Ferries Crete

Aside from special offers, ferry companies generally offer regular ticket discounts to various groups of passengers. Indicative discounts:

• Infants and children up to 4 travel for free.
• Children aged 5 to 10 receive a 50% discount.
• Greek university students and ISIC card holders are entitled to 50% off.

Depending on the ferry company, discounts may also be available for teenagers, seniors, travelers with disabilities, residents of Greek islands, and members of loyalty programs, among others. The discount rates vary between companies, but you can see them when booking your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper.

Getting to Crete by ferry is very straightforward, with multiple options available from Athens, the Peloponnese, the Cyclades and the Dodecanese.

How to get from Athens to Crete

From the port of Piraeus near Athens, you can travel all year round to 5 major ports in Crete, namely Chania, Heraklion, Rethymno, Sitia, and Kissamos.

• Piraeus - Heraklion: the most popular connection to Crete is served with both high-speed and conventional ferries, with a travel time of about 7.5 hr.
• Piraeus - Chania: you can travel by ferry to Chania on the western side of Crete on conventional ferries, in about 8-9.5 hr.
• Piraeus - Rethymno: the seasonal ferry route (usually June to September) is served by high-speed catamarans and takes about 5.5 hr.
• Piraeus - Sitia: the ferry trip from Athens to Sitia on the far eastern side of Crete takes about 13.5 hr.
• Piraeus - Kissamos: you can get to Kissamos from Piraeus in Athens in about 10 hr.

How to get from Peloponnese to Crete

It is possible to reach Crete from the Peloponnese. Specifically, you can travel all year round to Kissamos, on the northwestern shores of Crete, from the port of Gythio as well as the islands of Kythira and Antikythera off the southern coast of the Peloponnese:

• Gythio - Kissamos: you can catch a high-speed ferry to Kissamos from the port in the southern side of the Peloponnese, which takes about 6 hr 35 min.
• Kythira - Kissamos: you can travel to the western side of Crete in just under 3.5 hr on high-speed catamarans.
• Antikythera - Kissamos: it takes just over 1.5 hr to reach Crete on the ferry connection served by high-speed catamarans.

How to get from the Cyclades to Crete

Many of the Cycladic islands have year-round and seasonal (usually April to October) connections to Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania and Sitia in Crete:

• Santorini - Heraklion: the journey with high-speed catamarans takes 1.5 hr.
• Naxos - Heraklion: the seasonal ferry route takes just under 3 hr and is served with high-speed and conventional ferries.
• Paros - Heraklion: you can travel by ferry to Crete seasonally in just over 3 hr on high-speed and conventional ferries.
• Milos - Heraklion: the conventional ferries from Adamantas to Crete take about 5 hr.
• Mykonos - Heraklion: you can reach Crete from Mykonos in around 4.5 hr on high-speed ferries that operate seasonally.
• Syros - Heraklion: the seasonal high-speed ferries need just over 5 hr to reach Crete.
• Santorini - Rethymno: you can travel seasonally (May-October) on high-speed ferries that need about 2.5 hr to get to Rethymno.
• Ios - Heraklion: it takes just under 3 hr to get to the main port in Crete on the seasonal ferry connection served with high-speed catamarans.
• Tinos - Heraklion: the seasonal ferry connection, usually May-October, is served with high-speed ferries that have a travel time of just under 5 hr.
• Anafi - Heraklion: the ferries to the main port in Crete take around 3 hr.
• Milos - Rethymno: the summer ferry connection (June to September) takes just over 2.5 hr and is served with high-speed catamarans.
• Santorini - Sitia: the ferry connection is served with conventional ferries, with the trip taking around 6 hr.
• Anafi - Sitia: you can travel to the eastern port in Crete in about 6 hr.

How to get from the Dodecanese to Crete

You can travel all year round from many islands in the Dodecanese to Heraklion and Sitia in Crete, typically with conventional ferries:

• Rhodes - Heraklion: the journey to Crete takes just under 10 hr.
• Karpathos - Heraklion: you can travel to Heraklion from the main port in Karpathos in about 5.5 hr and 7.5 hr from Diafani.
• Karpathos - Sitia: it takes just over 3 hr to reach Sitia from the main port of Karpathos and about 4.5 hr from the port of Diafani.
• Rhodes - Sitia: the ferry trip takes about 7.5 hr.
• Kasos - Heraklion: it takes just over 4 hr to reach Heraklion.
• Kasos - Sitia: you can travel to Crete in about 2 hr.
• Halki - Heraklion: it takes roughly 9 hr to reach the main port in Crete.
• Halki - Sitia: you can reach the easternmost Cretan port in around 6 hr.

The duration of your trip to Crete depends on your ports of departure and destination. Indicatively, the journey from Piraeus to Chania takes 8 to 9 hr, while the ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion takes 8.5 to 10 hr. As for the duration of the ferry ride from Piraeus to Sitia, it ranges from 12 to 20 hr.

Which is the fastest ferry to Crete?

The fastest ferries to Crete from Athens (Piraeus) in 2026 are Seajets' Worldchampion Jet and Champion Leage Jet 2, reaching Heraklion city in around 7 hours 50 minutes (including intermediate stops in the Cyclades).

What is the cheapest ferry route to Crete?

The prices for ferry tickets to Crete depend on your port of departure, and the prices for some of the most popular routes are as follows:

• Piraeus to Chania: €52.50
• Piraeus to Heraklion: €33
• Piraeus to Sitia: €46.50
• Milos to Heraklion: €44
• Santorini to Heraklion: €15
• Santorini to Sitia: €21.50
• Santorini to Rethymno: €104
• Mykonos to Heraklion (via Santorini): €105.70
• Naxos to Heraklion: €94

What other factors should I consider?

• Seasonality: several routes, including Piraeus - Rethymno and most Cyclades connections - operate only in summer, roughly April to October. Year-round routes (Piraeus - Heraklion and Piraeus - Chania) run daily but with less frequency outside peak season.
• Travel time vs. price: conventional overnight ferries are generally cheaper and a popular choice for travelers who want to save on accommodation. High-speed vessels are faster but often cost more and may not have cabin options.
• Overnight crossings: most Piraeus - Crete ferries depart in the late evening and arrive early in the morning, letting you make the most of your days. Cabins are available on most conventional ferries and start at around €60.
• Traveling with a vehicle: car decks are available on most conventional ferries from Piraeus to Crete, but they sell out fast in summer. Book well in advance if you're bringing a car or motorbike.

Several ferry operators provide regular services to Crete, offering both conventional and high-speed vessels across year-round and seasonal routes.

• Minoan Lines serves the Piraeus - Heraklion route all year round with conventional ferries. Its large vessels, Knossos Palace and Festos Palace, are well equipped with restaurants, bars, shops, and a range of cabin options.
• Seajets runs high-speed services to Heraklion from Piraeus all year-round and seasonally from Cycladic islands such as Santorini and Mykonos. The company also serves a route to Kissamos (Chania).
• Anek Lines is a main operator on the Piraeus - Chania and Piraeus - Heraklion routes, with daily year-round overnight crossings to Souda port.
• Blue Star Ferries serves Piraeus - Heraklion all year round and operates seasonal connections from the Cyclades, including Santorini - Heraklion.
• Hellenic Seaways operates services to Heraklion from Piraeus most months of the year with conventional vessels, such as Nissos Rodos.

How much luggage can you take on the ferry to Crete?

Most ferry companies serving Crete are quite flexible when it comes to luggage size and weight. As a general guideline, you can bring up to 50 kg per person at no extra cost. There is no check-in procedure for luggage; you simply keep your bags with you or store them in the designated luggage area on board.

If you're traveling with a vehicle, there are generally no strict luggage limits beyond what fits securely inside your car or van.

You can take your car, motorcycle, campervan / motorhome, or bicycle on all ferries to Crete, as they normally have car decks.

We recommend that you book well in advance (at least 3 months), especially if you plan to travel during the busy summer season, to ensure your vehicle spot and get the best price.

How much does it cost to bring my car to Crete?

All ferries traveling to Crete have car decks, so you can travel with your vehicle. The cost of tickets for traveling with a motorcycle, car or camper van varies between companies. Here are some indicative prices:

• Athens (Piraeus) - Heraklion: €79 for a car and €28 for a motorbike
• Santorini - Heraklion: €58 for a car and €13 for a motorbike
• Naxos - Heraklion: €89 for transporting a car and €36 for a motorbike

The ferries traveling to Crete are typically conventional and offer a range of amenities to make your trip a comfortable and relaxed experience. In general, you can expect:

• Air conditioning
• Deck/lounge seating
• Canteens for coffee, snacks, and beverages 
• Restaurants
• Shops
• Car decks

Some ferries may also feature additional facilities, such as swimming pools, bars, playrooms, and a kennel area.

Can I book a cabin on the ferry to Crete?

Yes, cabins are available on the conventional ferries serving Crete, operated by Minoan Lines, Anek Lines, Hellenic Seaways, and Blue Star Ferries. You can choose from inside cabins (without portholes) and outside cabins with or without sea views. There are private cabins with 1, 2, 3, and 4 beds, but you can also book a bed in a shared cabin. All cabins are air-conditioned and have an en suite bathroom with shower. Most companies also offer Deluxe cabins which normally future a double bed, sitting area, TV, mini fridge, and hairdryer, as well as room service.

Cabin prices normally start at around €47.

Tip: many ferries sailing to Crete are overnight, so we recommend you book a cabin for greater comfort, especially if you are traveling with children.

What type of seats can you book on ferries to Crete?

All ferries to Crete offer numbered airplane-style reclining seats as an alternative to cabins. On Minoan Lines vessels, Business Class recliners are available with TV. Seajets offers Silver, Club, and Platinum seating classes on its high-speed services, while Hellenic Seaways has VIP seating options.

Are ferries to Crete accessible?

Yes, most ferries serving Crete have facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair-accessible cabins, ramps, and adapted bathrooms.

Can you take pets on the ferry to Crete?

Yes, pets are generally allowed onboard ferries to Crete and travel for free. Pets can also be accommodated in dedicated pet-friendly cabins, kennels or in designated outdoor deck areas, but they are not allowed in standard cabins or indoor common areas.

Just make sure you have your pet’s travel documents and health booklet with you for the trip.

Is there Wi-Fi on ferries to Crete?

Wi-Fi is available on most vessels, typically as a paid service.

Can you buy food on ferries to Crete?

Yes, all conventional ferries to Crete have dining options on board. Minoan Lines' Knossos Palace and Festos Palace both have a self-service restaurant, an à la carte restaurant, indoor cafés, and a pool bar. Blue Star Ferries, Anek Lines and Hellenic Seaways vessels have a self-service restaurant, à la carte menu, and bars. On overnight crossings, dinner and breakfast service is available.

Seajets high-speed vessels are equipped with snack bars.

Is there entertainment on ferries to Crete?

On the larger conventional ferries, Minoan Lines' vessels stand out for their onboard entertainment; its 2 vessels have a swimming pool, cinema, disco, children's play area, and a boutique shop. Blue Star Ferries, Anek Lines and Hellenic Seaways vessels have bars, gift stores, and outdoor deck space offering sea views.

Crete, located in the South Aegean Sea, is the largest island in Greece. With a history spanning thousands of years, an impressively diverse landscape, unique local cuisine and warm hospitality, Crete stands out as a top holiday destination in the country.

If you are keen on history or nature, you should take note. The island boasts the Palace of Knossos, home of the legendary Minoan civilization and the mythical Minotaur. For something a bit more active, you can hike through the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest canyons. As for beaches, Crete has all bases covered! You won’t want to miss the secluded Seitan Limania or the pink sands and turquoise waters of Elafonisi Beach for a tropical escape.

What travel documents do I need?

Ferries to Crete operate on domestic routes within Greece, so no passport is required for EU citizens. You will need to carry a valid ID card or passport that matches the name on your ticket. Non-EU travelers should ensure they hold a valid passport and, if required, a visa for entry to Greece.

If you are traveling with a vehicle, bring your vehicle registration document and make sure the plate details match what you entered during booking. If you are claiming a discounted fare (for students, passengers with disabilities, or other eligible categories) you must present the relevant supporting documents when boarding.

How to book ferry tickets

You can easily book ferry tickets to Crete on Ferryhopper in just a few clicks:

1. Select Ischia as your destination, along with your port of departure and travel dates
2. Add passengers, pets and vehicles
3. Compare ferry operators, travel times, and ticket prices
4. Complete your booking securely online

Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive your ferry tickets by email. Ferryhopper allows you to manage your booking, check updates, and access customer support all in one place.

Check-in and boarding procedures

For ferries to Crete, online check-in (web check-in) is available from 48 hours up to 2 hours before departure. Once you complete web check-in, your e-ticket with QR code is sent to your email and can be saved on your phone.

We recommend arriving at the port:

• Foot passengers: at least 1 hour before departure
• Traveling with a vehicle: at least 1 hour 30 minutes before departure, and up to 2 hours in peak summer months, as car-deck spaces load in order

Crete ferries from Piraeus normally depart from gates E2 or E3. Note that these gates are about a 15-20minute walk from the Piraeus metro station. The free port shuttle bus is a useful alternative if you have luggage. Always double-check your departure gate on your ticket or the port's electronic displays, as gates can change.

Can I board with an electronic ticket?

Yes, all operators serving routes to Crete accept e-tickets for boarding. 

Here’s a list of travel tips and advice to help you plan your trip to Crete:

• As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece, Crete can get very busy during the summer and major holidays. For the greatest range of options, book your ferry tickets as soon as possible.
• Not everyone was born to brave the sea, so if you are prone to seasickness, speak to your pharmacist or doctor about seasickness medication, such as Dramamine. 
• Ferries in Greece have a reputation for being chilly indoors, so it’s a good idea to pack a sweater or light jacket for the trip, even during the summer months.

The best time to book ferry tickets to Crete is 1 to 3 months ahead of your departure. This will generally offer you the widest range of options and travel dates. This is particularly important if you intend to travel during the summer when Crete is in high season.

If, on the other hand, you opt to visit Crete the rest of the year, then you can comfortably book your ferry tickets up to 1 month in advance. If you think that you will miss out on all the sunshine, keep in mind that September is the best month to visit Crete.

Good to know: you can check the Ferryhopper guide on how to get to Crete for more details on planning your trip.

There are 6 ports on Crete: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Kissamos and Sitia.

Chania, on the eastern side of the island, has regular ferry routes to Athens (Piraeus) and Milos, while Rethymno is connected to Santorini. Further to the east is Kissamos, which is connected year-round to Athens, as well as Gythio, Kythira and Antikythera.

Near the center of Crete’s northern shores is Heraklion, which has regular ferry routes to Athens (Piraeus), Milos, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Syros, Tinos, Ios, Santorini, and Anafi in the Cyclades, as well as Kasos, Karpathos, Diafani, Halki and Rhodes in the Dodecanese Islands.

Sitia, on the eastern end of Crete, is connected to Athens (Piraeus), Santori and Anafi from the Cyclades, and Kasos, Karpathos, Halki and Rhodes in the Dodecanese. Agios Nikolaos does not currently have a direct connection to Athens (Piraeus), however you can occasionally travel there from Heraklion or Sitia.

It is also possible to hop on a ferry and travel between the major cities of Crete.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Crete, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.