Ferry Athens (Piraeus) → Heraklion (Crete) 🇬🇷🇬🇷
OperatorsSEAJETS, Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, Minoan Lines
Durationaround 8 h by high-speed, 9-10 h overnight
Frequencyseveral daily departures in summer
Pricefrom €33
The Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion crossing is the main gateway to Crete, served daily through the summer by SEAJETS high-speed catamarans, Blue Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways, and Minoan Lines. Choose a fast day sailing of around eight hours aboard the Worldchampion Jet, or settle into a comfortable overnight ferry of roughly nine to ten hours with cabins to wake up rested in Crete. Cars, motorbikes and campers are welcome on the conventional ships, and pets travel too in dedicated kennels, pet-friendly cabins or carriers. Whether you are island-hopping the Cyclades, heading for the beaches and ancient palaces of Crete, or visiting family, it is a reliable, scenic Aegean route.
Operators on this route
- SEAJETS
- Blue Star Ferries
- Hellenic Seaways
- Minoan Lines
How to book your ferry
- Pick your date and number of passengers.
- Compare operators, schedules and fares in real time.
- Add a vehicle, cabin or pet if needed, then pay online securely.
Good to know
- Vehicles (car, motorbike, motorhome) accepted on most departures.
- Cabins and reclining seats available for overnight crossings.
- Pets welcome depending on the operator.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does the ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion take?
- It depends on the ship. The SEAJETS high-speed catamaran does the daytime crossing in around 8 hours (departing morning, arriving late afternoon), while the Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways and Minoan Lines overnight ferries take roughly 9 to 10 hours, leaving Piraeus in the evening and arriving in Heraklion early the next morning.
- Which companies operate the Athens to Heraklion route?
- Three operators sail this route: SEAJETS with its high-speed catamaran (Worldchampion Jet), Blue Star Ferries / Hellenic Seaways (Nissos Rodos), and Minoan Lines (Knossos Palace). All offer e-tickets.
- Can I take my car or a pet on the ferry to Crete?
- Yes. The conventional overnight ferries carry cars, motorbikes and campers, and vehicles are not mandatory if you travel on foot. Pets are also accepted, with options including kennels, pet-friendly cabins or carriers depending on the ship.
- Should I book a cabin and how far ahead?
- For the overnight sailings a cabin is well worth it to arrive rested in Crete, with interior and window cabins available from Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways and Minoan Lines. Summer crossings to Crete are very popular, so book early, especially for cabins and vehicle space in July and August.