Ferry from Rhodes (Rodos) to Heraklion (Crete)

Rhodes to Heraklion is a long overnight-scale crossing of the southern Aegean, run by Blue Star Ferries with the Blue Star Chios. Expect somewhere between ten and a half and twelve hours depending on the calls made at Karpathos, Kasos and Sitia along the way. It is a full-sized conventional ferry taking vehicles, with cabins and reclining seats for the length of the trip, and fares start around €26.50.

Heraklion is the capital of Crete and by some distance its largest city, a busy commercial and administrative hub built around a Venetian old town core. The Koules fortress guards the old harbour entrance next to the restored Venetian arsenali, and the Archaeological Museum in the centre holds the Minoan finds from Knossos, which is a short bus ride out of town. It is one of the busiest ports in Greece and the main gateway for exploring the rest of the island.

The route runs only a couple of times a week, so dates matter more than usual here. Current departures, durations and fares are set out in the table below. Heraklion has good onward ferry links north to the Cyclades and to Piraeus, plus an international airport if the return leg needs to be quicker.

Weekly Rhodes to Heraklion Ferry Schedule

What each ferry company has published for the four weeks from 13 November 2026 to 10 December 2026: the days it sails and its departure times from Rhodes.

Rhodes 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.

Is it worth hiring a car in Rhodes?

Worth it if you're staying more than a couple of days, since the island is large and its two bus companies (Roda in the west, KTEL in the east) don't make it easy to combine both coasts in a day. The port is a 10-minute walk from Rhodes Old Town, with paid parking nearby. Compare local suppliers at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Rhodes to Heraklion between 13 November 2026 and 26 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Rhodes to Heraklion ferry

• Rhodes has two separate ferry ports: large car ferries such as Blue Star Ferries use Akandia, while Dodekanisos Seaways catamarans and small boats to Symi depart from Kolona, just outside the Old Town walls – check your ticket for the correct one.
• Akandia port is roughly a 20-minute walk from the Old Town and has no shelter, seating or toilets while you wait, so it is more comfortable to wait in town and take a taxi straight to your ferry.
• Arrive at least one hour before departure to allow time to check in, since boarding for ferries from Rhodes typically closes around 20 minutes before the scheduled sailing time.
• Aircraft-style reserved seats cost a little more than deck class and are worth it on longer crossings if cabins are beyond your budget.
• 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.