The Santorini to Crete ferry runs to Heraklion in 1.5 to 3 hours, with daily year-round sailings from around 15 euros, linking the volcanic Cyclades with Greece’s largest island. This guide covers the journey time, the prices, the operators, the ports and tips for the crossing.
Crete is an easy onward hop from the wider Santorini travel guide. It lies to the south. The sections below cover the ferry.
How long is the Santorini to Crete ferry?
The Santorini to Crete ferry to Heraklion takes from about 1 hour 35 minutes on a high-speed catamaran to around 3 hours on a conventional ferry. Crete lies south of Santorini, and the route is one of the quicker ways to combine the Cyclades with Greece’s biggest island in one trip.
The crossing to Crete is reasonably short. Heading south from Santorini to the port of Heraklion, the fast catamarans and high-speed ferries make the run in about 1 hour 35 minutes, while the larger conventional vessels take roughly 3 hours but are steadier and cheaper. This is the standard link between the southern Cyclades and Crete, popular with travellers pairing Santorini’s caldera scenery with Crete’s mountains, beaches and ancient Minoan sites such as Knossos. Because Crete is a major island with its own airport, the route also serves those flying out of Heraklion, set within the wider how to get to Santorini. The fares are reasonable.
How much does the ferry cost?
The Santorini to Crete ferry costs from around 15 euros for a basic foot-passenger ticket up to about 90 euros or more for premium seats on fast boats, averaging roughly 35 to 60 euros. Cars cost from around 55 euros, with prices rising in peak July and August, so booking early secures the best fare.
Fares span a wide range to suit different budgets. A one-way foot-passenger ticket starts from as little as around 15 euros on a conventional sailing, with numbered seats from roughly 17 to 18 euros, rising to about 90 euros and beyond for premium and business-class seating on the high-speed vessels, so most travellers pay somewhere between 35 and 60 euros. Taking a vehicle costs from around 55 euros for a car. As on every Greek route, prices climb in the peak July and August season and as boats fill, so booking ahead secures both a place and a better price, set out alongside the guide to a Santorini itinerary. The schedule is daily.
What are the operators and schedule?
The route is served by Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets, running year-round with up to three daily crossings in summer. Ferries depart from Athinios, Santorini’s main port, and arrive at Heraklion in central Crete. Most fast boats and the conventional ferries carry vehicles, useful for exploring Crete by car.
Two main operators keep the route busy. Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets run the connection with a mix of high-speed catamarans and larger conventional car ferries, and unusually for the Cyclades it operates all year round, with up to three crossings a day in the summer months, giving good flexibility. The ferries leave from Athinios, Santorini’s main port at the foot of the caldera cliffs, and dock at the port of Heraklion in the centre of Crete’s north coast, close to the city and well placed for Knossos and the island’s beaches and mountains. Most vessels carry cars, handy if you plan to tour Crete, set out alongside the guides to the Santorini ports and Santorini car rental. A few tips help.
What tips help for the crossing?
The tips are to book ahead for peak summer, arrive at Athinios port at least an hour before departure, note that many crossings leave in the afternoon or evening, and allow flexibility for the meltemi wind, which can delay or cancel high-speed boats in midsummer. Crete rewards a longer stay.
Planning ahead makes the crossing smooth. Book your tickets in advance for the busy summer sailings, which fill up, and on the day arrive at the often-hectic Athinios port at least an hour before departure, allowing for the traffic and queues that build there in season. Note that many Santorini-to-Crete crossings depart in the afternoon or evening rather than the morning, so check the timetable carefully when planning your day. As ever, build in some flexibility, since the strong meltemi wind in July and August can delay or occasionally cancel the high-speed boats. Crete is huge and varied, so it rewards a stay of several days rather than a flying visit, set out alongside the guide to the best time to visit Santorini. The questions below cover the points travellers ask most.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Santorini to Crete ferry take?
The Santorini to Crete ferry to Heraklion takes from about 1 hour 35 minutes on a high-speed catamaran to around 3 hours on a conventional ferry. Crete lies south of Santorini, and the route runs year-round, making it an easy way to combine the Cyclades with Greece’s largest island.
How much is the Santorini to Crete ferry?
The ferry costs from around 15 euros for a basic foot-passenger ticket up to about 90 euros or more for premium seats on fast boats, averaging roughly 35 to 60 euros. Cars cost from around 55 euros, with prices rising in peak July and August, so book early.
Where does the Santorini to Crete ferry arrive?
The Santorini to Crete ferry arrives at the port of Heraklion in central Crete, departing from Athinios, Santorini’s main port. Heraklion is close to the city and well placed for the Minoan palace of Knossos and Crete’s beaches and mountains. Most ferries carry cars.