Ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Chania
Tickets, prices & schedulesFerries between Athens (Piraeus) and Chania, in Crete, usually operate all year round with 1-2 daily crossings. The journey normally takes around 8-9.5 hr and ferry tickets currently start at around € 37.
The route is usually served by Anek Lines conventional vessels, mostly with overnight crossings from the port of Piraeus to the port of Souda in Chania. On Ferryhopper, you can find updated schedules for 2026, compare prices and book your ferry tickets to Chania with no hidden fees.
Discounts
On Ferryhopper, you can take advantage of year-round discounts and save on your ferry tickets to Crete. Anek Lines offer discounts of up to 50% for certain passenger categories, such as:
- Children from 5 to 10 years old
- Permanent residents of islands (holders of Unique Islander Number)
- Students (Greek public universities and ISIC card holders)
- People with disabilities and their accompanying persons
Note: infants and toddlers up to 4 years travel free of charge.
On-board services and amenities
The Athens (Piraeus) - Chania route is served year-round by the conventional, spacious vessels of Anek Lines.
On board the ferries, you can expect to find modern amenities such as:
- Air-conditioned lounges and spacious open-air outer decks
- Snack bars, cafés, and restaurants (both self-service and à-la-carte)
- Boutique gift shops and kiosks
- Designated pet facilities (pet cabins and kennels)
- Luggage storage areas
- Wi-Fi access (data packages/vouchers available on board)
Are there cabins on the ferry?
Yes, the ferries traveling to Chania from Athens (Piraeus) normally have different types of cabins. There are 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-bed cabins to choose from, but you can also book a bed in a shared cabin. Depending on your needs, you can opt for an exterior cabin with a window or an interior one. Cabin prices start at around €86.
Tip: as cabins usually sell out fast, we recommend booking well in advance.
What seats can I book?
Depending on your budget and desired comfort level, you can choose from a few different seating categories on your ferry to Chania:
- Deck / Economy (Unreserved): this budget-friendly option gives you access to all common indoor lounges and open-air decks, where you can claim any available seat.
- Numbered aiplane-type seats: these are reserved, reclining seats located in dedicated, quiet, air-conditioned lounges. These seats start at around €41.
Ferry luggage
On Anek Lines vessels, you can bring up to 50 kg in lugagge.
Useful info: normally, Greek ferry companies are quite flexible regarding luggage size and weight. Also note that there is no check-in procedure for luggage items.
Pet travel
On Piraeus - Chania ferries, you can travel with your pet free of charge, as long as you include it in the booking. Bear in mind that there are also special pet-friendly cabins available on board. Otherwise, your furry friend can stay in its own carrier or in a kennel.
Moreover, make sure to carry along all necessary pet health certificates, tickets and any supplies you may need for your trip.
Accessibility
The ferries of Anek Lines are normally well-equipped for accessibility, featuring:
- Wheelchair-accessible ramps, elevators, and escalators to move easily between decks
- Specially adapted PRM cabins with wide roll-in layouts, grab bars, and accessible toilets
- Designated wheelchair spaces in the main passenger lounges
Useful tips for your ferry trip to Chania from Athens (Piraeus)
Here are some travel tips for your trip from Athens (Piraeus) to Chania:
- As the port of Piraeus can get quite busy, we highly recommend arriving at least 1 hr before boarding to avoid delays.
- Check out our destination page for the best tips about your vacation in Chania, one of Crete's most beautiful cities.
- For all of your travel options, check out our complete guide on Crete ferry schedules.
- Make sure to also book your return tickets from Chania to Athens (Piraeus), as ferries can sell out fast in the summer.
Where to take the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Chania
You can catch the ferry to Chania from the port of Piraeus in Athens. The port of Piraeus is located approximately 15 km south of the city center of Athens and 45 km from the Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos.
You can get to the port of Piraeus by car, taxi, as well as public transport, including metro, bus and suburban railway.
Ferries from Athens to Chania normally depart from Piraeus port Gates E2 and E3. Both gates are positioned on the eastern loop of the harbor and are specifically designated for the large, conventional ships heading to Crete.
Departure gates may change, so we recommend checking your ticket and the electronic display boards located at the port for more information.
How to get to the port of Piraeus
You can get to the port of Piraeus by car, taxi, as well as public transport, including metro, bus and suburban railway.
- By metro: the fastest way to avoid traffic. Line 1 (Green) connects central spots like Monastiraki and Omonia directly to the port. Line 3 (Blue) runs from Athens International Airport to Piraeus in about 60 min. The ferry gates are a 5-10 min walk from the station.
- By bus: the X96 express bus runs 24/7 and offers a direct connection from the airport to the port in around 90 min.
- By taxi or private transfer: it takes about 30-45 min from the city center and 45-60 min from the airport.
- By car: you can reach the port via Syngrou/Poseidonos avenues or the Athinon - Pireos highway.
Where does the ferry arrive in Chania?
Ferries departing from Piraeus arrive at the Port of Souda, which serves as the main passenger gateway to western Crete. The port is situated about 6.5 km southeast of Chania town and roughly 14 km from Chania International Airport. Getting from Souda Port to the historic center of Chania is pretty straightforward:
- By bus: right outside the ferry terminal, you will find a dedicated bus stop. Local city bus Line 13 connects the port directly to downtown Chania. Buses run regularly and the ride takes about 20 min.
- By taxi or private transfer: a taxi rank is located right at the pier as you disembark. A taxi ride to Chania Town takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
- By car: if you are bringing your own vehicle on the ferry or renting one from the car rental desks available at the port, it is a simple 20-min drive into the city center.
How long is the ferry ride from Athens (port of Piraeus) to Chania (Crete)?
The duration of the Athens (port of Piraeus) - Chania (Crete) ferry trip normally ranges from 7h to 9h 25m.
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FAQs
Yes, you can transport your vehicle from Athens to Chania on Anek Lines vessels.
As for vehicle ticket prices, they depend on the type of vehicle:
- Car tickets start at around €85
- Motorcycle tickets start at around €28
- Motorhome tickets start at around €157
Tip: bear in mind that car-deck spaces usually sell out fast for this route, so we recommend booking your spot well in advance.
No, the direct route from Piraeus to Chania is currently served exclusively by the conventional ferries of Anek Lines.
While high-speed vessels are not available for this specific port connection, these large conventional ships offer a smooth, stable journey with extensive amenities, including private cabins and spacious decks.
The distance between Athens (Piraeus) and the port of Chania (Souda) is around 150 km (277 km).
When booking your Athens (Piraeus) - Chania trip on Ferryhopper, you can easily check in online, get your tickets on your phone, and board the ferry directly with your e-ticket without collecting any paper tickets at the port.
The first ferry to Chania usually leaves the port of Piraeus at 10:00.
The last ferry to Chania usually departs from the port of Piraeus at 23:59.
Find detailed answers to all your questions about ferry ticket changes, cancellations and refunds.
Remember that you can also use Ferryhopper's online booking modification service, available with certain ferry companies.