Checked offer from Piraeus (Athens port) to Chania (Crete): Ferry, about 9h 25min, from €55. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 4, 2026): Blue Star Ferries; main departure point: Piraeus Port.
One option to get from Piraeus (Athens port) to Chania (Crete)
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 | Piraeus Port | €55 | 1 |
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Practical tips
In high season, cabins and car-free seats on popular sailings sell out first. Check your dates as soon as they are fixed and book online, so you receive instant confirmation and avoid being stuck in Athens.
Rafina and Lavrio serve other islands. For Chania, your ferry leaves from Piraeus. Check the port name on your ticket before leaving your hotel, since the Athens ports are far apart.
Piraeus is a large port with many gates spread along the waterfront. Your ticket or confirmation shows the gate for your departure. Note it in advance and allow extra time to walk or take the shuttle.
If your sailing runs overnight, a cabin means real sleep and a fresh start in Chania. Deck seats are cheaper but less restful, so pick based on your plans for the next morning.
Strong winds can delay or cancel sailings, mainly in summer. Avoid tight same-day connections such as flights or non-refundable bookings, and keep an eye on your operator's updates before departure.
The journey experience
Heading from Piraeus to Chania, you want to know straight away whether the ferry is the right call. For most independent travellers without a car, it is: an overnight or daytime sailing takes you from the Athens port straight to Crete, with no need to change boats and no airport transfers to juggle.
The crossing is a conventional ferry, which means a stable, comfortable ride with a real deck to walk on, a café and restaurant on board, and a choice between seats, deck passage or a private cabin if you sail overnight. Compared with a flight, you carry your luggage freely and arrive with a bed already paid for if you choose a cabin. Ferries on this route are generally run by established Greek operators, and the boat docks at Souda, the port serving Chania. A flight is faster but usually costs more once baggage and airport transfers are added, so the ferry suits anyone prioritising value and a relaxed arrival. The price and duration shown on this page are kept up to date, so use them for your comparison.
Your one real task is to head for the right Athens port: for Chania, it is Piraeus, not Rafina or Lavrio. Timetables shift with the season and summer sailings fill up, so check the dates you want and book online early to get instant confirmation. Keep a little slack before any onward flight or hotel check-in, as strong winds can occasionally affect schedules. Booked ahead, this is one of the simplest island crossings in Greece.
Frequently asked questions — Piraeus (Athens port) → Chania (Crete)
Ferry fares for Piraeus to Chania start from €55, and a typical fare is up to €56 for a standard seat. Prices can vary with the season, the operator and whether you choose a cabin, so check your dates and book early for the best choice.
The crossing takes roughly 9 to 11 hours, depending on the vessel and the sailing you choose. Many travellers pick an overnight departure so they sleep on board and arrive in Chania in the morning, ready to start the day.
For most travellers without a car, the ferry is the best option. It is the listed way to make this trip, it runs from Piraeus and lets you travel with your luggage, and a cabin on an overnight sailing saves you a hotel night.
The ferry to Chania leaves from Piraeus, the main port of Athens. Rafina and Lavrio are other Athens ports, but they are not the ones for this route. Always confirm the port and gate on your booking before heading out.
This route is listed as a ferry from Piraeus to Chania, so you board in Athens and sail to Crete without hopping between other islands. The boat docks at Souda, the port serving Chania, from where you continue into town.
Why visit Chania (Crete)?
- ✓ Stroll the Venetian Harbour and its 16th-century lighthouse at sunset
- ✓ Hike the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe's longest canyons
- ✓ Swim at the pink-sand lagoon of Elafonisi and the turquoise waters of Balos
- ✓ Wander the Old Town's lanes, Splantzia quarter and Ottoman-era Mosque of the Janissaries
- ✓ Browse the covered Agora market for Cretan cheeses, olive oil and raki
When to visit Chania (Crete)?
MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
May to early October — hot, sunny and dry; Samaria Gorge is open and the sea is warm
What to do in Chania (Crete)?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Chania (Crete)?
Plan 3 to 4 days to cover Chania properly. In 3 days, you can explore the Venetian harbour and old town, walk the Samaria Gorge or the easier Imbros Gorge, and spend a day at Balos or Elafonissi beaches. With a 4th day, add the Akrotiri peninsula and Agia Triada monastery. Rent a car for at least 2 days, as public buses to the beaches are slow and infrequent.
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