Heraklion – Athens (Piraeus)
Ferries to Athens
Heraklion – Athens (Piraeus)
Ferries to Athens
The Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) ferry route is provided by 2 operators and is available for booking all year round. The ferry crossing from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) takes approximately 9 hours 15 minutes on ferries servicing this route. The ferry duration for the Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) ferry can range between 7 hours 30 minutes and 15 hours depending on the operator that you decide to travel with.
There are around 21 weekly sailings from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus).
Minoan Lines provide 1 sailing daily, 8 sailings weekly. SeaJets provide 1 sailing daily, 7 sailings weekly. Please keep in mind that ferry timetables often increase during the high season.
The first ferry leaves Heraklion Port at approximately 04:30 and the last ferry leaves at approximately 23:45. Ferry schedules can vary by operator and season.
The fastest ferry from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) is with SeaJets in 7 hours 30 minutes.
The fastest ferries from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) usually cost around $153.99.
There are overnight ferries from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus). The first overnight ferry departs the port of Heraklion at 21:00 and arrives in Athens at 06:15.
There are cabins available on ferries from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) with SeaJets and Minoan Lines.
Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) with Minoan Lines.
Yes, you can bring your car on the Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) ferry with Minoan Lines & SeaJets.
Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Heraklion Athens (Piraeus) ferry with Minoan Lines & SeaJets.
Passengers travelling with SeaJets can take a maximum of 50 kilograms of luggage per person at no additional cost. Please do not exceed this limit otherwise you may be forced to pay additional fees.
The price of a ferry from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) can vary between $48.41 and $377.42 depending on the operator, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle. The average price of a foot passenger is $89.79, with prices ranging from $33 and $220. The average price with a car is $309.91. Car prices can range from $105 to $460. All ferry prices can change from season to season. Please be aware that prices do not include booking fees. 1 March 2025
Find cheap ferry tickets using our deal finder. It is highly recommended that you book in advance to ensure yourself the best possible prices and availability on the Athens (Piraeus) ferry.
First class is available on ferries from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) with SeaJets and Minoan Lines.
Unfortunately, you can't take a day trip from Heraklion to Athens by ferry due to the duration of the sailing. We recommend that you at least stay in Athens overnight to make your journey worthwhile.
Flying is the easiest and fastest way from Heraklion to Athens, with multiple daily flights taking 50 minutes. Ferries take 6–9 hours, with overnight options available. While flights are quicker, ferries are far more budget-friendly and scenic. They are also very convenient for those who wish to bring their car.
The best way to travel from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) is by ferry. With 3 sailings per day, you are bound to find a suitable ferry crossing to suit your needs. However, there are alternative routes to explore if you require additional flexibility.
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| Heraklion - Athens (Piraeus) Ferry Route Summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Country | Crete | |
| Destination Country | Athens | |
| No. of Operators | 2 | |
| Operators | Minoan Lines & SeaJets | |
| Average Price | $152 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 3 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 21 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 9 h 15 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 7 h 30 m | |
| First Ferry | 04:30 | |
| Last Ferry | 23:45 | |
| Distance | 168 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 March 2025.
The port city of Piraeus in Greece lies on the Saronic Gulf in the Attica region of the country and forms part of the Athens urban sprawl. Piraeus is Greece's main port and the largest in Europe and the third largest in the world.
Passengers arriving at Piraeus ferry port can expect to find a huge range of facilities including cafes, restaurants, duty free shops, ATMs, currency exchange offices and lounges. There is also the X96 bus which transports passengers between gates E1 to E9 throughout the day as well as taxi ranks.
As the Piraeus port is situated only 12km southwest of Athens city centre, you can easily get there via car or public transport. Simply follow Line 1 (Green Line) for approximately 30 minutes until you arrive at Monastiraki station. There is also the 040-bus available from Syntagma Square, which will take you within walking distance of the passenger terminals. Please head in the direction of gates E1 to E10 upon arrival in order to locate your ferry.
