The ferry from Santorini to Heraklion is one of the fastest and most popular routes in Cyclades Greece, linking Athinios Port in Santorini with the main port of Heraklion in Crete in as little as about 1 hour 35 minutes. Services run most of the year and become very frequent from late March to October, with afternoon and evening departures almost every day in summer. The route is mainly operated by Seajets high speed catamarans and conventional ferries from Anek Superfast and Blue Star Ferries, so you can choose between speed or a slower but more stable crossing. Journey times range from about 1 hour 35 minutes on the fastest high speed vessels to around 3 hours 50 minutes or a little more on conventional ferries. Ticket prices for foot passengers usually start from about €15–€16 on slower ferries and can go up to around €90–€93 on high speed services in peak season, with car tickets and premium seats costing more. Overall, this route is one of the easiest and quickest ways to connect Santorini with Crete, making it ideal for combining two major destinations in a single trip.
Key Information
Ferry duration
The ferry duration from Santorini (Athinios) to Heraklion (Crete) usually ranges from about 1 hour 35 minutes to roughly 4 hours. High speed ferries such as Seajets typically take around 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, while conventional ferries from Anek Superfast or Blue Star Ferries are closer to 3 hours to 3 hours 50 minutes depending on the schedule.
Ferry companies
The Santorini to Heraklion route is served mainly by Seajets and Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries, with some sources also mentioning Minoan Lines and Hellenic Seaways on similar Crete connections. Seajets usually offers daily high speed crossings, while Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries runs conventional services about 2 times per week, giving a total of around 16 to 22 weekly sailings in the high season.
Fast vs slow ferry
Fast ferries on this route, mainly Seajets high speed catamarans, complete the Santorini to Heraklion journey in about 1 hour 35 minutes and are ideal if you want to maximise your time in Crete. Slower conventional ferries operated by Anek Superfast or Blue Star Ferries usually take around 3 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 50 minutes, but they tend to offer cheaper tickets, more space on board and a calmer ride in rough sea conditions.
Best time to travel
The best time to travel from Santorini to Heraklion is between late March and October, when there are daily ferries and sometimes multiple departures per day. In the peak months of June to September, you can usually find at least 2 services most days, while in the shoulder months there are still regular afternoon and evening sailings but fewer overall options.
Sea conditions/wind
The sea between Santorini and Crete can be affected by the meltemi and other strong winds, which can make high speed catamarans feel bumpy even though the crossing is short. On windy days, travellers who are prone to seasickness often prefer larger conventional ferries, choose seats near the middle of the vessel, avoid heavy food and use seasickness tablets to make the journey more comfortable.
Port guide
In Santorini, ferries to Heraklion depart from Athinios Port, the island’s main ferry harbour at the base of the cliffs, which is connected to Fira, Oia and other villages by buses, taxis and hotel transfer minibuses. In Crete, ferries arrive at the main port of Heraklion, which is a large harbour close to the city centre, with easy access to buses, taxis, car rental desks and onward connections to places such as Chania, Rethymno and the archaeological site of Knossos.
Car rental advice
Most Santorini to Heraklion ferries accept vehicles, and sample fares show that a car with 2 adults can cost from around €88 to over €100 each way depending on the company and season. Many travellers find it easier to return their rental car in Santorini and hire a new vehicle in Heraklion, because Crete is large and you may want a different car type and rental contract for driving long distances on the island.
Foot passenger tips
If you travel as a foot passenger, it is sensible to arrive at Athinios Port at least 1 hour before departure in summer, as traffic on the port road and queues for boarding can cause delays. In Heraklion, the port is within walking distance of many city hotels, and there are buses and taxis waiting outside the terminal for travellers heading to other parts of Crete.
“Is this route worth it?”
The Santorini to Heraklion ferry route is definitely worth it if you want to link two major destinations without flying, as it offers a short crossing and lets you arrive directly in the heart of Crete. Many travellers say that the high speed ferry feels like a quick hop, giving them time to explore Heraklion’s old town, Knossos or the beaches on the same day they leave Santorini.
Alternative route if canceled
If your direct Santorini to Heraklion ferry is cancelled, you can sometimes switch to a different ferry on the same day, as there are usually multiple operators on this route in summer. In rare cases when ferries are suspended due to weather or strikes, the alternatives include waiting for the next available sailing or, if your schedule is very tight, considering a flight via another airport, but ferries remain the main option between Santorini and Heraklion.
Reverse route internal links
The reverse route from Heraklion to Santorini is just as frequent, with Seajets and other operators running high speed ferries that take about 1 hour 35 minutes to 2 hours and conventional ferries taking up to around 4 hours. Many travellers use Heraklion to Santorini sailings to connect with flights or continue island hopping, so it is important to choose a departure that leaves enough time for any same day onward connections.
FAQs about the Santorini to Heraklion ferry route
How long does the Santorini to Heraklion ferry really take?
In day to day experience, most travellers find that the Santorini to Heraklion ferry takes about 1 hour 35 minutes to 2 hours on high speed ferries and around 3 hours to 3 hours 50 minutes on conventional vessels. Timetables sometimes show longer maximum durations up to about 6 hours 20 minutes for slower or multi stop services, but these are less common on the direct route.
How often does the Santorini to Heraklion ferry run in summer?
In the high season, there are usually at least 2 Santorini to Heraklion ferries most days, with Seajets operating daily and Anek Superfast – Blue Star Ferries adding about 2 weekly conventional sailings. Overall, guides and timetables mention roughly 16 to 22 weekly crossings on this route during summer, mainly in the afternoon and evening.
How much does the Santorini to Heraklion ferry cost?
Foot passenger tickets on the Santorini to Heraklion ferry usually start from about €15–€16 on conventional ferries and go up to around €90–€93 on high speed catamarans, depending on the operator and season. Average prices reported by booking sites for this route are around €160–€300 return for adults in peak months, with vehicle fares adding significantly to the total cost.
Is the Santorini to Heraklion ferry suitable for people who get seasick?
The Santorini to Heraklion crossing is relatively short, which helps, but high speed ferries can be quite lively on windy days. People who are prone to seasickness often choose a larger conventional ferry, sit near the centre of the ship and bring seasickness tablets or wristbands so they can enjoy the trip more comfortably.
Do I need to book the Santorini to Heraklion ferry in advance?
For June to September, it is wise to book the Santorini to Heraklion ferry at least a couple of weeks in advance, especially if you want a particular departure time or are travelling with a car. Outside peak season you may have more flexibility, but because this is a very popular route between major islands, regular travellers still recommend buying tickets several days before travel to avoid sold out sailings.