Santorini (Thira) - Heraklion
Ferries to Crete
Santorini (Thira) - Heraklion
Ferries to Crete
Santorini (Thira) Heraklion ferry prices tend to range between $26* and $508*. The average price for ferries from Santorini (Thira) Heraklion is typically $162*. The cheapest Santorini (Thira) Heraklion ferry prices start from $26*. The average foot passenger price is $162*. And the average price for a car is $409*.
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.
The first Santorini (Thira) Heraklion ferry typically departs from Santorini (Thira) at around 00:10. The last ferry usually departs at 23:50.
Yes, you can take a day trip between Santorini (Thira) and Heraklion. Day trips from Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion by ferry are very popular due to the short journey time and daily crossings. If possible, taking a vehicle is also a good way to explore a little further afield, at your own pace, with your own space - if you’re looking for inspiration or things to do when you’re there, check out our blog.
Yes, Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets ferries allow cars on board ferries between Santorini (Thira) and Heraklion. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for car ferries between Santorini (Thira) and Heraklion.
Whether you can bring your campervan on the ferry from Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion 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 Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion.
Yes, foot passengers can travel with Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets ferries between Santorini (Thira) and Heraklion.
Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion with SeaJets. The average price for travelling with a pet on board Santorini (Thira) Heraklion ferries is $188.
Pricing is taken from searches over the last 30 days and is exclusive of service fees, last updated September 26.
In general, you’ll need the following things when travelling with your pet on board a ferry:
Where your pet stays during the ferry crossing depends on the ferry operator. Some ferries require pets to remain in your vehicle for the duration of the crossing, whilst others offer designated pet areas, as well as pet-friendly cabins and lounges. Our Deal Finder shows you all the different options, so you can decide which ferry crossing best suits you and your pet’s travel needs.
There are a few things to keep in mind when travelling with guide and assistance dogs. We also recommend contacting our customer service team or notifying the ferry company at the time of booking that you’ll be travelling with a guide dog or assistance dog.
You should also ensure that you have any necessary certificates and documentation with you, as you may be asked to present them when boarding or whilst you’re on board.
Please note that even if pets aren’t allowed on board, different regulations may apply to passengers travelling with guide dogs and assistance dogs. You can check the specific rules on your preferred sailing with our customer service. 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 Santorini (Thira) and Heraklion 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 Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion, 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 Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion 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 Santorini (Thira) to Heraklion 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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| Santorini (Thira) - Heraklion Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $162 | |
| Average Price with Car | $409 | |
| Average Price with Motorbike | $243 | |
| Average Campervan Price | $191 | |
| Average Cabin Price | $376 | |
| Santorini (Thira) - Heraklion Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Cyclades Islands |
| Destination | Crete |
| No. of Operators | 2 |
| Operators | Blue Star Ferries & SeaJets |
| Average Price | $162 |
| Average Pet Price | $188 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 9 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h 40 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h 35 m |
| First Ferry | 00:10 |
| Last Ferry | 23:50 |
| Distance | 59 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 September 2026.
Located in the southern Aegean Sea is the Greek island of Santorini and lies around 200 km to the south east of the Greek mainland. It forms part of the Cycladic group of islands and is the only location in Europe to have a hot desert climate. A popular pastime for visitors to Santorini is to take a cruise to the island's three islets, which were created in ancient times during a volcanic eruption. The islets are called Nea Kammeni, Palea Kammeni and Thirassia and provide an excellent vantage point for visitors to see the volcano, being located to the west of the island. The island's capital is Fira and is full of typical Cycladic houses with whitewashed walls, blue domed churches and stepped streets full of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.
The island of Santorini has two ports. The main port is Athinios, where all the ferry and commercial boats arrive. There is also the Old Port which is mostly used for cruise ships. From the main port, ferries can be taken to Piraeus, Rafina and to the other islands in the Cyclades. Both conventional and high speed ferries operate on these routes.
Located on the Greek island of Crete, Heraklion is the island's largest city and is one of the main urban centres in Greece. The city can trace its history back to at least the 9th century AD when its development began and then later came under the influence of the Arabs, the Venetians and the Ottomans. Popular sites in the city with tourists include the fortification walls that are essentially the boundary of the old city. These were first built by the Arabs and then reinforced by the Venetians. From the seven bastions, only the Martinengo bastion survives to this day and is where visitors will find the tomb of the renowned writer N. Kazantzakis, overlooking the city. The city was also a venue during the 2004 Olympic Games, and hosted games of the football tournament.
Located in the city's old port, visitors can still see the vaulted tarsanades where ships used to be built and also the 16th century Koule Fortress. From the port, ferries depart to destinations including Santorini, Ios, Paros, Mykonos and Rhodes. There are also ferry services to the Greek mainland port of Piraeus.
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