Ferry from Heraklion (Crete) to Santorini

Is there a ferry from Heraklion to Santorini?

There are weekly crossings from Crete to Santorini all year round. During the summer months, there are up to 3 daily ferry crossings to Santorini from Heraklion. The route is mainly operated by 3 ferry companies: Seajets, Fast Ferries and Blue Star Ferries.

Please note that ferry timetables are subject to change depending on the season. You can check real-time schedules and book ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper.

What’s the ferry schedule from Heraklion (Crete) to Santorini

The earliest Crete to Santorini ferry departs from Heraklion at 04:15 and arrives at the port of Athinios at around 07:10. The latest ferry from Heraklion usually departs at 23:30 and arrives in Santorini around 03:55.

How much is the ferry from Heraklion (Crete) to Santorini?

The Crete to Santorini ferry price ranges from approximately €16 to €93. The final ticket cost can be higher or lower depending on the company, discounts, seat type, or vehicle selection.

Offers

On Ferryhopper, you can find all available offers for the ferry trip to Santorini from Heraklion (Crete). Take a look at our ferry routes, find great ferry deals and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.

Discounts

Take advantage of the available discounts and travel by ferry from Heraklion (Crete) to Santorini with lower-cost ferry tickets. The ferry companies offer discounts up to 50% to the following passenger categories:

• Children from 5 to 10 years old
• Members of large families
• Permanent residents of islands (holders of Unique Islander Number)
• Students of Greek Public Universities
• People with disabilities and their accompanying persons

Note: infants and children up to 5 years travel for free. However, keep in mind that available discounts may vary depending on the company you’re traveling with.

How long is the ferry ride from Heraklion to Santorini?

The Heraklion - Santorini ferry time is around 2 hr to 4.5 hr depending on the type of ferry (conventional or high-speed).

Tip: bear in mind that ferry timetables may change. Therefore, make sure to check your departure time before your trip. You can also track your ferry in real time on the Ferryhopper App!

How far is Santorini from Crete?

The distance from the port of Heraklion to the port of Santorini (Athinios) is 63 nautical miles (120 km).

Is there a high-speed ferry from Heraklion to Santorini?

Yes, you can travel with a fast ferry from Heraklion (Crete) to Santorini. The Crete - Santorini ferry route is mainly operated by high-speed ferries lasting about 1 hr 50 min.

Useful tips for your ferry trip to Santorini from Heraklion

Here are some travel tips for your trip from Heraklion (Crete) to Santorini:

• The port of Heraklion can get crowded during the summer so we recommend that you arrive at the port at least 1 hr in advance of your departure to avoid queuing.
• Ferry rides can be bumpy during the summer. If you feel seasick you can ask the ferry crew for some aspirin or carry with you anti-nausea pills. 
• Athinios, the port of Santorini is small and can get very crowded in high season. Check our blog for a helpful guide for the port of Santorini. 
• If you are planning to stay in Santorini for longer, we recommend that you book accommodation as early as possible (about 3-4 months in advance). 
• Read our Santorini travel guide for useful information and tips about the island.

How do you get from Heraklion, Crete, to Santorini?

You can get from Crete to Santorini by ferry all year round. During the summer, there are up to 3 ferries per day from the port of Heraklion to Santorini. During the winter, there are usually 2 weekly ferries from Crete to Santorini.

Where in Crete can you get the ferry to Santorini?

The Crete - Santorini ferry departs from the port of Heraklion. It's located about 2 km from the center of the city, close to many shops, restaurants and city landmarks. 

To get to the port and catch the ferry from Crete to Santorini, you can take a public bus, taxi or walk. The regional bus station of Heraklion is located 700 m (10 min walk) from the port.

Can you do a day trip from Crete to Santorini?

Yes, you can and Santorini is definitely worth a day trip from Crete! Hop on the first ferry from Heraklion and be in Santorini before 10:00. Enjoy the island’s breathtaking views, walk through its blue-domed churches and get back to Heraklion by evening.

Can I travel on the Heraklion - Santorini ferry with a car?

Yes, you can travel with a vehicle in the majority of the ferries from Heraklion (Crete) to Santorini. Both conventional and high-speed ferries provide the service of vehicle transfer.

The Crete to Santorini ferry cost for your vehicle transfer ranges between €60 and €189 depending on the type of vehicle, the ferry company as well as the season.

Ferry luggage

Ferry companies like Seajets, Fast Ferries and Blue Star Ferries are usually quite flexible when it comes to 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 Santorini.

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

Tip: each ferry company has its own baggage allowance policy. We recommend that you don’t carry more than 50 kg of luggage to avoid delays due to restricted space in the luggage area.

Cabins

Some ferries traveling from Crete to Santorini have cabins but the majority of them offer numbered seats. 

Pet travel

You can travel with your pet on the Crete - Santorini ferry depending on the company and type of vessel you’ve chosen. Make sure to carry along the necessary certificates, tickets and any pet supplies you may need for your trip.

Book cheap ferry tickets from Heraklion to Santorini

You can book your tickets for the Heraklion to Santorini ferry online on Ferryhopper. On our Map of ferries, you can see all the available ferry connections, compare ferry companies and prices, and book your ferry trip to Santorini with confidence!