Santorini to Crete by Ferry in 2026: Fast or Slow Ferry, Prices and Day Trips
By Photis · Updated 25 October 2026
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How the Santorini to Crete ferry works in 2026: fast catamaran or conventional ferry, crossing times, prices, Athinios port tips and day trips from Crete.
Santorini and Crete are about 120 km apart, and ferries run between them all year. The crossing links Athinios, Santorini's ferry port, with Heraklion, Crete's capital. This guide covers the fast and slow options in 2026, what they cost, how to get to the port, and whether a day trip from Crete to Santorini is worth it.
Prices and times below were checked on 25 October 2026 against current ferry timetables. Fares change with the season, so check the live price before you buy.
Fast ferry or conventional ferry?
| SeaJets fast catamaran | Blue Star Ferries | |
|---|---|---|
| Crossing time | About 1 h 35 min to 1 h 50 min | About 2 h 50 min to 3 h 10 min |
| One-way price | From about €93 | Deck from €15, numbered seat from about €17.50 |
| Cabins | No | From about €51 |
| Vehicles | Cars and motorbikes | Cars from about €60, motorbikes, camper vans |
| Best for | Saving time | Saving money, travelling with a car, windy days |
Take the fast ferry if your time is short. Take Blue Star if you are on a budget, travelling with a car or prone to seasickness: big conventional ferries ride out strong wind better than fast catamarans.
Timetable and season
Ferries sail all year. In summer there are up to three crossings a day, about 16 a week from June to September and about 11 a week from October to May. In November 2026, for example, Blue Star sails two days a week and SeaJets five.
Departures from Santorini are in the afternoon and late evening: the earliest usually leaves around 15:45 and the last around midnight. Check the exact times for your date before you plan the rest of the day.
Ticket prices in 2026
| Ticket | One-way price per person |
|---|---|
| Blue Star deck | From €15 |
| Blue Star numbered seat | From about €17.50 |
| Blue Star cabin | From about €51 |
| SeaJets fast ferry | From about €93 to €100 |
| Car on Blue Star | From about €60 |
| Motorbike on Blue Star | From about €12 |
On the conventional ferry, a family of four with a car pays from about €100 to €110 one way.
Getting to Athinios port
Athinios is Santorini's only port for passenger ferries, about 7.5 km from Fira on the island's southwest side. It is small, and from June to August it gets crowded and hot.
- Bus from Fira: under €3, about 25 minutes. Buy the ticket from the driver. Summer buses are crowded.
- Taxi or pre-booked transfer: about 20 minutes by car. Taxis are scarce in peak season, so book a transfer ahead.
- From Oia: there is no direct bus. Take the bus to Fira and change, or allow about 40 minutes by car.
Get to the port at least an hour before departure, more if you have a car. With an e-ticket, show the QR code on your phone when you board.
Arriving in Heraklion
Heraklion's port is next to the city centre, so you can walk into the old town or take a short taxi ride to your hotel. If you are flying home from Crete, Heraklion airport is about 5 km away: see our Crete airports guide.
Can you do a day trip from Crete to Santorini?
Yes. Organised day trips leave Heraklion and Rethymno ports at 8:00 by fast ferry, with hotel pickups from about 5:40. You get a guided bus tour with free time in Oia and Fira, an optional volcano boat trip from mid-May, and the ferry back to Crete in the evening.
Expect a long day of 10 to 14 hours, with about 2.5 hours on the ferry each way. It is worth it if Santorini is a must-see and you only have time for one island. Otherwise, stay at least one night.
Santorini: Ferry Between Santorini and Heraklion, Crete
A one-way SeaJets e-ticket between Athinios port and Heraklion, about 1 hour 40 minutes. Daily departures from April to October. Non-refundable, so book once your dates are fixed.
From Crete: Santorini Guided Day Trip with Ferry Tickets
Fast ferry from Heraklion or Rethymno at 8:00, a guided bus tour with free time in Oia and Fira, and an optional volcano boat trip from mid-May. Hotel pickup is available. A long day of 10 to 14 hours.
Booking tips
- Book ahead from June to September. Fast ferries and cabins sell out.
- Compare all sailings on Ferryhopper, or book directly with SeaJets or Blue Star Ferries.
- Check the cancellation rules. Some fast-ferry tickets are non-refundable.
- Leave a buffer before a flight. In strong winds, especially when the meltemi blows in July and August, fast catamarans can be delayed or cancelled.
Plan the rest of your trip
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ferry from Santorini to Crete?
The SeaJets fast catamaran takes about 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes. The Blue Star conventional ferry takes about 3 hours.
How much does the ferry from Santorini to Crete cost?
Blue Star deck tickets start at €15 and cabins at about €51. SeaJets fast ferry tickets start at about €93. A car costs from about €60 on Blue Star.
Does the Santorini to Crete ferry run all year?
Yes. There are up to three crossings a day in summer and fewer in winter. In November 2026, Blue Star sails two days a week and SeaJets five.
Which port in Crete does the ferry from Santorini arrive at?
Heraklion, Crete's capital. The port is next to the city centre and about 5 km from Heraklion airport.
Can I do a day trip from Crete to Santorini?
Yes. Organised day trips leave Heraklion and Rethymno at 8:00 by fast ferry, visit Oia and Fira, and return in the evening. Expect a long day of 10 to 14 hours.
How do I get to Athinios port in Santorini?
Take the bus from Fira, which costs under €3 and takes about 25 minutes, or a taxi or pre-booked transfer, about 20 minutes. Arrive at least an hour before departure, as the port is small and busy in summer.
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