Greece
Heraklion to Milos Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
At a glance
The Heraklion to Milos ferry takes about 4h 20m–4h 40m, with 2 listed sailings between 09:30 and 21:00. It is operated by Minoan Lines.
- First sailing
- 09:30
- Last sailing
- 21:00
- Sailings listed
- 2
- Crossing
- from 4h 20m
Heraklion to Milos ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:30 | 13:50 | 4h 20m | Minoan LinesKNOSSOS PALACE | Sun |
| 21:00 | 01:40 | 4h 40m | Minoan LinesFESTOS PALACE | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Heraklion – Milos crossing
Four and a half hours at sea, and the departure you take decides which ship you are on. The 09:30 sailing runs every day except Monday aboard the Knossos Palace and takes 260 minutes. The 21:00 departure runs on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays aboard the Festos Palace, at 280 minutes. A third leaves at 13:00.
Why the times differ by twenty minutes
The two vessels are sisters but the sailings are not identical: intermediate calls and berthing slots vary by departure, and a night crossing is scheduled with more slack than a morning one. Twenty minutes on a four-hour passage is the timetable absorbing that, not a difference in speed.
Crete to the Cyclades is not a short hop
Milos sits at the western edge of the Cyclades and Heraklion on the north coast of Crete; the water between them is open and the crossing is long by Aegean standards. This is a route where the overnight option earns its place, because it converts a lost day into a night.
A narrow validity window
The named-vessel sailings above are timetabled for a short window in August 2026. Greek high-season schedules are issued in tight blocks and reissued rather than extended, so a departure confirmed for one fortnight should not be assumed for the next.
Your destination
About Milos
Nearly every ferry to Milos ties up at one place: Adamas (Adamantas), the island's harbour on its huge natural bay. From Athens you sail from Piraeus — a SeaJets high-speed catamaran does it in roughly 2h35m, while slower conventional ferries take about 5–7 hours but shrug off the wind. Milos also links into the Western Cyclades chain (Sifnos, Serifos, Paros, Naxos), Santorini, and Crete. It is a volcanic island of coloured cliffs, the moonscape of Sarakiniko, and the boat-only cove of Kleftiko.
Full Milos travel guideVehicles, pets & onboard
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Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Ships on the Heraklion – Milos route
2 ships work this crossing across 4 listed sailings, most often FESTOS PALACE.
FESTOS PALACE
Minoan Lines
2 sailings on this route
KNOSSOS PALACE
Minoan Lines
2 sailings on this route
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
How many sailings run each day?
One sailing a day, every day.
Is there a ferry back from Milos?
Yes — see the Milos to Heraklion ferry for the return schedule.
Does this ferry cross an international border?
No, it's entirely within Greece.
Who operates the service?
Minoan Lines runs this crossing.
How long is the ferry ride?
Around 4h 40m, depending on sea conditions.
What time does the ferry leave?
Departs at 13:00.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (Minoan Lines) for current fares.
What's the fastest crossing option?
The quickest option takes about 4h 20m. Crossing time depends on the operator and vessel — compare sailings from Minoan Lines above.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A same-day return is tight on this route — the crossing takes about 4h 20m each way. Most travellers stay at least one night. Check the return sailings before planning a day trip.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings run daily, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
Minoan Lines does not list vehicle space on this service — plan to travel as a foot passenger. If you need to bring a car, check with the operator for alternative crossings.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with Minoan Lines, so declare your pet when booking.
Continue your journey
Onward sailings from Milos
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Milos.
Same departure port
More ferries from Heraklion
Everything else that sails from the same quay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Heraklion or Milos
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid Aug 30, 2026 – Sep 12, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 30, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Heraklion on the map
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