Greece › Ferries › Crete to Athens Ferry
Updated: July 27, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
See Also
Helpful Links
- Compare ferry schedules and buy tickets: Ferryhopper
- Pre-booked transfers in Athens: Welcome Pickups
- Pre-booked transfers in Crete: Welcome Pickups
Heraklion Port is beside the city center and within walking distance of many central hotels.
Chania ferries leave from Souda Port, about 7km east of Chania Town. Do not go to the Venetian Harbor.
Crete to Athens Ferry: Tickets, Times, and Overnight Cabins
Most ferries from Crete to Athens travel overnight, leaving Heraklion or Souda in the evening and arriving at Piraeus early the next morning. The crossing takes about 8 to 10 hours.
- From central or eastern Crete: Use Heraklion Port.
- From Chania or western Crete: Use Souda Port.
- Best ticket: A private cabin. It makes a major difference on an overnight crossing.
- Budget option: A reserved aircraft-style seat.
- When to arrive: About 45 minutes early, or 60 minutes with a vehicle.
- Arrival port: Piraeus, with metro, bus, and taxi connections to Athens and the airport.
Heraklion or Chania: Which Port Should I Use?
Use Heraklion when staying in Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, or much of central and eastern Crete. The port is beside the city center and close to the intercity bus station.
Use Souda when staying in Chania or western Crete. Souda is about 7km east of Chania Town and takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes by taxi or bus, plus extra time in summer traffic.
Rethymno lies between the two ports. Compare the sailing times and ground transfers, but do not cross Crete solely to save a small amount on the ticket.
Should I Take the Ferry or Fly?
Take the overnight ferry to save a hotel night, bring a vehicle, or avoid airport logistics. Book a cabin and treat it as transportation and accommodation combined.
Fly when time matters most, your hotel is closer to an airport than a ferry port, or only expensive cabins remain. Compare the total cost, as a private cabin for two can cost more than two plane tickets.
A four-bed ferry cabin with a private toilet and shower. I recommend a cabin for the overnight trip.
Overnight Ferries and Cabins
A private cabin is the best choice for most travelers. Standard cabins have beds and an ensuite toilet and shower. A berth in a shared cabin costs less but means sharing with other passengers. A reserved aircraft-style seat is the best budget alternative. I would avoid an unassigned economy ticket if you expect to sleep. Cabins are the first category to sell out on popular summer sailings, so book once your dates are fixed.
Large luggage is left in designated storage areas near the vehicle deck. Access can be restricted after departure, so carry medication, valuables, chargers, toiletries, and everything needed overnight in a small bag.
How Much Do Crete to Athens Ferry Tickets Cost?
Basic passenger fares on a conventional ferry start at roughly €50 to €60. High-speed fares start at €110. VIP, Business Class, cabins, and vehicles cost more.
- Economy or Deck: The lowest fare, with no reserved seat.
- Aircraft-Style Seat: A modest upgrade over Economy and better suited to overnight travel.
- VIP and Business Class: Reserved seat, more space, relaxed atmosphere.
- Cabin: Price depends on whether it is shared or private, inside or outside, and how many beds it contains. Highly recommended for families and overnight ferries.
- Vehicle: Car prices depend on vehicle size and vessel.
- Children: Infant and child discounts differ by company and ticket category. Enter each child’s correct age when booking.
Promotional fares and family packages are available on some sailings, but the cheapest fares and cabins have limited availability. Booking early is primarily about securing the schedule, cabin, and vehicle space you want, not about lower prices.
Reserved lounge seating is more comfortable than an unassigned economy ticket, but a cabin is much better for sleeping.
Tickets, Check-in, and Boarding
I use Ferryhopper to compare sailings, cabins, and prices. All ferry companies support online check-in and mobile boarding passes, though the process varies. Follow the instructions in your confirmation and save the boarding pass before reaching the port. Arrive about 45 minutes before departure as a foot passenger or 60 minutes early with a vehicle.
Crete to Athens Ferry Times
Ferries run year-round from Heraklion and Souda, with overnight sailings forming the core schedule. Some seasonal daytime ferries also operate. Most crossings take about 8 to 10 hours, depending on the port, vessel, and intermediate stops. Economy fares start around €40, depending on the port and sailing. Reserved seats, cabins, and vehicles cost more. Check your exact date because schedules, package offers, and cabin occupancy affect the total price.
Example Crete-to-Athens schedule. Check current sailings and prices on Ferryhopper.com.
Arriving at Piraeus
Crete ferries arrive at the large southern gates of Piraeus Port, commonly E1, E2, or E3. Check the gate shown on your ticket or current port information. The metro station can be a long walk from these gates. Use the free port shuttle or a taxi when carrying substantial luggage.
For central Athens, take Metro Lines 1 or 3. For Athens Airport, take Metro Line 3 when the next direct airport train is convenient. Not every Line 3 train continues to the airport (check the destination on the train).
Most overnight ferries arrive early. Athens hotels will store luggage before check-in, so drop your bags and get breakfast rather than waiting at the port.
Crete ferries arrive at Piraeus, roughly 25 to 45 minutes from central Athens by metro or taxi, depending on the gate, destination, and traffic.
Crete to Athens Ferry FAQ
How long is the ferry from Crete to Athens?
Most crossings take about 8 to 10 hours.
Is Heraklion or Chania better?
Use Heraklion for central and eastern Crete. Use Souda Port for Chania and western Crete.
Do I need a cabin?
No, but I strongly recommend one. A reserved aircraft-style seat is the best cheaper alternative.
How early should I arrive?
Arrive about 45 minutes before departure, or 60 minutes early with a vehicle.
Can I take a rental car?
Only with written permission from the rental company. Many rental agreements prohibit taking cars on ferries.
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