Rhodes - Crete: Ferry tickets and routes

Rhodes – Crete ferry tickets and ferry schedules

Travel by ferry from Rhodes to Crete and choose the sailing that best suits your travel plans. Ferry connections mainly serve the ports of Heraklion and Sitia, allowing passengers to travel with their luggage, cars, motorcycles and other vehicles.

Through booktickets, you can search for available departures, compare sailing times, journey duration, seating options and ticket prices. As ferry frequency changes depending on the season, booking early is recommended, particularly when travelling during the summer.

Rhodes – Crete ferry connections

Rhodes is connected by ferry with different ports in Crete. The main travel options include:

• Rhodes – Heraklion
• Rhodes – Sitia
• Rhodes – Crete routes with intermediate island stops
• Ferries carrying cars and motorcycles
• Economy-class seats, numbered seats and cabins, depending on the vessel

The exact itinerary may include stops at other islands in the Dodecanese or the Cyclades. As a result, the total journey time can vary considerably between sailings.

Rhodes – Heraklion ferry

Heraklion is one of Crete’s most important passenger ports. The Rhodes – Heraklion route is particularly convenient for travellers heading to central and northern Crete, with easy access to destinations such as Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malia, Rethymno and Agios Nikolaos.

The crossing normally takes approximately 10 to 13 hours, depending on the vessel, itinerary and intermediate stops. Ferries do not operate daily during every period of the year, so checking the available dates before arranging accommodation and onward transport is important.

Rhodes – Sitia ferry

Sitia is a practical arrival port for travellers planning to explore eastern Crete. From Sitia, you can continue towards Ierapetra, Makry Gialos, Palekastro, Zakros and Agios Nikolaos.

The Rhodes – Sitia journey usually takes approximately 8 hours and 40 minutes to 9 hours, depending on the selected sailing. The route normally operates with a limited number of weekly departures, making advance booking especially important.

Rhodes – Crete ferry ticket prices

Ferry ticket prices depend on several factors:

• Your arrival port in Crete
• Your departure date and time
• The vessel operating the route
• Economy seating, numbered seats or cabin accommodation
• Whether you are travelling with a car or motorcycle
• Available discounts and special offers
• Availability at the time of booking

Passenger fares on the Rhodes – Heraklion route may start from approximately €25–€26. The final price can be higher depending on the departure, accommodation type and cabin category. Vehicle fares are higher and depend on the type and dimensions of the vehicle.

All prices are indicative and may change without notice. The final fare is displayed during the booking process before payment.

Rhodes – Crete ferry companies

The ferry connection between Rhodes and Crete is usually operated by Blue Star Ferries. The conventional ferries serving this route can carry both passengers and vehicles.

Depending on the vessel, available facilities may include:

• Economy-class seating
• Numbered aircraft-style seats
• Indoor and outdoor cabins
• Pet-friendly cabins
• Cafés and restaurants
• Luggage storage areas
• Outdoor decks
• Facilities for passengers with reduced mobility

Available services differ depending on the vessel and departure. You can view the available accommodation options during the booking process.

Should you book a cabin?

As the journey from Rhodes to Crete takes several hours and many sailings operate overnight, booking a cabin can make the crossing significantly more comfortable.

A cabin is particularly useful for:

• Families travelling with young children
• Older passengers
• Travellers who need to rest
• Couples or groups travelling overnight
• Passengers who prefer a private bathroom
• Travellers who want to arrive in Crete well rested

For a lower-cost journey, you can select economy-class accommodation or a numbered seat. Numbered seats generally offer more comfort than remaining in the vessel’s public areas throughout the crossing.

Travelling with a car from Rhodes to Crete

Conventional ferries operating between Rhodes and Crete can carry cars, motorcycles and other vehicles, subject to garage availability.

Taking your own vehicle is convenient when exploring different parts of Crete. The island is large, and distances between Heraklion, Sitia, Rethymno, Chania and the southern coast can be considerable.

When booking a vehicle, you may need to provide:

• Vehicle type
• Make and model
• Registration number
• Length and height, where required
• Details of roof boxes, trailers or other additions

Vehicle spaces tend to sell out faster than passenger seats, particularly during the summer. Booking your garage space as early as possible is therefore recommended.

Ferry ticket discounts

Ferry companies offer discounted fares to certain passenger categories. Depending on the company and sailing, discounts may be available for:

• Infants and children
• Students at Greek universities
• International students holding an ISIC card
• Large families
• Three-child families
• Passengers with disabilities
• Companions of passengers with disabilities
• Members of the Greek Armed Forces
• NAT pensioners
• Permanent island residents eligible for the Transport Equivalent scheme

To receive a discount, select the correct passenger category during booking and carry the necessary supporting document when boarding.

Travelling with a pet

You can travel from Rhodes to Crete with your pet, provided that you follow the ferry company’s regulations.

Depending on the vessel, the following options may be available:

• Designated pet accommodation areas
• Pet-friendly cabins
• Outdoor deck areas
• Transportation of small animals in an appropriate carrier

Pet owners must carry an updated health booklet or pet passport. The animal must also be included in the reservation, even when no additional fare is charged.

Luggage on the ferry

Passengers can carry personal luggage according to the ferry company’s conditions. Unlike air travel, there is usually no formal luggage check-in procedure.

Large suitcases can be placed in the vessel’s designated luggage areas, while smaller bags and personal belongings can remain with you. Money, travel documents, medication and valuable items should not be left inside unattended luggage.

Departure port in Rhodes

Ferries to Crete normally depart from the main passenger port of Rhodes. The port is located close to Rhodes Town and can be reached by car, taxi and local transport.

Before travelling to the port:

• Confirm your departure gate
• Check the boarding time
• Allow additional time for traffic
• Keep your ticket and identification available
• Arrive early when travelling with a vehicle

Passengers travelling without a vehicle should normally arrive at least 60 minutes before departure. Passengers travelling with a car should allow approximately 90 minutes.

Arriving at Heraklion port

Heraklion port is situated close to the city centre and provides convenient access to:

• Local and regional buses
• Taxis
• Car rental offices
• Hotels in central Heraklion
• Heraklion Airport
• Crete’s main national road

From Heraklion, you can continue towards Rethymno, Chania, Agios Nikolaos, Hersonissos, Malia and destinations along the southern coast.

Arriving at Sitia port

Sitia port is located within the town, close to accommodation, restaurants and local services. It is an excellent gateway for exploring eastern Crete.

Popular destinations accessible from Sitia include:

• Vai palm forest
• Palekastro
• Toplou Monastery
• Kato Zakros
• Makry Gialos
• Ierapetra
• Agios Nikolaos

Useful booking tips

To plan your journey more effectively:

1. Search for ferry tickets several weeks before departure.
2. Check whether your ferry arrives at Heraklion or Sitia.
3. Compare the total journey duration, not only the departure time.
4. Book a cabin early for an overnight crossing.
5. Add your vehicle and pet correctly to the reservation.
6. Check all passenger information before payment.
7. Review the ticket change and cancellation conditions.
8. Check for schedule updates caused by weather conditions.

How to book Rhodes – Crete ferry tickets

Booking your ferry tickets through booktickets is straightforward:

1. Select Rhodes as your departure port.
2. Select Heraklion or Sitia as your destination.
3. Enter your travel dates.
4. Add the number and category of passengers.
5. Add your car or motorcycle, when applicable.
6. Compare the available ferry departures.
7. Select economy seating, a numbered seat or a cabin.
8. Enter the passenger details and complete the payment.

Once the reservation has been completed, you will receive your booking confirmation and ticket information.

Why book through booktickets?

Through booktickets, you can compare available Rhodes – Crete ferry schedules and fares without complicated procedures.

You can:

• Search available ferry schedules
• Compare departure times
• Choose between Heraklion and Sitia
• Add passengers and vehicles
• Select your preferred accommodation type
• Complete your booking online

Book your Rhodes – Crete ferry tickets and organise your journey to Heraklion or Sitia in advance.