Crete is served by two international airports – Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ) – with direct flights from Athens (50 min) and most European capitals. If you’re already in Greece, an overnight ferry from Athens’ Piraeus Port reaches Heraklion in 8.5–10 hours (from €36 ($41.84, £31.09)). This guide covers every way to get to Crete – by plane, ferry or island hopping – with exact prices, operators and travel times.
Prices shown are indicative as of June 2026. Ferry fares and flight prices vary by season, operator and cabin type. Always verify current prices directly with the operator or via ferryhopper/ directferries before booking.
Flight vs Ferry to Crete – Which is Better?
Choose flights if you have limited time or are arriving from outside Greece; choose the overnight ferry from Piraeus if you want to bring your car, save on a night’s accommodation, or enjoy the Aegean crossing.
| Flight | Ferry (overnight) | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration (from Athens) | 50 min | 8.5–10 hr (Heraklion) / 6.5–9 hr (Chania) |
| Price from | €50 ($58.11, £43.18) | €36 ($41.84, £31.09) |
| Luggage | Strict limits | No restrictions |
| Car transport | No | Yes |
| Best for | Speed, international travellers | Island experience, car travel |
Verdict: Fly if you have limited time or are arriving from outside Greece. Take the overnight ferry from Piraeus if you want to explore Crete by car or enjoy the Aegean crossing.
How to Get to Crete: Flights
Crete has three international airports – Heraklion (HER), Chania (CHQ), and Sitia (JSH) – with direct flights from Athens (50 min) and dozens of European cities including London, Frankfurt and Amsterdam. A fourth airport, the new Kasteli Airport, is under construction and set to further increase the island’s capacity.
Direct Flights to Crete from Europe
Crete has direct flights from many European cities, especially in the summer season (May–October):
- From the UK: London Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester to Heraklion or Chania
- From Germany: Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin to Heraklion (3.5 hr)
- From the Netherlands: Amsterdam Schiphol to Heraklion (3.5 hr, KLM / easyJet)
- From Italy: Rome and Milan have connecting flights via Athens
- From the US: No direct flights; connect via Athens (ATH), London or Frankfurt
Outside the summer season most routes switch to Athens connections. Aegean Airlines and Sky Express operate domestic Athens–Crete flights year-round.
Domestic Flights from Athens to Crete
Flying from Athens to Crete takes just 50 minutes and connects you to Heraklion (HER) or Chania (CHQ) multiple times per day with Aegean Airlines or Sky Express. Sitia (JSH) is served seasonally. Book at least 3–4 weeks ahead in July–August to avoid price spikes.
Flights depart from Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos, ATH), Greece’s primary international hub in Spata. Its extensive network means most travellers find a direct flight to Crete without a layover, with lounges, restaurants and shops for a comfortable pre-flight wait.
No direct flights from Piraeus: Piraeus is a port, not an airport. To fly to Crete you depart from Athens International Airport (ATH), about an hour’s drive or metro ride from Piraeus. From Piraeus itself, the practical route to Crete is by ferry.
Crete’s Airports: Heraklion, Chania and Sitia
All three Crete airports sit close to their respective city centres, so the transfer to your accommodation is short:
- Heraklion Airport (HER) – Nikos Kazantzakis Airport: 5 kilometers (3.11 miles) from Heraklion city centre. Bus Line 1 runs every 15–20 min (€1.5 ($1.74, £1.30)), taxi costs €10 ($11.62, £8.64)–15, and car rental desks are on site.
- Chania Airport (CHQ) – Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport: 14 kilometers (8.70 miles) from Chania, on the Akrotiri peninsula. Bus to the city centre €2.5 ($2.91, £2.16) (45 min), taxi €20 ($23.24, £17.27)–25, car rental at the airport.
- Sitia Airport (JSH): 1 kilometers (0.62 miles) from Sitia town in eastern Crete; taxi ~€5 ($5.81, £4.32), no bus service. Served by seasonal and domestic flights for travellers seeking a quieter region.
How to Get to Crete by Ferry
Ferries run daily from Athens’ Piraeus Port to Heraklion (8.5–10 hr) and Chania (6.5–9 hr), operated by Minoan Lines, ANEK Lines and Blue Star Ferries; prices start at €36 ($41.84, £31.09) for a standard ticket. You can also reach Crete by ferry from the Cycladic islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros) and from Rhodes.
Ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Crete
You can catch a ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion or Chania every day of the year – no flights, no airport queues, and you can bring your car. The main routes:
| Route | Operators | Duration | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piraeus → Heraklion | Minoan Lines, ANEK Lines, Aegeon Pelagos | 8.5–10 hr | €36 ($41.84, £31.09) |
| Piraeus → Chania (Souda Port) | ANEK Lines, Blue Star Ferries | 6.5–9 hr | €38 ($44.16, £32.81) |
| Piraeus → Sitia | Blue Star Ferries | 12–15 hr | €45 ($52.30, £38.86) |
The Piraeus–Heraklion ferry takes 8.5 to 10 hours (usually an overnight departure) and arrives at Heraklion Port, just 10 minutes from the city centre. The Piraeus–Chania route is slightly faster at 6.5 to 9 hours and docks at Souda Port, about 7 kilometers (4.35 miles) from Chania. The Piraeus–Sitia route is the longest at 12–15 hours and suits travellers heading to Crete’s quieter eastern end.
ANEK Lines tickets start at €36 ($41.84, £31.09) for a standard deck seat (prices as of 2025; check ferryhopper.com or the operator’s website for current fares, as prices vary by season and availability). Minoan Lines offers more cabin options (deck, numbered seat, 2/4-berth cabin, VIP).
Overnight Ferry: Cabins and Booking Tips
Most Piraeus–Crete ferries depart in the evening (21:00–23:00) and arrive early morning, making them effectively a floating hotel. Choose from:
- Deck passage – cheapest option; bring a sleeping bag or blanket
- Numbered aircraft-style seat – comfortable for 6–9 hr trips
- Shared cabin (2–4 berths) – best for families or groups; costs €20 ($23.24, £17.27)–40 extra
- Private cabin – ideal for couples; some have en-suite showers
Book at least 4–6 weeks ahead in July–August. Online booking is available via Minoan Lines (minoan.gr), ferryhopper.com or directferries.com.
Ferries from the Cycladic Islands to Crete
You can reach Crete from the Cyclades by high-speed ferry, mostly in summer, with SeaJets operating the majority of departures:
| Route | Operator | Duration | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santorini → Crete (Heraklion) | SeaJets (Elite Jet) | ~2 hr | €54.7 ($63.57, £47.23) |
| Naxos → Crete | SeaJets (Power Jet) | 3–4 hr | €99.7 ($115.87, £86.09) |
| Paros → Crete | Fast Ferries (Thunder) | 4–5 hr | €72 ($83.68, £62.17) |
| Mykonos → Crete | SeaJets (Power Jet) | 5–6 hr | €69.7 ($81.01, £60.19) |
Most of these high-speed ferries carry vehicles and issue electronic tickets. Santorini is the quickest hop at around 2 hours, making it the most popular island connection to Crete. If you’re still deciding between destinations, see how Santorini – Crete compare, or weigh Naxos and Crete before you book.
Ferries from Rhodes and Other Islands
Seasonal ferries also link Rhodes and the Dodecanese to Crete (Sitia and Heraklion), though these run less frequently than the Cycladic routes. To reach Crete from any island, pick a route that connects to a Cretan port, check the seasonal schedule, and book in advance to secure a seat or cabin. Arrive early at the ferry terminal to complete check-in.
Getting to Crete from Outside Greece
There are no direct flights from the US to Crete, but multiple European hubs – London, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam – offer direct seasonal connections to Heraklion or Chania.
From the UK
Direct flights from London (Heathrow, Gatwick), Manchester and other UK airports run from spring to autumn, taking 3.5–4 hours with easyJet, Jet2 and TUI. Outside summer, connect via Athens.
From Germany, the Netherlands and Other European Countries
Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin and Amsterdam all offer direct seasonal flights to Heraklion (~3.5 hr). From Italy and most other countries, the simplest route is a connection through Athens, where Aegean Airlines and Sky Express fly to Crete year-round.
From the US and Long-Haul Destinations
There are no direct long-haul flights to Crete. US and other intercontinental travellers fly to Athens (ATH) – or a European hub such as London or Frankfurt – and connect to Heraklion or Chania.
Island Hopping: Combining Crete with Other Greek Islands
Crete works perfectly as the southern anchor of a Greek island-hopping trip. A recommended route:
- Athens (Piraeus) → Mykonos (ferry, 4.5–6 hr) → Paros (2 hr) → Santorini (2 hr) → Heraklion, Crete (1.5–3 hr)
Total journey: 5–7 days. High-speed ferries (SeaJets, Minoan Lines) connect all legs in summer. Book each leg ahead in peak season, as popular sailings sell out.
Getting Around Crete After Arrival
Renting a car is the most practical way to explore Crete, especially outside the main cities; rates start at around €20 ($23.24, £17.27)/day for a compact car, and most rental agencies are located at both airports.
Transport from Airport to City
- Heraklion (HER): Bus Line 1 to the city centre every 15–20 min (€1.5 ($1.74, £1.30)); taxi €10 ($11.62, £8.64)–15; on-site car rental.
- Chania (CHQ): Bus to the centre €2.5 ($2.91, £2.16) (45 min); taxi €20 ($23.24, £17.27)–25; on-site car rental.
- Sitia (JSH): Taxi ~€5 ($5.81, £4.32); no airport bus.
Renting a Car in Crete
A compact SUV or mid-size car suits Crete’s varied terrain, balancing comfort, space and manoeuvrability. Rates start around €20 ($23.24, £17.27)/day for a standard compact car, with larger or premium vehicles costing more and off-peak seasons offering lower rates. Agencies such as Rental Center Crete operate at the airports, ports and main towns; a valid driver’s licence and a credit card for the reservation are required.
When to Visit and Practical Tips
The shoulder seasons – April to early June and September to October – offer the best combination of warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices for both flights and ferries.
Best Time to Visit Crete
Spring (April–early June) and autumn (September–October) bring pleasant temperatures and quieter sites than the July–August peak. You can also visit Crete in Christmas for its festive cultural traditions, though ferry and flight frequency drops in winter. Once you arrive, there is no shortage of activities to do in Crete, from Minoan archaeological sites to gorge hikes and beaches.
Book Ferries and Flights in Advance
In July and August, book flights 3–4 weeks ahead and ferries 4–6 weeks ahead, especially for cabins and vehicle space. Use ferryhopper.com or directferries.com to compare operators and reserve online.
Sources: Minoan Lines official timetable (minoan.gr); Ferryhopper route data (ferryhopper.com); Athens International Airport official connections list (aia.gr). Flight times based on Aegean Airlines and Sky Express published schedules.
Is it recommended to rent a car when visiting Crete?
Yes, it is recommended to rent a car when visiting Crete. Renting a car when visiting Crete is strongly recommended due to the multitude of advantages it brings to one’s travel experience. The flexibility for exploration that a rented car offers is unmatched. Travellers gain unparalleled freedom to set their own pace as they traverse the island. A rental car makes Crete’s varied landscapes, undiscovered sites and off-the-beaten-path landmarks easily accessible. Allowing one to craft a personalised itinerary that caters to one’s preferences, ensuring a journey that resonates with their unique interests.
Where to rent a Car in Crete?
A traveller is able to rent a car in Crete from various international and local car rental agencies located at major airports, ports and popular tourist areas. A prominent option includes a well-known local agency such as Rental Center Crete. Renting a car in Crete is a straightforward process, given the island’s thriving tourism industry. The presence of trusted local providers ensures a wide range of choices to cater to one’s preferences.
Several reputable locals offer to rent a car in Crete. Names such as Rental Center Crete have garnered positive reviews and trust among visitors. The agency offers personalised customer service, competitive rates and a deep understanding of the island’s nuances, making them appealing choices for travellers seeking a more immersive experience.
Car rental facilities are strategically located across Crete, including major airports such as Heraklion International Airport and Chania International Airport and ports in Heraklion and Chania. Popular tourist areas such as Rethymno and Agios Nikolaos feature car rental options for one’s convenience.
Written by Harry Anapliotis – Owner and operator of Rental Center Crete since 1975, licensed by the Greek National Tourism Organization (Reg. N° 1039E00810009100). Harry has lived on Crete his entire life and has helped thousands of visitors navigate the island’s transport options.
Published on .
