Piraeus to Heraklion Ferry
Piraeus to Heraklion — At a Glance
- Season: Year-round service.
- Frequency: Typically 1 ferry per day in winter, increasing to 2-3 ferries per day in summer.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
- Journey time: 16 hours 50 minutes.
- Operators: Minoan Lines, Anek Superfast, Aegeon Pelagos.
- Tickets from: €28 – €36 per person.
The Piraeus to Heraklion ferry is one of Greece’s major overnight routes, linking the country’s busiest port directly to Crete’s capital. It operates year-round, making it a reliable option whether you’re travelling in the height of summer or the quieter winter months.
Frequency picks up considerably as the season builds. Expect around 1 sailing per day through winter, rising to 2 or even 3 per day from late spring through to the end of summer — with June–August seeing the highest demand and the most choice.
Monthly Schedule Overview
Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Piraeus to Heraklion:
| Month | Available | Avg. Ferries/Day |
|---|---|---|
| January | No | – |
| February | Yes | 1.5 (1–3) |
| March | Yes | 1.3 (1–2) |
| April | Yes | 2.3 (1–3) |
| May | Yes | 2.3 (2–3) |
| June | Yes | 2.3 (2–3) |
| July | Yes | 2.5 (2–3) |
| August | Yes | 2.6 (2–4) |
| September | Yes | 2.3 (2–3) |
| October | Yes | 2.3 (2–3) |
| November | Yes | 1.0 |
| December | No | – |
Ferry Companies
Three operators share the Piraeus–Heraklion route, giving you a reasonable choice of departure times and cabin classes depending on the season:
- Minoan Lines
- Anek Superfast
- Aegeon Pelagos – approximately 16 hours 50 minutes
Tips for the Piraeus–Heraklion Ferry
- The autumn equinox (around 22–23 September) traditionally marks the end of settled Aegean weather; plan overnight crossings before this point if possible.
- On routes served by high-speed catamarans, all seats are assigned – choose seats towards the centre of the vessel for the smoothest ride in choppy conditions.
- Some operators allow seat upgrades at the port ticket desk if higher classes have not sold out – worth asking if you arrive early.
- Do not book back-to-back same-day connections without at least a 2-hour buffer – ferry delays are common enough that tight connections frequently fail.
- Heraklion serves as the main gateway to Crete, with the legendary Palace of Knossos – the centre of Minoan civilisation – just a short drive from the city centre. The city’s Archaeological Museum houses one of the most important collections of Minoan artefacts in the world, and wine tours into the surrounding region are a popular option.
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 Heraklion?
Service runs year-round. In winter you can generally expect one sailing per day; from late spring through summer, this rises to 2–3 departures daily, with August being the peak period for frequency.
How long is the ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion?
The crossing takes approximately 16 hours 50 minutes. This is an overnight route, so most travellers find it practical to book a cabin or aircraft-style seat rather than sitting up for the full journey.
How much does the Piraeus to Heraklion ferry cost?
Ticket prices start from €28 per person for a standard seat, rising to around €36 depending on the operator, ticket class, and how far in advance you book. Cabin berths will cost more than a deck-class seat.
Which ferry companies operate the Piraeus–Heraklion route?
The route is currently served by three operators: Minoan Lines, Anek Superfast, and Aegeon Pelagos.