Ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion

Traveling from Athens to Heraklion by ferry is easy and comfortable, and you can take advantage of lower-cost ferry tickets thanks to available discounts. Ferry companies offer discounts of up to 50% to certain passenger categories, such as:

• Children from 5 to 10 years old
• Students (Greek public universities and ISIC card holders)
• Permanent residents of islands (holders of Unique Islander Number)
• People with disabilities and their accompanying persons

Note: infants and toddlers up to 4-5 years travel for free. Keep in mind that available discounts may vary from one ferry company to another.

The conventional and high-speed ferries serving the Piraeus - Heraklion route are equipped with a range of modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed journey. On most ferries, you can generally expect:

• Seating in the air-conditioned lounges and on deck
• Bars and restaurants where you can enjoy snacks, drinks and meals
• Children play areas
• Shops for last-minute purchases
• Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected during your journey
• Amenities for travelers with disabilities
• Kennels for larger pets

Cabins and accommodation

The majority of ferries traveling from Athens to Heraklion in Crete have cabins for 1-4 passengers. Typically, you have a choice between interior cabins, exterior cabins (with a window) and deluxe cabins (with a double bed and window). Prices for bed cabins start at around €52 on average, and might vary from one ferry company to another.

Additionally, most ferries also have numbered airplane-style seats for a more comfortable journey.

Luggage

Greek ferry companies are usually quite flexible regarding luggage size and weight. You can keep your luggage next to you or store your bags and suitcases in the designated luggage area on the ferry to Heraklion.

As each ferry company has its own baggage allowance policy, we recommend that you don’t carry more than 50 kg to avoid any delays due to the restricted space in the luggage area.

Good to know: bear in mind that there is no check-in procedure for luggage items. 

Traveling with pets

On Athens - Heraklion ferries, you can travel with your pet free of charge. Bear in mind that each ferry company has its own pet policy.

Make sure to carry along all necessary pet health certificates, tickets and any supplies you may need for your trip.

Here are some tips for your ferry trip from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion:

• To avoid any delays and traffic, we recommend arriving at the port of Piraeus at least 1 hr before departure time, especially if you are traveling with your vehicle. 
• The distance between Gates E2 and E3 to Crete and the metro/suburban railway station at the port of Piraeus is approximately 25 min on foot. You can also get to the gates with the free port shuttle bus.
• There are numerous departures from Athens to the ports of Crete every day, especially in the high season. Find out more about how to get from Athens to Crete and plan your holidays on the largest Greek island.
• Greek ferries can get chilly, even during the summer, so bring along a light jacket or sweater for a more comfortable journey.
• While the Aegean is generally calm, the sea can get a bit choppy, so if you are prone to seasickness, consider taking motion sickness medication before the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• During the summer, you can easily take day trips from Heraklion to Santorini and from Heraklion to Mykonos. Take a look at our Map of ferries and plan your island-hopping adventure in the Aegean.

Where to take the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Heraklion

The Athens - Heraklion ferry normally departs from the port of Piraeus. Piraeus is located approximately 15 km south of the city center of Athens and 45 km from Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos.

You can get to the port of Piraeus by car, taxi, as well as public transport, including metro, bus, and suburban railway. Ferries to Crete usually depart from gates E2 and E3 in the port of Piraeus.

Which gate do ferries to Heraklion depart from?

Ferries to Heraklion normally depart from gates E2 or E3 in the port of Piraeus. Keep in mind though that the gates may change due to traffic, so confirm your gate at the electronic display boards or at the port authority information desk.

Where does the ferry arrive in Heraklion?

The ferry from Piraeus normally docks at the main port of Heraklion, which is about 2 km from the city center. You can easily reach the center of Heraklion and regional bus station (KTEL) on foot. The airport of Heraklion is about 4 km from the port, and you can easily reach it by bus (lines 1 and 78) or taxi.

In the area around the port you will find cafés, restaurants and shops, as well as hotels, car rental agencies, banks and ATMs.