Athens Crete Ferry

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How long is the ferry from Athens to Crete?

The crossing time by ferry from Athens to Crete ranges between routes, operators and ships. Piraeus - Heraklion on average approximately takes 8hr 30m. The distance from Piraeus to Heraklion is approximately 172 nautical miles. Sailings from Piraeus - Chania take on average 8 hours.

Fast Ferry Athens to Crete

The fastest ferry from Athens to Crete is from Piraeus. The distance from Piraeus to Chania is 147 nautical miles (272km) with a crossing time of approximately 8 hours. Minoan Lines and Anek Superfast offer this route with 17 weekly sailings combined.

Athens to Crete Ferry Operators

The following operators sail from Athens to Crete: Anek Superfast, Minoan Lines, Anek Lines and SeaJets. Timetables vary depending on the ferry company. Check the latest ferry timetables between Athens and Crete with just a few clicks using our deal finder.

What is the ferry price from Athens to Crete?

The average price on Piraeus - Heraklion is around $114. However, the prices start from as little as $34. Prices can vary depending on the route, operator, departure time and season, we recommend using our deal finder for live prices.

Can I travel with a vehicle from Athens to Crete?

The following operators accept vehicles on ferries from Piraeus – Heraklion: Anek Superfast, Anek Lines and Minoan Lines. Not all ships will accept vehicles, check out our Deal Finder for the latest sailing availability, for traveling with vehicles.

Athens Crete Ferry Routes

The following routes sail between Athens and Crete: Piraeus – Heraklion, Piraeus – Chania, Piraeus – Sitia, Piraeus – Kissamos.

Some routes are seasonal, whereas others sail year round. To get the most up to date sailing information for ferries from Athens to Crete search in our Deal Finder.

Can I take a day trip from Athens to Crete?

Unfortunately, you can't do a day trip from Athens to Crete by ferry. The shortest sailing duration is the ferry from Piraeus to Chania in 8 hours with Minoan Lines. Therefore, we suggest that you stay overnight to make your trip worthwhile.

About Crete

Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece, situated in the Mediterranean Sea, slightly southeast of the mainland

Known for its varied landscapes comprising fertile valleys, stunning beaches and the famous White Mountains found alongside idyllic harbours and sleepy villages, Crete has beautiful backdrops around every corner.

Numerous time-honoured traditions remain fundamental to Cretan culture, including Easter feasts, playing stringed instruments called ‘lyra’ and performing spectacular local dances. Some Greeks even say Crete could be its own country due to its diverse terrain and the unique way of life.

There are many domestic ferry routes departing the mainland and surrounding archipelagos in the Aegean Sea, arriving at the five Cretan ports on the north coast, including the capital, Heraklion. These sailings have varying journey times and are run by multiple operators, so there’s ample choice when it comes to reaching Crete by ferry.