Piraeus → Heraklion
Piraeus to Heraklion Ferry (Athens to Crete)
Editorial route guide, not live supplier information. Prices, crossing times, operators and service descriptions below may be outdated. Search your dates to check supplier-reported sailings and request a quote; this guide does not establish availability or booking support.
The ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion is operated by Minoan Lines, SeaJets, Blue Star Ferries, ANEK Lines, and Hellenic Seaways. Most crossings are overnight, taking 7 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours. Tickets start at €30 with cabin supplements from approximately €60. Up to 5 to 6 daily departures run during summer high season, with daily overnight service year-round.
Monthly sailings and fares
At a glance
Static guide reference. These figures are not current prices or schedules.
- Operators
- Minoan Lines, SeaJets, Blue Star Ferries, ANEK Lines, Hellenic Seaways
- Fastest crossing
- 7h 30min
- Typical crossing
- 9h 30min (overnight)
- Longest crossing
- 11h
- Price from
- €30
- Cabins from
- Approximately €60
- Summer frequency
- Up to 5-6 daily (mix of day and overnight)
- Winter frequency
- Daily overnight
- Departure port
- Piraeus, Athens (Gates E2, E3)
- Arrival port
- Heraklion Port, central Crete
- Distance
- 145-200 nautical miles depending on port
- Year-round service
- Yes
- Cabins
- Yes: interior, exterior with window, and deluxe options
- Vehicles
- Yes on all conventional ferries
Ferry operators on the Piraeus to Heraklion route
Five companies serve the Athens to Heraklion ferry connection.
Minoan Lines is the heritage operator on this route, with headquarters in Heraklion since 1972. The Festos Palace and Knossos Palace are large modern conventional ferries with cabins, restaurants, bars, and shops. Minoan Lines runs both daytime and overnight services.
Blue Star Ferries (operating jointly with ANEK Lines) provides conventional ferry service with the same vessel quality and cabin options.
SeaJets operates high-speed catamarans on this route, the only operator providing high-speed service to Crete. The fastest crossing takes 7 hours 30 minutes.
Hellenic Seaways also runs conventional vessels on the Piraeus-Heraklion route as part of its Aegean network.
How long is the ferry from Athens to Heraklion?
The fastest crossing is 7 hours 30 minutes (SeaJets high-speed). Conventional ferries take 9 to 11 hours, with most overnight services arriving in Heraklion around 6 AM. The total duration depends on the vessel type and any intermediate stops, including Milos on certain Minoan Lines services.
How much does the Piraeus to Heraklion ferry cost?
Standard tickets start at €30 for an economy seat. Cabin supplements start at approximately €60 for an interior 2-bed cabin and rise to €150+ for deluxe suites. Cars cost approximately €85 per crossing; motorcycles approximately €28.50. The overnight ferry plus a cabin is one of the most cost-effective ways to combine transport and accommodation on a Greece trip.
Departure and arrival ports
Ferries to Heraklion depart from Piraeus Gates E2 and E3 (the Crete gates). The walk from the metro station to gates E2/E3 takes around 25 minutes; a free shuttle bus operates inside the port, or take a taxi. Piraeus is connected to central Athens by Metro (25 minutes) and to Athens International Airport (approximately 1 hour direct via the Blue Line).
Heraklion Port is in central Crete, close to the city center. From there, you can walk to several hotels, take a taxi to nearby districts, or rent a car for trips to Knossos (5 km), Chania (140 km), or Rethymno (80 km).
When to book your Piraeus to Heraklion ferry
For travel between mid-June and August, book 1 to 2 months in advance, especially for cabins. Cabins on overnight sailings sell out earliest. Vehicle space also fills quickly in peak season. Off-season booking is generally less constrained, with cabins typically available 1 to 2 weeks ahead.
Travel tip: book a cabin on the overnight ferry
The Piraeus to Heraklion overnight ferry effectively replaces a hotel night plus a flight. Boarding around 9 PM, you sleep in a cabin and disembark in Crete around 6 AM, ready for a full day. A 2-bed cabin (around €60-80 per cabin, not per person) is excellent value compared to flying plus an Athens hotel night. Even daytime ferries benefit from cabin booking on this 9-hour crossing, particularly for families and older travelers.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Athens to Crete?
The fastest service is 7 hours 30 minutes (SeaJets). Conventional ferries take 9 to 11 hours, mostly overnight.
What is the cheapest ferry to Crete?
Standard economy seats start at €30 on Piraeus to Heraklion conventional ferries.
Is the ferry available year-round?
Yes. Daily overnight service runs throughout the year.
Are cabins available?
Yes, all conventional ferries on this route offer cabins. Options include 2, 3, and 4-bed cabins with showers and toilets.
Can I bring a car?
Yes. All conventional ferries (Minoan Lines, Blue Star, ANEK, Hellenic Seaways) carry vehicles. SeaJets high-speed services also accept cars and motorcycles, with limited space.
What time do overnight ferries depart and arrive?
Most overnight ferries depart Piraeus around 9 PM and arrive in Heraklion around 6 AM. Daytime ferries run on additional schedules during summer.
Is Heraklion port near the city center?
Yes. Heraklion Port is centrally located, within walking distance of many hotels and the Old Town.
Which port in Crete should I choose?
Heraklion is best for central Crete, Knossos, and the Lasithi region. Chania is better for western Crete and the Samaria Gorge. Both have ferries from Piraeus.
Can I take a day trip to Crete from Athens?
No. The shortest crossing is 7 hours 30 minutes one-way. Crete requires at least an overnight stay; ideally 3+ nights.