Ferry from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus)

Tickets, Prices, Times & Schedules

Ferries between Heraklion and Athens (Piraeus) operate all year long with up to 5-6 daily crossings in the summer. Find updated info, compare ferry timetables, companies and prices, and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper hassle-free.

Ferry schedules

Heraklion (Crete) Athens (port of Piraeus) Trip frequency: Every day First trip: 07:00 Last trip: 23:59 Average duration: 9h 15m Price range: 36.00 € - 280.00 €
Athens (port of Piraeus) Heraklion (Crete) Trip frequency: Every day First trip: 07:30 Last trip: 23:59 Average duration: 8h 32m Price range: 2.00 € - 280.00 €
Ferry companies ANEK - SUPERFAST BLUE STAR FERRIES FAST FERRIES MINOAN LINES

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

The ferries that serve the route from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) are available every day throughout the year. In summer, you can find up to 4 crossings per day. The ferry companies that usually operate on this connection are Anek - SuperfastMinoan LinesFast Ferries and Blue Star Ferries.

Please note that ferry timetables are subject to change depending on the season. You can check real-time schedules and ferry ticket prices for the Heraklion - Athens (Piraeus) crossing on Ferryhopper. 

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

The Heraklion - Piraeus ferry connection is frequent throughout the whole year with increased ferry frequency in the high-season months.

The earliest ferry departs from Heraklion around 07:00, while the latest scheduled trip to Piraeus from Heraklion is just before midnight.

Ferry Tickets, Offers & Discounts

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

The Heraklion - Piraeus ferry tickets range from €36 to €70. The final ticket price depends on vehicle selection, discounts, offers, and seat type.

Offers

On Ferryhopper, you can find all available offers for the ferry trip to Athens (Piraeus) from Heraklion. Take a look at our ferry routes, find the best offers, and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper without any hidden fees.

For more info, make sure to check out our relevant blog post about cheap Greek ferry deals.

Discounts

When traveling from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus) by ferry, 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 indicative 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 4 years travel for free. However, keep in mind that available discounts may vary depending on the company you’re traveling with.

Ferry route info

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

The Heraklion - Piraeus ferry duration varies between approximately 8.5 hr and 9.5 hr. This depends on the type of vessel and the weather conditions.

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

Unfortunately, at this moment there are no fast ferries serving the Heraklion - Athens crossing. The fastest connection to Athens lasts 8.5 hr.

What's the distance between Heraklion and Athens (Piraeus)?

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

Ferry Trip Tips

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

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

  • The port of Heraklion can get crowded during summer. We recommend arriving at the port at least 1 hour in advance of your departure.
  • From the port of Piraeus, you can travel to more Greek islands. On our Map of Ferries, you can check all ferry connections from Piraeus and plan your trip step-by-step.
  • Check out more information about the port of Piraeus and learn how to best get there depending on your preferred mean of transport.
  • If you want more ideas about what to do in Athens, add our dedicated guide to your reading list!

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

The port of Heraklion is one of the main ports of Crete and is located next to the city center. Just a few meters away, there are amenities such as ATMs, gas stations, supermarkets, and pharmacies. 

Heraklion has public transport and the bus station is 10 min away from the port. The airport of Heraklion is about 5 km from the center and it is accessible either by bus (lines 1 and 78) or by taxi. 

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

Yes, you can transfer your vehicle on the ferry from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus), as vessels operating on the route are primarily conventional and offer plenty of garage spaces.

Ferry Luggage

Ferry companies like Anek - SuperfastMinoan LinesFast Ferries, and Blue Star Ferries, are usually quite flexible when it comes to 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 Piraeus.

Good to know: bear in mind that there is no check-in procedure for luggage items.

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

Cabins

Most vessels traveling to Piraeus from Heraklion offer cabins with beds. We recommend that you book a cabin well in advance to enjoy the crossing in privacy and comfort.

Pet travel

You can easily travel with your pet on the ferry from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus), depending on the company and type of vessel you've chosen for your trip. Make sure to carry along the necessary certificates, tickets and any pet supplies you may need for a pleasant ferry trip with your companion.

Book ferry tickets from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus)

You can easily book Piraeus ferry tickets on Ferryhopper. Find all available ferry crossings, compare companies, timetables and prices, and book your ferry to Piraeus from Heraklion online, easily and quickly.