Athens to Crete by Ferry in 2026: Routes, Crossing Times and Prices
By Photis · Updated 24 October 2026
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How the Athens to Crete ferries work in 2026: which port to choose, overnight crossing times, deck and cabin prices, getting to Piraeus and when flying makes more sense.
Ferries from Athens to Crete leave Piraeus every evening, all year round. You board around 9 pm, sleep on the way and wake up in Heraklion or Chania. This guide covers how the crossing works in 2026, what it costs, which port to choose and when flying makes more sense.
Prices, crossing times and gates below were checked on 24 October 2026 against current ferry timetables. Fares change with the season and how early you book, so always check the live price before you buy.
Ferry or flight?
| Ferry | Flight | |
|---|---|---|
| Time on board | 8 to 9.5 hours (fastest summer sailing about 7 h 50 min) | About 50 minutes |
| When | Mostly overnight, about 21:00 to 06:00 | Several flights a day |
| Leaves from | Piraeus port | Athens Airport |
| One-way price | Deck from about €33, cabin bed from about €59 | Varies a lot by date |
| Car | Yes, from about €81 one way | No |
Take the ferry if you are travelling with a car or a lot of luggage, or if you want to save a hotel night by sleeping on board. Fly if you are short on time or you land at Athens Airport and want to go straight on: Piraeus is 60 to 90 minutes from the airport by public transport.
Heraklion or Chania: which port?
| Heraklion | Chania (Souda port) | |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry companies | Minoan Lines, Blue Star Ferries/ANEK, SeaJets in summer | Blue Star Ferries/ANEK |
| How often | Up to 5 crossings a day in high season, all year | At least one a day, overnight |
| Crossing time | About 7 h 50 min to 9.5 h | About 8 to 9 h |
| Usual departure from Piraeus | Around 21:00 or later | 22:00 |
| Arrival | Around 06:00 to 07:00 | Early morning |
| Port location | Next to the city centre | About 6 km from Chania town |
Choose the port nearest to where you are staying. For the west of the island (Chania, Rethymno, Balos, Elafonisi, Falassarna), sail to Chania. For the centre and east (Heraklion, Knossos, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda), sail to Heraklion. If your dates are tight, Heraklion gives you more sailings to choose from.
Crossing times and departures
Most Crete ferries sail overnight. They leave Piraeus at around 21:00 to 22:00 and arrive at about 06:00 to 07:00, so you lose no daylight. On the Heraklion route, Blue Star Ferries takes about 8.5 hours and Minoan Lines about 9.5 hours. In summer SeaJets runs a faster daytime crossing of about 7 hours 50 minutes, and in the busiest weeks of July and August there are extra afternoon sailings.
The route is 173 nautical miles (about 320 km) of open sea. Large conventional ferries handle strong winds better than fast catamarans, which are more likely to be delayed or cancelled when the meltemi wind blows in July and August.
Ticket prices in 2026
| Ticket | One-way price per person |
|---|---|
| Deck seat to Heraklion | From about €33 (Blue Star Ferries/ANEK), €40 to €44 (Minoan Lines) |
| Economy seat to Chania | About €52.50 |
| Numbered airline-type seat | About €60 on the Chania route |
| Bed in a cabin | From about €59 |
| Cabin on the Chania route | From about €86, more for outside cabins |
| SeaJets fast crossing | From about €90 |
| Car | From about €81 |
| Motorbike | From about €28.50 |
The cheapest fares start at €27.50 on quiet dates. Prices rise in July and August and at weekends.
Deck, seat or cabin?
- Deck or economy seat: the cheapest option. You can sit in the indoor lounges or outside, but on an overnight crossing you will not sleep much.
- Airline-type seat: a numbered reclining seat in a quieter lounge. Better than the deck, but still not a bed.
- Cabin: the best way to do an overnight crossing. You get a bed, you arrive rested, and you save a hotel night.
Getting to Piraeus port
Crete ferries usually leave from gates E2 and E3 at Piraeus. Check the gate on your ticket, as it can change. The metro station is at Gate E5, and a free shuttle bus runs inside the port for ferry passengers.
- From central Athens: take metro Line 1 (green) from Omonoia or Monastiraki, or Line 3 (blue) from Syntagma or Monastiraki, to Piraeus. It takes about 25 minutes from Syntagma.
- From Athens Airport: metro Line 3 to Piraeus takes about an hour and costs €9. The X96 bus costs €5.50, takes about 90 minutes and runs 24 hours a day.
- By taxi or private transfer: the easiest option with luggage or late at night. See our private transfers.
Get to the port at least an hour before departure, or 90 minutes if you are taking a car. Vehicle loading closes 30 to 45 minutes before sailing.
Arriving in Crete
- Heraklion: the port is next to the city centre, so you can walk into the old town or take a taxi to your hotel.
- Chania (Souda): Souda port is about 6 km from Chania town. Take a taxi or the local bus into town.
If you are renting a car, ask the rental company whether they can meet you at the port.
For a fixed price from the port to your hotel, book a private transfer before you sail. It is worth it with luggage or children, as ferries dock at about 6 to 7 am.
Heraklion Airport & Port Transfer to / from Agios Nikolaos
A fixed-price private transfer in a Mercedes minivan from Heraklion airport or port to your hotel in Agios Nikolaos, about 50 minutes. Waiting time is free if your flight or luggage is late, and baby seats are free if you ask when booking.
Crete: Private Transfer to and from Chania Airports and Port
A private car or minivan from Chania or Heraklion airport, or Souda port, to Chania town, Rethymno and resorts across the west of the island, with water on board.
How to book
Book on the ferry companies' own websites (Minoan Lines, Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets) or compare all of them on Ferryhopper. Tickets are electronic, so you can show the QR code on your phone when you board.
- July to mid-August: book a cabin about two months ahead. Weekend sailings sell out first.
- Spring and autumn: two to four weeks ahead is usually enough.
- Winter: the Heraklion route runs all year and tickets rarely sell out.
Plan the rest of your Crete trip
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ferry from Athens to Crete?
Most ferries take 8 to 9.5 hours. Overnight ferries leave Piraeus around 21:00 to 22:00 and arrive around 06:00 to 07:00. In summer, SeaJets' faster crossing to Heraklion takes about 7 hours 50 minutes.
How much does the ferry from Athens to Crete cost?
A deck seat to Heraklion starts at about €33 one way, and an economy seat to Chania is about €52.50. A bed in a cabin starts at about €59, and a car adds about €81 or more. Expect higher prices in July, August and at weekends.
Should I take the ferry or fly to Crete?
Fly if you are short on time or arriving at Athens Airport, since the flight takes about 50 minutes. Take the overnight ferry if you have a car or a lot of luggage, or want to save a hotel night by sleeping on board.
Should I sail to Heraklion or Chania?
Pick the port nearest your hotel. Chania suits the west of the island, including Rethymno, Balos and Elafonisi. Heraklion suits the centre and east, including Knossos, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, and has more sailings.
Do I need to book the ferry to Crete in advance?
From July to mid-August, book a cabin about two months ahead, as weekend sailings sell out first. In spring and autumn, two to four weeks ahead is usually enough. Deck tickets are easier to find at short notice.
Which gate do Crete ferries leave from at Piraeus?
Usually gates E2 and E3. Check your ticket, as gates can change. The metro station is at Gate E5, and a free shuttle bus runs inside the port for ferry passengers.
Can I take my car on the ferry to Crete?
Yes. The overnight ferries carry cars, from about €81 one way. Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure, as vehicle loading closes 30 to 45 minutes before sailing.
About Photis
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