Piraeus to Chania Ferry
Piraeus to Chania — At a Glance
- Season: Year-round service.
- Frequency: Typically 1 ferry per day, year-round.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
- Operators: Minoan Lines, Anek Superfast.
- Tickets from: €28 – €36 per person.
The Piraeus to Chania ferry is one of the great overnight crossings of the Aegean, carrying you from the bustle of Greece’s main port directly to Crete’s most atmospheric city. It’s a practical route and a genuinely enjoyable one — you board in the evening, sleep at sea, and wake up in western Crete ready to explore.
Sailings run year-round with roughly one departure per day, making this one of the more reliable connections to Crete whatever time of year you’re travelling.
Monthly Schedule Overview
Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Piraeus to Chania:
| Month | Available | Avg. Ferries/Day |
|---|---|---|
| January | No | – |
| February | Yes | 1.0 (1–2) |
| March | Yes | 1.0 |
| April | Yes | 1.1 (1–2) |
| May | Yes | 1.0 |
| June | Yes | 1.0 |
| July | Yes | 1.4 (1–2) |
| August | Yes | 1.5 (1–2) |
| September | Yes | 1.1 (1–2) |
| October | Yes | 1.0 |
| November | No | – |
| December | No | – |
Ferry Companies
Two operators share the Piraeus–Chania route, giving you a choice of sailings and ticket prices:
- Minoan Lines
- Anek Superfast
Tips for the Piraeus–Chania Ferry
- Sunscreen and insect repellent are both considerably cheaper at a supermarket before you board than at island resort shops; stock up on the mainland.
- Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and receives the most ferry calls; it is an excellent base if you want flexibility for onward connections.
- Seasickness wristbands (acupressure) help some travellers and have no side effects – worth trying if you prefer not to take tablets.
- In Chania, Crete’s former capital and second-largest city, you’ll find a beautifully preserved Venetian harbour, a richly layered Old Town with Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman traces, and some of the finest Cretan cuisine on the island. Day trips from here reach the pink-sand beach of Elafonissi and the famous Samaria Gorge.
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 Piraeus to Chania?
You can expect roughly one sailing per day year-round, though in peak summer months (July and August) a second departure occasionally runs. Service continues through the winter on this route, making it one of the more dependable connections to Crete.
How much does the Piraeus to Chania ferry cost?
Ticket prices start from €28 per person for a standard seat. Prices can go up to €36 depending on the company, seat class, and time of year.
Which ferry companies operate the Piraeus–Chania route?
The route is served by Minoan Lines and Anek Superfast. Both operators run overnight crossings, so it’s worth comparing departure times and prices before you book.