Ferry from Crete to Santorini

Tickets, prices & schedules

You can travel by ferry from Crete to Santorini with year-round and seasonal routes. There are usually up to 3 daily crossings, with ferries from Heraklion, Rethymno and Sitia arriving at the port of Athinios. The journey takes 1.5 to 7 hr and ticket prices start from around € 15.

Blue Star Ferries and Seajets serve the route with both high-speed catamarans and conventional ferries. Find up-to-date info, compare timetables, companies and prices for 2026, and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.

Discounts

Take advantage of the available discounts and travel by ferry from Crete to Santorini with lower-cost ferry tickets. The ferry companies offer discounts up to 50% to the following passenger categories:

  • Children from 5 to 10 years old
  • Members of large families
  • Permanent residents of islands (holders of Unique Islander Number)
  • Students of Greek Public Universities & ISIC card holders
  • People with disabilities and their accompanying persons

Note: infants and children up to 5 years travel for free on the Crete to Santorini ferry. However, keep in mind that available discounts may vary depending on the company you’re traveling with.

On-board services and amenities

Cabins and accommodation

Conventional ferries from Heraklion and Sitia in Crete to Santorini offer a range of cabin options for a more comfortable journey, including private and shared cabins, with or without a window. In contrast, high-speed ferries departing from Heraklion and Rethymnon provide only numbered seats.

Luggage

Ferry companies like Seajets and Blue Star Ferries are usually quite flexible when it comes to luggage size and weight. You can keep your luggage next to you or store your bags and suitcases in the designated luggage area on the Crete to Santorini ferry.

Good to know: bear in mind that there is no check-in procedure for luggage items.

Tip: we recommend that you don’t carry more than 50 kg of luggage to avoid delays due to restricted space in the luggage area.

Traveling with pets

You can travel with your pet on the Crete to Santorini ferry free of charge. Depending on availability, you may transport them in a carrier, book a kennel or reserve a pet-friendly cabin.

Make sure to carry along the necessary certificates, tickets and any pet supplies you may need for your trip.

For more details, take a look at our guide on ferry travel with a pet in Greece.

Useful tips for your ferry trip to Santorini from Crete

Here are some travel tips for your Crete to Santorini ferry trip:

  • The ports of Heraklion, Rethymnon and Sitia can get crowded during the summer so we recommend that you arrive there at least 1 hr in advance of your departure to avoid queuing.
  • Ferry rides can be bumpy during the summer. If you feel seasick you can ask the ferry crew for some aspirin or carry with you anti-nausea pills. 
  • If you are planning to stay in Santorini for longer, we recommend that you book accommodation as early as possible (about 3-4 months in advance). 
  • Read our Santorini travel guide for useful information and tips about the island.

Where to take the ferry from Crete to Santorini

Ferries from Crete to Santorini depart from the ports of Heraklion, Rethymnon and Sitia:

  • Heraklion: the largest port in Crete, located about 2 km from the center of the city, close to many shops, restaurants and city landmarks. You can reach the port by public bus, taxi or on foot. The regional bus station of Heraklion is just 700 m (10 min walk) from the port.
  • Rethymnon: located right next to the Venetian port, within walking distance of the Old Town and city center. The main bus terminal is approximately 1 km from the port.
  • Sitia: the easternmost port of Crete, just a 10-min walk from the city center. The area has several cafés and restaurants nearby.

Where does the ferry arrive in Santorini?

Ferries from Crete arrive at Athinios port, the main passenger port of Santorini. While relatively small, it can become quite crowded during peak season. Check our blog for a helpful guide for the port of Santorini.

How long is the ferry ride from Crete to Santorini?

The duration of the Crete - Santorini ferry trip normally ranges from 1 hr 35 min to around 7 hr 30 min, depending on the route, vessel type and company. Here are indicative times for each route:

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FAQs

Yes, the ferries serving the Crete - Santorini routes have car decks for transporting vehicles.

Prices start at around €60 to transport a car, €13 for a motorbike and €70 for a camper van.

Make sure you bring your driver’s license, as well as your vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Yes, the Crete - Santorini ferry routes are served by high-speed catamarans and conventional ferries. The fastest ferry completes the journey from Heraklion to Santorini in 1 hr 35 min.

The distance between Crete and Santorini varies depending on the departure port:

  • Heraklion to Santorini (Athinios Port): 65 nautical miles (120 km)
  • Sitia to Santorini: 76 nautical miles (141 km)
  • Rethymnon to Santorini: 79 nautical miles (146 km)

Yes, therer are overnight ferries from Crete to Santorini. Specifically, the last ferry of the day from Heraklion usually leaves between 23:59 and 01:45, while the latest crossings from Sitia are scheduled between 23:50 and 01:15.

When booking your Crete to Santorini ferry trip on Ferryhopper, you can easily check in online, get your tickets on your phone, and board the ferry directly with your e-ticket without collecting any paper tickets at the port.

Find detailed answers to all your questions about ferry ticket changes, cancellations and refunds.

Remember that you can also use Ferryhopper's online booking modification service, available with certain ferry companies.

Related ferry schedules

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More ferry routes

Mykonos – Santorini Heraklion – Santorini Piraeus – Santorini Ios – Santorini Katapola – Santorini Tinos – Santorini Adamantas – Santorini Rafina – Santorini Paros – Santorini Naxos – Santorini Rethymno – Santorini Folegandros – Santorini Sifnos – Santorini Sikinos – Santorini Serifos – Santorini Kimolos – Santorini
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