away.
From Heraklion International Airport, the drive usually takes around 50 to 60 minutes via the BOAK (A90/E75) highway. Regular KTEL Heraklion–Lassithi coaches also operate between Heraklion, Malia, Hersonissos, Sitia and Agios Nikolaos, with the bus station located only a few minutes’ walk from the ferry terminal.
Although relatively compact, the port has nearby ticket offices, cafés, restaurants, ATMs and convenience stores, allowing passengers to pick up refreshments before boarding. Because the terminal is smaller and less congested than Heraklion, moving through the port is generally quick and straightforward.
Scheduled Ferries and Alternative Ports
Agios Nikolaos should not be treated as a major scheduled ferry hub. The port mainly handles cruises, excursion boats and local trips, with only occasional scheduled connections appearing in some seasons. If your trip depends on a ferry to another Greek island, check the exact sailing before choosing accommodation or arranging a transfer.
| Journey | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Local excursion boats | Short sightseeing and coastal trips; timings depend on the operator and excursion |
| Scheduled inter-island ferry | No dependable year-round network to base a trip around |
| Alternative: Heraklion | About 1 hr by road before joining the island’s widest ferry network |
| Alternative: Sitia | About 1 hr 15 min–1 hr 30 min by road for selected eastern Aegean and Dodecanese services |
For most travellers, the useful decision is therefore not “which ferry leaves Agios Nikolaos?” but whether it is quicker to transfer to Heraklion or Sitia for the route they actually need.
For most long-distance journeys from eastern Crete, Sitia or Heraklion will be the more dependable starting points. Sitia is particularly useful for routes towards Santorini and the Dodecanese, while Heraklion offers the widest overall choice.
Agios Nikolaos remains very useful for local boat trips, including excursions around Mirabello Bay and towards nearby coastal attractions, but those should not be confused with the island’s main inter-island ferry network.
Because scheduled sailings from Agios Nikolaos are limited and can change from one season to the next, verify the route first rather than assuming the town has the same ferry network as Heraklion or Sitia.
If you are staying around Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, Istron or eastern Lasithi, compare Sitia and Heraklion before booking a long-distance ferry. The shorter road transfer to Sitia can sometimes outweigh Heraklion’s larger route choice.
Sitia Port: Access, Routes & Sailing Times
Located on the far eastern coast of Crete, Sitia Port is the island’s easternmost passenger ferry terminal and an important gateway to the Dodecanese, smaller eastern Aegean islands and selected destinations within Crete itself. Although it’s much quieter than Heraklion or Souda, it provides valuable ferry connections that can save travellers a significant amount of time if they’re staying in eastern Crete.
The port is situated beside Sitia town centre, with hotels, cafés, restaurants and shops all within a short walking distance. If you’re staying locally, it’s easy to reach the ferry terminal on foot, while taxis are readily available throughout the town.
Travelling from Heraklion International Airport takes approximately 2 hours by car via the BOAK (A90/E75) before continuing along the eastern section of Crete’s road network. Regular KTEL Heraklion–Lassithi coaches also connect Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra and Sitia, with the central bus station only a few minutes’ walk from the port.
Passengers will find ticket offices, nearby cafés, restaurants, ATMs, supermarkets and convenience stores close to the terminal. As Sitia is a smaller port, boarding procedures are generally relaxed, but it’s still recommended to arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure, particularly during the busy summer months or when travelling with a vehicle.
Sitia Ferry Routes and Sailing Times
Although Sitia operates fewer services than the larger ports elsewhere on Crete, it provides several important ferry connections that are particularly useful for travellers exploring the eastern Aegean.
| Destination | Approximate sailing time | Typical pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Santorini | About 5 hr 45 min–7 hr 30 min | Selected services |
| Karpathos | About 3 hr 20 min–5 hr 55 min | Selected Dodecanese services |
| Rhodes | About 7 hr 20 min–9 hr 30 min | Selected long-distance services |
| Kasos | Timetable dependent | Selected services |
| Piraeus | Long overnight journey | Selected mainland services |
Sitia can save a long road transfer for travellers already staying in eastern Crete, but the trade-off is frequency. These routes often run only on selected days and may make intermediate stops, so journey times vary more than on the busiest Heraklion routes.
Year-round and seasonal ferries connect Sitia with Athens (Piraeus), providing an alternative to travelling via Heraklion. The port also serves several islands in the Dodecanese, including Karpathos, Kasos, Rhodes, Chalki and Diafani, making it one of the most important ferry gateways in eastern Greece.
Closer to home, ferry services also operate between Sitia, Agios Nikolaos and Heraklion, offering another way to travel along Crete’s northern coastline while enjoying the journey by sea.
Many of these sailings are operated by conventional ferries capable of carrying foot passengers, cars, motorhomes, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. Some routes operate throughout the year, while others increase in frequency during the summer tourist season.
If you’re staying around Sitia, Makry Gialos, Palekastro or eastern Lasithi, departing from Sitia is often considerably more convenient than travelling several hours west to Heraklion, making it an excellent option for visitors exploring this quieter part of Crete.
Kissamos Port: Access, Routes & Sailing Times
Kissamos sits on the far western side of Crete and serves a very different ferry market from Heraklion or Souda. It is particularly useful for travellers staying around Kissamos, Falassarna and the western Chania region who are heading towards Kythira, Antikythira, the Peloponnese or selected mainland sailings.
The port is a few kilometres from Kissamos town and is easiest to reach by taxi, local bus connection or car. If you are coming from Chania, allow generous time for the road journey rather than treating Kissamos as a second Chania ferry terminal.
Its biggest advantage is geography. A traveller already based in far-west Crete may save a substantial amount of backtracking by using Kissamos rather than travelling east to Souda or Heraklion. The trade-off is a much smaller route choice, so check the exact 2026 timetable before building your itinerary around it.
Kissamos Ferry Routes and Sailing Times
| Destination | Approximate sailing time | Typical pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Antikythira | About 1 hr 40 min | Selected sailings |
| Kythira | About 3 hr 15 min–3 hr 45 min | Selected sailings |
| Gythio | From about 5 hr 30 min | Selected mainland/Peloponnese services |
| Piraeus | Longer through sailing; timetable dependent | Selected services rather than the main western-Crete option |
Kissamos is therefore most useful for a very specific western route rather than for broad island hopping. For Santorini, Mykonos or the central Cyclades, Heraklion is normally much more practical.
Which Port Should You Choose?
Choosing the best ferry port in Crete depends almost entirely on where you’re staying, where you’re travelling and which routes operate during your visit.
If you’re looking for the widest choice of destinations, Heraklion is usually the best option. It offers the largest number of year-round services together with an extensive selection of seasonal routes to the Cyclades, Dodecanese and Athens, making it the island’s principal ferry hub.
Visitors staying in Chania, Platanias, Agia Marina, Kissamos and western Crete will usually find Souda Port the most convenient, particularly for sailings to Athens. Avoiding the long drive across the island can save several hours of travelling.
If you’re based around Rethymno, using the local port during the summer can be an excellent choice for Cycladic island-hopping, while visitors staying in Agios Nikolaos, Elounda or Sitia should always check whether a closer eastern departure is available before automatically heading to Heraklion.
It’s also worth considering the type of ferry you’re travelling on. Some ports offer more high-speed services, while others primarily handle conventional ferries with overnight cabins and larger vehicle capacity. Comparing journey times, departure schedules and ticket prices before booking can make a significant difference to both your travel time and overall holiday budget.
Seasonal Ferry Routes from Crete
One of the most important things to understand when planning ferry travel around Greece is that not every route operates throughout the year.
The busiest connections, particularly services between Heraklion, Souda and Athens (Piraeus), generally operate all year and provide reliable links between Crete and the mainland.
Many of the island-hopping routes, however, are seasonal. Services linking Crete with destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Milos, Ios, Sifnos, Serifos, Folegandros, Amorgos and several smaller islands usually operate between late spring and early autumn, when visitor demand is at its highest.
During July and August, you’ll generally find the greatest choice of departures, with some popular routes operating several times each day. Outside the main tourist season, frequencies reduce considerably and some services stop altogether until the following year.
If you’re travelling during the shoulder seasons or winter, it’s essential to check ferry schedules before finalising accommodation or onward travel. Timetables can change from year to year depending on demand, weather conditions and ferry operator schedules, so confirming availability in advance will help ensure your island-hopping plans run smoothly.
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Store your bagsFerry Companies Operating from Crete
Several well-established ferry operators serve Crete, offering everything from high-speed catamarans to large overnight ferries with cabins, restaurants and vehicle decks. The company operating your route will depend on both your destination and the time of year you’re travelling.
One of the largest operators is Blue Star Ferries, which provides many of the year-round services between Crete and Athens (Piraeus). Their large conventional ferries are particularly popular with passengers travelling overnight, offering comfortable lounges, airline-style seating, private cabins, restaurants, cafés and extensive vehicle capacity.
ANEK Lines, now operating alongside Blue Star Ferries on many routes, has long been associated with ferry travel to and from Crete. Its vessels continue to play an important role on mainland services and remain a familiar sight in Souda and Heraklion.
During the summer months, SeaJets operates many of the island’s high-speed ferry routes, providing fast connections between Crete and destinations including Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Milos, Ios and other Cycladic islands. These vessels significantly reduce journey times, making them popular with travellers planning multi-island holidays.
Other operators, including Hellenic Seaways and additional regional ferry companies, also operate selected routes depending on the season and destination.
Although facilities vary between vessels, most ferries departing from Crete offer a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, cafés, restaurants, toilets, outdoor decks, air-conditioned lounges, Wi-Fi on selected vessels and generous luggage allowances. Larger ferries also carry cars, motorhomes, motorcycles and bicycles, making them ideal for longer road trips around Greece.
If you’re travelling during the summer holiday season, it’s advisable to book well in advance, particularly for popular routes to Santorini, Athens, Mykonos and other busy destinations, as sailings frequently sell out weeks ahead.
Booking Ferry Tickets
Booking your ferry tickets before travelling is usually the easiest way to guarantee both availability and the best choice of departure times, particularly if you’re travelling during the busy summer season.
For popular routes such as Heraklion to Santorini, Heraklion to Athens, Souda to Athens and many of the Cycladic island services, sailings can become fully booked well in advance, especially during July, August and around Greek public holidays.
As a rough guide, one-way conventional-ferry fares from Heraklion to Piraeus with Blue Star Ferries or Minoan Lines start from around €28 (£24 / $32) for a deck seat, while Chania (Souda) to Piraeus with Blue Star Ferries starts from around €37 (£32 / $43).
High-speed SeaJets sailings such as Heraklion to Santorini are pricier and vary more by date, commonly running from around €30 (£26 / $35) up to €90 (£78 / $104) one way. These are indicative economy fares only, sourced from current operator and route-planning listings, and car spaces and cabins cost considerably more, so always check the fare for your exact date directly with the operator.
Most travellers choose to book online, where it’s easy to compare operators, crossing times, journey durations, ticket prices and onboard facilities before making a reservation. If you’re travelling with a car, motorhome, motorcycle or require a private cabin, booking early is particularly important as vehicle spaces and cabins are often the first to sell out.
Passengers travelling on high-speed ferries should remember that these services are generally quicker but may be more affected by rough seas than larger conventional ferries. If comfort is more important than journey time, a conventional ferry with spacious lounges or an overnight cabin may be a better choice.
Most ferry operators now issue electronic tickets, allowing passengers to check in using their smartphone. Some operators may still require tickets to be collected before departure, so always read your booking confirmation carefully.
As a general rule, aim to arrive at the port at least 45 to 60 minutes before departure if travelling on foot, or 90 minutes before departure if you’re taking a vehicle. This provides plenty of time for check-in, boarding and locating the correct ferry, particularly during the busiest travel periods.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
Crete’s ferry network rewards anyone who chooses the port first and books the road transfer second.
- Pick your port carefully: Souda, Rethymno, Kissamos and Sitia can all be better choices than Heraklion for the right route.
- Verify seasonal dates: check the exact operating date before booking accommodation around a seasonal ferry, especially from Rethymno or Agios Nikolaos.
- Consider the overnight option: for Athens, overnight conventional ferries can save a hotel night and are usually much easier with a car than high-speed island services.
- Watch the sea conditions: if you are prone to seasickness, larger conventional ferries are often more comfortable than fast catamarans in rough conditions.
- Build in a buffer: leave a generous gap between a flight and a ferry, since a delayed arrival plus baggage reclaim can turn a tight connection into a very expensive mistake.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in Who is Rupert?.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the main ferry port in Crete?
Heraklion Port is the busiest ferry port on Crete, offering the largest number of year-round and seasonal routes to Athens, the Cyclades and the Dodecanese.
Can you get a ferry from Crete to Athens?
Yes. Regular year-round ferries operate between Heraklion and Athens (Piraeus), while Souda (Chania) also offers frequent sailings to the Greek mainland.
Can you island hop from Crete?
Absolutely. During the summer season, ferries connect Crete with islands including Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Milos, Ios, Amorgos, Rhodes, Karpathos and many more.
Which ferry port should I use in Crete?
It depends on where you’re staying. Heraklion offers the widest choice of routes, Souda is ideal for western Crete, Rethymno provides seasonal island-hopping services, while Agios Nikolaos and Sitia are convenient for travellers staying in eastern Crete.
Can I take my car on ferries from Crete?
Yes. Most conventional ferries and many high-speed services can carry cars, motorcycles, motorhomes and bicycles, although vehicle spaces should be booked in advance during busy periods.
Do ferries operate all year from Crete?
Some do. Routes to Athens generally operate throughout the year, while many services to the Cyclades are seasonal and mainly run between late spring and early autumn.
How early should I arrive before my ferry departs?
Passengers travelling on foot should aim to arrive around 45 to 60 minutes before departure. If you’re travelling with a vehicle, arriving 90 minutes before sailing is usually recommended.
Can I buy ferry tickets at the port?
Yes, ticket offices are available at the major ports, but booking online in advance is recommended during the summer season to guarantee availability and secure your preferred sailing.
Further Reading
For the island itself, our Crete Travel Guide covers the main cities, beaches and travel planning. If you are arriving by air, use our dedicated Heraklion Airport Transfers and Chania Airport Transfers guides before choosing your ferry port.
For the two most useful Crete ferry journeys, see our guides to the Santorini to Heraklion ferry and the Athens to Crete overnight ferry. Our Piraeus ferry guide is also useful if Crete is one stop in a longer Greek itinerary.
For wider island hopping, our Greek Ferries Guide explains booking, vehicle travel and ferry types, while the Cyclades Ferry Routes Guide helps plan onward journeys through Santorini, Paros, Naxos and neighbouring islands.
