Ferry from Heraklion to Athens (Piraeus)

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 old travel for free. However, keep in mind that available discounts may vary depending on the company you’re traveling with.

You can find a variety of services on board conventional ferries from Heraklion to Athens (Pireus), including air-conditioned lounges, restaurant and snack bars, spacious outdoor decks, cabins, car decks, and desgnated areas for pets. Wi-Fi packages are also available on some vessels.

Cabins and accommodation

Most vessels traveling to Piraeus from Heraklion offer different types of cabins for up to 4 passengers. You usually have a choice between

• Standard inside cabins
• Outside cabins with a sea view
• Deluxe cabins with a double bed and sea view
• Wheelchair-accessible cabins with adapted amenities for travelers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins
• Shared cabins

Cabin prices normally start at around €59.

What type of seats are available?

In addition to standard deck/lounge seats and cabins, you can also book numbered reclining seats and seats in the business/VIP lounge. These seats are available on both conventional and high-speed ferries, typically offer more space, and are in a quieter lounge.

Prices for numbered seats start at €45, while business/VIP seats cost from around €60.

Accessibility

The ferries traveling from Crete to Athens are generally accessible to travelers with disabilities, featuring ramps and elevators, accessible seating areas, and cabins with adapted amenities.

Boarding assistance is typically available upon request and prior notification to the ferry company before your journey.

Note: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Luggage

Ferry companies like Minoan Lines, Seajets 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.

Traveling with pets

You can travel with your pet on the ferry from Heraklion to Piraeus in Athens, usually for free, provided you include it in your booking.

Make sure to carry along the necessary health certificates, tickets, and any pet supplies you may need for your trip.

Good to know: for more details on what to expect, check out our guide on ferry travel with pets in Greece.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

On the high-speed catamarans, your pet can stay with you, while on the conventional ferries, you also have the option of booking a pet-friendly cabin or a space in the onboard kennels.

Most ferries have designated pet-friendly areas, however pets are generally not allowed in standard cabins, lounges or dining areas. During the trip, smaller pets must be kept in their carrier, while larger pets must wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash.

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

• Heraklion is a major port in Greece and gets very busy, especially in the summer, so it’s best to be there at least 1 hr in advance. If you’re traveling with a vehicle, it’s best to arrive 2 hr ahead of your ferry’s departure.
• The Aegean can get a bit choppy, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness medication for the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• The ferries from Crete to Athens often travel overnight, so consider booking a cabin for greater privacy and comfort. Alternatively, on most ferries you can also book a VIP or numbered reclining seat to stretch out.
• 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.
• Remember to also book your return tickets from Athens to Crete in advance, especially if you are traveling with a vehicle or want to book a cabin.
• From Heraklion, you can also travel by ferry to many islands in the Cyclades and Dodecanese, including Santorini, Naxos, Paros and Rhodes. For more details on routes, companies and ticket prices, take a look at the Heraklion ferry schedules.

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

Ferries to Athens depart from the port of Heraklion, the busiest and largest harbor in Crete, on the northern coast of the island. The port is just 5 km from Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" and within walking distance of the city’s main bus station and the Koules Fortress.

Most ferries for Piraeus use the docks located on the eastern side of the central harbor (Pier 1 and Pier 2), though it is always wise to check your booking confirmation for the specific gate.

At the port, you will find air-conditioned waiting areas, cafés, and luggage lockers, and nearby there are many more traveler amenities, such as cafes, restaurants, shops, and parking facilities.

How to get to the port of Heraklion

• On foot: if you are staying in the center of Heraklion, the port is a 15-20 min walk from the Lion’s Square (Morosini Fountain).
• By car: you can easily reach the port in Heraklion via the BOAK (National Road) from Rethymno or Agios Nikolaos.
• By bus: the local blue buses (Astiko KTEL) connect the port with the city center and the airport. Line 1 and Line 6 are the most frequent routes, with travel times from the airport taking about 15-20 min.
• By taxi: a taxi ride from the airport usually takes about 10 min, depending on traffic.

Where does the ferry arrive in Athens?

Ferries from Heraklion, in Crete, arrive in Piraeus, the main port of Athens and the largest in Greece. Typically, ferries dock at gates E2 and E3, however gate assignments can change depending on port traffic, so check the information on your ticket and the electronic boards when you arrive.

The port of Piraeus is about 15 km from downtown Athens and around 45 km from Athens International Airport. Around the gate and wider area, you’ll find waiting areas, snack bars, ticket offices, toilets, tourist information desks, taxi ranks, cafés, shops, ATMs, and public transport stops.

Traveling onwards from Piraeus

• Metro: the Athens Metro Lines 1 and 3 serve the port directly, with Line 1 linking to central Athens and Line 3 connecting through to the airport and city center.
• Bus: several city and regional bus lines stop near the port, including direct options to key hubs, with the X96 bus linking the port directly with Athens International Airport around the clock.
• Taxi: taxi ranks are available at the port, with journeys to central Athens taking about 15-35 min depending on traffic, while a ride to the airport can last 45 min to 1 hr.