Ferry from Heraklion (Crete) to Santorini (Athinios)

The Heraklion to Santorini ferry is one of the most travelled connections in the southern Aegean, linking Crete’s busy northern port with the iconic caldera island in as little as one hour and thirty-five minutes. Whether you’re island-hopping your way through the Cyclades or making a dedicated crossing from Crete, this route runs throughout the year and gives you genuine flexibility in planning. If Crete is your final stop rather than your first, the return Santorini to Heraklion ferry covers the same crossing in reverse.

On average you’ll find one sailing a day, with frequency rising to two departures on some days during spring, summer, and autumn. It’s a reliable connection, though as with all Aegean routes it pays to book ahead during peak season when capacity fills quickly.

Heraklion to Santorini Ferry Fares

Weekly Heraklion to Santorini Ferry Schedule

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

Things to do when you arrive: Best Santorini tours on Viator

Hiring a car

Is it worth hiring a car on Santorini?

Yes. The ferry port at Athinios sits about 7.5km below Fira up a steep, winding road; the bus takes about 25 minutes and a taxi costs many times the fare. A car lets you reach Oia, Akrotiri and the red and black beaches at your own pace without waiting for infrequent buses; rental desks operate near the port, and you can compare prices across local suppliers 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 Santorini between 19 August 2026 and 1 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Heraklion to Santorini 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.
• The rear vehicle ramp opens while the vessel is still manoeuvring; do not go down to the vehicle deck until the ferry is fully docked and the ramp is secure.
• In Santorini, the clifftop villages of Oia and Fira offer the famous caldera views over the submerged volcanic crater, best seen at sunset from Oia's castle. The 214 steps down to Amoudi Bay lead to some of the best seafood tavernas on the island, and local wine tours offer a taste of Assyrtiko, the volcanic-soil white grape unique to the island.

Plan a journey

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