Ferry from Santorini (Athinios) to Rethymnon (Crete)

Seajets runs the Santorini to Rethymnon crossing with the high-speed Elite Jet, covering the open water to Crete in around two hours and twenty minutes. It is one of the quicker ways to reach the middle of the north Cretan coast without doubling back through Heraklio. Being a fast craft, seating is allocated and you stay inside for the passage.

Rethymnon sits between Chania and Heraklio and is one of the more atmospheric Cretan towns, with a Venetian and Ottoman old quarter that has stayed largely intact. The old Venetian harbour and its lighthouse are the town's signature, and the Fortezza fortress dominates the headland above. It makes a sensible base for both western and central Crete.

This is not a year-round service. It runs a handful of times over a fortnight in season, so it is worth checking dates carefully before building a plan around it; the current timetable and fares appear in the table below. If the sailing does not suit, Heraklio and Chania both have far denser links from the Cyclades, with an easy bus or drive along the coast to Rethymnon.

Santorini to Rethymnon Ferry Fares

No published fares for this route yet.

Weekly Santorini to Rethymnon 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

Is it worth hiring a car in Rethymno?

The port is about a five-minute walk from the Old Town, with rental desks nearby, so you don't need a car just to explore the town itself. It's worth having one to get further afield though: Crete is large, and a car opens up the mountain villages, gorges and quieter beaches around Rethymno that the KTEL bus network doesn't reach directly. Compare prices at Discover Cars.

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.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Santorini to Rethymnon between 24 August 2026 and 6 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Santorini to Rethymnon ferry

• Arrive at Athinios port at least 45 minutes before departure – the switchback access road down the caldera cliff often backs up in summer, and boarding can start earlier than the printed departure time.
• If you're staying in Oia, note that no bus runs directly to or from Athinios port – you'll need to change at Fira, adding a ticket and a wait, so a taxi or pre-booked transfer is usually more practical.
• Collect paper tickets from the Nomikos or Dakoutros travel agency booths at the port as soon as you arrive, rather than waiting until boarding – queues build quickly as departure time approaches.
• If you're travelling by public bus, stow large luggage in the storage compartment underneath rather than carrying it aboard, as space inside is limited, especially on the busy Fira–Oia route.
• A Force 6 wind produces wave heights of 2–3 metres; even passengers who do not normally feel seasick may be affected in these conditions.

Plan a journey

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