Crete Ferry Tickets | Routes, Schedules & Online Booking

Crete ferry tickets and ferry schedules

Crete has several passenger ports, so choosing the right ferry route can save you considerable travelling time once you arrive on the island.

Heraklion serves central and eastern Crete, while Souda, near Chania, is the main gateway to the western part of the island. Sitia and Kissamos provide additional connections to other Greek destinations.

The main ferry services from Piraeus operate with conventional passenger and vehicle ferries. These vessels offer cabins, numbered seats, restaurants and garages.

Crete also has ferry connections with the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, Kythira and the Peloponnese.

On booktickets.gr, you can compare ferry departures, select your preferred port and book passenger or vehicle tickets online.

Which port in Crete should you choose?

Crete is Greece's largest island, extending a considerable distance from west to east. Arriving at the wrong port can mean several additional hours on the road.

If you are staying in Elounda or Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion is a practical arrival point.

For holidays around Balos Lagoon or Falassarna, arriving in western Crete will reduce your driving distance.

How much do ferry tickets to Crete cost?

Ferry ticket prices differ according to the route, ferry company, accommodation category and travel date.

For services departing from Piraeus, passengers can choose between economy accommodation, numbered airline-style seats and private cabins.

High-speed ferries connecting Crete with the Cyclades use different fare categories.

To find the cheapest available ferry ticket, compare departures for your preferred date and consider alternative arrival ports.

Families should calculate the total cost for all passengers, including children's fares and any applicable discounts.

Car ferry tickets and vehicle transportation

Conventional ferries operating the main Piraeus - Crete routes have vehicle garages for passenger cars, motorcycles and other vehicle categories.

When booking, you must enter the vehicle type and the required registration details.

Different fares may apply to larger vehicles, motorhomes, vans and cars carrying additional equipment.

For families planning an extended holiday, bringing their own car can be convenient. However, it is worth comparing the ferry fare with the cost of renting a vehicle after arriving in Crete.

Vehicle spaces can sell out during July and August, so early booking is recommended.

Piraeus - Heraklion: The main connection to central Crete

The Piraeus - Heraklion ferry route is one of the most important passenger connections between mainland Greece and Crete.

Companies serving this connection have included Minoan Lines and operators within the Attica Group.

Vessels associated with the route in different periods include Knossos Palace, Festos Palace and Blue Horizon.

These are large conventional ferries designed for longer journeys, with passenger cabins, seating areas, restaurants and vehicle garages.

Overnight departures are particularly convenient for travellers who want to arrive in Crete the following morning.

The exact vessel and departure schedule should be checked for the selected travel date.

Piraeus - Chania: Ferry connections to western Crete

The Piraeus - Chania ferry service arrives at Souda, the principal passenger port serving Chania.

ANEK Lines and Blue Star Ferries have operated services on this connection.

Ships associated with the route over different periods include Elyros, Kissamos and Blue Galaxy.

Souda is located east of Chania town. Passengers can continue their journey by local bus, taxi or private vehicle.

This route is suitable for families, travellers with cars and visitors planning to explore western Crete.

How long does the ferry to Crete take?

Journey times depend on the departure port, vessel type and intermediate stops.

The following published journey times and starting fares illustrate several connections:

These fares and journey times come from different published schedules and availability categories. They do not represent a single travel date.

The cheapest ferry is not necessarily the fastest. Compare the arrival time, total duration and ticket price before making your reservation.

Ferry routes from Crete to the Cyclades

Heraklion provides ferry connections to several Cycladic islands, including Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos and Syros.

Seajets operates high-speed services connecting Heraklion with Santorini and other Cycladic destinations.

Vessels used on these connections include WorldChampion Jet and Champions League Jet 1.

A published autumn schedule lists a departure from Heraklion at 08:00, arriving in Santorini at 09:55.

These services are useful for travellers planning island-hopping holidays without returning to Athens.

Rethymno has also been served by seasonal ferries to Santorini, including the high-speed Elite Jet.

This connection can be convenient for visitors staying in the Rethymno area who want to travel to the Cyclades without first reaching Heraklion.

Ferry connections from Sitia to the Dodecanese

Sitia is an important departure point for eastern Crete.

Ferry services connect the port with destinations including Kasos, Karpathos, Chalki and Rhodes.

These routes are served by conventional ferries on longer island connections.

They provide transport for local residents and offer an alternative for travellers planning to visit several islands in the southeastern Aegean.

Kissamos - Kythira - Antikythira - Peloponnese

Kissamos, in western Crete, offers a different ferry connection linking the island with Antikythira, Kythira, Gythio and Piraeus.

The Aqua Jewel, operated by Seajets, has served this route, with different port calls throughout the week.

This connection is useful for passengers travelling between western Crete, Kythira and the Peloponnese.

It is also an option for those who wish to transport a vehicle between these destinations.

Cabins, numbered seats and onboard facilities

Large conventional ferries operating from Piraeus offer different accommodation options.

Passengers can book interior cabins, exterior cabins or numbered airline-style seats.

For overnight journeys, a cabin provides greater privacy and a place to rest during the crossing.

High-speed ferries serving the Cyclades mainly offer seating categories rather than sleeping accommodation.

Vehicle garage availability should always be checked for the specific vessel.

Ferry ticket discounts and special offers

Ferry companies provide reduced fares for certain passenger categories.

These may include children, students, large families and other eligible travellers, subject to each company's conditions.

Some services to Crete have also offered a 20% return discount on selected overnight sailings when outward and return tickets are issued together and the relevant conditions are met.

Before booking, check the available ferry ticket offers and discounts.

How to book ferry tickets to Crete

On booktickets.gr, select your departure port, destination and preferred travel date.

Enter the number of passengers, children's ages and vehicle details if you are travelling with a car.

You can then compare available sailings, accommodation categories and ticket prices.

For ferry companies supporting electronic boarding, passengers can use an e-ticket on their mobile phone according to the operator's instructions.

Return ferry routes from Crete

The main ferry connections from Heraklion and Chania to Piraeus also operate in the return direction.

For smaller ports and seasonal connections, departure days may be different.

If you are travelling with a car or planning a short holiday, check return availability before finalising your accommodation.

Find all the ferry routes

Ferry connections from Crete to mainland Greece and the islands

Crete is connected by sea with Athens, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, Kythira and the Peloponnese.

Choosing the right departure port can significantly reduce driving time across the island.

Explore the available ferry destinations and ferry routes to plan your journey.

Useful tips for travelling to Crete by ferry

• Arrive at the port at least 1 hour before departure, or earlier when travelling with a vehicle, according to the ferry company's instructions.
• Check the arrival port before booking accommodation.
• For overnight journeys with children, consider booking a cabin.
• Enter the correct vehicle category and dimensions.
• Confirm your departure gate at Piraeus on the day of travel.
• Keep your travel documents and electronic ticket easily accessible.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can I travel to Crete with my pet?

Yes. Ferry companies allow pets under specific transport conditions. Some conventional ferries also provide pet-friendly cabins.

Can I take an electric car on the ferry?

Yes, subject to special safety regulations. Battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles must have a battery charge level not exceeding 40% when boarding.

Are ferries accessible to passengers with reduced mobility?

Large passenger ferries provide accessibility facilities. Contact the operator in advance to arrange any assistance required.

Can I bring a bicycle?

Bicycles can be transported on suitable vessels, subject to the ferry company's conditions.

What happens if a ferry cannot depart because of bad weather?

The departure may be suspended. The operator will inform passengers about rescheduling or refund options under the applicable rules.

Can I change my arrival port after booking?

Changing the destination depends on the ticket conditions. A new reservation and an additional fare payment may be required.

In summary

Crete is served by several ferry ports and routes, with the main connections operating between Piraeus, Heraklion and Chania.

Travellers can choose conventional ferries with cabins and vehicle garages, high-speed connections to the Cyclades and regional services to the Dodecanese, Kythira and the Peloponnese.

Before booking, compare arrival ports, journey times, passenger and vehicle fares, and return availability.

Content edited by: booktickets.gr