Heraklion - Athens (Rafina)
Ferries to Athens
Heraklion - Athens (Rafina)
Ferries to Athens
Heraklion Athens (Rafina) ferry prices tend to range between $225* and $1105*. The average price for ferries from Heraklion Athens (Rafina) is typically $526*. The cheapest Heraklion Athens (Rafina) ferry prices start from $225*. The average foot passenger price is $473*. And the average price for a car is $868*.
Pricing will vary depending on the number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Pricing is taken from searches over the last 30 days and is exclusive of service fees, last updated September 26.
We offer a fast way to compare ferry tickets and costs across the world to make your choice smooth sailing. Check out our Special Offers page for discounts on select routes and operators. Remember to book early for the best prices and options!
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a wide range of discounts all year round. When searching for ferries, senior discounts will be automatically applied if they are available. Just select your age range from the passenger options.
Resident discounts are available on a variety of Spanish and Italian ferry routes. Just click on the "Residents" option when this is displayed. The discount is automatically applied to the price. Bear in mind that proof of registration or an identity card with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
Heraklion Athens (Rafina) ferries typically depart at 08:00.
Due to the crossing time, ferries between Heraklion and Athens (Rafina) are more suited to weekend trips or longer stays to really make the most of the journey - if you’re looking for inspiration or things to do when you’re there, check out our blog.
Yes, SeaJets ferries allow cars on board ferries between Heraklion and Athens (Rafina). Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for car ferries between Heraklion and Athens (Rafina).
Whether you can bring your campervan on the ferry from Heraklion to Athens (Rafina) depends on factors like the ship & operator of your preferred crossing. To find out whether you can take your caravan on the ferry, simply enter your details, and we will compare operators on the specified route for you.
For more practical tips and travel inspiration when taking a car, campervan & caravan, visit our blog.
Currently, you cannot take your bicycle on board any ferries from Heraklion to Athens (Rafina).
Yes, foot passengers can travel with SeaJets ferries between Heraklion and Athens (Rafina).
Pets are currently not allowed on board the ferries from Heraklion to Athens (Rafina). Use our Deal Finder to find alternative routes that offer travel options for pets.
Please note that even if pets are not allowed on board, different regulations may apply to passengers travelling with guide dogs and assistance dogs. We recommend talking to our customer service to check the specific rules on your preferred sailing. For general information on travelling with assistance dogs and guide dogs, visit our Special Assistance Help page.
Whether an overnight ferry is available on the route between Heraklion and Athens (Rafina) depends on various factors. To find out if there is an overnight ferry available, simply enter your details; our search results will then provide you with the information on whether your preferred ferry sails overnight. Here you can also find the current ferry timetables and crossing times, as well as alternatives for day passages.
Please note that the duration of the night ferries can at times be slightly longer than that of the day ferries.
Travel requirements can vary depending on the route, so it's important to check what documents you'll need before sailing. In most cases, a valid passport is required when travelling from Heraklion to Athens (Rafina), along with any necessary visas or national ID cards. Requirements may differ based on your nationality and the destination country’s regulations. To avoid delays at check-in, you can find helpful information for your journey in our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide.
To book your ferry tickets, simply enter your departure and arrival ports and the date you’d like to travel to see all available options and prices. You’ll also be able to view alternative routes and times, so you can find the best deal to suit you.
Look out for early booking discounts or special ticket options such as upgrades or flexi-tickets that allow you to change or cancel your booking. To make your sailing as smooth as possible, make sure you enter all the required information correctly, such as the number of passengers and vehicle specifications.
Once you’ve finalised your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. It depends on the ferry operator you book with as to how your boarding pass is issued and collected.
Whilst some ferry operators issue the boarding pass as soon as your booking is confirmed, others may ask you to check in at the port. There’s also the option for online check-in, which can be easily done via the Direct Ferries app, if available.
The ticket desks are usually located near the ferry terminals. To avoid any delays at the port, we’d recommend allowing some extra time to collect your tickets and to check in.
During check-in, you must show your email confirmation, as well as an official photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. You might also be asked to provide documentation for your pet (vaccines, pet insurance, etc.) or proof of residence, if you have booked your ticket with a resident discount.
There could be various reasons why there are no departures from Heraklion to Athens (Rafina) for the date you’ve requested. For example, a temporary timetable change, limited availability or seasonal changes in the timetable. We recommend checking for alternative dates and routes.
The best time to book ferries from Heraklion to Athens (Rafina) is usually as early as possible. By booking in advance, you’ll not only get your tickets at the best available prices, but you’ll also get a better choice of departure times and cabin/seating options.
We’d recommend making your booking at least a few weeks in advance to benefit from the best offers. Bear in mind that prices may vary depending on the season and availability.
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| Heraklion - Athens (Rafina) Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $473 | |
| Average Price with Car | $868 | |
| Heraklion - Athens (Rafina) Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Crete |
| Destination | Athens |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | SeaJets |
| Average Price | $526 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 5 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 8 h 40 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 8 h 5 m |
| First Ferry | 08:00 |
| Last Ferry | 08:00 |
| Distance | 161 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 September 2026.
The Greek city of Heraklion is the capital and largest city on the island of Crete. A popular visitor attraction near the city is Knossos, which is around 5 km from Heraklion. This important archaeological site was the Palace of King Minos and home to the Minotaur, if legend is to be believed. The palace was built over the remains of a former Neolithic settlement in around 1900 BC.
An important attraction in the city itself is the Archaeological Museum which can be found on one corner of the central Eleftherias Square, in a converted power station. The museum collects and displays many artefacts from Knossos, Archanes, Phaestos, Zakros and many other important archaeological sites on the island. The museum's collection spans several thousand years and includes the Phaestos disc, classic Hellenic and Roman sculptures, frescos, jewellery, wall paintings and pottery.
Visitors to Heraklion can take a ferry from the port, which is important for both passenger services and cargo, to destinations including Santorini, Ios, Paros, Mykonos and Rhodes. There are also daily sailings to the mainland port of Piraeus.
The Greek town of Rafina lies on the east coast of the Attica region of mainland Greece, on the shores of the Aegean Sea. The town is close to the town's of Artemida and Nea Makri and also to the Greek capital, Athens, which is around 25 km to the west. because of its proximity to Athens Rafina is popular with many Athenians who visit to enjoy the town's many fish restaurants that can be found lining the harbour. It is not uncommon to see the day's catch lying on beds of ice outside each restaurant.
In ancient times Rafina was named Arafinidon Alon but its history dates back to prehistoric times, but more specifically to pre-Hellenic times. In Askitario, to the south of Rafina, archaeologists have found a unique vase with a dog painted on it which has been dated back to 2,800 BC. Another significant find was near the town's port where a bronze foundry was discovered and is thought to be one of the oldest in Europe, and dates back to 1800 BC.
After the Port of Piraeus, Rafina's port is the second largest in Attica. Ferry services operating from the port depart to the southern part of Euboea and to the Cyclades islands.
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