Greece
Heraklion to Piraeus Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
At a glance
The Heraklion to Piraeus ferry takes about 9h 30m, with one daily departure at 21:00. It is operated by Minoan Lines. Fares start from €42.
- First sailing
- 21:00
- Last sailing
- 21:00
- Sailings / day
- 1
- Crossing
- 9h 30m
Heraklion to Piraeus ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21:00 | 06:30 | 9h 30m | Minoan LinesFESTOS PALACE | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Heraklion – Piraeus crossing
One sailing departs from Heraklion for Piraeus every day of the week. The vessel departs at 21:00, with a scheduled crossing time of 9 hours and 30 minutes. This domestic Greek route across the Sea of Crete is managed by the operator Minoan Lines.
The overnight service is a primary vehicle link from the island of Crete to mainland Greece. Fares for foot passengers begin at €42, with costs varying for vehicles and by season. Piraeus port is integrated with the Athens suburban railway network.
Your destination
About Piraeus
Piraeus is the busiest passenger port in Europe and it is laid out like a working harbour, not an airport: gates E1 to E12 are strung along roughly four kilometres of waterfront, and the one on your ticket decides whether the walk from the metro takes five minutes or forty-five. Everything else — which boat, how early, whether you can bring the car — follows from that.
Full Piraeus 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 – Piraeus route
2 ships work this crossing across 2 listed sailings, most often FESTOS PALACE.
FESTOS PALACE
Minoan Lines
1 sailing on this route
KYDON PALACE
Minoan Lines
1 sailing on this route
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
Which company runs this ferry?
Operated by Minoan Lines.
How do I get back from Piraeus?
Check the Piraeus to Heraklion ferry for return times.
Is this a domestic or international route?
Domestic — the whole crossing stays within Greece.
How many times a day does it sail?
One sailing a day.
How long is the ferry ride?
Around 9h 30m, depending on sea conditions.
How much does a ticket cost?
Fares start from €42 one-way for the cheapest class.
What time is the departure?
The single daily sailing leaves at 21:00.
Is there an overnight option?
Some sailings run overnight — the longest crossing is around 9h 30m, and cabins or reclining seats are usually available. Check the individual sailing and operator for onboard sleeping options.
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.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Continue your journey
Onward sailings from Piraeus
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Piraeus.
Same departure port
More ferries from Heraklion
Everything else that sails from the same quay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Heraklion or Piraeus
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid Oct 18, 2026 – Oct 31, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated October 18, 2026.
Operated by
Fares from
€42
Lowest published one-way fare. Final price varies by operator, date and vehicle.
Ports on this route
Heraklion on the map
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