Ferry from Naxos to Rethymno

Ferry from Naxos to Rethymno in Crete is a longer, less frequent route than the Naxos to Heraklion crossing, and while several guides describe a Seajets high speed connection in about 5 hours 20 minutes to 7 hours, current live data also notes that there are periods when no ferries are operating on this route at all. When it runs, the route is operated solely by Seajets, usually 2 times per week in summer with journey times averaging around 7 hours and one way tickets for foot passengers starting at about €126 to £194, which makes it a more specialised option compared with the faster and more frequent Naxos to Heraklion link. Ferries depart from the main port of Naxos in Naxos Town and arrive at Rethymno Port on the north coast of Crete, close to the old town and bus station, but many travellers still prefer to sail from Naxos to Heraklion and then continue by bus to Rethymno because services on the direct Naxos to Rethymno leg can be patchy.

Key information for the Naxos to Rethymno ferry route

Ferry duration

Most route summaries say that the Naxos to Rethymno ferry takes around 7 hours on average, with the fastest high speed Seajets crossings at about 5 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours 55 minutes and the slowest up to around 8 hours 45 minutes. Some aggregators quote much shorter average durations of about 3 hours 25 minutes, but these are likely simplified or generic values, so for realistic planning you should assume a journey of about 5.5 to 7 hours.

Ferry companies

Seajets is the only company shown as operating the Naxos to Rethymno ferry route, using high speed catamarans on seasonal schedules. DirectFerries and Ferryscanner data both list Seajets as the sole operator, with about 2 weekly crossings in many summer timetables and references to 5 weekly crossings in some years between June and September.

Fast vs slow ferry

Because Seajets uses high speed catamarans on this route, there is no true conventional slow ferry alternative on the direct Naxos to Rethymno leg. The differences in journey times between 5 hours 20 minutes and 8 hours 45 minutes reflect route variations, weather and stop patterns rather than different types of vessel, so travellers who want a calmer conventional ship generally route via Heraklion or Piraeus instead.

Best time to travel

The Naxos to Rethymno ferry is seasonal and usually runs only in the main summer months, with Ferryscanner stating that there are about 5 weekly crossings from June to September but only around 1 weekly crossing from October to May, and also warning that currently there may be no ferries operating on this route. Departure times are typically between about 10:35 and 14:00 from Naxos, so this is a daytime crossing when available.

Sea conditions and wind

Like other Cyclades to Crete routes, the Naxos to Rethymno crossing passes through open sea and is strongly affected by the Meltemi, the summer north wind that can create rough conditions and sometimes disrupt high speed services. Because this is a 5 to 7 hour high speed crossing, choppy seas can make the ride feel bumpy, and cancellations are more likely than on shorter island hops, so it is important to allow buffer time and to be prepared for motion.

Port guide

In Naxos, ferries to Rethymno depart from the main port in Naxos Town, close to the old town and the harbourfront, which is an easy walk from most central accommodation. In Rethymno, ferries arrive at the town’s main port on the north coast of Crete, just a short walk from the old town, bus station and car rental offices, making it convenient for travellers heading to local resorts or connecting further into Crete.

Car rental advice

Seajets high speed services on this route can carry vehicles, and price information from ferry search engines suggests that car tickets significantly increase total cost, with ranges quoted up to around £465 or more for vehicle plus passengers on the reverse Rethymno to Naxos leg. Many travellers therefore travel as foot passengers between Naxos and Rethymno and rent a car or scooter locally in Crete, since Rethymno has good car rental options and Crete’s road network is extensive.

Foot passenger tips

For foot passengers, it is important to remember that this is a long high speed crossing with limited weekly frequency, so booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for summer departures. You should arrive at Naxos port at least 60 minutes before departure, bring water and snacks and choose seats towards the middle of the vessel if you are concerned about motion, as advised by travellers on similar Seajets routes to Crete.

Is this route worth it?

The Naxos to Rethymno ferry route can be worthwhile if you specifically want to arrive directly in Rethymno rather than Heraklion, for example if your accommodation or plans are based there. However, given the limited frequency, higher prices and occasional reports that no ferries are currently operating this route, many travellers find it more practical to sail from Naxos to Heraklion and then travel by bus or car to Rethymno.

Alternative route if cancelled

If your Naxos to Rethymno ferry is cancelled or if no services are running on your dates, the main alternative is to travel from Naxos to Heraklion and then take a bus or taxi to Rethymno. Other options include routing via Santorini or via Piraeus (for example Naxos to Piraeus, then Piraeus to Rethymno), but these add time and complexity compared with the Naxos to Heraklion plus bus combination.

Reverse route internal links

The reverse route from Rethymno to Naxos is also operated by Seajets on a seasonal, limited schedule, typically with 2 weekly crossings in summer and average journey times around 6 hours 20 minutes. Timetables show departures at about 08:00 from Rethymno with arrival in Naxos around 14:00 to 14:50, and tickets in the reverse direction are similarly priced, usually starting around £107 to €126 for foot passengers.

Frequently asked questions about the Naxos to Rethymno ferry route