Best option from Heraklion (Crete) to Athens: Flight — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 0h 50min, from €16. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 4, 2026): Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines; main departure point: Heraklion Port.
There are 2 ways to get from Heraklion (Crete) to Athens
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 4, 2026 for a departure on November 25, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Star Ferries | Ferry | Heraklion Port | €43 | 1 |
| Minoan Lines | Ferry | Heraklion Port | €46 | 1 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
Summer ferries and cabins from Crete fill up quickly, especially on weekends and around holidays. Book online as soon as your dates are fixed, so you get the cabin or seat you want and avoid last-minute sold-out sailings.
Athens has three ports: Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio. Read your ticket carefully to confirm where the boat docks, and never assume. This matters most if you plan an onward ferry to the Cyclades the same day.
Delays happen, whether from wind at sea or airport queues. If you have an onward ferry, flight or hotel check-in, build in a generous margin and avoid booking a tight connection on the same day.
On an overnight-style sailing, a cabin means real sleep and a fresher arrival in Athens. A seat is cheaper but less restful. Decide based on your next-day plans, and bring a light layer for the air-conditioned lounges.
Strong winds can affect sailings. Check your booking and the operator's updates on the day of departure, and keep your confirmation handy. If time is critical, the flight is the more flexible fallback.
The journey experience
Heraklion to Athens is one of the easiest Greek legs to decide. The page compares the two options, ferry and plane, side by side on duration, price range and frequency, so you can see at a glance which suits your plans. In short, fly if time is tight, and sail if you would rather save a night's accommodation and travel with plenty of luggage.
The ferry is a classic overnight-style crossing from Heraklion port, with seats or cabins, a bar, a restaurant and open decks to stretch your legs. It is stable and comfortable, and it brings you to the Athens port area, ready to continue by Metro. The flight leaves from Heraklion airport and lands at Athens airport. It suits short stays and tight onward connections, though baggage allowances depend on the fare you choose.
Athens has several ports (Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio), so always check the arrival port on your ticket before planning the next step. In summer, book ahead, especially if you want a cabin or a seat on a busy date. Strong winds can occasionally disrupt sailings, so leave a comfortable buffer before any onward ferry or flight. Booking online gives you instant confirmation and one less thing to worry about.
Frequently asked questions — Heraklion (Crete) → Athens
The ferry starts from 43 € and typically goes up to 44 €. The flight starts from 16 € and typically goes up to 38 €. Prices vary with the date, the cabin or fare type and how early you book, so comparing both options on the page is the best way to find the right deal.
The ferry takes about 10 to 11 hours, which is why many travellers choose an overnight sailing. The flight takes about 50 minutes in the air. Remember to add transfer time to and from the port or airport, plus check-in and boarding, when comparing the total journey.
It depends on your priorities. The flight, at about 50 minutes, is best when time is short or you have a tight connection. The ferry, at about 10 to 11 hours, suits you if you want to sleep on board, save a night's accommodation or carry more luggage.
The ferry leaves from Heraklion port, close to the city centre and the old harbour. Check your ticket for the exact boarding point and the Athens arrival port, since Athens has several ports (Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio). The flight leaves from Heraklion airport instead.
No. Both options on this page link Heraklion and Athens as a single journey, by ferry or by plane, so you do not need to stop on another island. Always check your booking details to confirm the route before you travel.
Why visit Athens?
- ✓ Explore the Acropolis and the Parthenon at opening time to beat the crowds and the midday heat
- ✓ Wander the Acropolis Museum, with its glass floors over active excavations and the Parthenon Gallery
- ✓ Get lost in the Plaka and Anafiotika alleys, a whitewashed island-style village below the Acropolis
- ✓ Taste souvlaki, loukoumades and fresh produce at the Varvakios Central Market and in Psyrri tavernas
- ✓ Watch the sunset from Lycabettus Hill or take a half-day trip to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
When to visit Athens?
MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
April to June and September to October — warm, sunny days, fewer crowds and no extreme summer heat
What to do in Athens?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Athens?
Allow 3 days to cover Athens properly: day one for the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum and Plaka; day two for the Ancient Agora, Monastiraki, Thissio and the National Archaeological Museum; day three for a day trip to Cape Sounion or the Saronic islands. With only 2 days, skip the day trip and start at the Acropolis at opening time to beat the heat and the crowds. With 4 or 5 days, add Delphi or Nafplio.
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