Heraklion to Santorini Ferry

The Heraklion to Santorini ferry is one of the most travelled connections in the southern Aegean, linking Crete’s busy northern port with the iconic caldera island in as little as one hour and thirty-five minutes. Whether you’re island-hopping your way through the Cyclades or making a dedicated crossing from Crete, this route runs throughout the year and gives you genuine flexibility in planning.

On average you’ll find one sailing a day, with frequency rising to two departures on some days during spring, summer, and autumn. It’s a reliable connection, though as with all Aegean routes it pays to book ahead during peak season when capacity fills quickly.

Monthly Schedule Overview

Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Heraklion to Santorini:

Month	Available	Avg. Ferries/Day
January	No	–
February	Yes	1.0
March	Yes	1.0
April	Yes	1.3 (1–2)
May	Yes	1.3 (1–2)
June	Yes	1.3 (1–2)
July	Yes	1.3 (1–2)
August	Yes	1.3 (1–2)
September	Yes	1.3 (1–2)
October	Yes	1.3 (1–2)
November	Yes	1.0
December	No	–

Ferry Companies

The Heraklion–Santorini route is served by 4 companies:

• Seajets, from €15
• Blue Star Ferries, from €15
• Minoan Lines
• Hellenic Seaways, from €15

Tips for the Heraklion–Santorini Ferry

• Check swell forecasts as well as wind speed – residual swell from a previous day’s storm can make a crossing rough even when current wind is light.
• Reduced winter frequency sometimes means spending an extra night on the island to catch the next available sailing; always check your onward connections before you travel.
• If you are joining a longer island-hopping route and not returning to the same base, travel with everything you need from the start – you cannot go back for forgotten items.
• In Santorini, the clifftop villages of Oia and Fira offer the famous caldera views over the submerged volcanic crater, best seen at sunset from Oia’s castle. The 214 steps down to Amoudi Bay lead to some of the best seafood tavernas on the island, and local wine tours offer a taste of Assyrtiko, the volcanic-soil white grape unique to the island.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do ferries run from Heraklion to Santorini?

You can expect around one sailing a day throughout the year, with some days seeing two departures during the busier months. This is a year-round route, so you have genuine flexibility regardless of when you travel.

How long is the ferry from Heraklion to Santorini?

The fastest crossing takes approximately 1 hour 35 minutes, while the slowest takes around 3 hours. Journey times depend on the ferry type and company.

How much does the Heraklion to Santorini ferry cost?

Ticket prices start from €15 per person for a standard seat. Prices can go up to €93 depending on the company, seat class, and time of year.

Which ferry companies operate the Heraklion–Santorini route?

Four operators run this crossing: Seajets, Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, and Hellenic Seaways. Comparing across all of them before booking gives you the best chance of securing a good price and a departure time that suits your plans.