Santorini → Heraklion
Santorini to Heraklion Ferry (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 Prices, crossing times, operators and service descriptions below may be outdated.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 Santorini to Heraklion is operated by Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets. The fastest crossing takes 1 hour 35 minutes. Tickets start at €47. The route runs year-round, with up to 9 weekly sailings during peak season. This is the fastest ferry connection from any Greek island to Crete.
Monthly sailings and fares
At a glance
Static guide reference. These figures are not current prices or schedules.
- Operators
- Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets
- Fastest crossing
- 1h 35min
- Typical crossing
- 1h 35min to 3h
- Price from
- €47
- Summer frequency
- Up to 9 weekly sailings
- Winter frequency
- Reduced
- Departure port
- Athinios Port, Santorini
- Arrival port
- Heraklion Port, central Crete
- Distance
- Approximately 65 nautical miles
- Year-round service
- Yes
- Cabins
- Available on Blue Star conventional
- Vehicles
- Yes
Ferry operators on the Santorini to Heraklion route
Two companies serve the Santorini to Crete ferry connection.
Blue Star Ferries operates large conventional ships, with crossings around 2 to 3 hours. The vessels offer numbered seats, business class lounges, cabins for longer crossings, and full vehicle decks. Blue Star is the more comfortable and stable choice.
SeaJets runs high-speed catamarans on this route, completing the crossing in 1 hour 35 minutes, the fastest ferry to Crete from any island. SeaJets is recommended when you want to maximize time on the destination side.
How long is the ferry from Santorini to Heraklion?
The fastest crossing is 1 hour 35 minutes on a SeaJets high-speed catamaran. Conventional Blue Star ferries take 2 to 3 hours. Total duration depends on the vessel type. This route has the shortest crossing of any ferry to Crete.
How much does the Santorini to Heraklion ferry cost?
Standard tickets start at €47. SeaJets high-speed services are typically more expensive than Blue Star conventional. Vehicle prices vary by operator. Cabin supplements on Blue Star ferries start at approximately €60.
Departure and arrival ports
Ferries depart from Athinios Port in Santorini, 8 kilometers southwest of Fira. The port is at the bottom of the caldera; the public bus from Fira's central station departs one hour before each scheduled ferry.
Ferries arrive at Heraklion Port in central Crete, walkable to several hotels and the Old Town. From the port, taxis and rental cars provide access to Knossos (5 km), Chania (140 km), Rethymno (80 km), and the rest of Crete.
When to book your Santorini to Heraklion ferry
For travel in July and August, book 1 to 2 months in advance. Combining Santorini and Crete is increasingly common, the ferry frequency cannot match the demand on busy summer dates. Vehicle space sells out earliest. Off-season booking is more flexible.
Travel tip: pair Santorini with Crete for a 7-day trip
Santorini-Crete is one of the best two-island combinations for a 7 to 10 day Greek holiday. Santorini offers caldera views and 2 to 3 days; Crete offers archaeology (Knossos), beaches (Elafonissi, Balos), gorges (Samaria), and Cretan cuisine for 4 to 7 days. The 1 hour 35 minute ferry transfer is short enough that you do not lose a half-day to travel.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Santorini to Crete?
The fastest crossing is 1 hour 35 minutes (SeaJets). Conventional Blue Star ferries take 2 to 3 hours.
Is the ferry available year-round?
Yes. Service runs year-round with reduced winter frequency.
What is the cheapest fare?
Standard tickets start at €47.
Can I bring a car?
Yes, on Blue Star conventional ferries. SeaJets high-speed catamarans also accept vehicles with limited space.
Are cabins available?
Cabins are available on Blue Star conventional vessels. Not on SeaJets high-speed catamarans (only seats).
Where in Crete does the ferry arrive?
Heraklion Port in central Crete, close to the city center and Old Town.
Can I make a day trip from Santorini to Heraklion?
Technically possible given the 1 hour 35 minute crossing, but practically very tight. Better to stay at least one night.
What is the fastest ferry from any island to Crete?
Santorini to Heraklion at 1 hour 35 minutes is the fastest ferry connection to Crete from any Greek island.