The trip lasts approximately 2 hours with a high-speed ferry.
The ferries usually depart in the morning from Heraklion from 08.00 to 09.00, which is ideal for a day trip from Crete to Santorini.
During the winter there is only 1 ferry connection per week usually served by the vessel F/B Prevelis that departs from Heraklion in the afternoon or evening hours.
The cost for a one-way economy ticket for this route ranges from 48€ to 85€ for high-speed vessels. The price depends on reductions, offers, seat type, or ferry company. The cost of the conventional ferry is lower, starting from 25€, however, the trip duration is much longer.
Please find timetables, check prices, and availability for ferries and make your reservations online via our partner website.
Useful tips for your ferry trip from Heraklion to Santorini:
- The port of Heraklion can get crowded during the summer months (especially in July, August, September) so we highly recommend that you arrive at the port at least 1 hour in advance of your departure to avoid queuing.
- The fast ferry rides can be a bit bumpy therefore if you feel seasick during the trip, you can ask the ferry crew for some aspirin or carry with you anti-nausea pills.
- Athinios, the port of Santorini is small and can get very crowded in high season (especially in July, August, September). In addition, your transfer from Chora to Athinios port could last more than you estimate sometimes.
- If you visit Santorini only for a day, be sure to rent a vehicle, to explore this as much as possible of this magical island.
- If you are planning to stay in Santorini for longer, we recommend that to book your accommodation as early as possible.
- We suggest that you book your return from Santorini in advance as tickets sell out fast.
From Sitia to Santorini
By classic Ferry: ANEK Lines-Prevelis ferry, in about 7 hours (with stops).
This is a "classic" older ferry that takes both passengers and cars, has cabins, and makes many stops.
Please find timetables, check prices, and availability for ferries and make your reservations online via our partner website.
From Chania or Rethymno to Santorini
There are no ferries from Chania to Santorini. You have to go via Heraklion or Rethymno.
There is a ferry from Rethimno to Santorini. There are 2 ferry departures (every Tuesday and Saturday) from Rethymnon to Santorini in peak season and 1 (every Tuesday) in the low season. The ferry route is operated by a catamaran high-speed ferry and the travel time is approx. 2 hours and 25 minutes.
Please find timetables, check prices, and availability for ferries and make your reservations online via our partner website.
Island hopping - from Crete to other islands
Planning to visit other Greek islands before or after Crete?
You can travel from Crete to Santorini (or Paros, Mykonos, Ios) and from there take a ferry to Folegandros, Sifnos, Serifos, Kimolos, Milos and other islands.
Some of the Aegean Speed Lines high-speed ferries to these islands connect well with the catamarans from Heraklion.
For planning your island sailings use our partner website or another partner website.
Disclaimer: We try to keep these schedules up to date for your convenience, but you should always call the ferry company to check sailing times.
Flying to Santorini
Except for the SkyExpress flights between Crete and Santorini (in the summer only), there are no direct flights from Crete, you would have to fly to Athens and from there to Santorini.
See and book your flights from Crete to Athens and Santorini with Aegean Airlines.
See our selected hotels in Santorini, on the caldera, with dreamy views - and our Santorini guide.
Book your ferry easily and fast via our partner website or our other partner website.