I travel between these two Greek destinations often. You can get from Athens to Crete in only two ways. The first is to fly and the second is to take a ferry. For both options, you can take a direct flight from Athens or abroad or a ferry from Athens or otherwise go Greek island hopping and arrive there from other Greek islands.
In this complete guide you’ll find each of the routes, time taken, frequency, cheapest tickets, and schedules so that you can choose among the best transport options for you to get from Athens to Crete.
Practical Information
Athens is the capital of Greece, located in the south of the mainland in the province of Attica. With an international airport, train, bus and ferry connections, it is the transportation hub of Greece – easy to get there, and easy to leave.
Crete is a global hotspot destination, jam-packed with charming old harbors, ruins of ancient civilizations and beaches you have to see to believe.
It is one of the most visited islands in the world, Greece’s most southern island, and also Greece’s largest island with plenty of direct flight or ferry options from Greece or abroad.
Athens to Crete by Ferry
Ferry crossing is the only appropriate way to reach a Greek island, every Athenian would say, mocking the airplane transfers as instant solutions that don’t offer a proper time spent on the sea that gets you into the right island mood.
This is why Greek ferries are almost mythical creatures, bearing names from the ancient and modern Greek pantheon and referred to as household items, especially by the island locals.
Athens to Crete Ferry quick info
⛴️ Ports of Heraklion, Chania, Kissamos and Sitia are the four main regions of Crete.
⛴️ Ferries to Crete depart from the main ferry port of Athens – the Piraeus port.
⛴️ As many as 8 daily ferries during the summer, one to two during the winter.
⛴️ Ferry ride: 8-13 hours of journey time during the summer months (high season)
⛴️ Price: one-way tickets between 23-28€.
Ferry routes and schedules
Five ferry companies offer direct lines to Crete – Minoan Lines, Anek Lines, Blue Star Ferries, Seajets and Fast Ferries.
There are three departure times from Athens:
⛴️ Morning daytime ferries that depart from Athens around 9-10 am.
⛴️ Midday daytime ferries that depart from Athens between 3-6 pm.
⛴️ Evening night-time ferries that depart from Athens around 10 pm.
Check for available ferries here:
Most of the ferries routes departing the Greek mainland for Crete are direct, except for the Blue Star ferries that usually stop in Santorini around 1 am en route to Crete.
Ferry seat options
There are several ticket classes and arrangements on Athens to Crete ferries:
⛴️ Economy class – the cheapest option with no assigned seat. You can sit in indoor free-seating sections and around any of the outside decks (where available). Most travelers choose this option for the lowest prices.
⛴️ Airplane seats – Indoor area filled with rows of airplane seats (first-class airplane seats, wide and comfortable).
⛴️ VIP seats – Roomy seating arrangements with additional amenities included.
⛴️ Cabins – available on most ferries, cabins offer shared or private (some with ensuite) space to relax and get to Crete in utmost comfort.
TIP: The overnight ferry with a cabin is my favorite way of getting from Athens to Crete. Large and stable vessels mean a smooth and comfy ride, and you reach Crete refreshed and ready to explore.
Buying ferry tickets
You can buy ferry tickets on the day of your journey, as the ferries are rarely sold-out. However, I always buy them online some time ahead, to avoid any chance of being left behind.
Buying tickets online (preferred option): Using Ferryhopper, you can plan and purchase your tickets even months in advance. Best platform for ferry timetables, ferry prices, planning and purchases.
Buying tickets in travel agencies: You can get your tickets in almost any travel agency around Athens or any island. Best option if you are not comfortable with online platforms.
Buying tickets in Piraeus port before traveling: Best avoided, as it adds stress and hassle before the journey.
However, if needed, there are plenty of ticket offices all around the port, you just need to factor in the time you’ll send waiting in line.
Where are the Crete ferry platforms around the Piraeus port?
Port of Piraeus is the biggest passenger port in Greece and a place where dozens of ferries depart to almost all of the Greek islands.
It is divided in sections for easy reference, and knowing which departing gate is yours and how to reach it will save you a lot of time and distance walking around.
Luckily, the main port is divided according to the departing areas and it’s easy to understand.
The ferries to Crete depart from GATES E2 AND E3.
Easy enough to reach, the E2 and E3 gates are exactly opposite from the Piraeus Metro station.
How to reach Piraeus port of Athens?
Piraeus port is well connected to all areas of central Athens, with multiple transport options available:
🚇 Metro – The lines connect Athens city with its Piraeus port.
🚇 Metro Blue Line (line 3), direction Dimotiko Theatro. Station name for the port: Piraeus. This line also connects the port with the Athens’ airport.
🚇 Metro Green Line (line 1), direction Piraeus. Station name for the port: Piraeus.
🚇 One way ticket €1.2 and journey from central Athens is around 20 minutes.
🚌 Bus – Regular bus (NO. 40) with €1.2 and around 50 minute ride from central Athens
🚌 Express bus (80 or X96) with €4.1 and around 30 minutes ride.
🚕 Taxis and Private transfers – the best way if your are more than 2 people is to take a cab. Taxi (including Uber Taxi) will take around €25 for a 25 minute ride, while a private transfer €26-27. I always use Welcome pickups.
Ferry luggage policy
🧳 Ferry companies usually do not impose strict luggage policies, some of them even allow unlimited luggage, both suitcases and hand-pieces, like Fast ferries.
🧳 Minoan lines – 2 suitcases and 1 hand-piece.
🧳 Blue Star Ferries and Seajets – one suitecase up to 50kg (no hand-pieces policy)
FAQ about Athens to Crete Ferries
What’s the distance between Athens and Crete?
Between 145 nautical miles (269 km) and 200 nautical miles (370 km). That’s why it’s a long journey.
Can I travel with my pet?
Yes, just make sure you have pet certificates, ticket and pet supplies.
Do I need to take food and drinks with me?
Ferry company offers snack-kiosks on board and some of them even proper restaurants and bars. However, bringing some snacks and drinks is advised.
Any entertainment available on board?
Not quite, beside some TV sets placed around indoor communal areas.
Crete is among the Europe’s most popular destinations. What is the best time to buy ferry tickets?
Make sure to book 2-3 months ahead.
Car you bring a car?
Yes, all of the Ferries take cars on board, but book well ahead. Check the prices, extra cost and guidelines when booking.
Can you reach Crete from other islands?
Yes, the Aegean Sea islands are connected to Crete in various ways, with daily connections to Santorini (Cyclades islands connection) and Rhodes (Dodecanese islands connection).
Are there fast ferries available?
No, fast ferry or high speed ferry is not available between Athens and Crete. A long trip is a must when taking a ferry to Crete.
Is there anything to see during the ferry day trip to Crete?
Not quite, its mostly vast seascapes.
Best time to visit Crete?
Visiting Crete is a lifetime experience and the best time is June – the summer is here, but the crowds are not.
Athens to Crete by Plane
Crete airports
Crete is a huge island and has three airports, all of them on the northern side, but each catering to different sections of the island.
Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” is the central and the biggest airport of Crete and the one with the most frequent flights to destinations in Greece and abroad.
Airport code: HER.
TIP: Several city public bus lines connect the airport with the Heraklion city center or its intercity bus station “KTEL Heraklion Lasithi“.
The public transportation bus stop is just behind the tour operators’ counters and airport parking. The ride is around 10 minutes and the tickets are sold on the bus for €1.50.
Chania International Airport “Ioannis Daskalogiannis” is a gateway to the western side of Crete and a direct way to the magical city of Chania. Airport code: CHQ.
TIP: The airport is connected to the city of Chania (old town) via intercity bus lines (KTEL). The bus stop is across the departures section of the airport, a one-way ticket is €2.30 and the ride is around 25 minutes.
Sitia Public Airport “Vitsentzos Kornaros” services the eastern section of Crete. Although smaller than the previous two, Sitia Airport maintains local and international lines.
TIP: No public transportation is available between Sitia and its airport. The only option is to take a taxi and the price starts at €20.
Now, do not let this plethora of airports confuse you, they are still quite small-scale aerodromes with just a small building next to an airstrip.
Poor old Heraklion Airport has seen better days and with increased numbers of arrivals, its facilities are put on test.
Depending on the airline you choose, you could find yourself waiting on the tarmac for upwards of an hour for connecting flights to arrive. If given a choice, I try and fly into Chania airport.
But that said, it’s much faster than a ferry, and if you’re arriving in Greece at Athens International Airport, much easier than having to leave the airport and get to Piraeus port.
Flights to Crete
Crete is a major Mediterranean destination and the island is connected to mainland Greece and the rest of the world by direct international commercial flights, international charter flights, and frequent domestic services from Athens, Thessaloniki, and Alexanroupoli.
Three Greek airline companies operate daily flights to Crete: Aegean Airlines/Olympic Airways, Sky Express, and Volotea.
Many of the world’s major airlines maintain seasonal flights to Crete, including British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, Air Serbia, Austrian Airlines, and many others.
Also, all of major Europe’s budget airlines have cheap seasonal flights to Crete, including Ryanair, Wizz Air, Transavia, Volotea, Easy Jet and many other.
There are several daily direct flights from Athens International Airport to Heraklion Airport, Chania Airport, and Sitia Airport.
TIP: All flights to Crete from Athens International Airport depart from Terminal 1.
Aegean Airlines/Olympic Air
🛫 Aegean Airlines is the main Greek airliner with dozens of direct flights to destinations in Greece and abroad (sometimes operated by the sister company Olympic Air).
You can book a direct one-way flight from Athens to Crete; flight price starting at €39 (Sitia), at €44 (Chania) and at €55 (Heraklion).
This is the only airline offering both buseness class and economy class on their flights to Crete.
To Heraklion
🛫 Aegean Airlines fly 7 times a day to Heraklion during the summer and 5-7 times during the winter.
To Chania
🛫 Aegean Airlines fly 5 times a day to Chania during the summer and 4 times during the winter.
To Sitia
🛫 Olympic Air maintains one Athens-Sitia flight daily until October. From October they run 3-4 flights a week.
Sky Express
Sky Express is private Greek airliner with wonderful new airplanes and wide network of destinations. The company offers 10% discount on round trip fares.
You can book a direct one-way flight from Athens to Crete starting at €43 (Heraklion) and €41 (Chania).
To Heraklion
🛫 Sky Express flies 2-4 times a day to Heraklion during the summer and 2-3 during the winter.
To Chania
🛫 Sky Express flies 3-4 times a day to Chania during the summer and 2-4 during the winter.
Volotea
Volotea is a low cost company offering a direct one-way flight from Athens to Crete (Heraklion) from €24.
To Heraklion
Volotea maintains one Athens-Heraklion flight daily until November. From November 2023 it drops to four flights a week – on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, with occasional additional flight a week added.
BONUS OPTION:
Ryanair from Athens to Chania is the only route operated between Athens and Crete by the famous low cost carrier.
It is a seasonal route that stops for the low season around the 26th of October each year. Cheapest flight to Crete start from €19.69.
🛫 Ryanair runs the Athens-Chania route every Tuesday and Thursday.
How long are the Athens to Crete flights?
⏱️ Flying direct from Athens to Heraklion Airport will take 45 minutes.
⏱️ Flying direct from Athens to Chania Airport will take 50 minutes.
⏱️ Flying direct from Athens to Sittia Airport will take 65 minutes.
Athens Airport
Athens airport is very easy to navigate, despite its size and frequency of travellers during the summer.
Although it is split between two terminals connected by an underground passage, all the flights to and from Crete are departing/arriving from the Terminal one, Hall B (the inter-Schengen and domestic flights hall).
The airport is very well equipped with cafes, shops and restaurants.
How to get to the Athens Airport?
Athens airport is a dream. It’s close to the city AND directly connected to the ferry port. Very hassle free place to get to and with a hotel connected by an air bridge.
🚇 Athens’ Metro Blue Line (line 3) connects the airport directly to the Athens city center as well as the port of Piraeus, the main passenger ferry boat port for leaving towards the Greek islands, Crete including.
🚇 The ticket price is €9, it runs every ½ hour. While the trip to the city center is around 45 minutes, to the Piraeus port is around one hour.
Other options of getting to and from Athens airport are available too:
🚌 Public buses – X93, X96, X95 and X97. A one-way full-price ticket is €6.
🚕 Taxi services – Available outside the Airport building. Prices are around €40, for a 30-40 minute ride.
🚖 Uber Taxi – Uber does not offer its most popular service Uber X in Athens, but coordinates the existing taxi drivers via its online platform.
🛬 Private transfers – The best way to get to the city, especially if you are 3-4 people. For just a few Euros more than a taxi you are getting a personalized service and a driver who greets you in the airport arrivals lounge.
