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.

Comparing another coastal crossing? Read our Split to Dubrovnik ferry and bus guide.

Classic	Overnight ferry Piraeus to Heraklion, about 9 hours
Fastest	Flight, about 50 minutes in the air
Cheapest	Deck or seat fare on the overnight ferry, from about EUR 33
Route	Piraeus to Heraklion, about 175 nautical miles

Mode	Operator	Duration	Approx fare	Overnight
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.

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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.

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.