Piraeus to Heraklion Ferry
🚢 Piraeus → Heraklion — this week
30 sailings over the next 7 days · usually 5/day
Tomorrow (Thu 23 Jul): 4 ferries — first at 09:00
Operated by SeaJets, Minoan Lines, Blue Star Ferries · crossing 16h50m
Piraeus to Heraklion Ferry
Piraeus to Heraklion -- At a Glance
- Season: Seasonal service (February to November).
- Frequency: Typically 1 ferry per day in winter, increasing to several ferries per day (3 daily) 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.
- 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.
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 | 2.4 (2–4) |
| June | Yes | 2.3 (2–3) |
| July | Yes | 3.6 (2–5) |
| August | Yes | 4.4 (3–5) |
| September | Yes | 3.3 (3–4) |
| October | Yes | 3.3 (3–4) |
| November | Yes | 1.0 |
| December | No | – |
Piraeus to Heraklion — next 14 days
Actual sailing dates and departure times for the next two weeks (last updated 2026-07-22):
| Date | Sailings | Departure times | Operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed 22 Jul | 5 | 09:30, 15:00, 21:00 | Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, SeaJets |
| Thu 23 Jul | 4 | 09:00, 09:30, 21:00 | Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, SeaJets |
| Fri 24 Jul | 5 | 09:30, 17:00, 21:00 | Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, SeaJets |
| Sat 25 Jul | 5 | 09:00, 09:30, 21:00 | Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, SeaJets |
| Sun 26 Jul | 4 | 09:30, 21:00 | Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, SeaJets |
| Mon 27 Jul | 3 | 09:30, 21:00 | Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, SeaJets |
| Tue 28 Jul | 4 | 09:30, 21:00 | Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, SeaJets |
| Wed 29 Jul | 4 | 09:30, 15:00, 21:00 | Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, SeaJets |
| Thu 30 Jul | 5 | 09:00, 09:30, 21:00 | Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, SeaJets |
| Fri 31 Jul | 5 | 09:30, 17:00, 21:00 | Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, SeaJets |
| Sat 1 Aug | 5 | 09:00, 09:30, 21:00 | Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, SeaJets |
| Sun 2 Aug | 5 | 09:00, 09:30, 21:00 | Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, SeaJets |
| Mon 3 Aug | 3 | 09:30, 21:00 | Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, SeaJets |
| Tue 4 Aug | 4 | 09:30, 21:00 | Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, SeaJets |
Check availability & book on Ferryscanner →
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.
- ATMs at Heraklion port charge foreign-card fees of around €2.50–3.00 per withdrawal – read our guide to paying in Crete: card vs cash and ATM fees before you arrive so you know what to expect.
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?
Typically 1 ferry per day in winter, increasing to several ferries per day (3 daily) in summer. Service runs year-round.
Are there ferries from Piraeus to Heraklion today?
Yes – 5 sailings today. See the 14-day timetable above for departure times.
How many ferries run from Piraeus to Heraklion this week?
Around 30 sailings over the next 7 days (typically 5 per day).
What time is the first ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion?
The first departure is usually 09:00.
How long is the ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion?
The fastest crossing takes approximately 16 hours 50 minutes. Typical crossing times by operator: SeaJets 7h50m–7h55m (high-speed), Blue Star Ferries 8h45m–11h20m, Minoan Lines 9h15m–9h30m (conventional).
How much does the Piraeus to Heraklion 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–Heraklion route?
The route is served by SeaJets, Minoan Lines, Blue Star Ferries. Crossings run on conventional, high-speed vessels.