Heraklion to Santorini Ferry
🚢 Heraklion → Santorini — this week
9 sailings over the next 7 days · usually 1/day (2 on weekends)
Tomorrow (Fri 7 Aug): 2 ferries — first at 04:30
Heraklion to Santorini Ferry
Heraklion to Santorini -- At a Glance
- Season: Timetables are currently published through 31 October 2026.
- Frequency: Typically 1 ferry per day.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
- Journey time: 1 hour 35 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes.
- Operators: SeaJets, Blue Star Ferries.
- Tickets from: €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. If Crete is your final stop rather than your first, the return Santorini to Heraklion ferry covers the same crossing in reverse.
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 | Not yet published | – |
| 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 | Not yet published | – |
| December | Not yet published | – |
Book ferry port and airport transfers here: Welcome Pickups →
Heraklion to Santorini — next 14 days
Actual sailing dates and departure times for the next two weeks (last updated 2026-08-06):
| Date | Sailings | Departure times |
|---|---|---|
| Thu 6 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Fri 7 Aug | 2 | 04:30, 08:00 |
| Sat 8 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Sun 9 Aug | 2 | 08:00, 23:45 |
| Mon 10 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Tue 11 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Wed 12 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Thu 13 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Fri 14 Aug | 2 | 04:30, 08:00 |
| Sat 15 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Sun 16 Aug | 2 | 08:00, 23:45 |
| Mon 17 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Tue 18 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
| Wed 19 Aug | 1 | 08:00 |
Check availability & book on Ferryscanner →
Ferry Companies
The Heraklion–Santorini route is served by 2 companies:
- SeaJets – approximately 1 hour 35 minutes
- Blue Star Ferries – approximately 3 hours
Tips for the Heraklion–Santorini Ferry
- Arrive at Heraklion port at least 45 minutes before departure if you already hold an e-ticket – if you are travelling with a car, allow 60 to 90 minutes, as vehicles queue and board separately from foot passengers.
- Buy your ferry ticket online in advance rather than at the port – ticket kiosks at Heraklion only open a few hours before each departure, and Santorini's high-speed services sell out in summer.
- For the Santorini day-boats, SeaJets asks passengers to be at the terminal 30 minutes before sailing – expect heavy congestion and longer check-in queues on summer mornings.
- The rear vehicle ramp opens while the vessel is still manoeuvring; do not go down to the vehicle deck until the ferry is fully docked and the ramp is secure.
- 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.
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. Timetables are currently published through 31 October 2026.
Are there ferries from Heraklion to Santorini today?
Yes – 1 sailing today. See the 14-day timetable above for departure times.
How many ferries run from Heraklion to Santorini this week?
Around 9 sailings over the next 7 days (typically 1 per day, 2 on weekends).
What time is the first ferry from Heraklion to Santorini?
The first departure is usually 04:30.
How long is the ferry from Heraklion to Santorini?
The fastest crossing takes approximately 1 hour 35 minutes, while the slowest takes around 4 hours 20 minutes. Journey times depend on the ferry type and company.
How much does the Heraklion to Santorini ferry cost?
Ticket prices start from €93 per person for a standard seat.
Which ferry companies operate the Heraklion–Santorini route?
The route is served by SeaJets, Blue Star Ferries.
Is it worth hiring a car on Santorini?
Yes. The ferry port at Athinios sits about 7.5km below Fira up a steep, winding road; the bus takes about 25 minutes and a taxi costs many times the fare. A car lets you reach Oia, Akrotiri and the red and black beaches at your own pace without waiting for infrequent buses; rental desks operate near the port, and you can compare prices across local suppliers at Discover Cars.
Can you rent a car in Heraklion?
Yes. Heraklion's ferry port sits about 1km from the centre, an easy walk or short taxi ride, and several rental firms have desks right at the harbour or nearby in town. The city itself is compact enough on foot, but a car pays off once you want to reach Knossos, the south coast or the Lasithi plateau, where buses run less often. Check rates at Discover Cars.