Piraeus - Iraklia: Ferry tickets and routes

Piraeus - Iraklia ferry tickets and ferry routes

The Piraeus - Iraklia ferry route connects Athens with one of the smallest and most peaceful islands in the Small Cyclades. Conventional ferries operate throughout the year, while faster seasonal services are usually added during the summer months.

A standard passenger ticket normally starts from €42 - €43 on a conventional ferry. On seasonal high-speed vessels, fares may start from €74.70.

The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes to 8 hours and 30 minutes, depending on the ferry company, the vessel and the number of intermediate port calls.

Blue Star Ferries maintains the main year-round connection to Iraklia, usually with around 3 weekly departures. During summer, Seajets may operate up to daily services, considerably increasing the number of available travel options.

Through booktickets.gr, passengers can compare departure times, journey duration, seat availability and final ticket prices before completing their booking.

How much does a Piraeus - Iraklia ferry ticket cost?

The lowest adult passenger fare usually starts from €42 - €43 for an economy-class seat on a conventional ferry.

Depending on the travel period and the selected departure, Blue Star Ferries fares may range from €43 to €57.50, while standard tickets on Seajets high-speed vessels generally start from €74.70.

The final ticket price depends on:

• The travel date
• The ferry company
• Whether the service is operated by a conventional or high-speed vessel
• The choice of economy, numbered or upgraded seating
• The selection of a cabin
• The passenger’s age and status
• Availability at the time of booking

For trips in July or August, purchasing tickets several weeks in advance is strongly recommended. Accommodation options in Iraklia are limited, and travellers often reserve their ferry tickets at the same time as their stay.

How much does a car ferry ticket cost?

The indicative fare for transporting a private car from Piraeus to Iraklia starts from approximately €118.

For two adults travelling with one car, the total fare may be around €169, depending on the passenger fares, the vehicle category and the selected sailing.

The vehicle fare varies according to:

• The length and height of the car
• The vehicle category
• The ferry company and vessel
• The travel season
• Any membership discount or commercial offer

The ferries serving the route have garages and can carry cars and motorcycles.

However, a vehicle is not essential for every visitor. Iraklia is a small island, and many distances can be covered on foot.

Travellers bringing a car should also know that there is no petrol station on the island. The vehicle should therefore have a full tank before boarding in Piraeus.

How long is the ferry journey?

The journey time from Piraeus to Iraklia is not the same on every sailing.

The fastest direct service takes approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes, while conventional ferries usually require between 6 hours and 25 minutes and 8 hours and 30 minutes.

Blue Star Ferries services commonly take around 7 to 8 hours, depending on the timetable and the scheduled stops at other islands.

Seasonal Seajets high-speed vessels can complete the route in approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes.

The actual arrival time may be affected by:

• Intermediate port calls
• Weather conditions
• Traffic at the ports
• The type of vessel
• Changes to the daily operating schedule

A cabin is worth considering on conventional ferries, particularly when the departure is scheduled in the evening or the journey approaches 8 hours.

How frequently do ferries operate?

The Piraeus - Iraklia connection operates throughout the year, although the frequency changes considerably according to the season.

Blue Star Ferries usually operates around 3 sailings per week. During certain periods, up to 4 weekly departures may be available.

Seajets high-speed ferries are added during the summer months. Depending on the month, the company may operate from 5 weekly services to daily departures.

Overall, the route may be available on 3 to 7 days per week.

During winter, travel options are limited, and the available departure days can determine the length of the stay. Travellers should check both the outbound and return schedules before confirming their accommodation.

Which ferry companies operate the route?

The Piraeus - Iraklia route is served by:

• Blue Star Ferries
• Seajets

Blue Star Ferries is the main operator for most of the year and uses conventional passenger and vehicle ferries.

Seajets mainly operates during the summer season with high-speed vessels, offering a shorter journey but generally higher ticket prices.

Which ferries travel from Piraeus to Iraklia?

The vessels assigned to the route may change according to the season and the operational planning of each ferry company.

Blue Star Ferries usually operates large conventional ferries that also serve the Small Cyclades, Naxos, Amorgos and other destinations.

These vessels normally offer:

• Vehicle garages
• Cabins
• Numbered seats
• Organised indoor passenger areas

Seajets uses high-speed vessels from its fleet for seasonal services.

Passengers should check the exact vessel displayed during the booking process, as the ship may change without the basic route necessarily being altered.

Is the ferry route direct?

The Piraeus - Iraklia ticket is issued as a single journey, and passengers do not need to change ferries.

However, the term “direct” does not always mean that the ferry travels without any intermediate stops.

Conventional ferries may call at other ports in the Cyclades before arriving in Iraklia.

Depending on the timetable, possible stops may include:

• Paros
• Naxos
• Donousa
• Amorgos
• Schinoussa
• Koufonisi

The exact order of the ports differs from one sailing to another. Passengers remain on the same ferry throughout the journey.

Where does the ferry depart from in Piraeus?

Ferries to Iraklia depart from the port of Piraeus.

Departures for this route usually take place from gates E6 or E7, although the assigned gate may change.

The final gate is shown on the ferry ticket and on the electronic information boards inside the port.

Piraeus is located approximately 15 kilometres from central Athens and around 45 kilometres from Athens International Airport.

The port can be reached by:

• Metro
• Suburban railway
• Public bus
• Taxi
• Private car

Passengers are advised to arrive:

• At least 1 hour before departure when travelling on foot
• Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes before departure when travelling with a vehicle
• Even earlier during peak travel dates or before public holidays

Which port does the ferry arrive at in Iraklia?

The ferry arrives at Agios Georgios port, on the northern side of Iraklia.

Agios Georgios is the island’s coastal settlement and has most of its accommodation, tavernas and basic shops.

Panagia, also known as Chora, is located approximately 4.5 kilometres away.

Iraklia does not have an organised public transport network or a permanent taxi service.

For this reason, travellers staying outside Agios Georgios should arrange transportation with their accommodation in advance, especially when the ferry arrives late.

Are cabins available on the ferry?

The conventional ferries serving the route offer cabins, beds in shared cabins and numbered airline-style seats.

A cabin is a suitable option when:

• The journey lasts 7-8 hours
• The ferry departs at night
• A family is travelling with children
• The passenger wants to rest before reaching the island

High-speed ferries do not normally offer cabins. Instead, passengers travel in numbered economy or upgraded seats.

What facilities are available on board?

The available facilities depend on the vessel.

Conventional ferries generally provide:

• Numbered seats
• Cabins
• Indoor and outdoor lounges
• Restaurant or self-service dining area
• Café and bar
• Shop
• Luggage storage areas
• Facilities for passengers with disabilities
• Designated pet areas
• Wi-Fi on selected vessels

High-speed ferries mainly offer air-conditioned lounges, numbered seating, a snack bar and luggage storage areas.

Discounts and special offers

Discounts of up to 50% may be available on the route for specific passenger categories.

Reduced fares may apply to:

• Children, Infants and young children
• Students of Greek public universities
• Holders of an international ISIC student card
• Permanent residents of Greek islands
• Passengers with disabilities
• Accompanying persons of passengers with disabilities
• Members of ferry company loyalty programmes

Infants and children up to a certain age may travel free of charge, although they may not always be entitled to a separate seat.

The discount is applied only when the correct passenger category is selected and the required supporting document is presented during boarding.

Iraklia - Piraeus: The return route

The return journey from Iraklia to Piraeus is operated by the same ferry companies.

Depending on the season, services are usually available on 3 to 7 days per week.

Passenger tickets start from approximately €42.

The return journey may take from around 4 hours and 10 minutes on the fastest ferry to approximately 8 hours on a conventional vessel.

Travellers should pay close attention to the departure time, as some services leave Iraklia in the evening and arrive in Piraeus early the following morning.

Alternative ferry routes to Iraklia

When no suitable direct sailing from Piraeus is available, the most practical alternative is usually to travel through Naxos.

The journey is divided into two separate bookings:

• Piraeus - Naxos
• Naxos - Iraklia

The Naxos - Iraklia connection operates throughout the year, with passenger fares starting from approximately €5.50.

The journey takes around 55 minutes to 1 hour.

Other possible connections may be available through:

• Koufonisi
• Schinoussa
• Amorgos

As the tickets are issued as separate bookings, travellers should allow a generous amount of time between the arrival of the first ferry and the departure of the connecting service.

View all ferry routes

Through booktickets.gr, passengers can compare available departures, ferry companies, journey times and final fares for passengers and vehicles.

Useful tips for the journey

Book your accommodation first and purchase your ferry tickets immediately afterwards.

Iraklia has a limited number of places to stay, and availability decreases quickly during summer.

Do not rely only on the general journey time for the route. Check the intermediate stops of the specific ferry, as two departures operated by the same company may have significantly different travel times.

For a conventional ferry journey lasting 7-8 hours, a numbered seat or a cabin provides considerably more comfort than a basic deck ticket.

When travelling with a car, fill the fuel tank before reaching the port. There is no petrol station in Iraklia.

Contact your accommodation in advance to arrange transportation from the port, especially when staying in Panagia or arriving late in the evening.

Frequently asked questions about the Piraeus - Iraklia ferry route

How much is the cheapest ferry ticket?

The standard adult passenger ticket usually starts from €42 - €43 on a conventional ferry.

How long does the fastest ferry take?

The fastest journey from Piraeus to Iraklia takes approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes.

Is there a daily ferry?

Daily departures may be available during summer.

In winter, the route usually operates around 3 times per week.

Does the route operate throughout the year?

Yes. Blue Star Ferries maintains the connection during winter, although with a reduced number of departures.

Can I take a car to Iraklia?

Yes. Ferries serving the route have vehicle garages, and the indicative car fare starts from approximately €118.

Do I need a car on the island?

Not necessarily.

Iraklia is a small island, and many distances can be covered on foot. A car is more useful for travellers staying away from Agios Georgios or those who want greater independence.

Are cabins available?

Yes, cabins are available on conventional ferries.

Seasonal high-speed vessels normally offer numbered seats but not cabins.

Are pets allowed?

Yes, provided that the pet is included in the booking and travels with all the necessary documents.

Which port does the ferry arrive at?

The ferry arrives at Agios Georgios port, on the northern side of Iraklia.

How early should I arrive at Piraeus port?

Foot passengers should arrive at least 1 hour before departure.

Passengers travelling with a vehicle are advised to arrive approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes earlier.

Payment security

Bookings through booktickets.gr are completed in a secure online payment environment.

Before payment, passengers can review:

• The selected ferry route
• The travel date and departure time
• The ferry company
• The vessel
• Passenger and vehicle details
• Applied discounts
• The total booking price

After the payment has been completed, the booking details and instructions for issuing or collecting the tickets are sent to the passenger.

Contact and customer support

Telephone: +30 2612 619010

Email: info@booktickets.gr

Content editing: booktickets.gr