Ferry connection
Is there a ferry from Heraklion to Samos?
There is no direct ferry from Heraklion to Samos. The most practical ferry connection is via Piraeus: sail Heraklion → Piraeus, then change for the Piraeus → Samos ferry. The two crossings take about 18h 25m 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 Samos 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 → Samosfrom €49.70 | 9h 10m | Blue Star Ferries |
Change ferries at Piraeus. Sailing times are indicative and seasonal — confirm each leg with its operator.
About Heraklion and Samos
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 guideSamos
From Samos, Turkey is seventy-five minutes away and Athens is nine hours. That single fact reorganises how the island is used: Ephesus is an easy day out, İzmir is a plausible airport, and the ferry to Piraeus is an overnight you take once. The island has three harbours, and one of them cannot help you cross to Turkey at all.
Samos travel guideFrequently asked questions
Is there a direct ferry from Heraklion to Samos?
No. There is currently no direct, single-vessel ferry between Heraklion and Samos. You can still make the journey by ferry with one change, via Piraeus.
How do you get from Heraklion to Samos by ferry?
Take the Heraklion → Piraeus ferry, then change at Piraeus for the Piraeus → Samos ferry. The two crossings total about 18h 25m of sailing time. They are separate tickets, so leave enough time to connect.
Do I need to change ferries between Heraklion and Samos?
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 Samos ferry journey take?
About 18h 25m 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 Samos?
The most practical change point is Piraeus. From Piraeus, onward ferries continue to Samos.
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Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub.