Santorini - Crete Ferry Tickets | Prices & Routes

Santorini - Crete ferry tickets and schedules

Travel from Santorini to Crete by ferry and continue your journey from the Cyclades to Greece’s largest island. The main ferry connection operates from Athinios port in Santorini to Heraklion, while seasonal services to Rethymno may also be available on selected dates.

The Santorini - Crete route is mainly served by high-speed ferries during the tourist season. The fastest crossings to Heraklion take approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes to 2 hours, although the total journey may be longer depending on the vessel, ferry company and intermediate stops. Some services can take up to approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Through booktickets.gr, you can search for available departures, compare ferry companies and prices, and complete your booking online.

Ferry schedules from Santorini to Crete

Ferries depart from Athinios, Santorini’s main passenger port. The principal destination in Crete is Heraklion port, which is conveniently located close to the city centre, the airport and Crete’s main road network.

Ferry services are usually more frequent during spring, summer and the first part of autumn. During the busiest travel months, there may be more than one departure on the same day. Services are more limited during winter, and a direct ferry may not operate every day.

Available connections may include:

• Direct high-speed ferry services
• Longer crossings operated by conventional ferries
• Sailings with intermediate stops at other islands
• Seasonal connections to different ports in Crete

Exact schedules vary by travel period and may change because of ferry company planning or weather conditions.

How long is the ferry journey from Santorini to Crete?

The duration of the Santorini - Crete crossing depends on the vessel and the arrival port.

High-speed ferries to Heraklion usually take approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes to 2 hours and 15 minutes. Slower services or ferries making intermediate stops may take approximately 3 to 4 hours and 30 minutes.

When the Santorini - Rethymno connection is available, the journey may take approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Before booking, check the total journey time, any scheduled stops and the expected arrival time in Crete.

How much do Santorini - Crete ferry tickets cost?

Ticket prices are not fixed. The final fare depends on:

• Your travel date
• The ferry company
• The type of vessel
• The selected seat category
• Whether you are travelling with a car or motorcycle
• Availability at the time of booking
• Any passenger discounts

Passenger fares on selected conventional services may start from approximately €15-€16, while high-speed ferry tickets are normally more expensive.

Lower fares and vehicle spaces tend to sell out first. Early booking is recommended, particularly for journeys between June and September.

Which ferry companies operate the route?

Depending on the season and travel date, the Santorini - Crete ferry route may be operated by companies such as:

• Seajets
• Blue Star Ferries
• Fast Ferries or Minoan Lines on selected seasonal services

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

Not every company operates on every date. The booktickets.gr search results display the services available for your chosen day.

Which port do ferries depart from in Santorini?

Ferries depart from Athinios port, approximately 8 kilometres from Fira. The port can become extremely busy during the summer, and traffic on the road leading to it may cause delays.

You can reach Athinios by:

• Public bus
• Taxi
• Private transfer
• Rental car or motorcycle

Leave plenty of time to reach the port, especially in July and August. Distances in Santorini are relatively short, but heavy traffic can significantly increase the transfer time.

Which port do ferries arrive at in Crete?

Most direct ferries from Santorini arrive at Heraklion port.

The port is located close to the city centre and provides access to:

• City and regional buses
• Taxis
• Car rental services
• Heraklion Airport
• Resort areas such as Hersonissos, Malia, Agia Pelagia and Agios Nikolaos

Travellers continuing to Chania or Rethymno should allow additional time for the road transfer. Crete is a large island, and the distances between its main cities are considerable.

Can I take a car on the ferry?

Yes, several ferries serving the route have garages for cars and motorcycles. During the booking process, you will need to provide:

• The vehicle category
• The make and model
• The registration number
• The correct dimensions for a camper, van or oversized vehicle

Vehicle spaces are limited, particularly on high-speed ferries. Booking several weeks in advance is advisable when travelling during the high season.

Ferry ticket discounts

Depending on the ferry company and its fare policy, discounts may be available for passenger categories such as:

• Infants and children
• Students of Greek universities
• ISIC student card holders
• Large families and families with three children
• Passengers with disabilities and their companions
• Permanent island residents
• Members of the Greek Armed Forces
• Retired members of the Seamen’s Pension Fund

Discount rules vary between operators. Passengers may be asked to present the relevant supporting document during boarding.

Travelling with a pet

Pets are allowed on ferries according to each operator’s travel policy. Depending on the vessel, there may be designated pet areas, kennels or specific sections of the outdoor deck.

Pet owners should carry:

• An updated health certificate or pet passport
• A lead
• A muzzle, where required
• A suitable carrier for smaller animals

The pet must be included in the booking, even when no additional fare is charged.

Luggage on the ferry

Passengers can normally carry their personal luggage without following an airport-style check-in procedure. Ferries usually provide designated luggage storage areas.

Keep the following items with you:

• Passport or identity card
• Mobile phone and charger
• Money and valuables
• Medication
• Booking and travel documents

Do not leave valuable items inside luggage stored in communal areas.

How early should I arrive at the port?

Foot passengers should arrive at Athinios port at least 45 to 60 minutes before departure.

Passengers travelling with a car, motorcycle or camper should preferably arrive approximately 60 to 90 minutes in advance.

Remember to allow extra time for possible traffic congestion on the road to Athinios. On the day of departure, check your ticket and any messages sent by the ferry company for possible timetable or boarding updates.

Useful travel tips

For a smoother journey from Santorini to Crete:

1. Book early, especially when travelling with a vehicle.
2. Check whether your ticket is for Heraklion or another Cretan port.
3. Allow sufficient time to reach Athinios port.
4. Check the weather forecast when travelling on a high-speed ferry.
5. Save the electronic ticket in an easily accessible location on your phone.
6. Confirm passenger, luggage and vehicle details before completing payment.
7. Arrange your onward transport from Heraklion in advance.

How to book Santorini - Crete ferry tickets

You can complete your booking through booktickets.gr in a few simple steps:

1. Select Santorini as your departure port.
2. Select Heraklion or another available Cretan port as your destination.
3. Enter your travel date and number of passengers.
4. Add a vehicle or pet, where applicable.
5. Compare departure times, journey duration and prices.
6. Select the service that best suits your plans.
7. Enter the passenger details correctly.
8. Complete the payment and receive your tickets electronically.

Prices and availability are displayed in real time and may change until the booking has been completed.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a direct ferry from Santorini to Crete?

Yes. Direct ferries mainly operate between Santorini and Heraklion. Services are generally more frequent during spring and summer.

What is the fastest ferry crossing?

The fastest ferries can complete the journey to Heraklion in approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Are there daily ferry services?

Daily or very frequent departures are normally available during the high tourist season. Services are more limited in winter, so availability should always be checked for the specific travel date.

Can I make a day trip?

A day trip may be technically possible when suitable outbound and return times are available. However, for travel from Santorini to Crete, an overnight stay is usually more practical and reduces the risk of disruption caused by delays or schedule changes.

Do I need to print my ferry ticket?

Most operators accept an electronic ticket or mobile boarding pass. Follow the instructions provided with your booking confirmation.

When should I book my tickets?

For travel in July and August, or when taking a vehicle, booking several weeks in advance is recommended. At other times of the year, early booking still provides a better choice of departure times and fares.

Book Santorini - Crete ferry tickets

Compare available ferry services, departure times, journey durations and prices through booktickets.gr. Choose the ferry that best fits your travel plans and book your Santorini - Crete ferry tickets online for a fast and convenient journey between the Cyclades and Crete.