Ferry from Naxos (Chora) to Heraklion (Crete)

Naxos to Heraklio is a high-speed crossing of the southern Aegean with Seajets, using the Worldchampion Jet or Champions League Jet 2. The run takes a consistent three hours and twenty minutes, calling at other Cycladic islands such as Santorini on the way south. These are large fast catamarans with reserved airline-style seating, and fares start around ninety nine euros, which is the price of the speed.

Heraklio is the capital of Crete and its largest city, a busy commercial hub built around a Venetian old town. The Koules fortress guards the old harbour entrance beside the restored Venetian arsenali, and the Archaeological Museum in the centre holds the Minoan finds from Knossos, which lies a short bus ride inland. It is one of the busiest ports in Greece and the main base for exploring the island.

With around fourteen sailings a fortnight this runs daily through the summer and stops outside the season. Current departures and fares are shown in the table below. Bear in mind that fast craft are more prone to cancellation in strong winds than conventional ferries, so leave slack if you have a flight to catch from Heraklio.

Naxos to Heraklion Ferry Fares

Weekly Naxos to Heraklion 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 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.

Is it worth hiring a car on Naxos?

Yes, it is worth it. Naxos is the largest Cycladic island, and its best beaches and mountain villages, Apollonas, Halki, the Tragaea, are 30 to 45 minutes' drive from Naxos Town. Rental desks sit right at the ferry quay, a one-minute walk from the bus terminal. Buses cover the main coast road, but a car gets you into the interior. Compare local suppliers at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Naxos to Heraklion between 24 August 2026 and 6 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Naxos to Heraklion ferry

• Expect a short walk into town – Naxos port sits right at the edge of Chora, with shops, cafés and the Portara landmark only a few minutes away, so you will not need a taxi if your accommodation is central.
• Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure and confirm your departure gate on the day, since Naxos is one of the busiest Cycladic ports, with several operators and vessels often docked at once.
• If you are catching the Express Skopelitis local ferry to the Small Cyclades, it usually berths away from the main quay used by Blue Star and the high-speed ferries, so check where it is tied up when you arrive.
• The pet area on most ferries is outside, on the lower vehicle deck, which can be hot in summer – check the weather before booking a pet on a summer sailing.
• 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

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