Piraeus to Chania Ferry
🚢 Piraeus → Chania — this week
11 sailings over the next 7 days · usually 1/day (2 on weekends)
Tomorrow (Fri 7 Aug): 2 ferries — first at 10:00
Piraeus to Chania Ferry
Piraeus to Chania -- At a Glance
- Season: Timetables are currently published through 31 October 2026.
- Frequency: Typically 1 ferry per day.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
- Journey time: 8 hours to 9 hours.
- Operators: Blue Star Ferries.
- Book tickets: Check prices at Ferryscanner
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.
There’s normally one departure a day on this route, which makes it a straightforward choice if you want a single overnight sailing straight to western Crete. The schedule box above shows the latest confirmed sailing dates and times, since operators file their timetables in stages rather than a full year at once, so it’s worth checking back nearer your travel date. Worth noting too: Crete has a second ferry gateway in the west, Kissamos, which is a separate harbour from Chania with its own sailings, so double-check which port your booking actually lands at before arranging onward transport.
Monthly Schedule Overview
Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Piraeus to Chania:
| Month | Available | Avg. Ferries/Day |
|---|---|---|
| January | Not yet published | – |
| 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 | 1.5 (1–2) |
| August | Yes | 1.5 (1–2) |
| September | Yes | 1.1 (1–2) |
| October | Yes | 1.0 |
| November | Not yet published | – |
| December | Not yet published | – |
Book ferry port and airport transfers here: Welcome Pickups →
Piraeus to Chania — 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 | 22:00 |
| Fri 7 Aug | 2 | 10:00, 22:00 |
| Sat 8 Aug | 2 | 10:00, 22:00 |
| Sun 9 Aug | 2 | 10:00, 22:00 |
| Mon 10 Aug | 1 | 22:00 |
| Tue 11 Aug | 1 | 22:00 |
| Wed 12 Aug | 2 | 10:00, 22:00 |
| Thu 13 Aug | 2 | 10:00, 22:00 |
| Fri 14 Aug | 1 | 22:00 |
| Sat 15 Aug | 1 | 22:00 |
| Sun 16 Aug | 2 | 10:00, 22:00 |
| Mon 17 Aug | 1 | 22:00 |
| Tue 18 Aug | 1 | 22:00 |
| Wed 19 Aug | 2 | 10:00, 22:00 |
Check availability & book on Ferryscanner →
Ferry Companies
The Piraeus–Chania route is served by 1 company:
- Blue Star Ferries – approximately 8 hours
Tips for the Piraeus–Chania Ferry
- Piraeus port is large, with departure gates E1 to E10 spread along the waterfront – allow extra time to find yours, as it can be a 15–20 minute walk from the metro station, and check the gate number printed on your ticket.
- Ferries to the Saronic islands – Aegina, Hydra and the nearby islands – depart from Gate E8, while Cyclades sailings (Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos) leave from gates in the E6–E10 range, so double-check your specific gate on arrival.
- Take Metro Line 1 or Line 3 to Piraeus station, then use the free shuttle bus that circulates around the port roughly every 10–15 minutes, linking the metro to all gates – useful if your ferry departs from a distant terminal such as E2 or E3.
- There is no parking inside the port itself, so if you are driving, use one of the private car parks nearby rather than looking for a space at the gate; ticket booths at each gate can print e-tickets if you have not already.
- 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?
Typically 1 ferry per day. Timetables are currently published through 31 October 2026.
Are there ferries from Piraeus to Chania today?
Yes – 1 sailing today. See the 14-day timetable above for departure times.
How many ferries run from Piraeus to Chania this week?
Around 11 sailings over the next 7 days (typically 1 per day, 2 on weekends).
What time is the first ferry from Piraeus to Chania?
The first departure is usually 10:00.
How long is the ferry from Piraeus to Chania?
The fastest crossing takes approximately 8 hours, while the slowest takes around 9 hours. Journey times depend on the ferry type and company.
Which ferry companies operate the Piraeus–Chania route?
The route is served by Blue Star Ferries.
Can you rent a car in Chania?
Yes. Chania's ferry port is at Souda, about 7km from the town centre, with several rental desks right by the port entrance and an hourly bus, line 13, into town taking around 25 minutes if you'd rather not drive straight away. A car is worth having if you plan to reach the White Mountains, Samaria Gorge or western beaches; compare prices at Discover Cars.
Can you rent a car in Piraeus?
Yes, several agencies meet passengers directly at the ferry gates (E1 to E12), so there is no need to arrange transport into central Athens first. It suits travellers continuing on to the mainland rather than islanders, since central Athens is only 20 minutes away and has good metro and bus links. Compare local suppliers at Discover Cars.