Ferry from Athens (Rafina) to Heraklion (Crete)

Is there a ferry from Athens (Rafina) to Heraklion (Crete)?

As there are no direct Rafina - Heraklion (Crete) ferries, an intermediate stop in Mykonos, Santorini, Paros or Naxos is required, where you’ll have to switch ferries.

The ferry connections are usually served by the following companies: Seajets, Minoan Lines, Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries and Blue Star Ferries.

Tip: to better organize multi-stop trips and track your ferry in real time, make sure to download the Ferryhopper App for free.

What’s the ferry schedule from Athens (Rafina) to Heraklion (Crete)?

There are up to 10 daily ferry connections in the summer months indirectly connecting Rafina to the port of Heraklion in Crete. Departures may vary depending on the intermediate that you’ve chosen.

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

Normally, the combined ferry price of the Rafina - Heraklion route is around €120-€170, though the final cost can vary greatly depending on the available discounts and offers, as well as seat/cabin type and vehicle transfer.

Offers

On Ferryhopper, you can browse all available offers and deals and organize a budget-friendly ferry trip to Heraklion in the Aegean Sea easily and quickly.

Any available offers will be automatically applied when booking your ferry tickets for the route you’re interested in.

Discounts

To book Rafina - Heraklion ferry tickets at a better price, check out some indicative passenger categories that are entitled to reduced fares:

• Students
• Toddlers and children
• Large families
• People with disabilities and those accompanying them

Important: depending on the company and the itinerary, the availability of discounts may differ.

How long is the ferry ride from Athens (Rafina) to Heraklion (Crete)?

The indirect route between Rafina and Heraklion (Crete) can last at least 10-11 hr, depending on your chosen intermediate stop and the amount of time spent there.

Is there a high-speed ferry from Athens (Rafina)  to Heraklion (Crete)?

There are mainly conventional ferries making the crossing to Heraklion in Crete that offer cabins and can carry motor vehicles.

What’s the distance between Athens (Rafina) and Heraklion (Crete)?

The distance between the ports of Rafina and Heraklion is approximately 170 nautical miles (or about 315 km).

Useful tips for your ferry trip to Heraklion (Crete) from Athens (Rafina)

Below, you can find some of our top travel tips for your ferry trip to Heraklion (Crete):

• Rafina is one of the busiest Greek ports in the summer, meaning that you should get there well in advance to avoid delays and overcrowding.
• Take a look at our interactive Map of ferries to better visualize and plan your indirect Rafina - Heraklion ferry trip.
• By reaching Santorini and Mykonos before Crete, you will achieve the ultimate Greek island-hopping tour! Take a look at our complete guide for more info.
• With our Heraklion travel guide, you can explore Crete like a local!

Where to take the ferry from Athens (Rafina) to Heraklion (Crete)

Ferries to Heraklion, Crete, leave from Rafina, a port in Athens (Attica). It’s about 30 min from the city center and can be easily reached by car or bus.

There are intercity buses (KTEL) from the center of Athens to Rafina every day, reaching the port in 1–1.5 hours. The bus itinerary begins in Pedion tou Areos. It is also easier to get to Rafina as opposed to Piraeus from the international airport of Athens.

Can I travel on the ferry from Athens (Rafina) to Heraklion (Crete) with a car?

Yes, there are garage spaces on the ferries traveling to Heraklion, Crete. As this is a popular route, especially in the summer, make sure to book your vehicle tickets as early as possible.

Ferry luggage

Ferry companies like Seajets, Golden Star Ferries, Fast Ferries, Blue Star Ferries, and Minoan Lines are usually quite flexible with their luggage allowance policy. In any case, make sure to carry less than 50 kg of luggage with you, and bear in mind that you are responsible for carrying them on board.

Note: there’s no check-in procedure for luggage items on ferries. You can usually store them in designated areas or keep them with you throughout your trip to Crete.

Cabins

Given the duration of the trip, there are cabins on both legs of the indirect Rafina - Heraklion ferry trip. Alternatively, onboard seating is included in the ticket price.

Pet travel

You can bring along your pet on the ferries to Heraklion (Crete) from Rafina. As ferry companies and policies may vary depending on the company you’ve chosen, make sure to contact them for additional information.

Either way, you should carry with you the necessary pet tickets, documents and supplies for a smooth ferry journey with your pet

Book cheap ferry tickets from Athens (Rafina) to Heraklion (Crete)

On Ferryhopper, you can book ferry tickets to Heraklion from Rafina hassle-free. Simply browse and compare the available connections on our fare search engine and choose the one that suits you best!