Heraklion - Ios: Ferry tickets and routes

Heraklion - Ios: Ferry tickets and schedules

Travelling from Heraklion, Crete to Ios allows passengers to reach the Cyclades without travelling through Piraeus.

The connection is particularly useful for visitors planning to combine a holiday in Crete with a stay on Ios.

Published passenger fares start at €89, while car transportation starts at €89.70. The shortest reported journey takes 3 hours.

The route is associated with Seajets and Fast Ferries, with three weekly departures listed in the referenced schedule.

Some services include a stop in Santorini, while direct connections have also been published. Availability varies by travel date.

On booktickets.gr, you can compare departures, check available seats and book passenger and vehicle tickets online.

How much do Heraklion - Ios ferry tickets cost?

The lowest published one-way passenger fare starts at €89 for an adult.

Two adults travelling without a vehicle pay from €178.

High-speed ferries offer numbered seating, with different prices for the available accommodation categories.

Travellers looking for the lowest fare should compare departures before choosing a ticket.

Families should also check child discounts and any special fares available for their booking.

Car ferry ticket prices

Vehicle tickets are charged separately from passenger tickets.

Bringing your own car can make travelling around Ios easier, especially if you plan to visit beaches away from the main settlements.

However, vehicle spaces on high-speed ferries are limited. Booking early is recommended during the summer.

How long is the ferry journey?

The shortest published crossing takes 3 hours.

High-speed vessels connect Crete with the Cyclades, reducing travel time compared with longer conventional ferry journeys.

Selected departures call at Santorini before continuing to Ios.

When comparing services, check the total journey duration rather than choosing solely by departure time.

A ferry leaving later may still arrive earlier if its scheduled journey is shorter.

Ferry companies, vessels and weekly departures

The referenced schedule lists 3 departures per week.

Frequency changes throughout the year. Connections between Crete and the Cyclades are more frequent during the main tourist season and more limited outside it.

The Seajets fleet includes WorldChampion Jet and Champions League Jet 1, which operate services connecting Heraklion with destinations in the Cyclades.

The specific vessel assigned to Heraklion - Ios should be checked when booking.

Departure times are not fixed throughout the year. The earliest and latest available sailings depend on the selected travel date.

Departure from Heraklion port

Ferries depart from the passenger port of Heraklion, close to the city centre.

Passengers travelling without a vehicle should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

Those bringing a car should allow 60 minutes for vehicle boarding procedures.

The exact boarding location and departure gate should be confirmed on the day of travel.

Heraklion port is accessible by taxi, local transport and road connections from other parts of Crete.

Arrival at Ios port

Ferries arrive at Gialos, the main passenger port of Ios.

The port is a short distance from Chora, the island's principal town.

Local buses and taxis connect the port with Chora and other areas, including Mylopotas.

Gialos Beach is also close to the harbour, making the port area convenient for travellers staying nearby.

Seats, onboard facilities and discounts

High-speed ferries operating Cyclades connections offer numbered seats, indoor passenger lounges and facilities for travellers.

The Power Jet of Seajets and Thunder of Fast Ferries have been associated with the route. Both are high-speed vessels with vehicle transport facilities.

Cabins are not offered for the referenced connection. Passengers choose from the available seating categories.

Eligible students holding a valid Greek student card or an accepted ISIC card may receive discounts of up to 50%, subject to company conditions.

Special fares may also be available for children and other eligible passenger categories.

Check the latest ferry ticket offers and discounts before completing your reservation.

Return ferries from Ios to Heraklion

The return journey has its own timetable, and departure days may differ from the outward crossing.

If you are planning a short stay on Ios, check return availability before confirming your accommodation.

You can select both travel dates on booktickets.gr and compare available ferry options.

Alternative routes via Santorini

If a suitable Heraklion - Ios sailing is unavailable, consider travelling via Santorini.

This involves two separate ferry journeys: Heraklion - Santorini and Santorini - Ios.

Allow enough time between connections at Athinios port, particularly when travelling with a vehicle.

Find all the routes

Ferry connections from Heraklion to the Cyclades

Heraklion is also connected with other Cycladic destinations, including Santorini, Naxos, Paros and Mykonos.

These routes are useful for travellers planning to visit several islands during the same holiday.

Explore the available ferry routes before planning your itinerary.

Useful tips before travelling

• Reserve vehicle space early during the summer.
• Check whether your ticket includes a numbered seat.
• Enter children's ages correctly to receive eligible discounts.
• Carry the documents required for reduced fares.
• Allow sufficient time for connecting ferries.
• Confirm your departure time, vessel and boarding instructions.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can I travel with a pet?

Yes. Pets are accepted under the ferry company's regulations and must be declared when booking.

Can I bring large luggage?

Yes. Ferries provide luggage storage areas. Check the operator's conditions for unusually large items.

Is assistance available for passengers with reduced mobility?

Yes. Contact the ferry company before travelling to arrange the necessary assistance.

Can I change my departure date?

Changes depend on ticket conditions and availability on the new sailing.

What happens if the ferry is cancelled because of bad weather?

The operator will provide information about rescheduling or refunds in accordance with the applicable conditions.

Do I need to print my ferry ticket?

Where electronic boarding is supported, you can use your e-ticket on your mobile phone. Follow the instructions included with your booking.

In summary

The Heraklion - Ios ferry route connects Crete with the Cyclades and offers the possibility of travelling with a car.

When selecting a departure, compare the total journey time, intermediate stops and available seating categories.

Book your tickets through booktickets.gr and organise your outward and return journeys.

Content edited by: booktickets.gr