After a stay in Santorini in the Cyclades, would you like to go by ferry to Heraklion? Follow the guide, we answer all your questions!
Greece consists of thousands of islands and as many jewels to discover. You have opted for the enchanting Santorini and now want to go to Crete, the largest of the Greek islands? Excellent choice! With its white houses overlooking the caldeira and picturesque villages, Santorin charms millions of visitors every year. But the Crete, an island full of history, has nothing to envy it. Natural landscapes are varied and wild, and it is difficult to get tired of its unique atmosphere.
Although they are equipped with airports, there is no direct flight between the two islands. Getting around by ferry between Santorin and Heraklion is then the best option to avoid a stopover in Athens. What company do you ask? What are the times and rates? How do I book his tickets? Here's all you need to know before you cross the Crete Sea by ferry!
Ferries companies linking Santorin to Heraklion
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Anton Kudelin
The main ferries companies
Do you want to go to Heraklion from Santorini (Thira) by ferry? Currently, four companies provide this crossing:
- Seajets
- Minoan Lines
- Golden Star Ferries
- Anek Lines
What type of boat are we travelling on?
The crossing between Santorini and Heraklion can be on board a high-speed ferry or catamaran. These boats can accommodate up to 1000 passengers and 300 vehicles. In addition, these ferries are equipped with comfortable seats in the interior. Unless you prefer to admire the view from the outside bridge?
Finally, many services are available on board (restauration, shops...). The availability of these may vary depending on the company and the season.
⛴ in See the ferries between Santorini and Heraklion
Plan a ferry trip with Direct Ferries to Heraklion
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Anton Kudelin
Why choose Direct Ferries?
Like Skyscanner with flights, Direct Ferries is a ferry crossing comparison. The site allows the organization of more than 1.2 million crossings each year, worldwide.
Use a comparator as Direct Ferries it is to make sure that we find the best crossing, at the best price! You will then be able to find out all the routes offered by the various companies on the route Santorin-Héraklion, at the desired dates and times. Tickets from some companies are only available a few months before the day of departure. Otherwise, it is always possible to buy tickets directly at the port of departure, provided that they are in advance.
The Santorini-Heraklion liaison hours
The frequency and times of the crossings between Santorini and Heraklion vary according to the shipping company and the season:
Seajets
- Up to 12 crossings per week
- Daily from mid-April to late September
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday: 4:55 pm
- Tuesday and Saturday: 5.15 p.m.
Minoan Lines
- Up to 7 crossings per week
- Daily from June to September
- Monday to Sunday: 5pm
Golden Star Ferries
- Up to 7 crossings per week
- Daily in high season
- The schedules have not yet been communicated by the site to date
Anek Lines
- 1 crossing per week
- Saturday: 4h10
Note : Santorin-Héraklion is a seasonal journey. Companies operate the crossing daily from mid-April to late October, then once a week in November. It is currently not possible to book tickets to Heraklion by ferry from Santorini between December and late March. Similarly, some crossings may be delayed or even cancelled for weather or company-specific reasons. So think about always checking before you get to the port!
Travel times
The duration of the crossing between Santorini and Heraklion will depend on the shipping company that assures it. Seajet only has high-speed ferries. This allows the Greek company to connect in less than two hours on average, just like Minoan Lines.
On the other hand, crossing the Crete Sea will take 3:15 with Golden Star Ferries, or to 6h with Anek Lines. However, the latter is the only company to offer this link in low season (November).
Tickets prices
Single travel adult ticket : between 28 and 84€ on average.
Going to Heraklion by ferry from Santorin will cost you more or less according to the company, the chosen class, as well as your dates. Tickets offered by Seajets and Minoan Lines are generally more expensive because their ferries are faster. Anek Lines, which ensures the crossing in 5h55 with a conventional ferry, offers the lowest prices.
In addition, the ticket price will increase if you choose to cross with your vehicle . The supplement will be approximately 19€ if you travel with two wheels, and up to 140€ with a little car. With a large vehicle, trailer or roof box, the fare will be higher.
How to book your ferry trip to Heraklion from Santorini?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – FredP
Note that the crossing between Santorini and Heraklion is very popular in the summer season! We therefore recommend that you book your tickets well in advance and go to the departure port on time. In case you could not have taken your tickets in time, the port of Rethymnon in Crete is an alternative to Heraklion.
Ready to book your tickets to get from Santorini to Heraklion by ferry?
- Go to the Direct Ferries website and select the desired route, dates and times.
- Indicate the number of passengers and possible animals, as well as the presence of a vehicle or not. If you cross with a vehicle, you will be asked to specify its type, brand, model and characteristics.
- You just need to compare the results obtained according to the dates, and select your trip. Depending on the crossings, it is sometimes possible to choose its preferences (cabine, seat, meal...).
- Finally, you will get your tickets after you have informed your contact details and payment process!
⛴ in See the ferries between Santorini and Heraklion
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