How to Get from Athens to Crete: Ferry vs. Plane Alternatives
In this post, you can find all the pros and cons of traveling from Athens to Crete by overnight ferry or short flight.
Wondering how to get from Athens to Crete? Or maybe you’re not sure whether to use the ferry or plane? This detailed comparison has you covered. Here is everything you need to know to decide whether to take a boat or a plane to Crete from Athens!
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Let’s discuss all the advantages and disadvantages of getting to Crete by plane or ferry from Athens…
Flying from Athens to Crete is Way Faster than Taking the Ferry
The first thing to keep in mind is that a plane will take you to Crete three to six times faster than a ferry. And that includes the time you need to go through security in Athens and exit the arrival airport.
If you want specifics, expect 2 hours at Athens airport, less than 1 hour in the air, and a few minutes at Crete’s airport. In contrast, the ferry can last anywhere from 8 hours to 12 hours on a slow overnight ferry.
Hence, a flight to Crete is a no-brainer if you’re short on time. You’ll travel for fewer hours and thus maximize your time on the island. That means you can make the most of your itinerary on the island, even if you’re there for a few days.
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Ferry Prices from Athens to Crete are Stable and Usually Lower than Flight Fares
Generally, the ferry from Athens to Crete costs less than choosing the plane. However, that’s not necessarily the case, especially if you book well in advance.
For example, you could find a summer plane ticket at just €50 if you buy it in fall or winter. If you decide not to book and get a ferry instead, you could pay around the same for a regular seat and about double (if not more) for a cabin.
Of course, for an average estimate, expect the flight ticket to range from €50 to €200 plus, while the ferry crossing will usually be between €40 to €60.
As for the lowest price, you can find a boat ticket in the €20-50 range for the 11-hour-long overnight ferry. This basic ticket will get you a standard seat, but you can upgrade to a cabin, which will cost around €160. As you know, the earlier you book a ticket, the better the deal, while prices are higher for June to September.
And although the above applies to both ferries and planes, sea crossing fares are relatively stable and don’t climb as fast or as high. If you travel from Athens to Crete in the next few days, a ferry is the logical option.
The Port and the Airport are 50 Minutes Away by Car, so Consider your Starting Point in Athens
A significant factor to consider when evaluating your options is where in Athens you start your journey to Crete. If you’re landing by air in the Greek capital and want to get to Crete the same day, flying is the way to go.
Instead, if you want to spend a few nights in Athens, the ferry port of Piraeus may be closer and easier to reach. Then, the choice boils down to how fast you want to arrive in Crete and how much you’re willing to spend.
If you want to get from Athens City Centre to Athens Airport, the taxi is the fastest and most expensive option, followed by the easy-to-navigate metro. Finally, you can take the Athens Airport Bus X96, which runs every 20-30 minutes and connects the airport with the main Athens port, Piraeus.
>> Piraeus is the only port in Athens with direct ferries to Crete.
The port of Rafina, which is closer to the airport, serves mainly the Cyclades islands. So head that way only if you want to spend a few nights before Crete in other Greek islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, or Naxos. Alternatively, you can reach Piraeus port within 30-45 minutes from the city center. If you take the bus there, you’ll find the kiosk to purchase or print your ticket right in front of the bus station.
To avoid that hustle and head straight into the boat, buy your ticket online through Ferryhopper. The price will be the same whether you book on the website or at the port, so I’d advise you to make a reservation online if you know your departure date.
Finally, remember to print your boarding pass since you’re required by law to hold it before hopping on a ferry.
Flights are More Frequent than Ferry Connections
Surprisingly, there usually are more flights than ferries between Athens and Crete. For example, on any given day in summer, you will find at least five direct flights from Athens to Chania and five more for Heraklion.
Compare that with the three or four direct boats from Piraeus to Chania or Heraklion, and you see the difference. In winter, the gap is even more significant, with airlines usually sticking to the same flight number while ferry companies are at least halving their itinerary. In short, this shows that locals prefer traveling to the mainland by air, so consider this fact when choosing.
If you’re wondering which companies you can use, Aegean and Sky Express are two airlines with consistent flights to Chania and Heraklion daily. In addition, you’ll find occasional connections from low-cost airlines such as RyanAir and Volotea. Traveling by sea, you’ll board a ferry from Minoan Lines and Anek Lines, with eventual rides on Blue Star Ferries and SeaJet Ferries in summer.
Ferry Companies are More Generous with Baggage Allowances
If there is a big caveat with Athens to Crete flights, that boils down to the baggage constraints. If you book a standard ticket, you can only bring carry-on baggage plus a small item that fits below your seat. You must pay extra to check a big suitcase.
On the other hand, Greek ferries offer a generous baggage allowance that sometimes looks limitless. After all, you can bring your car on every boat other than the high-speed ferry from Athens to Crete.
Ports of Call in Crete: Chania and Heraklion
Whether you travel by air or sea, you can only reach two towns from Athens to Crete: Chania or Heraklion. Although the difference in flight time between the two options is negligible, if you go by ferry, expect to stay on board for one more hour to reach Heraklion. Strangely, the pricing is usually better if you choose to go to Heraklion instead of Chania.
If you’re wondering why, I’d guess visitors are more demanding of the picturesque town of Chania than of the capital of Crete.
No matter where you land on the island, remember that getting from Chania to Heraklion or the reverse is relatively easy. You could even land in one town and depart from the other.
Overnight Ferry Crossing: How to Save a Night’s Worth of Accommodation
If you visit Greece and Crete on a tight budget, catching an overnight ferry from Athens makes sense.
You’ll have to compromise some comfort since you’ll be sitting upright, but you’ll save a ton. Of course, you could rent a cabin instead, a great option if your wallet allows it.
Athens to Crete: By Boat or By Plane?
If you ask me, the best way to get from Athens to Crete is by plane. It’s fast, reliable, and accessible. On the other hand, picking the ferry is wiser if you have time to spare, are on a tight budget, or want a sample of the Greek ferry experience.
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Guide to Ferry and Plane Travel from Athens to Crete
Gabi, the Crete Insider
Hi, I’m Gabi — your go-to local expert in Crete! I’ve been living in Chania, Crete since 2016, and I’ve turned my love for the island into a full-time passion — guiding travelers, writing for travel media, and curating local experiences.
I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and other guides. I run the blogs The Tiny Book, Greece Planner, and My Cretan Recipe. Through this platform I help travelers design unforgettable trips to Crete.
