Athens to Rethymno Ferry 2026: Overnight Crossing
Piraeus → Rethymno overnight ferry from €46.50 (~8h 30m–10h). Ideal for central Crete. Compare operators for 2026.
Piraeus → Rethymno overnight ferry from €46.50 (~8h 30m–10h). Ideal for central Crete. Compare operators for 2026.
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8h 30m
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€46.50
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5-7 times per week
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The ferry from Piraeus to Rethymno takes about 8h 30m and fares start from €46.50. There are up to 5-7 times per week crossings a day in high season, run by MINOAN LINES, ANEK Lines. Book online to compare departure times and secure the lowest fare.
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The Athens (Piraeus) to Rethymno ferry is one of the Cyclades' most popular connections, operating 5-7 times per week with journey times from 8h 30m to 10h and tickets from €46.50. The route is served by MINOAN LINES, ANEK Lines, with vehicle transport available on conventional ferries. Service runs year-round.
Rethymno is celebrated for its beautifully preserved Venetian-Ottoman old town, the imposing Fortezza fortress, sandy beaches stretching for kilometers, and romantic atmosphere. Arriving by ferry gives you a spectacular approach from the sea.
Insider Tip: For the best experience sailing to Rethymno, book a morning departure, you'll arrive with the whole day ahead of you. Shoulder season (May or late September) offers the sweet spot: fewer crowds, lower prices, and gorgeous warm weather. If you're traveling July–August, book tickets at least 4–6 weeks ahead.
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€46.50
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8h 30m
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€46.50
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8h 30m
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| availability.table.month | availability.table.frequency | availability.table.duration | availability.table.from |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5 days per week | 10h | €47 |
| February | 5 days per week | 10h | €47 |
| March | 5 days per week | 10h | €47 |
| April | 6 days per week | 8h 30m | €53 |
| May | 6 days per week | 8h 30m | €53 |
| June | 7 days per week | 8h 30m | €60 |
| July | 7 days per week | 8h 30m | €60 |
| August | 7 days per week | 8h 30m | €60 |
| September | 7 days per week | 8h 30m | €60 |
| October | 6 days per week | 8h 30m | €53 |
| November | 5 days per week | 10h | €47 |
| December | 5 days per week | 10h | €47 |
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| pricing.table.passengers | Piraeus → Rethymno | Rethymno → Piraeus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Adult | €46.50 | €46.50 |
| 2 Adults | €93 | €93 |
| 2 Adults + Car | €232.50 | €232.50 |
| Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) | €140 | €140 |
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The Piraeus to Rethymno route is served by MINOAN LINES, ANEK Lines. Here's a detailed breakdown of each operator's offering:
Minoan Lines operates large conventional ferries on select Crete routes, primarily the Athens (Piraeus) to Milos service. Part of the Grimaldi Group, known for modern comfortable vessels.
Fleet: Large conventional ferries with full onboard services
ANEK Lines operates conventional ferries with spacious decks, restaurants, and cabin options on this route.
| Operator | Ferry Type | Duration | Price From | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MINOAN LINES | Conventional | 8h 30m – 10h | €46.50 | ✅ Yes |
| ANEK Lines | Conventional | 8h 30m – 10h | €46.50 | ✅ Yes |
Our recommendation: For the fastest crossing, choose a high-speed service. For more comfort, space, and the option to take your vehicle, go conventional. Both options are reliable, the right choice depends on your priorities.
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Ferries on the Piraeus to Rethymno route offer comfortable travel with a full range of onboard amenities. Here's what to expect from each operator:
Minoan Lines operates large conventional ferries on select Crete routes, primarily the Athens (Piraeus) to Milos service. Part of the Grimaldi Group, known for modern comfortable vessels.
Fleet on this route: Large conventional ferries with full onboard services
Seat & Cabin Classes: Deck class, economy indoor seats, business seats, and private cabin options.
Luggage Policy: Up to 50 kg per passenger, free of charge.
Pets: Pets accepted with valid documentation. Kennels and designated pet areas available.
Vehicles: Full vehicle garage, cars, motorbikes, campervans accepted. Book vehicle space early.
ANEK Lines operates conventional ferries with spacious lounges, outdoor sun decks, cafeteria, and cabin options. Vehicle transport is available, book your car space well in advance for summer sailings.
Luggage: Up to 50 kg per passenger, free of charge. Store bags in designated racks near your seat or cabin.
Pets: Pets accepted with valid health documentation. Small animals (under 10 kg) may travel with you; larger pets use designated areas on deck.
All ferries on this route have clean restrooms, luggage storage areas, and food and beverage service. In peak season (July–August), we'd recommend reserving a specific seat or cabin class rather than traveling on an open deck ticket.
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Port of Piraeus is Athens' main ferry hub, located 15 km south of the city center and 45 km from Athens International Airport. Take Metro Line 1 (Green Line) to the last stop "Piraeus", about 40 minutes from Monastiraki. Taxis cost €20–25 from central Athens. For Crete ferries, head to Gates E7, E8, or E9, each operator uses a different gate, so check your ticket carefully. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure (60–90 minutes if traveling with a vehicle). Free parking is limited; use the paid car parks near the port.
Arriving in Rethymno, the beautifully preserved Venetian-Ottoman old town awaits, a UNESCO-worthy labyrinth of minarets, Renaissance fountains, and Venetian mansions. The Fortezza (1573) towers over the harbour and offers panoramic views of the city and sea. Rethymno's long sandy beach stretches for kilometers east of the port. The city has excellent traditional tavernas in the old town backstreets. As a base for exploring central Crete, Rethymno is ideal, the E4 long-distance trail passes through.
Book your Piraeus to Rethymno ferry tickets as early as possible for July and August sailings, popular departures sell out weeks in advance. Use Ferryhopper to compare all operators and prices in real time. For the best fares, travel Tuesday–Thursday and avoid Greek public holidays.
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After arriving in Rethymno, extend your Cretan adventure with these popular onward ferry connections:
Use our ferry search engine to find the best schedules and prices for your multi-island itinerary, or browse our island hopping guides for curated route inspiration.
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The ferry from Piraeus to Rethymno takes between 8h 30m and 10h, depending on the vessel type and operator. High-speed catamarans offer the fastest crossing at approximately 8h 30m, while conventional ferries take up to 10h but offer more spacious travel with outdoor decks, cafeterias, and cabin options. Journey times may be slightly longer in winter due to sea conditions.
Ferry tickets from Piraeus to Rethymno start from €46.50 for a standard economy seat in low season. Prices vary by operator, seat class, and time of year, peak season (July–August) fares are typically 25–35% higher. Business class seats and private cabins cost more. Families can save by booking a 4-berth cabin. Use Ferryhopper to compare all available fares in real time.
Ferries operate 5-7 times per week during the main season (Jan - Dec). In peak summer (July–August), there may be multiple daily sailings. Service can be reduced or suspended during winter months on some routes. The route is served by MINOAN LINES, ANEK Lines. Check the latest schedules on Ferryhopper for exact departure times.
Yes, conventional ferries on this route have vehicle garages and can carry cars, motorcycles, campervans, and even buses. Vehicle spaces are limited and sell out fast in summer, so book at least 4–6 weeks ahead if you're traveling July–August. High-speed catamarans on this route generally don't carry vehicles. Arrive at the port at least 60–90 minutes before departure when traveling with a vehicle.
The best time to visit Rethymno is late May through early October. June and September offer the ideal balance: warm swimming weather, lower prices than peak season, fewer crowds, and the best ferry connections. July–August is peak season, the most lively but also the most crowded and expensive. May is an excellent shoulder month with pleasant weather and very few tourists. Rethymno is known for its beautifully preserved Venetian-Ottoman old town, the imposing Fortezza fortress, sandy beaches stretching for kilometers, and romantic atmosphere.
The route is served by MINOAN LINES, ANEK Lines. For the fastest crossing, choose a high-speed service (typically Seajets or Golden Star). For most comfort or if you're traveling with a vehicle, choose a conventional ferry (Blue Star Ferries or similar). For the best price, compare all options on Ferryhopper, prices can vary significantly by departure time and booking lead time.
The easiest way to book is through Ferryhopper, the leading Greek ferry booking platform. Simply enter your departure port, destination, and travel date to see all available sailings, compare prices across operators, and book securely online. Tickets are delivered by email and can be used on your phone. You can also book directly on each operator's website, but Ferryhopper shows all options in one place for easy comparison.
Yes, with journey times up to 10h, overnight or late-evening departures are available on conventional ferry services. Overnight ferries offer cabin options (2-bed, 4-bed, or deluxe cabins with private bathroom) so you'll sleep during the crossing and wake up at your destination. This is a great way to save a night's accommodation. Book your cabin class specifically when purchasing, cabin berths sell out quickly, especially in summer.
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