Crete has frequent ferry links to the Greek mainland year-round. The two workhorses are the overnight services from Athens' port of Piraeus to Heraklion and to Chania (Souda).
Main routes
- Piraeus → Heraklion: roughly 9 hours overnight; daily year-round.
- Piraeus → Chania (Souda): roughly 9 hours overnight; daily year-round.
- Seasonal high-speed links connect Crete with several Aegean ports in summer; these are weather-dependent.
Day ferry vs overnight
Overnight sailings with a cabin save a hotel night and arrive early. The cabins are comfortable and the larger ships have restaurants and lounges. Book a cabin in advance for July and August.
Operators
Major operators on the Crete routes include Minoan Lines, ANEK/Blue Star and SeaJets. Compare schedules and fares on the ferry tickets page.
Tips
- Book early for peak season and for vehicle space if you bring a car.
- Cabins sell out first on overnight sailings — reserve as soon as dates are set.
- You can also simply fly to Heraklion (HER) or Chania (CHQ) and rent a car on arrival; see airport transfers.
- For a route overview see the Crete ferry map.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ferry from Athens to Crete?
The overnight ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion or Chania (Souda) takes about 9 hours. Booking a cabin lets you sleep and arrive early in the morning.
Should I take the ferry or fly to Crete?
Flying is faster (about an hour from Athens). The overnight ferry is ideal if you are bringing a car or want to save a hotel night. Both arrive near the main towns.
Plan with us: browse Crete region guides, compare ferries to Crete, reserve a car with a local Crete agency, or ask our AI trip planner for a custom Crete itinerary.
