Heraklion to Santorini Ferry
Heraklion to Santorini -- At a Glance
- Season: Seasonal service (February to November).
- Frequency: Typically 1 ferry per day, February to November.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
- Journey time: 1 hour 35 minutes to 3 hours.
- Operators: Seajets, Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, Hellenic Seaways.
- Tickets from: €15 – €93 per person.
- Book tickets: Check prices at Ferryscanner
- Santorini tours: Best Santorini tours on Viator
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.
- Withdraw cash before leaving Heraklion – ATM availability drops sharply once you leave the main towns. See our guide on paying in Crete: card vs cash and ATM fees for details.
Useful Resources for Your Greek Island Trip
- Find accommodation in Greece – hotels, apartments and villas on Booking.com
- Book tours and activities in Greece via Viator
- Find guided experiences and day trips via GetYourGuide
- Compare car hire prices in Greece via DiscoverCars
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do ferries run from Heraklion to Santorini?
Typically 1 ferry per day, February to November. Service runs year-round.
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?
The route is served by Seajets, Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, Hellenic Seaways.