Ferry from Athens to Crete: Heraklion or Chania, times, cabins and prices (2026)
Crete is usually reached by overnight ferry: leave Piraeus in the evening, wake up in Crete. Heraklion or Chania, seat or cabin, and how much it costs.
- Piraeus to Heraklion: from 7h50, up to 5 sailings a day in summer. Chania (Souda port): 7 to 9.5 hours, 1–2 a day.
- Adult tickets from about €27.50 to Heraklion and €37 to Chania; cabin beds from about €59 (Ferryhopper, October 2026).
- In Piraeus, Crete ferries usually leave from gates E2 and E3.
An overnight ferry saves a hotel night and arrives in the morning. If you don't want to sleep in a seat, book a cabin early; they sell out in summer. Crete also has direct flights from Israel.
Heraklion or Chania?
| Heraklion | Chania (Souda port) | |
|---|---|---|
| Crossing time | from 7h50, some up to about 12h | 7 to 9.5 hours |
| Companies | Minoan Lines, ANEK, Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, Seajets | ANEK / Blue Star Ferries |
| Sailings a day | up to 5 in summer | 1–2 |
| Adult ticket | from about €27.50 | from about €37 |
| Car | from about €81 | from about €85 |
Figures according to Ferryhopper, October 2026. Most sailings are overnight: depart in the evening, arrive early morning.
How to choose: Heraklion is central-east, near Knossos, Hersonissos and the eastern beaches. Chania is in the west, with the old town, Venetian harbour and Etz Hayyim synagogue.
Seat, cabin or bed?
- Seat: the cheapest; fine for a short trip, less so for a whole night.
- Cabin bed: from about €59 to Heraklion, according to Ferryhopper. There are inside cabins, cabins with a window and family cabins.
- Tip: cabins sell out in summer, so book early.
Which Piraeus gate?
According to Ferryhopper, Heraklion and Chania ferries usually leave from gates E2 and E3, relatively close to the port entrance. Check your ticket and the boards.
Getting to Piraeus: from the airport take metro line 3 straight to Piraeus station (up to 59 minutes) or the 24-hour X96 bus. From central Athens (Syntagma, Monastiraki) take metro line 1 or 3. The port is huge: walking from the entrance to your gate can take up to 30 minutes, so check your gate on the ticket. Airport to Piraeus and the city.
Arriving in Chania: Souda port
Chania ferries dock at Souda, about 6.5 km from town. According to Ferryhopper, bus line 13 reaches central Chania in about 20 minutes; a taxi takes about 15–20 minutes.
Taking a car to Crete
Crete is big and a car is almost essential. You can take one on the ferry, but it is usually easier to rent on Crete. A car rented in Athens needs written permission from the rental company. Car rental in Greece.
Kosher and Shabbat on Crete
Crete has a Chabad house in Hersonissos with a kosher tavern and grocery, and Chania has the Etz Hayyim synagogue. Chabad Crete: kosher food and Shabbat.
Ferry or flight?
Crete has direct flights from Tel Aviv to Heraklion and Chania. If you are already in Athens, an overnight ferry is an easy, cheap way on. Flights to Crete from Tel Aviv.
Tips before you book
- July and August: book ahead, especially with a car or if you want a cabin on a night sailing.
- Meltemi wind: from mid-May to mid-September a strong north wind blows. High-speed boats are cancelled first, and sometimes the port authority stops all sailings. When strong wind is forecast, a large conventional ferry is the safer choice.
- Strikes: when the seamen's union strikes, all ferries stay in port. Check today's strikes and the strike calendar.
- Spare day: never come back from the island on the day of your flight home.
- Ticket and passport: most companies send an e-ticket with a QR code. Bring your passport and arrive at least an hour before departure.
More on ports, winds and tickets: Ferries in Greece: the complete guide.
More on the island: Crete destination guide.
FAQ
How long is the ferry from Athens to Crete? To Heraklion from 7 hours 50 minutes, some sailings up to about 12 hours. To Chania 7 to 9.5 hours.
How much is the ferry to Crete? According to Ferryhopper in October 2026, Heraklion from about €27.50 per adult and Chania from about €37. Cabin beds from about €59.
Heraklion or Chania? Depends where you stay: Heraklion for central and eastern Crete, Chania for the west. Heraklion has more sailings.
Crossing times, companies and fares are based on Ferryhopper and the operators' sites, October 2026. Fares are "from" prices for one adult, one way, and change by season and vessel. Check the current price when you book.
