Santorini to Heraklion Ferry
Santorini to Heraklion — At a Glance
- Season: Year-round service.
- Frequency: Typically 1 ferry per day, year-round.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
- Journey time: 1 hour 50 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes.
- Operators: Seajets, Minoan Lines, Aegeon Pelagos.
- Tickets from: €25 – €68 per person.
The Santorini to Heraklion ferry is one of the great inter-island connections in the Aegean, linking the clifftop splendour of Santorini with the ancient capital of Crete. Whether you’re heading south to explore Minoan history or returning north after time on Greece’s largest island, this route runs year-round and gives you genuine flexibility to plan around your schedule.
On average, one ferry per day makes the crossing throughout the year, with frequencies picking up to one or two sailings daily during the spring and summer months.
Monthly Schedule Overview
Here is a month-by-month overview of ferry service from Santorini to Heraklion:
| Month | Available | Avg. Ferries/Day |
|---|---|---|
| January | No | – |
| February | Yes | 1.0 |
| March | Yes | 1.0 |
| April | Yes | 1.3 (1–2) |
| May | Yes | 1.3 (1–2) |
| June | Yes | 1.3 (1–2) |
| July | Yes | 1.3 (1–2) |
| August | Yes | 1.3 (1–2) |
| September | Yes | 1.3 (1–2) |
| October | Yes | 1.3 (1–2) |
| November | Yes | 1.0 |
| December | No | – |
Ferry Companies
Three operators share the Santorini–Heraklion route, and the journey time varies considerably depending on which you choose:
- Seajets – approximately 1 hour 55 minutes
- Minoan Lines – approximately 1 hour 50 minutes
- Aegeon Pelagos – approximately 6 hours 10 minutes
Tips for the Santorini–Heraklion Ferry
- July and August are the busiest months on almost every Greek ferry route; expect crowded vessels, longer boarding queues, and higher prices.
- The 15th of August sees mass movement across the Greek ferry network as families travel to their ancestral islands; this is the single busiest day of the year.
- The period from mid-October to mid-November offers very few tourists, wide availability of accommodation, and pleasant temperatures for ferry travel.
- 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 Santorini to Heraklion?
There is typically one ferry per day on this route throughout the year, rising to one or two sailings daily during the busier spring and summer months.
How long is the ferry from Santorini to Heraklion?
The fastest crossing takes approximately 1 hour 50 minutes, while the slowest takes around 6 hours 10 minutes. Journey times depend on the ferry type and company.
How much does the Santorini to Heraklion ferry cost?
Ticket prices start from €25 per person for a standard seat. Prices can go up to €68 depending on the company, seat class, and time of year.
Which ferry companies operate the Santorini–Heraklion route?
The route is served by Seajets, Minoan Lines, and Aegeon Pelagos. Seajets and Minoan Lines offer the faster crossing at under two hours, while Aegeon Pelagos runs a slower conventional service.