Ferry from Heraklion (Crete) to Santorini

Take advantage of the available discounts and travel by ferry from Heraklion (Crete) to Santorini with lower-cost ferry tickets. The ferry companies offer discounts up to 50% to the following passenger categories:

• Children from 5 to 12 years old
• Members of large families
• 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.

The Heraklion - Santorini route is operated by both conventional ferries designed for long-haul travel, as well as high-speed catamarans that prioritize speed.

The conventional ferries serving the route, such as the Blue Star Chios and Diagoras, are generally more spacious and offer a wide range of modern amenities, including:

• Air-conditioned lounges and outer decks
• Snack bars, cafés, and restaurants (à la carte and self-service)
• Gift shops and kiosks
• Playrooms for children

On high-speed catamarans, such as the Champions League Jet 1 and Express Jet, you can expect more basic amenities and services, such as:

• Air-conditioned lounges with TVs
• Cafés and snack bars

All ferries generally have a Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected during the trip, with a range of data bundles available to suit your needs, as well as car decks for transporting vehicles.

Accessibility

The vessels operating the Heraklion - Santorini ferry route are generally accessible to travelers with disabilities, featuring ramps and elevators, accessible seating areas, and adapted cabins with wider doorways and accessible bathrooms.

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.

Cabins and accommodation

What seats can I book?

In addition to standard deck/lounge seats, you can also book numbered reclining seats, as well as seats in the VIP or business-class lounge. These seats are in air-conditioned lounges and typically have extra legroom, making them ideal for stretching out during the trip. 

Prices for numbered seats start at around €17.50, while premium seats in the VIP and business lounge are priced from around €107 and €129 respectively.

Can I book a cabin?

Yes, on the conventional ferries operated by Blue Star Ferries from Santorini to Heraklion in Athens, you can book a cabin for 1-4 passengers. Typically, you have a choice between:

• Standard interior cabins
• Exterior cabins (with a sea view)
• Cabins for passengers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins
• Shared cabins

Cabin prices start at around €51.

Luggage

Greek ferry companies are usually quite flexible when it comes to luggage size and weight. Both  Blue Star Ferries  and Seajets allow you to bring up to 50 kg of baggage, which you can keep next to you or store in the designated luggage area on the ferry to Santorini.

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

Pet travel

You can bring your pet with you on ferries from Heraklion to Santorini, usually for free, provided you include it in your booking.

Make sure you bring along your pet’s health and travel documents, as well as tickets and pet supplies you may need for the trip.

For more details, take a look at our guide on pet travel by ferry in Greece.

Where do pets stay?

When traveling with the high-speed catamarans of Seajets, your pet can stay with you, while on the conventional ferries operated by Blue Star Ferries you also have the option of booking a space in the onboard kennels or a pet-friendly cabin.

The ferries have designated walking 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 (Crete) to Santorini:

• The port of Heraklion can get crowded during the summer so we recommend that you arrive at the port at least 1 hr in advance. If you are traveling with a vehicle, it's best to be there 1.5-2 hr ahead of your ferry's departure.
• The sea 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.
• If you are planning to stay in Santorini for longer, we recommend that you book accommodation as early as possible (about 3-4 months in advance).
• You can also get to Santorini from the ports of Rethymnon and Sitia. Check out the Crete - Santorini ferry route for more info.
• For your return trip, book your tickets on the Santorini - Heraklion ferry in advance, for peace of mind.
• For detailed information on all available ferry routes, as well as offers, ticket prices, and timetables, check out our Santorini ferry schedule page!

How do you get from Heraklion (Crete) to Santorini?

You can get from Crete to Santorini by ferry all year round. During the summer, there are up to 3 ferries per day from the port of Heraklion to Santorini. During the winter, there are usually 2 weekly ferries from Crete to Santorini.

Where in Crete do you take the ferry to Santorini?

Ferries to Santorini normally set sail from the port of Heraklion, on the northern coast of Crete. 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.

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 Santorini?

Ferries from Crete arrive at Athinios port, also known as the New Port or Thira Port. This is the main passenger ferry port of Santorini and is located on the southwest side of the island, below the caldera cliffs. The port is about 8 km south of the capital town of Fira and 9 km from Santorini’s airport.

While relatively small, it can become quite crowded during peak season, with a passenger terminal, cafés, minimarkets, travel and ferry offices, car-rental desks, buses, taxis, and private-transfer services.

Public buses usually connect Athinios with Fira after ferry arrivals; from Fira, you can continue by bus to Oia, the airport and other parts of the island. There are taxis and that offer services to the port, but it's a good idea to book your ride in advance, especially in the summer months when it gets very busy.

Santorini is the perfect starting point for island hopping in the Cyclades:

• Santorini - Naxos (1 hr - 2.5 hr)
• Santorini - Mykonos (2 hr - 3.5 hr)
• Santorini - Paros (1 hr 45 min - 3.5 hr)
• Santorini - Milos (2 hr - 5 hr)