Piraeus to Heraklion Ferry
🚢 Piraeus → Heraklion — this week
19 sailings over the next 7 days · usually 3/day
Tomorrow (Fri 7 Aug): 3 ferries — first at 09:30
Piraeus to Heraklion Ferry
Piraeus to Heraklion -- At a Glance
- Season: Timetables are currently published through 31 October 2026.
- Frequency: 1 to 4 ferries per day depending on the season.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
- Journey time: 7 hours 50 minutes to 11 hours 20 minutes.
- Operators: Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, SeaJets.
- Tickets from: €90 per person.
- Book tickets: Check prices at Ferryscanner
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. If you're planning the trip back, the return Heraklion to Piraeus ferry runs the same crossing in reverse.
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 | Not yet published | – |
| February | Yes | 1.5 (1–3) |
| March | Yes | 1.3 (1–2) |
| April | Yes | 2.3 (1–3) |
| May | Yes | 2.4 (2–4) |
| 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 | Not yet published | – |
| December | Not yet published | – |
Book ferry port and airport transfers here: Welcome Pickups →
Piraeus to Heraklion — 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 | 3 | 09:00, 09:30, 21:00 |
| Fri 7 Aug | 3 | 09:30, 17:00, 21:00 |
| Sat 8 Aug | 3 | 09:00, 09:30, 21:00 |
| Sun 9 Aug | 3 | 09:00, 09:30, 21:00 |
| Mon 10 Aug | 2 | 09:30, 21:00 |
| Tue 11 Aug | 2 | 09:30, 21:00 |
| Wed 12 Aug | 3 | 09:30, 17:00, 21:00 |
| Thu 13 Aug | 3 | 09:00, 09:30, 21:00 |
| Fri 14 Aug | 3 | 09:30, 17:00, 21:00 |
| Sat 15 Aug | 2 | 09:30, 21:00 |
| Sun 16 Aug | 3 | 09:00, 09:30, 21:00 |
| Mon 17 Aug | 2 | 09:30, 21:00 |
| Tue 18 Aug | 2 | 09:30, 21:00 |
| Wed 19 Aug | 4 | 09:00, 09:30, 17:00, 21:00 |
Check availability & book on Ferryscanner →
Ferry Companies
The Piraeus–Heraklion route is served by 3 companies:
- Blue Star Ferries – approximately 8 hours 45 minutes
- Minoan Lines – approximately 9 hours 15 minutes
- SeaJets – approximately 7 hours 50 minutes
Tips for the Piraeus–Heraklion 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.
- 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?
1 to 4 ferries per day depending on the season. Timetables are currently published through 31 October 2026.
Are there ferries from Piraeus to Heraklion today?
Yes – 3 sailings today. See the 14-day timetable above for departure times.
How many ferries run from Piraeus to Heraklion this week?
Around 19 sailings over the next 7 days (typically 3 per day).
What time is the first ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion?
The first departure is usually 09:30.
How long is the ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion?
The fastest crossing takes approximately 7 hours 50 minutes, while the slowest takes around 11 hours 20 minutes. Journey times depend on the ferry type and company.
How much does the Piraeus to Heraklion ferry cost?
Ticket prices start from €90 per person for a standard seat.
Which ferry companies operate the Piraeus–Heraklion route?
The route is served by Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, SeaJets.
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.
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.