Home › Athens to Crete: Overnight Ferry to Heraklion, or the Faster Flight

Athens to Crete: Overnight Ferry to Heraklion, or the Faster Flight

Athens to Crete is a sea crossing, and the classic way is the overnight ferry from the port of Piraeus to Heraklion, about 9 hours on the big Minoan Lines and ANEK-Attica ships, leaving in the evening and arriving at dawn. You can book a cabin to sleep in or a cheaper deck or airline-style seat. Fast ferries run some daytime crossings in summer. Flights take about 50 minutes in the air for those in a hurry. Here is how the options compare.

ClassicOvernight ferry Piraeus to Heraklion, about 9 hours
FastestFlight, about 50 minutes in the air
CheapestDeck or seat fare on the overnight ferry, from about EUR 33
RoutePiraeus to Heraklion, about 175 nautical miles
Athens to Heraklion: your options
ModeOperatorDurationApprox fareOvernight
Ferry Minoan Lines / ANEK-Attica (overnight)
The classic overnight crossing from Piraeus to Heraklion, leaving in the evening and arriving at dawn. Cabins save a hotel night; deck and seat fares are cheaper.
about 9 hours approx €33 to €90 Yes Check on 12Go →
Ferry Seajets / high-speed (seasonal, daytime)
Faster daytime catamarans and fast ferries in the summer season, more expensive than the overnight ship.
about 6 to 7 hours approx €55 to €90 No Check on 12Go →
Flight Aegean / Sky Express / Ryanair
Fastest in the air but adds airport transfers. Book ahead for the lowest fares.
about 50 minutes plus airport time approx €40 to €130 No Compare on Kiwi →

Fares are approximate and shown for comparison. Confirm live prices and times on 12Go before booking.

Show stays for:
Where to stay in Athens
Option 1
Hotel @Syngrou Fix
Athens
Top-rated stay in Athens
Hotel @Syngrou Fix
★ 9.0 65 reviews
€131
per night
Book on Agoda →
Option 2
Leonardo Hotel Athens City Center
Athens
Top-rated stay in Athens
Leonardo Hotel Athens City Center
★ 8.7 58 reviews
€134
per night
Book on Agoda →
Option 3
Acropolis Ami Boutique Hotel
Athens
Top-rated stay in Athens
Acropolis Ami Boutique Hotel
★ 8.4 146 reviews
€127
per night
Book on Agoda →
Things to do
In Athens

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In Heraklion

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Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Athens to Crete?
About 9 hours overnight from the port of Piraeus to Heraklion on the Minoan Lines and ANEK-Attica ships, leaving in the evening and arriving at dawn. Fast ferries in summer are quicker at around 6 to 7 hours.
Is there an overnight ferry from Athens to Crete?
Yes. The classic crossing is the overnight ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion, about 9 hours, with cabins to sleep in or cheaper deck and seat fares. It leaves in the evening and arrives at dawn, saving a hotel night.
How much is the ferry from Athens to Crete?
Deck and seat fares on the overnight ferry start from about EUR 33, with cabins from around EUR 59. Summer fast ferries are more expensive. Book ahead in peak season.
Is it better to fly or take the ferry from Athens to Crete?
The flight is fastest at about 50 minutes in the air, but the overnight ferry doubles as a night's accommodation and lands you right in Heraklion. Many travelers take the ferry one way for the experience.
What is the best way to get from Athens to Crete?
The overnight ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion is the classic choice: about 9 hours, with a cabin that saves a hotel night. Fly if you want to be there in under an hour, or take a summer fast ferry for a quicker daytime crossing.

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Hotel options and prices come from Agoda and update at booking time; sample data shown if live pricing is unavailable. Transport fares are estimates, confirmed on 12Go.

Beta Prices and availability reflect current partner rates and can change before you book. Confirm the final price on 12Go or Agoda (linked per result) before booking.