The Crete to Santorini ferry schedule is available at the bottom of the article.
If you are already tired of the superb sunrises in Santorini or of the volcano views, then you can plan taking a day trip to Crete . The largest of the Greek islands, Crete boasts lovely beaches, incredible architecture and tasty (healthy) cuisine.
One of the romantic ways to go from one island to another is by ferry. Along with the lovely views of the sea and the ports, you also get to save some money on your ticket.
Santorini or Thira?
When you look up the ferries between two islands, you are actually looking for ferries between two ports. And in some cases, the name of the island isn’t the same as the name of the port. Santorini makes no exception, so in case you cannot find the island listed in the schedules and on line booking systems, then look for Thira (Santorini) or the port code ATI.
Crete, Heraklio, Chania or Rethymnon ?
Being the largest of the Greek islands, it only makes sense to find more than one port serving Crete. In fact, Crete is served by three ports:
- Heraklio (or Heraklion), port code HCR
- Chania , port code CHC
- Rethymnon (or Rethymno), port code RET
However, the ferries from Santorini arrive in Heraklio or Rethymnon, so, look for both if you plan to travel during the high season and only for Heraklio if you travel during the low season.
How long does it take to get from Santorini to Crete?
The ferry journey between Santorini and Crete (Heraklio) takes 1 h 40 min (on high speed ferry) and up to 4 or 5 hrs on the regular (old-style) ferry.
Is there a high speed ferry between Santorini and Crete?
Yes.
How much does it cost to get from Santorini to Crete by ferry?
The price depends on the type of seat you book and the type of ferry.
On the high speed ferry (1 h 40 min), an economy non-smoking seat costs €42,00, while a business non-smoking seat costs €63,00.
How many ferries per day depart from Santorini to Crete during the low season?
The connections between the islands stop by mid-October (Oct 11) but they resume in early spring, when the weather becomes more reliable.
So, starting from late-March or early April, there’s a ferry departing Santorini daily at 5:45 pm.
How many ferries per day depart from Santorini to Crete during the high season?
The following ferries are available between Santorini and Crete during the high season:
- at 5:05 p.m., to Rethymnon, on Tue (until Oct 27)
- at 5:45 p.m. , to Heraklio , daily except on Wednesdays (until Sept 6)
- at 6:10 p.m, to Heraklio, daily except on Tue to Thu (June 15 to Sept 13); Thu (June 25 to Sept 10); Wed (in July only)
- at 8:20 p.m., to Rethymnon, on Tuesdays and Saturdays (July 11 to August 29)
- at 9:45 p.m. , to Heraklio, daily except Tuesdays and Saturdays (July 10 to August 30)
Are there any overnight journeys between Santorini and Crete?
No.
Where can I buy tickets from?
You can buy the tickets online at most 2 months prior to departure if the schedule is available. There’s also the possibility to book via a travel agency (in your country or directly in Greece). And of course, you can buy the ticket directly in the port. There’s not much need to book well in advance except if you plan to travel during the weekends in July or August.
Does everyone charge the same prices?
The prices are exactly the same, whether you buy them online, via a travel agent or directly from the ticketing office in the port. If there are any differences, those shouldn’t be significant.
How about the ferries from Crete to Santorini?
During the high season there are the following ferries connecting Crete to Santorini:
- at 7 a.m., from Heraklio, daily except on Tuesdays and Saturdays (July 10 to August 30)
- at 7 a.m., from Rethymnon, on Tuesdays and Saturdays (July 11 to August 29)
- at 9:45 a.m., from Heraklio, daily except on Wednesdays (May 4 to October 11)
- at 9:45 a.m., from Heraklio, on Wed (July 7 & 22 only)
- at 9:45 a.m., from Rethymnon, on Tue (until Oct 27)
- at 10:15 a.m., from Heraklio, daily except on Tue to Thu (June 15 to Sept 13); Thu (June 25 to Sept 10); on Wed (July 1, 15 & 29 only)
Important note:
All ferry companies submit their schedule to the Ministry of Merchant Marine weekly so it is possible to find that the online schedule is not very accurate in some cases. Also, if the schedule hasn’t been made public yet for a route, you won’t be able to find or book a ferry for that route.
Read more about:
>> Ferries in Greece
>> Ferries from Athens: How to deal with the Port of Piraeus
>> Ferries from Athens to Aegina
>> Ferries from Athens to Crete
>> Ferries from Athens to Karpathos
>> Ferries from Athens to Hydra
>> Ferries from Athens to Mykonos
>> Ferries from Rafina to Mykonos
>> Ferries from Athens to Patmos
>> Ferries from Athens to Santorini
>> Ferries from Mykonos to Syros
>> Ferries from Santorini to Mykonos
>> Ferries from Santorini to Naxos
>> Ferries from Alonissos to Skopelos
>> Ferries from Corfu to Patras
>> Ferries from Rhodes to Kos
>>Ferries to and from Santorini
>> Ferries from Athens to Paros
>> Ferries from Mykonos to Crete
>> Ferries from Santorini to Karpathos
>>Ferries from Thessaloniki to Lesvos
>> Ferries to and from Mykonos
>> Ferries from Mykonos to Paros (and return)
>> Ferries from Crete to Gavdos
>> Ferries from Santorini to Rhodes
>> Ferries from Santorini to Paros
>> Ferries from Mykonos to Ios
>> Ferries from Mykonos to Tinos
>> Ferries from Thessaloniki to Rhodes
>> Ferries from Athens to Naxos
>> Ferries from Athens to Thessaloniki
>> Ferries from Santorini to Syros
>> Ferries from Kavala to Thassos
>> Ferries from Alonissos to Skiathos
>> Ferries from Athens to Lesvos (Lesbos)
>> Ferries from Thessaloniki to Kos
>> Ferries from Thessaloniki to Chios
