Santorini to Heraklion Ferry
🚢 Santorini → Heraklion — this week
9 sailings over the next 7 days · usually 1/day
Tomorrow (Fri 7 Aug): 2 ferries — first at 15:45
Santorini to Heraklion Ferry
Santorini to Heraklion -- At a Glance
- Season: Timetables are currently published through 31 October 2026.
- Frequency: Typically 1 ferry per day.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
- Journey time: 1 hour 35 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes.
- Operators: SeaJets, Blue Star Ferries.
- Tickets from: €93 per person.
- Book tickets: Check prices at Ferryscanner
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 | Not yet published | – |
| 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 | 1.5 (1–2) |
| August | Yes | 1.3 (1–2) |
| September | Yes | 1.3 (1–2) |
| October | Yes | 1.3 (1–2) |
| November | Not yet published | – |
| December | Not yet published | – |
Book ferry port and airport transfers here: Welcome Pickups →
Santorini 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 | 1 | 15:45 |
| Fri 7 Aug | 2 | 15:45, 23:50 |
| Sat 8 Aug | 1 | 15:45 |
| Sun 9 Aug | 1 | 15:45 |
| Mon 10 Aug | 1 | 15:45 |
| Tue 11 Aug | 1 | 15:45 |
| Wed 12 Aug | 2 | 15:45, 23:50 |
| Thu 13 Aug | 1 | 15:45 |
| Fri 14 Aug | 2 | 15:45, 23:50 |
| Sat 15 Aug | 1 | 15:45 |
| Sun 16 Aug | 1 | 15:45 |
| Mon 17 Aug | 1 | 15:45 |
| Tue 18 Aug | 1 | 15:45 |
| Wed 19 Aug | 2 | 15:45, 23:50 |
Check availability & book on Ferryscanner →
Ferry Companies
The Santorini–Heraklion route is served by 2 companies:
- SeaJets – approximately 1 hour 35 minutes
- Blue Star Ferries – approximately 3 hours 10 minutes
Tips for the Santorini–Heraklion Ferry
- Arrive at Athinios port at least 45 minutes before departure – the switchback access road down the caldera cliff often backs up in summer, and boarding can start earlier than the printed departure time.
- If you're staying in Oia, note that no bus runs directly to or from Athinios port – you'll need to change at Fira, adding a ticket and a wait, so a taxi or pre-booked transfer is usually more practical.
- Collect paper tickets from the Nomikos or Dakoutros travel agency booths at the port as soon as you arrive, rather than waiting until boarding – queues build quickly as departure time approaches.
- If you're travelling by public bus, stow large luggage in the storage compartment underneath rather than carrying it aboard, as space inside is limited, especially on the busy Fira–Oia route.
- 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?
Typically 1 ferry per day. Timetables are currently published through 31 October 2026.
Are there ferries from Santorini to Heraklion today?
Yes – 1 sailing today. See the 14-day timetable above for departure times.
How many ferries run from Santorini to Heraklion this week?
Around 9 sailings over the next 7 days (typically 1 per day).
What time is the first ferry from Santorini to Heraklion?
The first departure is usually 15:45.
How long is the ferry from Santorini to Heraklion?
The fastest crossing takes approximately 1 hour 35 minutes, while the slowest takes around 4 hours 30 minutes. Journey times depend on the ferry type and company.
How much does the Santorini to Heraklion ferry cost?
Ticket prices start from €93 per person for a standard seat.
Which ferry companies operate the Santorini–Heraklion route?
The route is served by SeaJets, Blue Star Ferries.
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.
Is it worth hiring a car on Santorini?
Yes. The ferry port at Athinios sits about 7.5km below Fira up a steep, winding road; the bus takes about 25 minutes and a taxi costs many times the fare. A car lets you reach Oia, Akrotiri and the red and black beaches at your own pace without waiting for infrequent buses; rental desks operate near the port, and you can compare prices across local suppliers at Discover Cars.