Athens to Crete Ferry Guide 2026
The overnight ferry from Athens to Crete is one of the great Greek travel experiences — boarding in Piraeus in the evening, sleeping in a comfortable cabin, and waking up as the ferry enters Heraklion or Souda Bay at dawn. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Athens–Crete ferry route, including how to get to Piraeus from Athens Airport or city center.
Departure Port: Piraeus Only
Unlike Mykonos or Paros, all ferries to Crete depart from Piraeus — there are no Crete services from Rafina or Lavrio. Plan your transfer accordingly:
- Athens Airport → Piraeus Port – €95 | 45–60 min
- Athens City Center → Piraeus Port – €65 | 20–35 min
Crete Destinations: Heraklion vs. Chania
- Heraklion (Iraklio): Crete's capital. Best base for visiting Knossos Palace and the central/eastern parts of the island. Journey time: 8–9 hours overnight.
- Chania (via Souda Port): The most beautiful city in Crete, with a stunning Venetian harbor. Best base for western Crete, the Samaria Gorge, and the beaches of Elafonisi and Balos. Journey time: 8–9 hours overnight.
Ferry Companies: Athens to Crete
- ANEK Lines: Main operator on Piraeus–Heraklion and Piraeus–Chania routes.
- Minoan Lines: Premium operator on the Piraeus–Heraklion route with excellent cabin quality.
Journey Times & Departure Schedule
- Piraeus → Heraklion: 8–9 hours. Most departures between 9pm–12am, arriving at dawn.
- Piraeus → Chania (Souda): 8–9 hours. Similar overnight schedule.
- Frequency: Daily departures year-round on both routes.
Practical Tips
Arrive at Piraeus early: Allow at least 2 hours before departure. Book cabins in advance — they sell out weeks ahead in July–August.
Returning from Crete to Athens
Return ferries depart Heraklion and Souda in the evening, arriving at Piraeus at dawn. From Piraeus:
- Piraeus Port → Athens Airport – €95 | 45–60 min
- Piraeus Port → Athens City Center – €65 | 20–35 min
Related Transfer Routes
- All Athens Port Transfers – Complete guide to Piraeus, Rafina & Lavrio
- Athens Airport Transfers – All airport arrival and departure routes
- Athens Airport to Piraeus Port – €95 | Essential transfer for Crete ferries
- Athens City Center to Piraeus Port – €65 | From central Athens hotels