Ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Crete

Tickets, prices & schedules

Ferries to Crete from Athens run all year round with up to 8 daily crossings. Ferries depart from gates E2 and E3 at the port of Piraeus and travel to 4 ports in Crete: Heraklion, Chania, Sitia, and Kissamos. The trip duration ranges from as little as 8 hr and ticket prices start at around € 22.4.

Seajets, Minoan Lines, Anek Lines, Hellenic Seaways, and Blue Star Ferries serve the routes from Athens to Crete with both conventional ferries and high-speed catamarans. Find up-to-date info, compare ferry timetables, companies and prices for 2026, and book your Athens to Crete ferry on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.

Discounts

Take advantage of the available discounts and travel by ferry from Athens to Crete with lower-cost ferry tickets. The ferry companies offer discounts 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
  • ISIC card holders
  • People with disabilities and their accompanying persons
  • Senior travelers

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.

On-board services and amenities

The Athens to Crete ferry routes are mainly served by conventional vessels, while there are also some high-speed ferries operating on the Piraeus - Heraklion and Piraeus - Rethymno connections.

On board the ferries, you can find modern amenities, including air-conditioned lounges, restaurant and snack bars, spacious decks, cabins, car decks, and desgnated areas for pets.

On Minoan Lines, Seajets, and Hellenic Seawas ferries, there are also Wi-Fi packages available.

Cabins and accommodation

Most conventional ferries running from Athens (Piraeus) to Crete have cabins. Note that there are 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-bed cabin options, while you can also book a bed in a shared cabin. Cabin prices normally start at around €60.

Alternatively, you can opt for an airplane-type standard seat to travel more comfortbly. On Seajets and Hellenic Seaways ferries, there are also business and VIP seating options, respectively.

Luggage

You can normally carry up to 50 kg of luggage on the Athens to Crete ferry.

However, note that Greek ferry companies are usually quite flexible regarding luggage size and weight, and that there is normally no check-in procedure for luggage items.

Traveling with pets

You can travel with your pet on all ferries to Crete from Athens, usually for free, provided you include it your booking.

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

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

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

Depending on the route, company and vessel, you can either keep your pet with you, you can reserve a place in the on-board kennels, or you can book a pet-friendly cabin.

Generally, pets are allowed only on outside passenger decks or in designated pet areas. During the trip, smaller pets must be kept in a suitable carrier, while larger pets wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash.

Useful tips for your ferry trip to Crete from Athens

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

  • The port of Piraeus can get quite busy in the summer, so we recommend that you arrive at least 1 hr prior to departure.
  • Summer ferry rides can be bumpy. There is nothing to worry about, but if you feel seasick you can ask the ferry crew for some aspirin or carry with you anti-nausea pills. 
  • The port of Heraklion, which is the largest in Crete, as well as more ports on the island, are great starting points for island hopping in the Aegean Sea! You can travel by ferry to Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, and more islands in Greece. Check our Map of ferries to discover island-hopping options and plan your itinerary on Ferryhopper. 

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

You can catch the ferry to Crete 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 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 from Athens to Crete normally depart from Piraeus Gates E2 and E3. We suggest that you always check your ticket for more information on departure gates, as they can change.

How long is the ferry ride from Athens (port of Piraeus) to Crete?

The duration of the Athens - Piraeus ferry trip ranges from 7 hr 50 min to 17 hr, depending on the route, vessel type and company. Here are indicative travel times for each ferry route:

Related posts from our blog

Golden sunset over the white volcanic rock formations of Sarakiniko beach in Milos, Greece
Fri, 17 April 2026
Islands near Crete
 The old port of Chania on sunrise, Crete, Greece
Wed, 4 September 2024
Day trips from Crete to other islands
 Aerial view of the city of Chania with the old harbor and the famous lighthouse, Crete, Greece
Tue, 30 April 2024
The fastest ferry to Crete
 Firopotamos village with white-and-blue fishermen's houses in Milos island, Cyclades, Greece
Wed, 10 April 2024
Athens - Milos - Heraklion ferry by Minoan Lines 2024

FAQs

Yes, you can travel with a vehicle on the majority of the ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Crete.

Prices start at around €70 for transporting a car, around €30 for a motorbike and €150 for a camper van.

Important: when traveling with a vehicle, it is important to be at the port at least 1.5 hr before your ferry is scheduled to depart, for a smooth boarding process.

 

Yes, the Athens - Crete ferry routes are served by both high-speed catamarans and conventional ferries. The fastest ferry to Crete reaches the port of Heraklion in just under 8 hr.

The distance between the port of Piraeus and Crete ranges between 145 nautical miles (269 km) and 200 nautical miles (370 km), depending on your destination. Here are indicative sailing distances for each route:

  • Piraeus - Heraklion: around 175 nautical miles (about 332 km)
  • Piraeus - Chania: approximately 159 km (roughly 277 km)
  • Piraeus - Sitia: about 200 nautical miles (around 370 km)
  • Piraeus - Kissamos: about 145 nautical miles (around 269 km)

Yes, maνy ferries from Piraeus to Crete travel overnight. The last ferry of the day normally sets sail between 23:59 and 01:00.

When booking your Athens - Crete ferry 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.

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.

Related ferry schedules

Piraeus
Piraeus
 Ferries Crete
Ferries Crete

More ferry routes

Adamantas – Crete (all)
Book your ferry tickets