Ferry from Chalki to Heraklion (Crete)

Chalki to Heraklion is a long southwestward crossing of around nine and three quarter hours on Blue Star Ferries' Blue Star Chios. It is one of the links that ties the Dodecanese to Crete, usually running via Karpathos and Sitia. The ship is a conventional vehicle ferry with cabins, seating and a canteen, and a berth makes sense on a run of this length.

Heraklion is the capital and largest city of Crete, a busy administrative and commercial hub with a Venetian old town at its core. The Koules fortress guards the entrance to the old harbour, with the restored Venetian arsenali alongside. Most visitors head for the Palace of Knossos just outside the city and the Archaeological Museum in the centre, which holds the Minoan collections.

Sailings are infrequent, roughly once a week, so the sailing day dictates the plan. Current times and fares are shown in the timetable below, with fares starting around €20. Heraklion is one of Greece's busiest ports and airports, with plenty of onward ferry and flight options once you arrive.

Weekly Chalki to Heraklion Ferry Schedule

What each ferry company has published for the four weeks from 14 November 2026 to 11 December 2026: the days it sails and its departure times from Chalki.

Chalki to Heraklion Ferry Fares

Hiring a car

Can you rent a car in Heraklion?

Yes. Heraklion's ferry port sits about 1km from the centre, an easy walk or short taxi ride, and several rental firms have desks right at the harbour or nearby in town. The city itself is compact enough on foot, but a car pays off once you want to reach Knossos, the south coast or the Lasithi plateau, where buses run less often. Check rates at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Chalki to Heraklion between 14 November 2026 and 27 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Chalki to Heraklion ferry

• Evening arrivals into a lit island harbour are particularly beautiful; consider timing a crossing to arrive at dusk if the schedule allows.
• The Greek domestic ferry network runs year-round on most major routes – even in winter you can reach Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Crete by sea.
• Sleeping on deck with a sleeping bag or blanket is a beloved Greek ferry tradition on overnight routes; it is free, atmospheric, and surprisingly comfortable.
• Heraklion serves as the main gateway to Crete, with the legendary Palace of Knossos – the centre of Minoan civilisation – just a short drive from the city centre. The city's Archaeological Museum houses one of the most important collections of Minoan artefacts in the world, and wine tours into the surrounding region are a popular option.

Plan a journey

Search for a connection between any two Greek ports, including journeys that need a change.