Ferry from Heraklion (Crete) to Karpathos (Pigadia)

The Blue Star Chios connects Heraklio with Karpathos in around six and a half hours, running east from Crete into the southern Dodecanese. It is a conventional ferry with cabins and vehicle decks, working a line that continues on towards Chalki and Rhodes. The crossing usually calls at Sitia and Kassos before reaching Karpathos.

Karpathos is a large, mountainous island between Crete and Rhodes, noticeably less developed than either. The main port and town is Pigadia on the east coast, where most of the accommodation and the bus and hire car options are based. The island is known for its dramatic coastline and beaches such as Apella and Kyra Panagia, for good walking, and for the mountain village of Olympos in the far north, where traditional dress and dialect have survived.

Sailings run a couple of times a week rather than daily, and the schedule tightens outside summer. The current timetable and fares are shown in the table below. Karpathos also has an airport with domestic links, which is worth bearing in mind if the ferry days do not fit.

Heraklion to Karpathos Ferry Fares

Weekly Heraklion to Karpathos Ferry Schedule

The repeating pattern behind the dated timetable, without dates. Each row is one scheduled departure and the days it runs.

Hiring a car

Can you rent a car in Karpathos?

Yes, with desks in Pigadia near the port. It's worth it if you're staying several days: the drive north to Olympos, about 58km, runs along narrow, winding cliff roads that can turn genuinely windy, and buses only cover the main routes. For a short stay, buses and boat trips to the beaches are enough. Compare hire options at Discover Cars.

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 Heraklion to Karpathos between 24 October 2026 and 6 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Heraklion to Karpathos ferry

• Arrive at Heraklion port at least 45 minutes before departure if you already hold an e-ticket – if you are travelling with a car, allow 60 to 90 minutes, as vehicles queue and board separately from foot passengers.
• Buy your ferry ticket online in advance rather than at the port – ticket kiosks at Heraklion only open a few hours before each departure, and Santorini's high-speed services sell out in summer.
• For the Santorini day-boats, SeaJets asks passengers to be at the terminal 30 minutes before sailing – expect heavy congestion and longer check-in queues on summer mornings.
• In the shoulder months of May, June, and September, you will often find seats and cabins available right up to departure day.
• Once you arrive in Karpathos, you'll find an unspoiled island with an extensive network of around 50 hiking routes crossing rugged mountains and remote villages. The northern village of Olympos, perched on a clifftop ridge, is one of the most striking traditional settlements in the Dodecanese.

Plan a journey

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