Ferry from Santorini to Heraklion (Crete)

Take advantage of the available discounts and travel by ferry from Santorini to Heraklion (Crete) with lower-cost ferry tickets. The ferry companies offer discounts of 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 5 years travel for free. However, keep in mind that available discounts may vary depending on the company you’re traveling with.

The Santorini - Heraklion route is served by a mix of conventional ferries, such as the Blue Star Chios, and high-speed catamarans such as the Worldchampion Jet and Champions League Jet 2.
The conventional ferries are designed for long-haul travel and are more spacious, offering 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

The high-speed catamarans prioritize speed and offer 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 ferries serving the Santorini - Heraklion (Crete) 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

Ferry companies like Blue Star Ferries  and Seajets 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 Heraklion.

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 bring your pet with you on ferries from Santorini to Heraklion in Crete, 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 Santorini to Heraklion (Crete):

• The port of Santorini can get crowded during the summer so we recommend that you arrive at the port at least 1 hr in advance to avoid queuing. If you are traveling with a vehicle, it's best to be there at least 1.5-2 hr ahead of departure.
• The Aegean 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.
• You can also travel by ferry to Crete on the Santorini - Rethymno and Santorini- Sitia ferries.
• For your return trip, make sure you book your Heraklion - Santrorini ferry tickets well in advance, especially if traveling with a vehicle.
• From Santorini you can also travel by ferry to many islands in the Cyclades, including Mykonos, Paros and Naxos. For more details on routes, ferry companies and ticket prices, take a look at the Santorini ferry schedules.

How do you get from Santorini to Heraklion, Crete?

Ferries to Crete depart from Athinios port, the main passenger port of Santorini. While relatively small, it can become quite crowded during peak season. Athinios is located in the southwestern side of the island, about 8 km from the capital town of Fira.

There are taxis and public buses that offer services to the port. Check our blog for a helpful guide for the port of Santorini.

How to get to the port of Santorini

• By car: you can reach the port via the main island road toward the Athinios cliff descent. 
• By bus: The local KTEL public buses run regular routes from the central station in Fira directly down to Athinios Port, with the trip taking 20 to 25 min and bus schedules usually aligned with ferry departures and arrivals.
• By taxi: a taxi ride from Fira takes around 25 min and from Oia around 45 min. As there is a limited number of licensed taxis servicing the island, pre-booking a private transfer or shuttle service online is highly recommended.  

Where does the ferry arrive in Heraklion?

Ferries from Santorini typically dock at the port of Heraklion, which is located about 2 km from the center of the city. The airport of Heraklion “Nikos Kazantzakis” is about 4 km from the port, accessible either by city bus (lines 1 and 78) or by taxi. The regional bus station of Heraklion is located 700 m (10 min walk) from the port.

In the area around the port, you will find many cafes, restaurants, city landmarks and traveler amenities, such as ATMs, shops, car rental agencies, taxis and public buses.

Santorini is an ideal starting point for island hopping in the Cyclades and Crete. Here are indicative times for some of the most popular routes:

• Santorini - Naxos (1 hr - 2.5 hr)
• Santorini - Mykonos (2 hr - 3.5 hr)
• Santorini - Paros (1 hr 45 min - 3.5 hr)
• Santorini - Heraklion (1.5 hr - 3 hr)
• Santorini - Ios (35 min - 1 hr 15 min)