Ferry connection
Is there a ferry from Heraklion to Kos?
There is no direct ferry from Heraklion to Kos. The most practical ferry connection is via Piraeus: sail Heraklion → Piraeus, then change for the Piraeus → Kos ferry. The two crossings take about 20h of sailing time combined, plus the connection at Piraeus.
The legs are separate tickets and may not connect on the same day — always check operator times before booking.
Heraklion to Kos ferry connection, leg by leg
| Leg | Ferry crossing | Crossing time | Operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heraklion → Piraeusfrom €42 | 9h 15m | Minoan Lines, Hellenic Seaways, Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets |
| 2 | Piraeus → Kosfrom €46.70 | 10h 45m | Blue Star Ferries |
Change ferries at Piraeus. Sailing times are indicative and seasonal — confirm each leg with its operator.
About Heraklion and Kos
Heraklion
Crete has two ferry doors and they are 150 kilometres apart. Choosing the wrong one does not cost you a ferry — it costs you a day of driving at the far end. Heraklion is the busier of the two, and it is the only one from which you can reach the Cyclades by sea, which for a lot of itineraries settles the question before price does.
Heraklion travel guideKos
Kos has four working harbours and an airport that sits 7 km from one of them and 23 km from the main one. Nobody tells you this before you book, and it is the difference between a ten-minute transfer and an hour of it. The island is also the shortest hop to Turkey anywhere in the Dodecanese — half an hour to Bodrum, and by some distance the most-searched crossing on this island.
Kos travel guideFrequently asked questions
Is there a direct ferry from Heraklion to Kos?
No. There is currently no direct, single-vessel ferry between Heraklion and Kos. You can still make the journey by ferry with one change, via Piraeus.
How do you get from Heraklion to Kos by ferry?
Take the Heraklion → Piraeus ferry, then change at Piraeus for the Piraeus → Kos ferry. The two crossings total about 20h of sailing time. They are separate tickets, so leave enough time to connect.
Do I need to change ferries between Heraklion and Kos?
Yes. Because there is no through-service, you change ferries at Piraeus. Check that the arriving and departing sailings line up on your travel date.
How long does the Heraklion to Kos ferry journey take?
About 20h of sailing time in total, plus the wait for your connection at Piraeus. Exact times vary by season and operator.
Where do you change ferries between Heraklion and Kos?
The most practical change point is Piraeus. From Piraeus, onward ferries continue to Kos.
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Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub.