Ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion

Is there a ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion?

Usually, there are 2 direct ferries departing daily from Piraeus to Heraklion all year round. The ferry companies that normally operate on this route are Minoan Lines, Anek Lines and Aegeon Pelagos. 

Please note that ferry timetables are subject to change depending on the season.

Am I allowed to travel from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion?

Yes, you can travel to Heraklion from the port of Piraeus in Athens by ferry at the moment. However, travel guidelines may change. So, make sure to check the latest updates on COVID-19 and ferry traveling in Greece before your trip.

What’s the ferry schedule from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion?

There are 1-2 daily ferries from Athens to Heraklion all year round. During the summer months, there are up to 4 ferry crossings per day on this route. 

The earliest ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion departs at around 09:00 and arrives at 19:00. The latest departure from Piraeus is at 21:00, with the ferry arriving in Heraklion at 06:30. 

The majority of the ferries from Piraeus to Heraklion are overnight. Read more travel information on how to reach Crete this summer on our blog. 

How much is the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion?

The Piraeus-Heraklion ferry prices start from about €35. The final price depends on reductions, offers, seat type, vehicle or cabin selection, and ferry company.

Offers

On Ferryhopper, you can find all available offers for the ferry trip to Heraklion from Athens. Take a look at our ferry routes, find the lowest ferry prices, and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper at no extra cost.

Discounts

Traveling from Athens to Heraklion by ferry is easy, comfortable and you can take advantage of lower-cost ferry tickets thanks to the available discounts. The ferry companies offer discounts of up to 50% to the following passenger categories:

• Children from 5 to 10 years old
• Permanent residents of islands (holders of Unique Islander Number)
• Students of Greek Public Universities
• People with disabilities and their accompanying persons

Note: infants and children up to 3 years travel for free. However, keep in mind that available discounts may vary depending on the company you’re traveling with.

How long is the ferry ride from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion?

The duration of the ferry trip from Athens to Heraklion is approximately 9 hr. Depending on the type of vessel the trip to Heraklion can take up to 16 hr.

Is there a high-speed ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion?

The Athens-Heraklion ferry route is mainly operated by conventional vessels since the distance between the ports is long. The fastest ferry to Heraklion takes about 8 hr.

What is the distance between Athens (Piraeus) and Heraklion?

The distance between the port of Piraeus and the port of Heraklion is 173 nautical miles (320km). 

Useful tips for your ferry trip from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion:

• We recommend that you arrive at the port of Piraeus at least 1 hr in advance of your trip, especially if you are traveling with your vehicle. 
• The distance between Piraeus Port Gates E2 and E3 to Crete and the metro/suburban railway station at the port of Piraeus is approximately 25 minutes on foot. You can also get to the gates with the free port shuttle bus.
• There are numerous departures from Athens to the ports of Crete every day, especially in the high season. Find out more about how to get from Athens to Crete and plan your holidays on the largest Greek island.
• During the summer, you can easily take day trips from Heraklion to Santorini and from Heraklion to Mykonos. 
• Read more about your holidays in Crete in our Heraklion travel guide. 

Where to take the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion?

The Athens-Heraklion ferry normally departs from the port of Piraeus. Piraeus is located approximately 15km south of the city center of Athens and 45km from Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos.

You can get to the port of Piraeus by car, taxi, as well as public transport, including bus, metro and suburban railway. Ferries to Crete usually depart from gates E2 and E3 in Piraeus port.

Can I travel on the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion with a car?

Yes, you can transfer your vehicle on the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion. 

Ferry luggage

Ferry companies in Greece are usually quite flexible regarding luggage size and weight. You can keep your luggage next to you or store your bags and suitcases in the designated luggage area on the ferry to Heraklion.

Tip: each ferry company has its own baggage allowance policy. We recommend that you don’t carry more than 50kg of luggage to avoid delays due to restricted space in the luggage area.

Cabins

The majority of the ferries that travel from Athens to Heraklion have cabins as well as numbered seats. 

Prices for bed cabins range from €60 to €150, depending on the ferry company.

Pet travel

You can travel with your pet on the ferry from Athens to Heraklion, depending on the company and type of vessel. Make sure to carry along the necessary certificates, tickets and any pet supplies you may need for your trip.

Where can I book cheap ferry tickets from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion?

You can easily book cheap ferry tickets from Athens to Heraklion on Ferryhopper at no extra cost. Find information about available routes on our Map of ferries, compare ferry companies and itineraries and book ferry tickets from Athens to Heraklion (Crete) in just a few clicks!