Greece › Crete › Heraklion Port
By Santorini Dave
See Also
- Where to Stay in Crete
- Best Hotels in Crete
- Crete to Santorini Ferry
- Crete to Athens Ferry
- Best Crete Tours
- Heraklion Airport Car Rental
View of the Heraklion ferry port from Aquila Atlantis Hotel. If you have light luggage the port is easy to walk to from several hotels (listed below).
Heraklion Port Quick Facts
- Walkable? Yes, but best for those without bags or with very light luggage.
- To the Airport: 3 km away. A taxi takes 10–15 minutes (approx. 15€).
- Do I need a taxi? Not for the city center if traveling light. For the airport, Knossos, or if you have heavy bags, a taxi or bus is best.
- E-tickets? Yes, most companies now accept mobile boarding passes. Book with FerryHopper.
- Facilities: The passenger terminal has restrooms, cafés, and luggage lockers.
On This Page
- Heraklion Port Location
- Heraklion Port Transportation
- Heraklion Port Ferry Tickets
- Heraklion Port Ferry Schedule
- Staying near Heraklion Port
- Ferry Port FAQ
Where is Heraklion Port?
Heraklion (also spelled Heraklio) is Crete’s primary maritime hub. It sits on the north coast, roughly mid-way between the island’s eastern and western tips. While the port is large, boarding is straightforward. Most ferries depart from Pier I or Pier II. Large electronic boards inside the terminal display the ferry name and destination, and port staff are active on the docks to direct you to the correct ship. It is busy, but it is not a maze – and everything is within a few minutes’ walk.
Heraklion Ferry Port Transportation
Taxis waiting for at the Heraklion ferry port. Taxis wait for passengers just steps from the ferries.
Taxis & Private Transfers
- Welcome Pickups: My top recommendation for a stress-free arrival. Book online, and your driver meets you at the pier holding a sign. They monitor ferry delays and offer fixed pricing, which is a huge win for first-timers.
- Taxis: The taxi stand is located directly outside the passenger terminal. A ride to the airport or city center takes about 10–15 minutes. Note that Greek taxis have a 4-passenger limit. Cash is always accepted; cards are common but not guaranteed.
Heraklion Port Buses
If you only remember one thing: For Chania, Rethymno, or Agios Nikolaos, use Bus Station A (the Port Bus Station), located just a 6-minute walk from the ferry piers.
- Blue Local Buses (Airport & Knossos): To reach the airport, look for the blue bus stop across from the terminal. Use the #1 or #6; they run every 10–15 minutes. You can buy tickets (2€) at the kiosk next to the stop or from the onboard machine (cash only). For Knossos, take the #2 bus.
- Green Intercity Buses: Station A serves the north coast (Chania, Rethymno). Station B (a 10-minute taxi ride away) serves the south coast (Matala).
- Strikes: While strikes happen, they are almost always announced a few days in advance. May 1st is the only “guaranteed” strike day where no ferries or buses run.
Car Rental & Parking
- Returning a Car: If you are returning a rental before boarding, allow an extra 30 minutes. Look for signs marked “Car Rental Return” before the port entrance. Traffic near the port can be heavy in July and August.
- Rentals: Most major agencies are at the airport, but some have offices near the port. Use Booking.com to compare. Automatic cars are in high demand; book months ahead.
- Parking: Ample short and long-term parking is available west of Piers I and II.
Exploring on Foot & Luggage Storage
- Walking: Follow the yellow line on the sidewalk to reach the old town. It is a 15–20 minute walk. Note: The path is mostly flat, but some sidewalks are narrow or have uneven stones; rolling luggage is fine, but it takes a little effort.
- Luggage Storage: Lockers are available inside the Passenger Terminal at Pier II. This is perfect if you arrive in the morning and have an evening ferry.
Heraklion Port Ferry Tickets
Booking Advice
- Sell-out Risk: High-speed ferries to Santorini and Mykonos sell out frequently in summer. The large overnight ferries to Athens rarely sell out for foot passengers, but cabins do.
- Weather: High-speed catamarans are much more sensitive to wind and waves than the large Blue Star or Minoan ships. If you get seasick easily, book the larger, slower vessels. Cancellations are rare but delays are more common on windy days.
- FerryHopper: I recommend FerryHopper. It’s the easiest way to manage e-tickets and see real-time schedules. It’s the only site I use.
When to Arrive
- Foot Passengers: 45 minutes before departure is enough if you have an e-ticket.
- Passengers with Cars: Arrive at least 60–90 minutes early. Loading a car into the hold of a Greek ferry is a loud, fast-paced process; stay calm and follow the crew’s hand signals.
Ferry Schedules & Companies
Most routes to the Cyclades are seasonal (April–October), while Athens runs year-round.
- Minoan Lines & Blue Star: Reliable, large ships for Athens.
- Seajets: The fastest catamarans to the islands.
- Anek Lines: Often operates joint ventures to the Dodecanese (Rhodes). Note that these routes are often less frequent (2–3 times per week).
Staying Near Heraklion Ferry Port
GDM Megaron is the closest hotel to the Heraklion Ferry Port. About a 5-minute walk to the ferries and ticket kiosks.
Hotels near Heraklion Port
- GDM Megaron — Best Luxury near port. A 5-minute walk from the pier.
- Lato Boutique Hotel — Best rooftop views. Incredible restaurant overlooking the fort.
- Infinity City Boutique Hotel — Best value. Modern, clean, and very close to the harbor.
- Aquila Atlantis Hotel — Best for families. Large pool and spacious rooms.
- Kastro Hotel — Best for late-night arrival. Quiet location but very reliable service.
Where to Eat
- Kritikos Fornos: (6-min walk) Early morning coffee and pastries before the morning ferries.
- Peskesi: (15-min walk) The best sit-down meal in town. Authentic Cretan.
- Herb’s Garden: (8-min walk) Late-night arrival favorite for a drink with a view.
Nearby Sights & Timing
- Knossos: Allow 3 hours (including transport).
- Archaeological Museum: Allow 1.5–2 hours.
- Koules Fortress: Allow 45 minutes for the walk and exploration.
Heraklion Ferry Port FAQ
Is Heraklion Port walkable with luggage?
Technically yes, but it is only recommended if you are traveling light. If you have standard luggage or heavy bags, a 10€ taxi is highly recommended due to some steep hills and narrow and uneven sidewalks.Is it chaotic or stressful?
It is busy, especially when 2,000 people disembark at once, but the terminal is modern and well-organized. Just follow the crowds or the yellow line.Can I arrive late at night safely?
Yes. The port area and the walk to the nearby hotels (GDM Megaron, Lato) are well-lit and very safe.
Heraklion Port Photos
The rooftop pool at Aquila Atlantis Hotel. You can see the ferries in the background.
Passengers boarding a ferry at the Heraklion Port.
Ferries arrive and depart along a fairly small strip of the port. Finding your ferry is never difficult.
Map of the area posted at the ferry port.
Buying tickets at Bus Station A – about an 8-minute walk from the ferry port. Buses from this station go to Chania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, and other places along the north coast of Crete.
This is the local bus station just in front of the GDM Megaron. Buses to Knossos and other local destinations depart from here. Bus Station A is a short walk to the east on the same street.
Ferry port parking lot.
Ticket kiosks are open just a few hours before ferry departure (usually always in the morning). It’s best to book tickets in advance on FerryHopper.com, but if necessary it’s possible to buy tickets at these kiosks, just before departure.
Ferry ticket kiosks for pick up or purchase. Taxis dropping off passengers pull up right next to the kiosks and ferries.
A ferry departing Heraklion Port.
Ferries in Heraklion Port.
About Santorini Dave